Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Posted on April 7, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Lavender rules the essential oil library

The scent and uses of lavender are the easy bits to understand. What’s a little more complicated is the different types of lavender and where they are grown. There’s English lavender, French lavender, Australian lavender, New Zealand lavender, Bulgarian lavender and so much more. Some of these lavenders are the same botanical species and others are different. There’s Spike lavender and Lavandin too so what does it all mean when it comes to essential oils?

Lavandula angustifolia from Köhler’s Medizinal Pflanzen

True Lavender/English Lavender; Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender essential oil usually refers to any of the botanical lavenders in general but the most commonly grown lavender for essential oil production is Lavandula angustifolia – sometimes referred to as “true lavender”. This used to be called Lavandula officianalis which is an older classification, and is also still called English Lavender. I have also seen this oil called “fine lavender”.

A typical analysis of this oil shows a high linalyl acetate and linalool content. This accounts for the scent of lavender among many things, and linalool has also been shown to have a calming action. As for most essential oils, there may be a few primary chemicals but there are often many other constituents. It is the oil as a whole that gives it a unique character.

I have two different bottles of Lavandula angustifolia wild harvested from the same island off the Yugoslav republic. They have slightly different scents even though it’s the same plant, it just comes from a different area.

Spike lavender – pic via http://www.cadima.com

Spike Lavender; Lavandula latifolia

This lavender is Lavandula latifolia and is also grown for essential oil production. It can also be classified as Lavandula spica and the difference between this lavender and true lavender is the chemical composition. Spike lavender is much higher in camphor and also 1-8 cineole (high in eucalyptus oil). It is more pungent and the scent of camphor is strong.

This variety is grown in Spain, Portugal and France and they do vary in scent. I haven’t used or smelled Spanish Spike Lavender, but is is claimed by two Aromatherapists I admire, that the French Spike lavender is a lot softer and sweeter than the Spanish oil. The French oil has less camphor. It is interesting to note here that there are many ways an oil can vary in scent even when it is the same cultivar. The makeup of the soil and local temperatures play a big role in these variations.

True lavender tends to be the prettier plant with a prettier scent.

Lavandin and true lavender- ic via www.marvellous-provence.com

Lavandin and true lavender- ic via http://www.marvellous-provence.com

Lavandin; Lavandula x intermedia

Lavandin is grown in France but I’m not sure where else! It is a cross between Lavandula latifolia and Lavandula angustifolia. It s often used in place of lavender in body products, and any lavender product you can think of. I have a huge bottle of lavandin a friend recently brought back from France and it’s lovely. It has more camphor then true lavender so I have been using it as I would spike lavender. I would say lavandin and spike lavender oils are great for warming for muscles, aches and pains and to move cold energy out of the body.

ah lavender!

This only scrapes the surface of all the lavender out there and if you’re a gardener you’ll know this is somewhat simplified. These are the main lavenders used for essential oil production and I love and use them all!

10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

Posted on April 2, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Oh the lovely scent of mandarin could make anyone happy! I rate all the citrus oils as happiness oils as they’re so fresh and light and zingy and sparkly.

Mandarin essential oil is different to orange oil, just as the fruit is different. It is a deeper, more red colour than orange oil, which can vary from light orange to yellow. The deepness of the colour adds to the unique properties of mandarin oil as red connects us with the base chakra, which is all about survival and all the necessities to live. When taking in this information and combining it with the mouth watering scent of the fruit, mandarin essential oil can open our minds to the big concepts of the universe.

In aromatherapy mandarin oil does not have a lot of therapeutic uses but can be used for –

* improving digestion (by using externally not internally, or drinking tea made with the rind)

* alleviating stress and improving relaxation

* counteracting stretch marks in pregnancy

I use it to connect us to the simple – yet huge – concepts of how the universe works.

Let’s get into some recipes –

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

yum!

**** the basic rule when using citrus oils in an oil blend all over your body is not to go out and sun bake or expose yourself to massive amounts of sunlight as these oils may cause a photo toxic reaction.

“Love and Happiness”

Explains itself really –

Mandarin 3 drops

Rose 3% 10 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Tra La La”

Get some happiness in your body –

Mandarin 3 drops

Rose geranium 2 drops

Palmarosa 2 drops

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

“64 Tetrahedron Grid”

Slip into the magic of the universe –

Mandarin 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Release the Day”

Let go of all things from the day –

Mandarin 10 drops

Cypress 8 drops

Lemongrass 6 drops

Sage 1 drop

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

“Fun Kids Party”

Mandarin 12 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Peru Balsam 7 drops

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

“Meditation and Contemplation”

Scented relaxation –

Mandarin 8 drops

Frankincense 12 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

3. 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!

“Life is Easy”

Flow –

Mandarin 1 drop

Melissa 3% 2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Spikenard 1 drop

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

“Joy”

Appreciate the little things in life –

Mandarin 1 drop

Jasmine 3% 2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

Mandarin lips! pic via www.beautezine.com

Mandarin lips! pic via http://www.beautezine.com

“Smile and Laugh”

Even if you have to force yourself, smile at someone and the rewards will be great –

Mandarin 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

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

“Chill”

Mandarin 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 1 drop

Clove 1 drop

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

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender

Posted on March 31, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

There are many subtleties in in Aromatherapy and while quite a few essential oils share similar properties, it’s the little nuances that separate them. Scent, of course, is one of them and then there’s the complex arrangement of molecules that we never really see or feel but that represent information that we absorb. We then translate that information into meaningful data that our brain and body can use on a physical level. Then there is all the energetic and metaphysical changes we can experience when using essential oils.

Lavender is unassuming yet powerful – pic via fanpop.com

I love lavender and would use it in any circumstance. Really, how can you go wrong with a drop of lavender? According to it’s properties it probably isn’t good for someone with low blood pressure – but if someone fainted in front of me due to low blood pressure, and all I had was a bottle of lavender I would not hesitate to wave the open bottle under their nose. It would not do any harm. It may help greatly!

Lavender cupcakes! -pic via jessienextdoor.com

I have written about lavender before (see my article Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe) and in the next few weeks I intend to go into more detail about the different kinds of lavender oil you can buy, but today I feel like I need the colour as much as the scent so this is my pictorial ode to the most magnificent of healing plants, lavender.

Lavender in my neighbourhood. Loves the sun and grows all over the world

Open the bottle of lavender oil and have a huge whiff to help feel grounded and emotionally supported by life.

Lavender has been revered for thousands of years as a healing plant

A drop on your pillow may help with getting to sleep.

Lavender will always be stylish!

A drop or two on a steam inhalation can help a headache and help you de-stress!

French lavender fields create a colourful landscape with their colour AND scent!

A drop on a bandaid can help cuts, grazes and burns heal faster and reduce swelling and pain.

Even the colour of lavender is healing!

If you are in doubt about what essential oil to use, you should be ok with a little lavender

Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

Posted on March 17, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

Black pepper - pic via www.seriouseats.com

Black pepper – pic via http://www.seriouseats.com

Many moons ago my first guest post on Australian Perfume Junkies was about black pepper. Black pepper is one of those oils that I may not use frequently, but when I do use it, I am always intrigued as if I am smelling it for the first time. And I seem to be surprised at its soft, warm scent. When you taste black pepper it can be sharp, pungent and spicy but when you smell the essential oil it is gentle and sweet with a hint of spice.

From my APJ story;

“The essential oil of black pepper is a lot softer and sweeter than the taste, and is used in Aromatherapy for symptoms such as poor circulation, muscle and joint aches and pains, as treatment for bad digestion and as a general warming tonic. It has been used as an aphrodisiac, and an anti-dote to depression. Taking in all these properties, what can the divine scent tell us? Like many spice oils, it carries the energetic resonance of the evolution of humanity – really. Each drop, each whiff can link us to the past. It’s an oil of warmth, expansion and action. It’s a stimulating scent to the brain and can certainly be employed to open your mind. When I smell black pepper straight from the bottle (the best way to experience an essential oil is to take off the lid and take a huge sniff) I am inspired to carry on. To me it’s an oil of searching for your purpose in life, and giving inspiration to go forward and seize the day.”

Wow I just quoted myself hehehehehehe. To read the full story click here.

Black pepper in its dried and undried forms - pic via kampot-pepper.us

Black pepper in its dried and natural forms – pic via kampot-pepper.us

Black pepper is considered as slightly sensitising, which means it may cause a reaction on the skin. This is why I say to “patch test first”, even though I know not many of you do. Putting a couple of drops neat on your skin would not be advisable but putting a couple of drops in an oil blend may work quite well.

Here’s a couple of recipes –

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam.

Black pepper – will gently warm up your brain and body in the morning, creating space for you to shine!

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Oh My Aching Legs!”

Rub this blend on, and then put your feet up –

Black pepper 2 drops

Lavender 4 drops

Peppermint 1 drop

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

“Hike”

When you need to warm up your muscles before you conquer your day –

Black pepper 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

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

“God Give Me Strength”

When you need to summon some courage –

Black pepper 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

Petitgrain 4 drops

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

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

10 Recipes with Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

Posted on March 12, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Palmarosa - pic via www.les-medecines-douces.fr

Palmarosa – pic via http://www.les-medecines-douces.fr

Palmarosa is a scented grass that belongs to the Poaceae family (grasses) and the genus Cymbopgon. It is closely related to lemongrass and citronella and when looking at a picture it’s hard to tell them apart. The essential oil has been known as Indian geranium oil and also Turkish geranium oil “because it was imported into Europe via Turkey and Bulgaria as an adulterant to Otto of Roses” – according to botanical.com “A Modern Herbal”.

It has a green rosey/geranium scent and in Aromatherapy today it is used –

* as a skin moisturiser, with cell regenerating properties. See my article Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness for more info on this gorgeous oil

* to help improve mood (like many essential oils)

* and Salvatore Battaglia claims it may stimulate digestion

Palmarosa is more often used in perfumery and body products as cheaper additional rose/geranium scent.

Palmarosa for oil production pic via www.grammeproducts.com

Palmarosa for oil production pic via http://www.grammeproducts.com

I love using this oil in many kinds of recipes –

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Flexibilty”

Flow with the universe –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Orange 3 drops

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

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

“Buzz Off”

An oil blend for outdoors to fend off little biters –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Citronella 2 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

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

“Lunar”

Look to the sky for inspiration –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Mandarin 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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

“Tra-la-la”

Invite happiness in –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

Black Spruce 3 drops

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

Wrap it up! pic via hellobeautiful.com

2. Hair Mask

Warm 3 teaspoons of oil (either olive or jojoba) and add 7 to 8 drops of essential oil. Massage into your hair from the ends up. Wrap your hair in a towel (or some plastic wrap then a towel). Leave for 1 hour, or overnight, then wash and condition as usual. This is the same ratio for a body oil blend and for more info see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Flower Girl”

A moisturising mask for dry hair –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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

“Balance”

For oilier hair –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

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

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“Resistance is Futile”

The Borg were right – don’t resist, go with the flow

Palmarosa 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Marjoram 5 drops

Lime 5 drops

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

“Attention!”

Wake up, pay attention to the signs –

Palmarosa 9 drops

Lemon Myrtle 8 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

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

“Gastronomique”

Stimulate your appetite –

Palmarosa 6 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Orange 12 drops

Cardamom 3 drops

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

“Swish”

Get ya swish on –

Palmarosa 7 drops

Spearmint 10 drops

Fennel 3 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

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

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

Posted on March 5, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful aromatic basil

Basil is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum, and has been flavouring our foods and healing us for centuries. It is a scent you won’t forget – green, herbabceous sweet and pungent. As an essential oil basil (sometimes referred to as sweet basil) is stimulating to the mind opening the upper chakras and giving the brain a cleansing, refreshing scent.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used –

* as a cephalic which means it stimulates the head in general so if used in small amounts it could help a headache. Some basil oils can be high in linalool oil which is present in large amounts in lavender.

* to ease stress and tension and calm mild anxiety (you may notice lots of essential oils are attributed to this use which shows that they can be easily used to help you relax – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes)

* as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

There are many types of culinary basil but so far the winner in terms of essential oil production is this basil – sweet basil. When using this oil it can be tricky to get the proportions right because it’s so strong. Sometimes a drop is all you’ll need.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This “recipe” is one for those who need to –

* wake up

* open to universal intelligence

* chill out and stop freaking out

* have a headache or have mental fatigue?

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

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now - pic via www.aliexpress.com

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now – pic via http://www.aliexpress.com

2. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Can’t.Wake.Up”

When your brain needs a boost –

Basil 8 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Peppermint 4 drops

Orange 9 drops

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

“Summer Evening”

Add some basil to your gin and tonic too –

Basil 10 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Petitgrain 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

“Oh Man What a Day!”

When you need to relax after a challenging day –

Basil 8 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Lemongrass 5 drops

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

“Living the Dreams”

For a slumber full of dreams –

Basil 4 drops

Lavender 12 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Spikenard 1 drop

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

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

3. 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!

“Ascended Masters”

Tap into this great wisdom –

Basil 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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

“Big Day Ahead”

Basil 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

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

“Bon Courage”

Basil 1 drop

Black Pepper 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

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

“I Invite Understanding”

When you need a nudge to gain understanding –

Basil 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 1 drop

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

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

4. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Bring it On!”

For a kickstart to the day –

Basil 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

Sage – An Essential Oil of Wisdom and Abundance

Posted on March 3, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Sage - pic via www.renaissanceherbs.com.au

Sage – pic via http://www.renaissanceherbs.com.au

Sage is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Salvia. Its soft, furry leaves pack a powerful punch when it is steam distilled into an essential oil. I did touch on the herb oils in this earlier article “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular!”, but they are so important in Aromatherapy I thought I must elaborate!

Sage.

Interestingly this is also the name we give to someone who is wise, shares wisdom and perhaps weaves some magic too. A sage would be someone we hold in great esteem and who holds the wisdom of the universe in their healing hands. So does the essential oil of sage also contain these properties within its molecules?

Yes! Of course. I’ve always used sage as an oil of abundance and as the perfect treatment for a sore throat, sage encourages us to speak truthfully and wisely and opens the throat chakra. When we speak kindly and feel compassion we are able to feel the abundant intelligence of the universe move within us.

Sage – illustration from Köhler’s Medizinal Pflanzen

Sage is one of the ancient herbs that has been used for healing for centuries and the Romans named it salvia after “salvare” meaning to heal. According to Patricia Davis the Latin name also indicates the word “salvation” as this plant was seen to save people from disease. During the centuries since then, sage has mainly been used in women’s health to normalise menses and as a stimulant for childbirth.

It is high in camphor and thujone – which has a few contra-indications including the warning not to be used in pregnancy or with epileptics, or kids. I use this oil sparingly and with great respect. Just because something is natural does not mean it is totally safe. Having said that please do your homework and use your intuition when using natural remedies.

In aromatherapy today sage is used –

* to stop milk production in lactating women

* as a diuretic

* to ease sore throats

* to ease rheumatic pain

* to help regulate periods

and sometimes to stimulate digestion and remove catarrh.

Sage sticks for energetic cleansing of a space – pic via liveinart.com

Sage also gives another form of healing in the way of “sage sticks”. They are used for smoking, purging and cleansing ceremonies but are usually made from white sage (Salvia apiana) which is mostly found in north America. It does feel fantastic when you smoke a premises to renew the energy of the space!

Anyway lets check out a few recipes –

a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“New Start”

When you actually move into a new home or office or to renew your space –

Sage 5 drops

Orange 15 drops

Geranium 5 drops

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

“Begone Bad Stuff”

Get your witchy-poo magic happening –

Sage 6 drops

Lemon 12 drops

Peru Balsam 7 drops

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

get any cute little dish to mix your oils in

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!

“Wise ol Owl”

Tap into the wisdom of the universe –

Sage 1 drop

Vanilla CO2 1 drop * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

Lime 1 drop

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

“It’s a New Day”

Seize your chance to have another go –

Sage 1 drop

Cardamom 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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

10 Recipes with Patchouli Essential Oil – Pogostemon cablin

Posted on February 26, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Patchouli leaf - pic via www.vanaroma.com

Patchouli leaf – pic via http://www.vanaroma.com

Patchouli is a herb from the Lamiacae family (along with lavender, peppermint, marjoram and may other herbs), and the genus Pogostemon. It is a beautiful oil, and the scent is quite deep, earthy and dark, and perhaps an oil that you wouldn’t necessarily use on its own. It is great oil to blend with others, but you do need to get the proportions right.

I was stimulated to write this as one of my blog followers has started getting into oils and was quite surprised when she opened her first bottle of patchouli. She described it as musty which I think is quite apt – but don’t let that put you off. Patchouli’s strength is in its ability to bring a blend together as it is regarded as a base oil. If you have made a very light blend with essential oils of a simple molecular structure (like citrus oils), you may notice they evaporate quite quickly and “fly away”. A few drops of patchouli will round-out the blend and keep it closer to the earth.

Patchouli is a grounding herb which relates to the base and second chakra, and it is connected to the hippie movement of the sixties. Please see my article “World Peace, Hippies, Patchouli Oil and The Evolution of Human Consciousness” for more on patchouli and how it relates to the world in general.

It is an oil that is often used for skin disorders such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. It also has skin regenerating properties so it’s great for use in face and body products too.

So let’s check out some recipes –

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

1. 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 am Connected”

When your head is in the clouds and you need to feel belonging –

Patchouli 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Lemongrass 1 drop

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

“Compassion”

The world needs your kindness and compassion –

Patchouli 1 drop

Rose 3% 4 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“(I’m Gonna Get) Get Sexy On Ya”

yep ……

Patchouli 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

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

“Deep Sleep”

Sometimes you need a little help –

Patchouli 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Marjoram 1 drop

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

“A Quiet Night with A Good Book”

Take some time out –

Patchouli 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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

I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

2. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Party, Dance”

Set the mood for a dance-off –

Rosewood 8 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

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

“Meeting of the Minds”

When you’re a bit nervous about meeting someone –

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Lemon 12 drops

Lime 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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

“Need.To.Stop.Procrastinating”

Bergamot 10 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Patchouli 5 drops

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

3.Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Lovin Myself Sick Today”

You are wonderful –

Patchouli 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

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

“Soft Supple Skin”

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Palmarosa 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.

Cedarwood Virginiana Has a Secret!

Posted on February 24, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Cedarwood virginiana – pic via botany.csdl.tamu.edu

Cedarwood Virginiana has a secret – it’s a juniper tree! It’s botanical name is Juniperus virginiana but in Aromatherapy today it’s referred to as a cedarwood. I’ve always seen this tree and oil referred to as cedarwood and perhaps it’s because this native to North America is commonly called Red Cedar and/or Aromatic cedar, and a few other names too! It is from the Cupressacae family and the Juniperus genus whereas Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), for example, is from the Pinacae family and the Cedrus genus. Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodora) is from the Pinacae family and the Cedrus genus too.

So back to our Cedarwood Virginiana. You can see by the pic above it has berries like a juniper tree, and leaves like a cypress, but the oil is very different from juniper essential oil and cypress essential oil. This essential oil is thick and creamy and smells like it could easily come from a wood, but also carries a very cleansing energy about it like juniper. I think in my very early days of aromatherapy I blended this oil like it was a basey wood and was never disappointed with the results. I’ve even read a description of the scent of this oil as “pencil- like” and it is also referred to as a pencil cedar , as the heartwood has been used to make lead pencils.

Eastern Red Cedar pic via www.realchristmastrees.org

Eastern Red Cedar pic via http://www.realchristmastrees.org

In Native American medicine this common tree has been used for respiratory infections and other ailments including arthritis and rheumatism, skin disorders and as a treatments for venereal infections (according to Salvatore Battaglia).

In Aromatherapy today Cedarwood Virginiana is used –

* as a treatment for oily and acne skin

* as a treatment for other skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis

* as a soothing treatment for coughs and colds and as an expectorant

* to induce more spiritual connectedness

* as a space/energy cleanser

I’ve always loved using this oil so check out some simple recipes –

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

1. 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

“Psychic Awareness”

Open your upper chakras –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Mandarin 1 drop

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“A New Start”

Cleanse and refresh you attitude –

Cedarwood Virginiana 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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“And… Breathe!”

Take a quite moment for yourself –

Cedarwood Virginiana 1 drop

Roman Chamomile 3% 3 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Classic”

This is my go-to classic body oil blend –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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“Give Me Strength”

A warming blend for courage and physical strength –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

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Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

Bergamot – Singularly Sensational!

Posted on February 17, 2014 by suzannerbanks

A wonderful botanical illustration of bergamot in Kohler’s Medizinal Pflanzen – pic via en.wikipedia.org

Bergamot, Citrus bergamia, was the very first oil I bought. It’s green citrus scent is fresh and lively and it does wonders for your personality! As you can see from the illustration above it is a green citrus fruit that is not usually eaten, but used for production of essential oils and fragrances. It has a deep history in Europe and was named after a town in Italy – yep – Bergamo. Most of the world’s production still comes from Italy but it is also produced in France and according to Wikipedia, it is produced in Turkey for marmalade.

It’s a funny shaped little green citrus fruit which produces a most appealing and captivating scent. This is an oil you could use with children right through to a grandparent and get great results. And while we are on the subject, it is important to remember not to try and “cure” something with an essential oil, but to use these little gifts of nature to help you change focus, support your emotional well-being and to bring the beauty of the earth into your life. Having said that I bought bergamot essential oil to help with dermatitis I had on my hands and while I can’t exactly remembered if it helped me back then, it introduced me into a world of scented delights. This is a world that goes beyond any perfume and you only have to compare a whiff of essential oil to a whiff of perfume and see what happens. Essential oils are coded pieces of information that we can turn into experience!

Bergamot – pic via globalhealingcenter.com

You can see from the pic the rind is very bubbly with an intense green colour and your essential oil should have a green tinge to it. The oil is high in limonene (which s present in many citrus and lemon scented plants), linalyl acetate and linalool (in lavender), and bergaptene which gives bergamot a warning of being phototoxic. I have a bergaptene free bergamot oil which I use with a client who gets a lot of sun. So from these few constituents you can see that bergamot could be relaxing like lavender, and refreshing like most citrus oils.

A drop of oil can be essential

It has become popular over the past few hundred years through perfumery and one of the most famous scents in the world Eau de Cologne, is based on the bitter-sweet citrus oils with other herbs blended into their award winning combination. I wrote an article about my childhood and my grandmother, and Eau de Cologne over at Australian Perfume Junkies about a year ago, so check it out if you feel so inclined.

In aromatherapy bergamot oil is used for many things including –

* as an antidote for anxiety and depression

* as a treatment for anger and frustration (according to Salvatore Battaglia)

* as a mild treatment for cold sores (lemon myrtle works better for this)

* as a digestive and to help stimulate appetite – most citrus oils can make your mouth water when you smell them

* to help with symptoms of eczema and psoriasis

* as a treatment for acne

and

it’s the citrus flavour used in Earl Grey tea which is why a cup of this tea in the afternoon can refresh you and give you a little boost through the afternoon. Always remember the smell of an oil is very important, as we take in the oil through parts of our brain which can then use this information to create positive change in our bodies. So when you are having your next cup of Earl Grey tea remember to take in the scent while you’re drinking it too.

Earl Grey Tea

Stay tuned and I’ll follow up this article with “10 Recipes with Bergamot”.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Category Archives: Essential Oil Profiles

Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender

Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

10 Recipes with Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

Sage – An Essential Oil of Wisdom and Abundance

10 Recipes with Patchouli Essential Oil – Pogostemon cablin

Cedarwood Virginiana Has a Secret!

Bergamot – Singularly Sensational!

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