Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Posted on July 29, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Colds and flu come with winter (pic via thepaintedskin.com)

Ah yes the dreaded lurgy has got me.

First – not feeling so great.

Then – a congested throat.

Then – a sore throat and headache.

Then – can’t move a muscle lying in bed.

Then – coughing and a couple more days in bed.

I confess I used some cold and flu tablets to ease the symptoms one day, but it’s the use of essential oils that can make you feel a bit better too.

My top 4 are Lavender, Marjoram, Fennel, and Eucalyptus

Try these simple and effective ways to help with the symptoms of a cold.

Lavender

lovely lavender

By now you’ll know I use Lavender for lots of things and we all know through the traditional uses for lavender over the centuries are those for soothing and relieving pain.

1. A few drops on a cold compress on the forehead can give some relief for general sickness and of course a headache and head tension due to coughing.

compress on forehead – easy and effective

2. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a sore throat (breathe through your mouth) and headaches.

steam inhalation

3. A few drops in a bath to relieve muscle tension.

4. A drop on the temples to bring a sense of relief.

5. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower.

6. A couple of drops externally on the throat to help with symptoms of a sore throat and sore muscle from coughing.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Marjoram

Marjoram – another great herb from the same family as lavender

Marjoram is also an age-old remedy for many ailments. It’s particularly good for muscle pain and easing a cough.

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a cough (breathe through your mouth). This will not stop the cough if your lungs are infected as the cough’s purpose will be to rid the lungs of mucous. This works better for a dry cough and ticklish throat.

2. A few drops in a bath to relieve muscle tension.

3. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower.

4. 4 drops marjoram and 3 drops lavender in 3 teaspoons of carrier oil specifically to use externally on your throat as a pain reliever.

Mix lavender and marjoram for a synergistic formula to help with aches and pains either in a bath or oil blend. They work well together for coughs too.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Fennel

fennel flower

I recently wrote about fennel as it’s a great oil for winter. It’s warming and soothing and helps nurture you in the cold.

Fennel works best as a decongestant for the lungs so if you have a weird taste in your mouth when you cough, chances are sometime soon you may be coughing up green stuff. Fennel is the oil to get it moving and also works well with marjoram and lavender.

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a congested chest (breathe through your mouth).

2. A couple of drops externally on the throat to help with symptoms of a cough and to move the mucous.

3. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower. Mix fennel with lavender in this case to help your chest – 4 drops of fennel and 3 drops of lavender.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Eucalyptus

eucalyptus globulus

THE oil for breaking down mucous!

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a congested chest (breathe through your mouth) and congested sinuses (breathe through your nose).

steam inhalation

2. As a treatment for you in your space – simply add about 15 drops to a large bowl of boiling water (like you would with a steam inhalation) and bring it into your bedroom while you rest in bed. Or in the lounge room while you’re on the couch. This is an easy one if you are by yourself as it doesn’t take too much effort.

You can use all the oils above in this way and of course put them in a vapouriser – eucalyptus oil working particularly well as a decongestant. Plus it’s refreshing and you can almost feel it doing you good. Some bush healing never goes astray.

I could talk about other oils too but if in doubt, or if you only have one oil, use lavender.

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

REST and lots of fluids too will help move the infection through your body and check out these articles for blending ratios too – “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

Essential Oils for Hair Care

Posted on June 19, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Lovely long hair in great condition

If essential oils can be used on your skin then they can be used on your hair too.

By now you know I dislike any kind of synthetic fragrance so you can imagine how much I really dislike most shampoos and conditioners. Hair styling products often have strong scent as well but those products are harder to replace with natural ingredients.

Shampoo

My advice is to find a natural unscented shampoo (they do exist) and add some essential oils. You could add essential oils to the whole bottle if you feel confident you have a lovely blend, or pick new oils each time you shampoo. Even though that sounds a bit harder it’s like aromatic dressing – making a new nourishing body oil blend each day. It allows for spontaneity and creativity, and each day you’ll feel emotionally and physically different from the day before. As essential oils have individual purposes, you will be treating yourself for the day, according to your needs.

You’ll just need a little dish to squeeze some shampoo into, then add oils.

a cute little dish

I’m going to estimate you’ll need 2 tablespoons of shampoo (but of course this will differ depending on the length and thickness of your hair). This equates to about 40 mls of shampoo so we will add 15 drops. If you are sensitive to essential oils reduce the amount to 10 drops or less. This ratio is lower than what I recommend for body oils for 2 reasons –

1. It’s close to your eyes and nose

2. You will wash it down the sink anyway

For more info on body oil ratios see this article.

You will be washing your hair AND having an aromatherapy treatment at the same time! YAY!

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

I don’t necessarily agree with using different oils for different coloured hair, and as always, some oils are better than others for this purpose.

Try these combo’s

1. “Lovin Myself”

For all hair types

Lavender 5 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

Orange 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

2. “Just Stepped Out of A Salon”

For hair that’s a little oily

Spearmint 6 drops

Lemon 6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 3 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

conditioning hair – add essential oils

Conditioner

The same ratios apply as for shampoo but at least by leaving the conditioner on your hair for a while will allow more benefits to soak in. Find an unscented conditioner and blend away.

1.”Rapunzel”

For drier hair types

Peru Balsam 6 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

2. “Smooooooth”

For all hair types

Geranium 4 drops

Marjoram 4 drops

Bergamot 7 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

They are the basics, so I think I may have to do a Part 2, to include hair conditioning treatments with oils and natural hair masks using natural ingredients from the cupboard.

Stay tuned!

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

Posted on June 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Hong Kong – a great city with loads of people living, working, surviving

As the Grandmaster Flash says in his 1982 album and single “The Message”

“It’s like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder
How I keep from going under….”

Don’t go under!

Use essential oils for nurturing, support, expansion and to help shift your focus to what’s really important.

Try these recipes, and file them in your urban survival kit:

Pure Pulse Point Perfumes

It’s easy to make a little perfume with essential oils but if you are sensitive the right thing to do is to patch test first. So that’s my official stance – patch test first.

I like to choose a couple of oils, put a few drops into a little dish and choose which pulse point or chakra point I want to anoint. It is equally important to smell the oils deeply through your nose so they can go to work on different levels of your brain and body.

Smelling the oils is the primary key.

Wearing the oils is the secondary key.

Using your intention when you create the blend is the underlying key to wonderful synergistic blend.

It’s easy.

You could even just use a saucer or Chinese tea cup.

Chinese tea cup

Away we go.

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

1. “Brainiac”

To stimulate your mind and help you wake up –

Rosemary 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

2. “Notice Me”

To give you confidence and help you shine (so maybe someone you’re interested in will notice you)

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

3. “Deep Sleep”

Entice your body and mind into relaxing enough to go to sleep –

Marjoram 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Vetiver 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

4. “Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!”

Stop freaking out –

Melissa 1 drop

Bergamot 2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

5. “Re-Align”

When you’re feeling a bit out-of-sorts –

Lemongrass 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

we are one

6. “I’m connected to the Stars”

When you are feeling completely alone unsupported –

Roman Chamomile 3% 3 drops *info on 3% blends

Juniper 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

7. “Superwoman”

When you have a lot to do and others to look after too –

Lavender 1 drop

Cedarwood Virginian 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

appreciate yourself now!

8. “I am the Queen of My Life”

Take time out to appreciate how magnificent you are –

Rose 3% 6 drops *info on 3% blends

—————————————————————————————————————————————

9. “Expansion is Inevitable”

Remember you are here to experience life, and expand your consciousness –

Sandalwood 2 drops

Lemon 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

10. “You are Fabulous”

Inspire others which will help YOU to find growth and happiness within –

Rose Geranium 1 drop

Patchouli 1 drop

Neroli 3% 2 drops *info on 3% blends

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Just Think PINK!

Posted on June 5, 2013 by suzannerbanks

I love Pink!

Australia is embedded in a love affair with PINK!

We simply can’t get enough of her.

She is a great singer, performer and writer, but best of all I think it’s her sense of humour that appeals to us. She’s fun, a little bit naughty and supercute too. We are awaiting her arrival for another sold out tour of Oz so let’s get this party started!

Lets get all PINK …………

There are quite a few oils I would consider that resonate with the colour pink – cute oils, fun oils and oils of happiness:

Geranium

Rose Geranium

Rose

Cinnamon

Patchouli

Orange (ok i know it’s orange but when it gets together with other oils it’s quite pink……)

Peru Balsam

Rosewood

Tuberose

Pink Grapefruit

pink

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blends

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

“Kawaii”

For a bit of cute fun-

Rosewood 3

Orange 3

Patchouli 1

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“Aww That’s Sweet”

To see the innocence and sweetness within yourself and others-

Rose 3% 9 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Pink Grapefruit 3 drops

Cinnamon 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Angels”

To surround yourself within angel energy or call on the angels for help

Geranium 2 drops

Peru Balsam 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Wink”

Turn on your charm

Tuberose 3% 6 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Rose Geranium 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil

“Fun House”

Get a fun vibe going for a party make a mist and spritz away

Geranium 8 drops

Orange 8 drops

Pink Grapefruit 9 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Sunrise”

To get yourself out of a funk into the fun house

Cinnamon 8 drops

Rose Geranium 4 drops

Pink Grapefruit 12 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

So think PINK!

Happy mixing and remember to use your intention when you are blending (see my article about intention).

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

Posted on May 22, 2013 by suzannerbanks

cardamom

I remember drinking cardamom chai in India, the scent and taste has never left me. It was sweet, spicy and warm. Warm in temperature of course but also warm in energy. I love using this spice oil in formulation for clients and also on myself.

In Ayurvedic medicine cardamom is considered to be “tridoshic” which means it helps balance all 3 doshas – Vata, Kapha and Pitta. It is used to aid digestion, help with bronchial disorders and generally cleanse the blood and the body. It is warming and helps the flow of energy around the body.

In Ayurvedic Aromatherapy the essential oil of cardamom is used for the same things and is wonderful for bringing joy and an open heart. Having an open heart allows us to engage with others on a genuine level and mirrors the flow of energy and prana when the spice itself is used as medicine.

vital flow of prana

When should I use cardamom oil as a treatment?

* low energy

* feeling stuck emotionally and mentally

* to improve digestion and stimulate appetite

* upset stomach or not being able to digest change and new ideas

* feeling cold physically and emotionally

* feeling emotionally shut down/closed heart

* wanting to move on from a relationship break-up

* improving libido and bringing a feeling of sensuality

* for family harmony and for a party

a client’s oil formulation

Try these recipes:

1. Nourishing Body Oil

For more detailed info read “Aromatherapy Body Oil – It’s as Easy as 1 2 3”.

To 3 teaspoons of carrier oil add these oils and smooth the blend all over your body:

“Bon Appetite”

To help with digestion and improve appetite.

Cardamom 2 drops

Fennel 2 drops

Orange 3 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“I’m Bringing Sexy Back”

To get in the mood.

Cardamom 2 drops

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Tai Chi”

To get your energy going.

Cardamom 3 drops

Rosemary 1 drop

Rosewood 3 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

anoint with a drop of ol

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Smouldering”

Open your lower chakras.

Cardamom 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“My Heart is Open”

Speaks for itself really.

Cardamom 1 drop

Rose 3% 6 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“Yum”

Increase appetite and joy in eating.

Cardamom 1 drop

Grapefruit 2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

steam inhalation

3. Steam

Add a few drops of cardamom to a bowl, add boiling water, then breathe through your mouth to relieve bronchial issues.

Add a few drops of cardamom to the bottom of your shower (cover the drain with your foot or a cloth) and allow the oils to embrace you and ignite your energy.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Balneotherapy – Let’s Create Our Own Using Essential Oils!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Mystic Hot Springs Utah via thesoakinglife.com

Balneotherapy – what is it?

It encompasses many aspects of bathing including soaking in mineral enriched waters in natural springs (either hot or cold or both); it may also include massage while in a bath and may also have added extras like clays and essential oils. The water may be hot or cold or both.

While it is not hydrotherapy, the title balneotherapy is basically about bathing in water, and all its variations.

Rotorua hot pools enriched with sulphur

There are many amazing natural springs all over the world, including the incredible pools in Rotorua, New Zealand which have a very high sulphur content, and a very high sulphuric scent too. Nature is a wonderful thing, but if we can’t get to a hot spring once a week, I’ve decided that we can create our own balneotherapy treatment schedule. If you don’t have a bath use a bucket and soak your feet and legs instead. It wont be as fabulous but you’ll be amazed at how much difference it can make.

This regime will:

* relax your muscles

* help your body unwind

* soften and improve the look of your skin

* hydrate your body

* increase flow in your lymphatic system to help rid your body of a build up of toxins

* cleanse and balance your energetic body

* allow your mind to release stress

* allow space for change and creation

TIPS:

Don’t make the bath too hot. It’s better to add more hot water if necessary. Soak for 15 minutes minimum.

Sometimes essential oils can sting the skin when mixed with a hot bath. If you find you feel a bit prickly, then smooth a carrier oil like almond, all over your skin (when you get out of the bath) to disperse the essential oil.

3 Week Balneotherapy Course (In Your own Home)

sea salt

Week 1 “DETOX” – 2 baths

Try and have the baths a few days apart but if that wont work just do it whenever you can.

Bath 1

To a bath add 2 cups of sea salt either Dead Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt

with

Lavender 6 drops

Juniper 4 drops (add the oils to the salt first)

++++

To a foot bath add 3/4 cup of Dead Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt

with

Lavender 3 drop

Juniper 2 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Bath 2

To a bath add 2 cups of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts)

with

Eucalyptus 4 drops

Rosewood 6 drops (add the oils to the salt first)

++++

To a foot bath add 3/4 cup of magnesium sulphate

and

Eucalyptus 2 drop

Rosewood 3 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

clay bath or a mud bath?

Week 2 “NURTURE” – 2 baths

Bath 1

To a bath add 1 cup of white clay

with

Rose 3 % 18 drops

Bergamot 4 drops (add the oils to the clay first)

++++

To a foot bath add 1/4 cup of white clay

with

Rose 3% 9 drops

Bergamot 2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Bath 2

To a bath add 1 can of coconut milk (high fat)

with

Geranium 6 drops

Marjoram 4 drops (add the oils to the milk first)

++++

To a foot bath add 1/2 can coconut milk

with

Geranium 3 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

a petal bath – looks great but the cleaning -UGH!

Week 3 “CREATE” – 2 baths

Bath 1

To a bath add a bunch of fresh mixed herbs including coriander, basil, marjoram and thyme. You wont need any essential oils as the oils from the herbs will make an infusion.

To a foot bath add the same bunch, but just a bit less.

** This may be quite stimulating so try not to do it right before bed

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Bath 2

To a bath add a 4 or 5 herbal tea bags. It could be plain chamomile, or a relaxing blended tea. If you have loose leaf tea that’s even better, just put it in a stocking, a piece of fine material or a larger infuser.

To a foot bath add the same as above, but just a bit less (2 teabags should be enough)

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

3 weeks of balneotherapy to nurture your body, open your mind and connect with your spirit.

I’m going to do this course and report on my findings. If you’d like to try it I’d love to hear from you.

Good Luck!

May Chang – Shiny, Happy and a Little Bit Effervescent

Posted on May 6, 2013 by suzannerbanks

May Chang flower

I looked into my oils today and it jumped out at me and I thought “what a lovely oil”. That’s what I’ll write about today.

So here goes…….

May Chang Listea cubeba

May chang berries – sometimes called mountain pepper

This gorgeous, sparkly essential oil is made from the berries of the tree which is native to China and south-east Asia. I was first introduced to it when a friend brought some back from her holiday in Thailand about 15 years ago. It’s part of the Lauraceae family which also holds cinnamon and rosewood. May chang, and these oils too, have a subtle peppery note about them too.

It is a lemon scented oil and is high in neral and geranial which is are monoterpenoid structures within the oil. It is however, more than that. It smells like bubbly lemonade. It has a 3D effervescence about it, and that’s probably not possible – can you smell effervescence?. Well I reckon you can in this lovely oil.

Mainly used for fragrance in soaps, May chang does have some therapeutic properties too. In traditional Chinese medicine according to Salvatore Battaglia:

“….May chang is used to treat dysmenorrhoea that is relieved with heat or pressure, stomach aches, lower back pain, chills headaches and muscular aches from external conditions.”

So from this we can see that is has a warming quality to it, which you would expect from the local name of ‘mountain pepper”.

Also described as a great oil for respiratory issues like asthma is it also being used in heart research in China.

AND

I call it a happiness oil.

Like all the other citrus oils it is uplifting, fun, sweet and sparkly. (Once again I suppose you can’t really use the word “sparkly” to describe a scent, but hey, I’m going to anyway).

Try these recipes:

1. Scent Your Space

In a classic oil burner or a diffuser add these oils:

“Secret May Chang Business”

To introduce a fun, easy atmosphere in your home –

May Change 15 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Geranium 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“I’ve Got The Power”

To give you a lift if you need energy to carry on –

May Change 10 drops

Cardamom 5 drops

Rosemary 5 drops

Orange 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

2. Skin Scrub

Add these oils to a cup of fine sea salt, a splash of your favourite carrier oil and some water to make a slurry –

“ZING!”

May Chang 3 drops

Roman Chamomile 3% 3 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

3. Space Cleansing Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle add these oils:

“Anime Alchemist”

For an uplifting aura cleanse –

May Chang 15 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

Juniper 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“I’m Effervescent”

To help inspire feelings of vitality

May Change 2 drops

Cinnamon 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Princess May Chang

And just for fun May Chang, also refers to this gregarious little anime character who seeks the secrets and tools of alchemy to restore her family’s name. She travels with her pet panda too. CUTE!

I also made a few interesting, repetitive typo’s while writing…….. May change ……… May change ………… May change………………………………..

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: A Must-Have for the Scent Lover

Posted on April 29, 2013 by suzannerbanks

orange – it’s a great food AND oil!

How can you NOT be captured by the beautiful colour, taste and scent of an orange?

Well, actually, I have a client who really can’t bare the smell of orange essential oils because it gives her a headache. Fair enough. But let’s all love it together – because we can!

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it is light, fresh, sweet and blends well with ALL essential oils.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it is a simple representation of the beauty of life.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it lends itself to become the body of an aromatherapy blend, easily and effortlessly.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it appeals to most people by connecting to the inner child, or the innocence and happiness of children.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it always allows my client to completely relax and enjoy the experience of the treatment

orange

Traditionally orange oil as been used for:

* helping with digestion and gut issues including symptoms of IBS

* as a tonic for depression and anxiety

* as a soothing agent to the skin, and in inflammatory skin conditions like acne

* as a mild stimulant to the lymphatic system

I would say most therapists use orange oil because of it’s scent and it’s intrinsic nature of joy and happiness.

orange = happiness

Handy Hints

+ If you squeeze oranges for fresh juice keep the rind and rub it over the kitchen benches to act as a disinfectant and make your place smell great.

+ Use the rind in a bath to have a de-stress unwind moment of peace – no need for a bottle of oil go straight to the source.

+ Make a cake with whole boiled oranges and almond meal to have an aromatherapy treatment and a dessert at the same time.

+ Kids LOVE this oil so it’s good have around in case they need a little help to re-focus and chill out

And try these recipes:

Scent Your Space

1. “Good Morning Darling (Get out of Bed on the Wrong Side Did Ya?)”

To infuse your space with some soft happiness add these oils to a classic oil burner:

Orange 15 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

2. “I’ve Got a Headache”

To relieve tension and relax:

Orange 10 drops

Lavender 10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Skin Scrub

To a cup of fine sea salt add a good splash of oil (almond, olive, sunflower) and either 5 drops of orange oil OR grate the rind of 2 oranges into the mix.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Anoint your chakras, or pulse points with the pure essential oil. Use the energy of the oil and the scent for transformation and energy protection. Always place a tiny residue under your nose for the scent to go to work on your mind.

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

1. “Serendipity”

To invite openness into your life:

Orange 2 drops

Geranium 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

2. “I’m Lovin Myself Sick Tonight”

To help you connect with your inner sexy goddess:

Orange 2 drops

Nutmeg 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Orange oil is an oil of happiness so…….

Remember to treat your self first and then everyone will benefit!

Ginger – an Oil of Warmth and Movement

Posted on April 22, 2013 by suzannerbanks

ginger – a fantastic food and oil

I used ginger oil in 2 treatments last week, and loved every minute of them.

Treatment 1

Rosemary, Ginger and Geranium

My intention for this blend was to create warmth in the muscles, and release muscle tension so there was more room for fluidity and movement.

The blend was stunning and the geranium was the little sweet treat the ginger and rosemary needed to be more appealing to the nose, and to add a little happiness and joy.

Treatment 2

Ginger, Rose Geranium and Orange

This blend was created to treat stomach upset and IBS. It was important to make ginger the star here, so I just added some rose geranium (because my client likes the scent, it’s a delightful flower oil that inspires joy, and I must have had it on my mind from the previous blend) and some orange for sweetness. Having bad digestion can indicate someone may not be enjoying and “digesting” life.

It must have been the ginger-geranium week and these two oils work really well together. So do ginger and orange!

Geranium in my street

So what is Ginger good for?

The ginger root is used for

– treating upset stomach and sea sickness

– making a hot drink with lemon and honey to reduce the symptoms of a cold

– warming the extremities by drinking ginger tea or taking a straight shot of ginger juice

The essential oil can be used for the same things physically, and in a meta-physical sense I use ginger oil to

– negate the colder/harder parts of my mind and thinking

– enhance my ability to communicate in a softer way

– help to focus on dharma and purpose in life

Here are some recipes to try:

Scent Your Space

In a classic oil burner or diffuser add these oils

“Joan of Arc”

To inspire your inner fire and find the purpose of your life;

Ginger 10 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Peru Balsam 6 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Qi”

To allow room for movement and change in your body (particularly heart chakra) and mind;

Ginger 10 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

Petitgrain 6 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Shower Steam

Open a bottle of ginger and pour 10 drops into the bottom of the shower (cover the drain with a cloth or your foot). Breathe in deeply. This will soften your emotions and help you feel compassion for others.

Good for before work, if you have any challenging stuff going on at the office.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Anoint your beautiful self with a few drops of oil. It’s a secret treatment for YOU, and YOU only.

Mix these oils together and dab on your wrists, heart, anywhere you are called to do so. If you are not sure ask the angels for guidance – they will silently place the answer in your mind.

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Give Me Strength”

Garner a little extra energy for the day ahead;

Ginger 2 drops

Lavender 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“Kindness, Compassion and Baby Animals”

When YOU feel you need to show more compassion to another person;

Ginger 1 drop

Rose in 3% jojoba 2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Make ginger oil your friend and rejoice in the amazing results!

Remember to treat your self first, then everyone will benefit.

Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?

Posted on April 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

3% of essential oils in the bottle of jojoba

Oils that are sold as 3% in jojoba are mostly done so because of the cost. These oils are considered premium oils and are beautiful and more expensive than the regular oils like lavender and orange, for example.

These oils are usually sold this way:

Rose

Jasmine

Neroli

Immortelle

German Chamomile

Roman Chamomile

Melissa

and now also

Sandalwood

Oakmoss

Tuberose

Lotus

Champaka

Violet leaf

Tomato leaf……. and others.

When I was writing my last article I had to think clearly about what ratios I suggested for making a facial moisturiser of essential oil of rose, in rosehip oil. (See Rose and Rosehip – A Winning Combination for Youthful Skin http://wp.me/p2R7rE-cb )

When making an oil blend for a client’s treatment I usually take the dropper out and free pour the 3% blend into the bottle. When making other products I usually use the 100% pure oils, or not at all.

So I thought about it.

thinking……. pic via designthinkingworkshop2011.wordpress.com

Then scribbled ratios, percentages and varying numbers on the page. Then sent a message to my aromatherapist Vicky to ask her opinion.

Vicky:

There is 3% of pure rose oil in each drop (of the 3% in jojoba). Imagine dividing that drop into 100 parts and then times it by 3. Miniscule.

Me:

Yes so I’m saying there’s 0.03 drops of rose oil in 1 drop of a blended oil. So if I wanted 1 drop of rose oil I’d have to multiply by 30.

Vicky:

If you multiply by 30 you’d get 90% pure. Now my brain’s fried.

33.3 drops (of the blend) is 1 pure drop…..I think”

So there you have it. How many aromatherapists does it take to do the maths?

Vicky just uses the 3% blends as if they are pure and adds a little more. She does this because she commented on the power and strength these oils seem to have. So even though the oils are far less concentrated, you won’t need as much as a standard oil anyway. But when it comes to recommending ratios I thought I would decide on my own and stick with it.

amplify your aura with a nourishing body oil

I made an oil for a treatment with a single oil – rose – to test it out. I decided to multiply by 3. If it was pure rose oil I would use the standard ratio, but using the blended oil I’ve decided to triple it:

50 mls of carrier oil

25 drops of pure rose (or less)

75 drops of rose 3% in jojoba

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

When I made an oil the other day for a treatment I used 3 oils in the blend. I doubled the 3% oil (rather than tripled) as it seemed to work better:

50 mls carrier oil

Roman chamomile 3 % 12 drops (pure would have been 6 or less)

Bergamot 12 drops

Frankincense 6 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

oh so pretty voilets – it’s the leaf NOT the petals that are used to make the oil

Often these stunning essential oils that are blended with jojoba in a 3% ratio, are very strong too and so less is needed.

The benefits of having these gorgeous oils is that they are ready made perfumes!

Nothing is a sweeter scent than a few drops of jasmine, rose or neroli.

No alcohol to cheapen the lovey roundness of the oils.

No superfluous packing.

No hidden marketing costs.

Just a little amber bottle full of divine love.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Category Archives: Aromatherapy basics & how-to’s

Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Essential Oils for Hair Care

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

Just Think PINK!

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

Balneotherapy – Let’s Create Our Own Using Essential Oils!

May Chang – Shiny, Happy and a Little Bit Effervescent

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: A Must-Have for the Scent Lover

Ginger – an Oil of Warmth and Movement

Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: