Violet – The Flower and the Scent

Posted on July 20, 2016 by suzannerbanks

I’ve always loved violets. Wild violets, violets on a windowsill, violet ground cover – oh so petite and pretty. When I was bush-walking with my cousin on the weekend I snapped a pretty violet in the wild and it got me remembering ……

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

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pretty wild violet

Memories of my childhood, nothing specific really, just a general fondness and lovely feelings come to me when I see a violet. I love the delicacy of the flower, the deep rich colour (symbolising the Crown chakra), and the old-fashioned simplicity of the cute little things. I suppose they remind me of my Great Aunt, and other elders passed. I think I had a violet perfume and it could be this one:

The sweet little perfume Devon Violets

I remember this perfume being almost sickly sweet – I don’t think I even liked it! But what I liked was the colour of the bottle, the purple ribbon, and the idea that this came from violets! Well of course there’s no real violet absolute in here, just synthetic fragrance, but at the time I simply assumed it was real. So I over used the perfume, as most young women do, and as a 10-year-old, thought I was marvellous.

Lovely violet ground cover

Fast forward about 20 years, and as I discovered my love for essential oils I came across “violet leaf” absolute. Hardly able to contain my excitement I bought it, only to realise on opening the bottle it was “leaf”, not “petal” or “flower”. This absolute has a place in perfumery, but does not have a solid foundation in aromatherapy. Obtaining a real extract from violets is almost impossible because of the yield ratio – meaning millions of little flowers may yield a tiny amount of absolute, making it hugely expensive. I actually don’t know if anyone makes this, but if they did I probably couldn’t afford it!

As I forge further into botanical perfumery, I hope to add some violet leaf to a new creation – if only for the romantic notion.

My neighbours violets in the rain

I’ve often found describing a scent difficult, so my dear friend Portia Turbo from Australian Perfume Junkies, sums up the tiny violet perfectly:

“Violets are cool, waxy, fresh and crisp to me.

If any flower could simultaneously give the smell of spring and melancholy, I think it’s the humble violet.”

How can I say more?

Do you love violets too?

violet

3 Essential Oils for the Changing Times

Posted on July 6, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Hello natural beauties, we are seeing tumultuous times around the world, and this is just the beginning! War still rages and many people are being controlled and driven by fear. It is a time to look within and evolve! Here are my 3 essential oils to help us see the bigger picture:

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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 an ebook and paperback

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frankincense resin burning on charcoal

Frankincense

Keywords: meditation, truth, preservation

This is the one resin and oil that helps us breathe more deeply and slowly, and therefore become more calm. When we are calm and quiet the universe can be revealed to us in profound ways.

This is the essence of truth. The truth of the intricate dynamics of the spec-time structure we live in; the truth about how we interact with our surroundings; and the truth of the fact we are participating in the evolution of humanity.

Use this beautiful oil to deeply ponder the meaning of life. Spread peace and kindness wherever you are.

black pepper

Black Pepper

Keywords: go forward and fulfil your destiny

This beautiful spice creates a wonderful essential oil that is soft in scent, with a powerful message. Black pepper is a warming oil and the oil of courage.

You no longer need to be afraid of this time you are living in. You are here for a purpose. We need you to be courageous and stand up for the betterment of our world.

Accept your destiny NOW! Go forward without delay and be active in your life. In turn you will help others do the same and we can overcome negativity and fear.

Palmarosa in situ – pic via http://www.florihana.com

Palmarosa

Keywords: flexibility, new ideas about love

This oil comes from a grass like lemongrass – with a green, rosy scent. This is a great skin care oil but mostly represents FLEXIBILITY to me.

Bend and flow with each moment in time – do not resist. “Resistance is futile”, say The BORG from Star Trek. However instead of hostile take-overs, palmarosa will help your outlook, allow you to be willing to see others points of view, and do it all with sweetness, light, and love.

Extend your energy to others, work with those around you, and inspire them to be flexible too.

The POWER Blend

Diffuser:

Frankincense 10 drops

Palmarosa 8 drops

Black pepper 7 drops

Perfume:

in a little carrier oil add

Frankincense 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

Only add 1 drop of Black Pepper if you are NOT sensitive, Patch test first

Body Oil

in 3 teaspoons of carrier oil add:

Palmarosa 4 drops

Frankincense 3 drops

Black Pepper 1 drops

German Chamomile and Roman chamomile are both great for stress

What oils are supporting you right now?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

Aromatherapy Skincare on TVSN and the Powerful Solstice

Video

Hello my natural beauties, I hope you are all well at this auspicious time of the solstice. I forgot a post last week as I was preparing to do another 2 live TV spots on TVSN, as a Brand Ambassador for Springfields Aromatherapy. I’m blaming the powerful blue moon solstice for my forgetfulness, and a little bit of nervous energy too.

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Me in my dressing room

It was an early start in hair and makeup with my beautiful friend Jason, then off to the studio to do 2 live shows, each an hour long.

Live TV is a bit nerve-wracking because there’s no saving grace. Anyway suddenly you’re on camera thinking “I hope I remember what to say’.

Then its over and the world keeps turning.

My friend took this screen shot:

And that was the second show and it was all over, again. I’ve got 2 more days this year – in spring and summer (southern hemisphere).

And speaking about hemispheres, the north just had the summer solstice and the south just experienced the winter solstice – yay! It seems that this was a cosmological blue moon in Sagittarius, rather than a calendar blue moon, with powerful movements for us all. I’m not an expert so I’ve included a couple of links:

Mystic Mumma

Collective Evolution

My summary is:

if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately there may be big breakthroughs coming up
a new chapter, or time in your life, may becoming a reality on a very deep level
end relationships that are not serving your higher purpose
acknowledge your spiritual conscious for this may be the driver of your new paradigm
be willing and courageous to forge ahead with a new way of life

I’ve just planted some basil and it seems to be dong quite well

My body oil blend for this time is:

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.

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”

“Blue Solstice”

Frankincense 3 drops Keywords: meditation, truth, preservation

Basil 1 drop Keywords: clarity; open your mind

Black Pepper 1 drop Keywords: go forward and fulfill your destiny

Petitgrain 3 drops Keywords: potentiality

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

Collective Evolution

Mystic Mumma

Do Essential Oils Work on Our Bodies? Week 1 of 3

Posted on May 25, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Hello natural beauties and botanical scent lovers all over the world! Here’s an excerpt from my book on essential oils and aromatherapy. This is the first week of 3, quoting little sections in “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. Week 1 – Do Essential Oils Work on Our Bodies?

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Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble Booktopia AU Amazon UK

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” The Body – Slow – Earthly”

Essential oils work on the physical body by being absorbed by the skin and circulated to muscle, organs and other tissues. We know this is a fact. Take into account the increasing use of skin patches for administering hormones, nicotine and other medicines. Our skin is actually an entire system known as the Integumentary System and is the largest organ in the body. Topical application on the skin is an efficient an non invasive way to get substances into the body to create change.

Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

Our bodies can be a bit slow to respond compared to how quickly our minds seem to work. We are joined to the Earth as a giver of life and sometimes being connected to earth may be called being ‘grounded’. I feel the Earth and our bodies are intrinsically linked, energetically linked. we belong together.

We are linked to the earth

Our body = The Earth

Essential oils,

allows us to

nurture our bodies with the oil of healing herbs, flowers and fruit, delighting in the gifts of nature

feel physically relaxed and fortified

open to more possibilities for self-love and kindness and the capacity to accept our bodies as vehicles of consciousness

have a sense of solidarity and grounding, so it seems easier to start creating and revealing our destiny, and true purpose in life”

I’ve just planted some basil and it seems to be dong quite well

Thanks for reading my friends!

Have essential oils helped your body?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

Osmanthus – Heaven on Earth

Posted on May 18, 2016 by suzannerbanks

I walked past the osmanthus bush in the back lane today. It’s in bloom, in a warm Sydney autumn. I don’t know how I can endeavour to explain to you how beautifully mesmerising the scent of this plant is – but I’ll try.

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Osmanthus fragrans

Here it is! Osmanthus fragrans, part of the Oleacae family. What else belongs in this family? Oleander, olives and jasmine.

As a small white flower (depending on the species the flowers can also be orange), just like jasmine, it’s hard to believe the intoxicating scent is so powerful. But it is.

Imagine jasmine, gardenia, frangipani all rolled into one, then add apricots, the secrets of the universe and unicorns, and you may come slightly closer toward this deep exotic floral perfume.

The leaf

“Osmanthus fragrans flowers are also known as gui hua. These tiny dried yellow blossoms are among China’s most heady and intoxicating flower blossom fragrances. China’s great flower-scented teas were developed during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Osmanthus, jasmine, rose, orchid, lotus, gardenia and wintersweet were all used to delicately scent batches of tea.”

Jann Erik Nilsson

Flower in broad daylight

“Osmanthus fragrans is associated with a number of Lunar legends in China, which makes it symbolic at the time of the Chinese Moon Festival which is held in September under the symbol of Osmanthus Flower and is also called Osmanthus Festival.

In the warmer parts of China, the plant continues to bloom non-stop throughout the winter to spring. During the nights of the peak season for the flower, Chinese families used to gather in their yards to eat moon cakes, while the grandmother of the family told traditional stories about the Moon, the sweet Osmanthus and the figures of Chinese legends.

According to those legends, there live on the Moon the Fairy Chang E and a Jade Rabbit which is Chang E’s pet, a Giant named Wu Gang and a huge Osmanthus Tree (Osmonth).”

Jann Erik Nilsson

The bush in the back lane

Osmanthus is a native of Asia, particularly China and Japan, and is even the mascot tree for some cities in both these countries. Having said that, this pic above was taken in the back lane today. The end of Autumn and 27 degrees. Hello global warming!

I have walked this lane for the past 10 years, never knowing what the beautiful scent was. I am embarrassed to tell you abut a year ago, I had to ask a natural perfumery group the question – “what is this plant?” As soon as I found out, I realised I had detected the scent many times before in various locations. I had always thought it was coming from this palm ……

The palm

Osmanthus is sold as an absolute and it’s often expensive. I’ve seen it advertised from as much as $32 for 1ml, $121 for 1gm, and as little as $22 for 10 mls. This is definitely an oil I’d encourage you to try.

So there you have it – from scented Ming Dynasty teas to lunar legends, this flower is beloved of the world. If I’ve helped one person discover this wonderful tree and perfume, it’s a job well done I reckon.

Thanks again lovely readers. Do you have a favourite scented plant?

Flowers in Purple

Posted on May 11, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Hi natural beauties! This week I am republishing a post that Portia Turbo from Australian Perfume Junkies curated for me. Because I’m busy. That’s my excuse. And the pics are all by me, and they are gorgeous! Thanks nature x

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Hi APJ,

I’m looking though my photos and everything seemed to be purple. Peaceful, perfect, poignant purple.

Purple: Photo Essay

Flickr

“I might just stop talking again and not do interviews.”

Prince

Vale Prince

Ode to Juniper

Posted on May 4, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Hello natural beauties, I’ve missed you. Today I salute juniper; the bush, the berry, and the essential oil. I have been known to walk into a bar and ask for a juniper and tonic, (accidentally). I find myself going through periods of time when I just can’t get enough of this amazing oil. Let us give some love to juniper …

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Dried juniper berries at a spice shop in Sydney

“The fire. The odor of burning juniper is the sweetest fragrance on the face of the earth, in my honest judgment;

I doubt if all the smoking censers of Dante’s paradise could equal it. One breath of juniper smoke, like the perfume of sagebrush after rain, evokes in magical catalysis, like certain music, the space and light and clarity and piercing strangeness of the American West.

Long may it burn.”

“Desert Solitaire “, Edward Abbey

“Summertime, oh, summertime, pattern of life indelible, the fade-proof lake, the woods unshatterable, the pasture with the sweetfern and the juniper forever and ever . . .

E.B. White

Juniper in the fog, somewhere

“He was at ease in his skin, at ease in his shoes, which were cut out of the same doeskin as his gloves; his foot in its elastic prison could stretch, could bend, could feel itself alive. His beaver hat was pulled down over his eyes & kept out the landscape; he was smoking dried juniper, after the Algerian fashion, in a little clay pipe & letting his thoughts wander at their will …”

“Lacfadio’s Adventures“, André Gide

Dried juniper berries in bottles – lovely

“Probably one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean Witches. Its berries were used with thyme in Druid and grove incenses for visions.”

Paul Kendall

“Juniper

spontaneous lightness

I’ve always used juniper to release negative energy, watery emotions. When you can let go of emotions and energy that do not serve your highest good, it is easier to find a more positive vibe. Juniper is an oil that tends to trigger the action of spontaneous lightness”

“Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”, Suzanne R Banks

sparkly, fresh juniper

“If you want an oil as a champion of “protection” juniper will not let you down. Juniper has the scent of sophistication.”

“Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”, Suzanne R Banks

Roses Are Always the Queens

Video

Hello lovers of beauty and scent! I have recently experienced some beautiful roses – the old fashioned kind you might find in a suburban garden. The shape and colours are as diverse as the magnificent fragrance emanating from the petals. Here are a few of my finds …

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Last week I was in Goulburn, a country town about 2 hours south-west of Sydney. It has beautiful architecture and a gorgeous park right in the centre. There is a lovely rose garden in the park, and I set about smelling all the roses that were blooming. It was a warm autumn day and these apricot roses were divinely fragrant ….

A different rose, in the same park, about 2 years ago

A beautiful bunch of small roses at my friends house a couple of weeks ago were so beautifully perfumed- often the little roses don’t have a scent.

Little roses, big scent

When we acknowledge the beauty of a rose, we acknowledge the beauty within us.

The rose is the Queen.

Embrace roses and rose essential oil to enhance your experiences.

You are the Queen of your life – play this audio to remind yourself!

A bunch of mixed roses in a cafe. The large pink rose had a mild scent but the little white ones didn’t

And finally, the rose leaves us another gift when she returns to back to where she came from – the rosehip. This fruit grows after the flower has died, and gives us wonderful rosehip oil – the perfect skin moisturiser.

Rosehip in a back lane in Sydney

Thank you roses.

A (Botanical) Picture Paints a Thousand Words

Posted on April 6, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Hello aromatic enthusiasts! I hope you’re doing well after the equinox, settling in to a new season. I am lamenting the loss of summer, but it’s still quite warm here so I have been lucky enough to still see the frangipani blooming, the rosemary flowering, and smell the sweet pungent murraya. Here are a few pics from my past week ……

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Frangipani in the neighbourhood

A lavender loving bee at my friend’s house

Hyams Beach south of Sydney still holds the Guinness Book of Records whitest sand in the world!

Flowering rosemary in dappled sunlight at Hyams beach

Huskisson, NSW

Murraya in the rain in Sydney

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could smell these beautiful, natural scents! I’m sure in the future we will be able to insert the fragrant data into our communications, and that will be very cool when it happens.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

Andre Orchison – Everyday Aroma Hero

Posted on March 23, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Meet Andre, an Everyday Aroma Hero. He’s from Pretoria, South Africa and loves using essential oils! By day he is an RMA Clerk, however this has varied over the years. He has been a sound engineer, an antique clock parts salesman and a bus driver. On the side, and with the goal of going full-time, he is the founder of TGM Products, aka The Garage Man. Focused on quality, hand-made natural men’s grooming products.

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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 an ebook and paperback

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Andre rocking the motorbike in South Africa

Andre lives with his wife and young son outside Pretoria South Africa on some farmland.
He loves living here and says “it’s a bit of the country side right next to the big old city.”

Andre loves using essential oils in shaving products, especially in an aftershave, even if he haven’t shaved. He likes blending them into other products too, like shaving soap.
He is going wild experimenting with essential oils but isn’t quite ready to share any blends yet ………

Andre’s market stall

Success!

Andre was selling aftershaves at his market stall, and a “bloke” came up and asked if his product would really help his razor burn, and almost raw skin after shaving. Andre explained to him what the blend of oils would do and he bought some. Success! The gentleman is no longer complaining of the irritated, red, painful skin he used to have after shaving.

The night market in Equestria, Pretoria

Failure?

Andre made an aftershave blend that was just a tad on the overly strong spicy side….

The beautiful Vall River where ANdre and his family have camped with fabulous memories

The beautiful Vaal River where Andre and his family have camped creating fabulous memories

“If I could tell someone how wonderful essential oils are: They are like food for your skin and body. As you use commercial and synthetic products your skin responds to them but it is not natural. Your body does not recognise the ingredients, It is just like “Oh, okay thanks”. Once you use an essential oil your skin and body are like: “Hello! I like is stuff. I know how to use this. This is good stuff, I need this. I am using all of this. Gimme me more!”
And before you know it, it expels the synthetic stuff and craves the natural stuff and you just end up feeling so great.”

Thanks Andre I couldn’t have said it better myself!

You can find Andre here:

Blog: garagemen
Facebook: TGMProducts

Be an Everyday Aroma Hero – find out more here.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Category Archives: Good things come from this

Violet – The Flower and the Scent

3 Essential Oils for the Changing Times

Aromatherapy Skincare on TVSN and the Powerful Solstice

Video

Do Essential Oils Work on Our Bodies? Week 1 of 3

Osmanthus – Heaven on Earth

Flowers in Purple

Purple: Photo Essay

Ode to Juniper

Roses Are Always the Queens

Video

A (Botanical) Picture Paints a Thousand Words

Andre Orchison – Everyday Aroma Hero

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Purple: Photo Essay

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