My Jasmine – A Countdown to the Southern Spring

Posted on July 25, 2016 by suzannerbanks

As I was looking at my flowering (winter) zygo cactus the other day, I had to look twice, but saw the most wonderful sight – jasmine buds on the vine. This is the promise of spring and I am so delighted. Follow my thrilling weekly updates on the jasmine here …… a countdown to the southern hemisphere spring woo hooooooo!!!!!!!!!

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

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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I’m not good in winter so any sign that the new season is coming is good to me.

This is a sign.

my jasmine

While the magnolia and the cactus still bloom in mid – late winter, the jasmine is preparing to burst into spring.

I’m so happy.

More next week.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

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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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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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.

10 Botanical Perfume Recipes to Balance Your Energy

Posted on June 29, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Hello natural beauties, I’ve been feeling a little exhausted lately, how about you? I’m not sure whether its the weather (brrrr it’s cold here in Sydney), the powerful solstice and full moon, or just the space-time continuum bending and flowing at ultra high speeds? I need some quick pick-me-ups so here are some essential oil perfume recipes:

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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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Rose is the Queen of oils

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!

“Queen”

Even out the ups and downs:

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

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

“Flower Child”

Be calm and connect with your feminine power:

Geranium 1 drop

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

Lavender 1 drop

“I Saw A Sign”

Open your body to receive guidance (not just your mind):

Cedarwood Atlas 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

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

“Dreaming of the Day”

Never stop dreaming – it can reduce stress on a daily basis:

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Orange 1 drop

“Gettin Vibed Up”

When you need a burst of energy:

Lemongrass 1 drop

Rosemary 1 drop

Rose Geranium 1 drop

“Warmth and Comfort”

Take time to rest and rejuvenate:

Marjoram 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

Bergamot 1 drop

“Soul Deep”

Look within for balance:

Australian Sandalwood 1 drop

Ginger 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

Jasmine officinalis

“Sweet Heart”

Hop into the flow of giving and receiving – It’s important to receive to!:

Indian rosewood 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

Cedarwood Virginian 1 drop

“Chill Baby”

When you really need a time out:

Frankincense 1 drop

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

“Holiday In Italy”

Have a real or virtual holiday:

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

Palmarosa 1 drop

Wonderful frankincense resin is steam distilled into the beautiful oil

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 Souls? Week 3 of 3

Posted on June 8, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Here’s an excerpt from my book on essential oils and aromatherapy. This is the third week of 3, quoting little sections in “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. Week 3 – Do Essential Oils Work on Our Souls?

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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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“The Soul – Instantaneous – Universal

Essential oils work via the brain, which acts as a processor of data, through the spaces between our molecules and atoms, and into our etheric body and spirit. Cosmologists and physicists say that our molecules, like the universe itself, are made up of 99.999% space. SO as we delves deeper into each molecule, to see electrons, neutrons and atoms buzzing around at super-high speed, we are also seeing a reflection of the universe at large. When we view the two together (understanding the fundamental oneness of the universe and us), we allow the soul to be revealed in full flight and acknowledge the essence of spirituality.

Flowering tarragon

I use essential oils to enhance my experience of spirit. It’s that part of ourselves that exists in no particular place inside our mind or body. It is the immeasurable, yet quietly powerful part of ourselves know as the soul. We cannot separate this part of ourselves from our bodies and mind, and it has been difficult to prove the soul’s existence in a scientific sense (unless you are Deepak Chopra – he’s so brilliant he seems to be able to do it!)

Roses by me

The use of essential oils to penetrate the soul goes beyond trying to get you to believe they work. There is something delicious and haunting about scent and the way it soaks into our very essence – it is a depth of knowingness that essential oils can form a link between physicality and spirituality. The soul is universal and is eternally connected to divine intelligence – without the constraints of time or location.

Flowerin rosemary in a client's garden

The more you use essential oils the more comfortable you will feel about them.

The more at ease you are with these oils the more likely you will be to rely on your intuition.

The more you rely on your intuition, the stronger you will connect to your true self.

The more these connections are used the more confident you become in your environment.

The better you feel about yourself in your world, the more you will be able to turn your true desires into your destiny, by allowing more of the real you to be revealed.

The more you live and breathe your true purpose in life, the more you will shine from within. Your light will become joy. When others benefit from your joy you are living your destiny, and acknowledging your true spiritual nature. Easy.

Our soul = The Universe

Essential oils,

allows us to

transcend the body and mind – essential oils working via the brain into our etheric body and other dimensions in the space-time continuum

activate universal consciousness within us

inspire living with heightened awareness, helping to reveal more of the real essence within us “the real you”, without earthly limits

entice our souls to reveal the path of our destiny, and the reason we are here

My wonderful book

Thanks for reading my friends!

Have essential oils helped your spirit?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

Do Essential Oils Work on Our Minds? Week 2 of 3

Posted on June 1, 2016 by suzannerbanks

Here’s an excerpt from my book on essential oils and aromatherapy. This is the second week of 3, quoting little sections in “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. Week 2 – Do Essential Oils Work on Our Minds?

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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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“The Brain – Fast – Galactic

Essential oils work via the nose into different areas of the rain – both the cognitive and the ancient centres. The brain translates this information to effect change in the body and emotions.

The ancient part of the brain is called the Limbic System, which engages in the moments when a scent takes you to a specific memory. It is so strong you feel like you are right in that moment again.

Roman chamomile in the Wellington Botanic Gardens

Have you ever smelt something in the air and suddenly been connected to an event, time or person in your life? It could help you remember a holidays as a child, or being with a beloved elder who has passed. It is powerful and quick. Detecting a scent can also conjure deep negative feelings about something too. Although the process of scent and emotions can be scientifically reduced to a point, it’s the bewitching nature of these instances that are the most fascinating. Are we connected to the past or are we connecting to multi-dimensional existences.

Murraya peniculata

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years through many cultures, to inspire mind-altered states, offer beauty and inspire creativity. Using essential oils may help with creating better feeling emotions, and in turn, simply be default, diminish emotions and feelings like stress and uneasiness.

If the body is earthly, then the mind is resonating on a galactic level. The mind connects the body to heavenly possibilities. Dr Joe Dispenza, a great neuro-scientist, says the mind is the brain in action.

Ah the wonders of a universe vibrating in waves of potential!

Our mind = The Galaxy

Essential oils,

allows us to

open our minds – quite literally, as the scent travels the nose into the brain

awaken our mind, to logically define desires and goals

be motivated to take action toward our desired life

cohere the mind and body, to help determine our place in the world”

It’s easy to open a little oil bottle and take a whiff – its instant healing!

Thanks for reading my friends!

Have essential oils helped your mind?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

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.