Hello natural beauties! Following on from the last post about Sal Battaglia’s AROMATREE book, I’d like to share 2 other lovely experiences from that day in Sydney: Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing) and the very powerful yakusugi oil.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, was created in Japan in the 1980’s as a way to invite people into the beautiful forests to simply experience the serenity, power and positive energy they provide. This was spearheaded by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency to help people destress. He had himself been inspired by 17th century haiku poets, and the notion was to simply commune with nature. Not walking or running, not listening to a podcast, just being in the beauty of nature.
In this little guidebook we are invited to dip our hands and fingers in a stream, feel the trunk of an ancient tree, smell the fragrances of the forest and use all our senses to drink in the delights ofnature.
The benefits include, reduced muscle tension and stress in general, improved cognitive function and help with anxiety and other emotional disorders. I walk in the Australian bush all the time and I know it makes me happyas I get a kick from the beautiful eucalyptus oil and smells of the bush.The phytoncides (including essential oils) from trees and shrubs give us the immense connection to the divine while having our entire physical and emotional senses enlivened.
Of course I bought the little collection of Japanese oils and have bathed with them many times. Not only that, I also received a free gift …
And now to the very interesting and extremely limited edition of Yakusugi essential oil which would have already sold out by now.When I realised this oil was in short supply I did buy it and then opened it straight away. I said to the lady sitting next to me that I thought it had a moist fungal-like scent to it. Since then I also get a slight hint of Palo Santo.
Sal describes the scent:“a delicate, woody note with a sweet-resiny woody undertone”, and recommends the oil could be used as an enhancement to spirituality, and a stress reliever. The oil is high in sesquiterpenes but has had little research into its qualities. So if you get a chance to experience the oil, just enjoy!
This oil is also called Japanese cedar, and hails from the island of Yakushima. The oil is steam distilled from ancient fallen trees (deadwood) from Cryptomeria japonica, by a local producer. If you’re interested in this oil I’d sign up to the Perfect Potion email list in the exciting event that Sal is able to buy more of this precious oil.
I feel very fortunate to have this subtle yet powerful oil in my collection.
Hello natural beauties! Its been a while since we’ve seen each other but I am helping my elderly parents navigate their 90’s! I managed to escape the other day to a wonderful masterclass and an introduction to his new book, Aromatree, by the wonderful Sal Battaglia of Perfect Potion.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
It’s not often I actually attend a specific aromatherapy workshop, and couldn’t even tell you the last time I did. I managed to see this event one night and thought “yep”, I’ll do that”. As I arrived at the Swissotel in Sydney I was surprised to see over 100 bubbly excited people jostling for good spots in the lecture room, was given information by lovely Perfect Potion staff, and took a seat. I have never heard Sal speak or present, and as the day wore on I realised I was in the minority.
The gorgeous AROMATREE book with illustration (and original painting) by Japanese artist
My neighbours to my left and right, gave each other knowing looks as Sal burst onto centre stage.
He’s wonderful isn’t he?
“I love his infectious enthusiasm.”
“He’s so knowledgeable.”
“I do all his masterclasses.”
And so it continues all day,, as I too get caught in the wave of his gentility, enthusiasm and brilliance. Where have I been the past 25 years? I suppose just working, and writing.
Aromatree, the book has been in the making for 30 years as Sal has gathered information and created hypotheses about essential oils and how they fall into categories:
roots and rhizomes
wood
resin
fruit
seeds
leaves
flowers
Sal looks at the oils in each category and invites us to experience the oil first, before we try and make judgements about what we think it should do. However the oils within the categories have some common properties.
Sal’s amazing text book – the original which I’ve had for 20 years and the 3rd Edition which is the latest
In each section we are taken on a journey: what oils belong to the section, what are the plant families and aromas, the botany, chemistry and symbolism, the properties of the oils in each category and how they work with our body and mind. There’s so much more but you get the drift. At the end of the book there are some more technical terms explained with loads of great references too.
It really is a gorgeous book, easy to read with lots of colourful illustrations. The cover artwork was created as a beautiful original painting by Japanese artist Tomoko Ichikawa. I highly recommend AROMATREE by Salvatore Battaglia, the true Svengali of aromatherapy.
Me and Sal with the colourful Aromatree book, personally signed by Sal with an inspirational message
Yes it’s a new year! Was 2018 a dog of a year for you? It seemed to me that it was for a lot of people, and maybe that’s because it was Year of the Dog. The pig year will bring lots of fun things so please read on the find out which oil is your power oil for 2019. Essential oils and botanical extracts are wonderful conduits for invoking new energy, are helpers in everyday life and they smell wonderful!
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
Festivus is here again and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve created some recipes to stand alongside the key parts to this wonderful day. What is Festivus you may ask? It’s the holiday that crushes Hanukkah and Christmas, allows a coming together of like minds, and gives a day of fun for those who are not religious. Celebrated by George Costanza’s father, Frank, (from the comedy show Seinfeld), let’s embrace this fabulous celebration!
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
To be more precise it’s the family of the writer of this episode who created Festivus:
Festivus was conceived by editor and author Daniel O’Keefe and was celebrated by his family as early as 1966. In the original O’Keefe tradition, the holiday would take place in response to family tension, “any time from December to May”.] The phrase, “a Festivus for the rest of us”, also derived from an O’Keefe family event, the death of Daniel O’Keefe’s mother. Wikipedia
The Festivus Pole
The Festivus Pole replaces the Christmas tree and stands unadorned:
“Frank Costanza cites its “very high strength-to-weight ratio” as appealing. During Festivus, the pole is displayed unadorned. According to Frank, “I find tinsel distracting.”
Wikipedia
I love the simplicity of the Festivus pole and I’m hoping it can inspire you to simplify this Christmas Here are a couple of blends for yourself, to help to feel less stressed and more streamlined.
Method: 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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.
***** 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.
The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in
“Silver”
Lemongrass 3 drops
Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops
Peru Balsam 2 drops
La Verité
Bergamot 5 drops
Geranium 2 drops
Vetiver 1 drop
The Airing of Grievances pic via festivusweb.com
Ah yes the Airing of Grievances, straight after the Festivus dinner, seems a good way to finish off the year and start the new year afresh. Here are a couple of blends for your space to support this difficult yet necessary part of Festivus.
Method: Scent Your Space
In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil
“Release Frustration and Anger”
Mandarin 12 drops
Ylang Ylang 6 drops
Marjoram 4 drops
Frankincense 3 drops
“Forgive”
Orange 10 drops
Palmarosa 8 drops
Lavender 4 drops
Patchouli 3 drops
Feats of Strength! pic via festivusweb.com
The Feats of Strength championship finalises the Festivus celebrations. As depicted above, when the head of the household is pinned to the ground, the day concludes. here are a couple of blends to help you find inner strength this holiday time.
Method: 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!
“Courage and Endurance”
Lavender 1 drop
Black Spruce 1 drop
Lime 1 drop
“Inner Calm”
Melissa 1 drop
Vanilla CO2 1 drop
Indian Rosewood 1 drop
clove oranges – tedious to make and then they went mouldly within a week due to the humidity in Sydney
Whatever you’re doing this Christmas season, whether you celebrate or not, I hope you are able to reflect on the good things life can bring – even if they are very small.
How will you be celebrating and which oils are calling to you?
Hello dear natural beauties, I hope you’re winding down to the end of the year. It’s always great in Australia as summer kicks in too! We wait all year, for all the good things in one season. That’s life in the southern hemisphere. Here’s a few oil blends for the diffuser this “holiday’ time …
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
Hello natural beauties! Are you an aromatherapist at heart? Do you love making lotions and potions? Would you like great tips and knowledge from over 50 international essential oil experts? Woo hoo! This summit is for you! I’ll be speaking on November 19th.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
“Unleash your inner aromatherapist with two whole weeks of free essential oil masterclasses. Learn from therapists, distillers, scientists, essential oil researchers, naturopaths, quality, product formulation, perfumery and environmental and sustainability experts.”
Over 50 audio visual recordings delivered into your inbox from Nov 19th – Dec 2nd 2018. But they’re only available for one week each.
You will have the option to buy the early bird special which will save you 300 USD! If you are an essential oil enthusiast I highly recommend this option as you’ll have a whole year to download to recordings and accompanying notes.
Sign up now to find out more how to get the FREE advice you’ve been looking for to learn new skills and become your own therapist!
The summit is due to start on November 19th and the early bird discount will soon disappear. This fantastic online summit will appeal to all essential oil enthusiasts. Whether you are a dabbler or a seasoned pro I highly recommend you sign up for a full years access so you can listen to all the wonderful talks at your leisure. This summit has a few Australian speakers, and I’m happy to introduce more of them here today …
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
GREG TREVENA Australian essential oil specialist (and grower)
Greg Trevena’s journey with Australian essential oils, started back in 1990 when the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) television channel aired a documentary series called the ‘Bush Tucker Man’. This television series featured a retired Australian soldier who through the shared knowledge of Australian aboriginal people told European Australians about wild Australian plants people could use to survive in the remote and isolated ‘Australian Outback’.
So commenced a journey where Greg learned all he could about Australian native plants and their useful potential.
He started ‘Rainforest Foods’ in 1998, which then introduced him to Lemon Myrtle essential oil (now an approved essential oil in food flavoring). Greg started ‘Refreshed Lemon Myrtle’ in 2000, this brand became established in Australia and then in the USA. Greg sold both brands by late 2009. In 2012 he started ‘Essentially Australia’ a company which has developed the largest range of Australian essential oils in the world.
The most important part of this business, however, is the new Australian essential oil-bearing plants he has rediscovered and which he grows in his own plantation, just out of Byron Bay, an iconic coastal tourist town, which happens to be Australia’s most easterly point.
DEBY ATTERBY Aromatic Medicine Clinician, Clinical Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Iridologist, Remedial Massage Therapist, Beauty Therapist and Lecturer
In 2002 Deby founded the Aromatic Aromathology Therapies business (AAT) with the express view of providing a forum for Aromatherapists, passionate about their profession and designed to give the opportunity for Aromatherapists on the Gold Coast and in the Northern Rivers district to attend designer workshops in order to maintain their CPE levels in the industry.
Deby is also the owner, editor, and publisher of the Aromatherapy Today International Journal. The journal is distributed worldwide 3 times a year in which she edits/researches and writes/publishes articles on aromatherapy and other aromatic modalities. In each journal, Deby prepares an in-depth profile on an Essential Oil.
During the Aromatica 2017 conference, she launched her new book, HEALTH, Vitality, and Wellbeing – Aromatic Detox & Elimination, now in its second edition. As a result of this publication, she travels interstate and abroad delivering workshops relative to the subjects in her book.
Deby is the Director and Principal of the Aminya Natural Therapies Academy. Her College was the first in Australia to submit and have Government approved, the Advanced Diploma of Aromatic Medicine.
KIM MORRISON Aromatherapist, Holistic Therapist, Founder of Twenty8 Essentials
Kim Morrison set a world record as the youngest female to run 100miles in less than 24 hours. Cliff Young was her mentor throughout and still to this day lives by his ethos that success is 90% mental and 10% physical. She has used her running story as a direct metaphor for life – riding the highs, hitting the walls, pushing through the pain barriers, crossing the line and never, ever giving up! She believes combining your inner power and passion, applying your commitment and having truckloads of self-belief is what distinguishes you as an achiever. It’s about visualizing your dream and going for it – regardless of the feedback you receive or the challenges you face.
As a 5 times best-selling author, aromatherapist of nearly three decades, founder of Twenty8 Essentials, podcast show co-host on Up For A Chat, and a multi-tasking mum and wife, Kim shares the essential tools for self-care, discipline, leadership and teamwork and most of all the art of self-love.
ROBBI ZECK Author, Naturopath, Kinesiologist, Counsellor and Trainer
A naturopath for 38 years and with a background in aromatherapy, kinesiology, and counseling, Robbi is the founder/creator of Aromatic Kinesiology® and author of The Blossoming Heart-Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. The Blossoming Heart card deck has recently been published as a companion to this beautiful book.
Robbi’s pioneering work on the psychological benefits of essential oils, using metaphor and the power of smell to integrate emotional experiences is powerfully represented in her beautiful series of workshops.
Established in 1992 Aromatic Kinesiology offers a unique training perspective, exploring aromatherapy from an emotional perspective while focusing on the development of beliefs, skills and emotional openness that lead to a successful, loving and joyful life.
Aromatic Kinesiology® has grown to be nationally and internationally recognized for its emphasis on gentle yet powerful heart-work and personal development. In combining kinesiology and aromatherapy with an inspirational teaching style, this beautiful work has assisted many to step into their dreams and live a life purposefully on track.
atural organic extension of the work Robbi loves was the creation of Aroma Tours with her husband Jim Llewellyn in 1994. Their boutique tour company escorts people to beautiful places where perfumery, aromatic plants, essential oils, wonderful wines, glorious cuisine, fascinating history, and culture can be experienced in exquisite locations. Since its inception, they have shared their journeys with people from all walks of life, from over 30 countries.
As the time for launch comes closer, and the early bird discount will soon disappear, this fantastic online summit will appeal to all essential oil enthusiasts. Whether you are a dabbler or a seasoned pro I highly recommend you sign up for a full years access so you can listen to all the wonderful talks at your leisure. This summit has a few Australian speakers, and I’m happy to introduce them here today …
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
NATALIE MILLER Clinical aromatherapist, Educator and Consultant
Natalie’s aromatic journey began many years ago. During her mid 20’s she’d become interested in holistic healing when she fell into a pit of depression. She looked at aromatherapy, crystals, and meditation, but never took them seriously. Instead, she focussed on her career as an educator, gaining a Bachelor of Education and Training, and a Graduate Diploma of Education. In her early 40’s, after falling into another depression pit, she came across two books which changed her view of the world – “You Sexy Mother” (by Jodie Hedley-Ward) and “Like Chocolate for Women” (by Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan).
Inspired by these books, Natalie decided to write a “Living Life List” aka a bucket list. One of the many things on the list was to learn aromatherapy. Armed with this inspiration, she enrolled in a two-year Diploma of Aromatherapy course (nothing like jumping in the deep end). At the successful completion of her course, she started her business, combining her past experiences in the adult education, training and coaching arena with her aromatherapy knowledge. Aromatic Insights was born.
SALVATORE BATTAGLIA Aromatherapy Educator, Author, Herbalist
Salvatore Battaglia has been passionate about natural therapies for most of his life. He holds qualifications in natural therapies, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Salvatore’s dedication to aromatherapy has seen him hold positions in professional associations within Australia and government committees to ensure that the educational standards of professional aromatherapy are maintained and improved. Salvatore has been teaching aromatherapy since 1988. He is the author of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy which was first published in 1994. This book is an internationally acclaimed textbook for the study of aromatherapy and has been translated into Japanese and Korean.
In 2018, Salvatore completed the third edition of the book. In 2016 he was made an Honorary member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) for long-standing commitment to aromatherapy. He is the founder and co-owner of Perfect Potion whose purpose is to naturally enhance people’s lives. He shares his passion and love of the world, natural therapies and aromatherapy with his wife, Carolyn Stubbin and his beagle, Charlie.
MARK WEBB BSc., Author, Educator, Aromatic Medicine Practitioner, Formulations Chemist, Reiki Master
Mark Webb has a Bachelor’s degree in Science majoring in Biochemistry, Plant Physiology & IT followed up with Diplomas in Massage (Remedial, Lymphatic), Aromatherapy and additional studies in Aromatic and Herbal Medicine.
He is the author of “Bush Sense – Australian Essential Oils & Aromatic Compounds” and is extremely passionate about the aromatic plants of his home – Australia – and how they can be better used within the Aromatic Therapies space. The long awaited 2nd edition of “Bush Sense” will be released in the first quarter of 2019. He’s worked in the biotech industry conducting research and development using aromatics to formulate dose forms and applications for clinical trials for some fairly serious conditions & diseases, including Avian Influenza and Dengue Fever.
Mark is a formulation and cosmetic chemist who consults internationally across a wide variety of industries including aromatics (terpenes, EOs, CO2s), the newly emerging Hemp and Cannabis industries (Endocannabinoids), cosmetics & personal care, food & beverage, nutraceuticals & pharmaceuticals.
He’s a passionate educator to thousands of students internationally over the past two decades of many topics including all aspects of the aromatic world including – aromatic chemistry & pharmacology, toxicology, internal & external dose forms & application methods, Australian aromatics, aromatic prescribing techniques, the aromatic toolkit or “materia medica” and CO2 Extracts.
He can be contacted for further information on aromatic sourcing, education opportunities, new product formulation, and development or for a personal consultation at – mark@aromamedix.com.
Suzanne is a botanical perfumer from Australia and author of “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. She has been a qualified Aromatherapist for over 20 years and continues to write her blog “suzannerbanks.blog”, and sometimes even has time to post a video on Youtube too. During her time working with natural essential oils and extracts, Suzanne has had a wide variety of scented experiences: producing aromatic experiences for major Sydney events, corporate events and retreats including an intensive week meditation retreat with Deepak Chopra – “Seduction of Spirit”.
All this has culminated in her unique botanical perfumes, which are a reflection of Suzanne’s love for the divine scents of nature. Suzanne believes we need to simplify our life and reduce the amount of artificial chemicals in our environment. And what a better way to start than to use all natural botanical perfumes? She continues to practice relaxing, healing Aromatherapy treatments and has had the honour to treat a long list of clients including Kylie Minogue, Louise L. Hay, and Doreen Virtue.
Hello dear natural beauties! I hope you’re well and happy and enjoying life. I’m very excited to tell you about a lecture series all about essential oils and aromatherapy. It’s called “Beyond the Essential Oil Recipe” Summit. Read on to find out how you can listen to over 50 specialists in the industry talk about everything to do with essential oils from chemistry to soap making and so much more.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
This exciting summit on essential oils brings experts together from all over the world to talk about their field of expertise in aromatherapy. There will be some very technical lectures right through to very relaxed chats. I guarantee you will get so much out of this series. I’d love to do a little piece on everyone but there are over 50 speakers!
The summit is free for one week but if you get in now for the early bird discount you will save 300 USD. Right now it’s 197 USD and it will increase to 497 USD when the summit starts. This gives you access to the talks for one year plus lots of free things too! Click this link to register.
I talk about perfume and aromatherapy while in Bali
What you can expect to hear during the summit:
Clear concise advice from industry leaders about how they treat people (and animals!) using essential oils.
Ways to take your healing deeper and make it more dynamic
Methods of integrating other philosophies and healing modalities to super charge essential oil practice
How to avoid costly mistakes when purchasing essential oils and formulating products
How the experts integrate essential oils into their every day lives
How body-mind medicine treats physical dis-ease and how we can tap into that learning to speed healing and make it more efficient
Me in Bali preparing for my talk with Elizabeth
When the summit starts you will get an email each night giving you access to 4 or 5 talks. You have access for one week only, so I really encourage you to get in now and take advantage of the early bird offer. I’ve registered and paid because I know how long it will take me to get through all the talks! Each talk also comes with a PDF to download which will give you extra info and contact info for each person too.
HI natural beauties, I hope you’re all well and happily embedded in your season. I’m gratefully moving into summer – my favourite of all! Continuing on the free book post from last week I’d like to offer you my free ebook about the major arcana tarot cards and essential oils, and how they work together to support your day to day experience.
Yesyou do need to sign up to my email list but I’d like to tell you I rarely send emails! I would like to get better at that but I’m also acutely aware of how many emails I receive on a daily basis that I pay no attention too.
So here’s a free recipe book, and you can sign up on any page of my website.
suzannerbanks 