The Start of the Vlog!

Video

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

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

The Start of the Vlog!

at the movies!

I’ve started my YouTube channel to try something new.

I’ve been writing 2 articles a week for just over 2 years, and sometimes it’s hard to find things to write about – especially now I have a book to promote too.

I’ve got a way to go with presenting style but I’d be grateful if you hang in there with me, as I talk about essential oils and aromatherapy.

This week I introduced myself – now you know what I look like (but after having said that I had just come from the hairdresser’s so it’s not always going to be that pretty)

And I also talked about Fennel Oil:

So with a few less “ums” and “ahs” and “so’s” and “yeah’s”, I’m looking forward to doing some new things. Please subscribe to my channel if you feel so inclined.

hearts to you

Thanks so much everyone,

Suzanne

I Just Used Wintergreen On A Client …..

Posted on January 14, 2015 by suzannerbanks

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

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I Just Used Wintergreen On A Client …..

Wintergreen – be cautious!

Well it’s nothing new I often used wintergreen on clients. A couple of drops at the most. I’m an aromatherapist and I am trained, however it wasn’t an oil I learnt about at college. A couple of text books I have, say we mustn’t use wintergreeen, as it’s too strong and potentially toxic. I say to you, follow this advice, as in everyday life there are other oils you can use that don’t have the potency, and that are more tried and tested.

Wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens, comes from the family Ericaceae and the genus Gaulteria. The family Ericaceae generally refers to heath or heather and it has (according to Wikipedia), over 120 genera. This family also includes plants such as cranberry, blueberry, huckleberry, azalea, rhododendron. I’m not sure if any other plants in the genus lend themselves to producing essential oils, but I’d love to find out!

“Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry, checkerberry, boxberry, or American wintergreen) is a species of Gaultheria native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Alabama.^[1] It is a member of the Ericaceae (heath family).”

Dwelley, Marilyn J. (1977). Summer & Fall Wildflowers of New England via Wikipedia

Eastern teaberry sounds nice!

Wintergreen – pic via naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com

The oil of wintergreen smells like a lot of sports rubs and liniments, very menthol-like. You can understand why it would be used in a product for sore muscles, when you look at the traditional uses of the oil –

Traditionally this oil has been used for –

* joint pain and inflammation

* muscle and tendon pain

* headaches

* bad circulation

and many other issues, that you could take aspirin for – pain and inflammation.

The reason it is thought of as toxic is that it is extremely high in Methyl salicylate, which when absorbed by the body turns into salicylate, basically aspirin. But a very, very high dose of aspirin from a very small amount of wintergreen oil. Check out this article, which states:

“The sudden death of a 17-year-old Staten Island high school track star was caused by the accidental overuse of an over-the-counter remedy routinely used by millions of Americans to treat sore muscles and joints, the New York City medical examiner ruled after a two-month investigation.”

This happened in 2007, and while rare, please take note that just because something says it’s “natural” or has “natural ingredients, doesn’t always mean its safe.

From Kohler’s Medizinal Plfanzen a book now in the public domain

So basically it’s a anti-inflammatory, high in aspirin, and can cause people to react with asthma and other aspirin overdose issues.

Use lavender or German chamomile instead.

OK?

And FYI my blend was equal parts of lavender, juniper and lemon with a couple of drops of wintergreen. It was stunning. I’m going to text my client now to see how she’s feeling.

Look after yourself people!

New Year – New Energy – Which Essential Oils?

Posted on January 7, 2015 by suzannerbanks

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

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and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

New Year – New Energy – Which Essential Oils?

So here we are, 2015! It’s definitely the present but sounds like the future. It’s going to be a great year of fun, working together, and loving life. So which essential oils can we use to embellish our clean, crisp new year energy?

Hmmmmmmmm. I’m going to split this into 3 sections, with 3 oils in each:

1. Northern Hemisphere

2. Southern Hemisphere

3. Equatorial

It’s winter for you

1. Northern Hemisphere

Brrrr it’s winter for you, so the oils that I’m sending to you are those which will be comforting, warming and loving.

Cinnamon – best to use this in the atmosphere rather than on your skin because it can really burn. It’s an oil of sweetness and loving what you do, and a spice that is loved by so many people. Used in herbal formulas the spice can help to increase metabolism and even help breakdown glucose in the blood a little bit faster; so it’s interesting that it’s often used in baking. This is a wonderful oil to use in your space to invite a new depth of your place in this world – your dharma. What is your true purpose?

Rosemary – warm up your feet and entire body with an oil blend made with rosemary oil. It is also the oil of remembering and there’s no better time than in winter to remember the good times, while you’re tucked away from the cold. It is a stimulating and refreshing oil and inspires us to look at the beautiful flow of abundance in our lives. Be grateful for what you have NOW, and energetically create your new plans.

Cedarwood Virginian – dissolve the barriers from last year to start the new year with a clean slate. This comforting oil can be used in body blends so well and is also great for soothing coughs and colds. This is also a wonderful oil to help with the answers to your questions of purpose in life. For you this winter, starting 2015, we need you to be absolutely committed to your spiritual and human purpose. This is evolution.

I took this pic the other day

2. Southern Hemisphere

Yay it’s summer for us! Beach, gin and tonics, beach, swimming, really hot, beach.It’s our turn to celebrate and be out in the sun (with sunscreen on). We can relax and enjoy life. No need to think about the future too much – just be present.

Geranium – happiness and cheeriness. Perfect for a body oil blend or in a space scenting blend this floral oil of happiness reminds us we can feel good about life and enjoy every minute. It emanates colour, fun and joy – so be happy!

Vetiver – the oil of tranquility and abundance this oil is great to use to help remove heat from the body and to cool us down in the humid summer evenings. This very strong oil should be used sparingly and 1 drop around the body is enough. A couple of drops on a wet cloth, placed in front of a fan or a window can scent the entire house with the cool, earthy tones to help slip into a vibration of peacefulness and trusting.

Basil – expansive and refreshing basil oil will help open our minds to the wonderful opportunities for 2015. Basil oil can help strengthen our affirmations and resolutions for 2015 and will give us confidence. Whiff straight from the bottle or add to a space scenting blend to connect to universal intelligence.

The Equator – pic via commons.wikimedia.org

3. Equatorial

You’re in the middle and hold us together. Whether you’re north or south of this mid line, it’s a bit milder and the seasons are not necessarily as pronounced. Your new year is one of balance and happiness where you can look forward to a 2015 full of laughter and warmth. Your oils are those which can add both introspection and celebration to your new year.

Sandalwood Indian – a classic oil for spirituality this oil gives deep meaning to the times when you can take a moment to look within. It can help raise your energetic vibration from the base of your spine right up to your crown chakra and can help you move through any thing holding you back from 2014. Perfect just to whiff straight from the bottle.

Lavender – solidarity and strength, lavender can be the one oil that can bring your thoughts, feelings and actions together. Lavender can be used for just about any issues whether physical, mental or spiritual. Perfect for a body blend lavender will nourish your skin and your soul.

Bergamot – happiness and bringing a sense of calm, bergamot is a beautiful oil to help you see the possibilities for this year. Remove any anxiety you may have about the future and just breathe! Mix a couple of drops with some carrier oil and anoint your wrists and heart to lift anything that could be holding you back.

For another new year article check this out: 2015! The Universal Number of 8! and also stay tuned for my Chinese Year of the Goat post in mid February.

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

2015! The Universal Number of 8!

Posted on December 31, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

2015! The Universal Number of 8!

Last year I wrote about the number 7 in regards to the numerology of 2014 – The Universal Number of 7! In this article I wrote about meeting a numerologist and apart from being totally wonderful and charming, she was very insistent I write about the number 7. So following on from that meeting lets see what’s in store for us next year.

In numerology the number 8 represents where we are in our journey, through the cycle of 1 to 9. So with 2015, equaling 8, we are almost at the end of the cycle.

I’ve always associated the number 8 with abundance and money, but the more I read about it the more I realise these are simplifications. There are many kinds of numerology out there and just as many interpretations, so what I can gather about the number 8 and our year in 2015 is:

* 8 is as much about karmic balance and the Law of Cause and effect than it is about money

* the energy of the infinity sign gives us strength and allows us to express our leadership qualities

* we are confident and fair to others

* we can access our personal power (without too much ego) which can not only help others but can also help us reap the benefits of the past 7 years of hard work

* we may have more abundance and money in our lives but it is less important to us than before

* the number 8 is about balance and a greater expression of money vs abundance

* if we are truly living up to the number 8 we can feel and express the need to help those around us

Infinity – also called the Holy Lemniscate

So what essential oils can we use to meld with the number 8?

Australian sandalwood – pic via watoday.com.au

1. Sandalwood (Indian or Australian)

– see the needs of the many are met through social awareness throughout the world

– feel your spirit rise within you and overflow to help those in need

Cypress

2. Cypress

– inspiration and creativity without the need for ego

– clarity and worldliness, softness

Patchouli leaf - pic via www.vanaroma.com

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

3. Patchouli

– world peace

– connect to mother earth

Hairy vetiver root

4. Vetiver

– tranquility, abundance

Rosewood in it’s natural habitat – with a ficus growing on it – pic via essentialoilslondon.com

5. Rosewood

– flow of love through the heart chakra

– true “affluence” (meaning “to flow”)

– this is an endangered tree so please see my article Rosewood – A Story of Ecology and Conservation for more info

– Indian rosewood could be used vin its place – Dalbergia sissoo I MUST Have You!

Crystal quartz for clarity

Lets use some crystal quartz for clarity in 2015 too.

Good luck.

Best wishes.

PEACE.

See you next year.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 2

Posted on December 24, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 2 – Unashamedly a Re-Blog From Last Year!

The 12 Days of Christmas folk song – pic via wikipedia.org

We’ve covered the first 6 days of Christmas so strap yourself in for the last 6 days! And I’ve just realised that I haven’t used the classic Christmas oils of frankincense and myrrh. As with part one I’ve taken each verse and created an oil blend for you to scent your home. To scent you own space I recommend 25 drops of essential oil, and you can use a traditional oil burner with a candle, an electric vapouriser, or for a quick and easy result put 25 drops of oil into a bowl and pour boiling water over it and leave it to stand – instant aromatherapy!

The song continues …..

7 Swans swimming by Tracy Watt - pic via www.redbubble.com

7 Swans swimming by Tracy Watt – pic via http://www.redbubble.com

7. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans-a-swimming serenely in a lake. I’ve always imagined the swans to be black, regal, beautiful.

“Seven Swans a-Swimming”

Inspiration – serenity, flow, calm

Frankincense 12 drops

Lavender 6 drops

Clary Sage 3 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

8 maids milking – pic via staceyreid.com

8. Then on day eight the maids finally got some fresh milk so we could all have coffee and hot chocolate and make cakes and Christmassy things. These gifts from my true love just keep getting better!

“8 Maids-a-Milking”

Inspiration – nurturing, warmth, sustenance, compassion for our animal friends

Fennel 7 drops

Myrrh 4 drops

Nutmeg 4 drops

Rosewood 10 drops

Ok this is where it gets tricky. Some versions say its 9 drummers drumming, others say its 9 ladies dancing so I’m going to go with the majority of all the English versions and say it’s the drummers. Most of the American versions seem to have the drummers up last but it makes sense because the drummers are starting to call the tribe to dance. From verses 9 – 12 it’s all quite different. My Mum also thought it was 9 drummers drumming but my Dad didn’t know. As Janet Jackson says in Nasty Boys – “Give me a beat”. The party has started!

Wikipedia says

The gifts associated with the final four days are often reordered. Most often, this involves placing the ladies and lords earlier (on days nine and ten), and the musicians later (on days eleven and twelve).

So I reckon the music must come first!

The Drummer - was there 9 or 12? pic via www.krinklesonline.com

The Drummer – was there 9 or 12? pic via http://www.krinklesonline.com

9. Clearly my true love wanted to dance because the drummers came along to start the party

“9 Drummers Drumming”

Inspiration – rhythm of life, coming together as one

Tea Tree 6 drops

Clove 6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

Pipers are piping – pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

10. And now that the drummers have given us a beat, come in pipers! (Even though the American version says it’s 11 pipers piping, I’m sticking with the English version).

“10 Pipers Piping”

Inspiration – harmony, party, fun

Lemon 15 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Peppermint 4 drops

11 ladies dancing - pic via www.ffmcontheweb.com

11 ladies dancing – pic via http://www.ffmcontheweb.com

11. Ok it’s all gone haywire now. The ladies have hit the dance floor (or is it the drummers or the pipers or the lords?)

“11 Ladies Dancing”

Inspiration – femininity, celebrating the sisterhood, release of the old

Petitgrain 15 drops

Spikenard 4 drops

Thyme 2 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Lords are leaping -but how many? pic via www.neatoshop.com

Lords are leaping – but how many? pic via http://www.neatoshop.com

12. And once again it could be 10 lords that are leaping, but I’m going with 12 this time around. At any rate – let them leap! Let’s all leap into a wonderful end of year celebration, so whether you’re into Christmas or not, please be thankful for this interesting life. Bring on 2014 (sounds SO futuristic).

“12 Lords-a-leaping”

Inspiration – carefreeness, freedom, comradeship

Basil 8 drops

Citronella 8 drops

Lime 9 drops

Get your essential oils working for you this festive season, they will bring charm and kindness into your life. They will allow you to open to the infinite wisdom of the universe and help others to do the same.

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

Festivus for the Rest of Us!

Posted on December 22, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

Festivus for the Rest of Us! Unashamedly a Re-Blog from Last Year!

Festivus for the Rest of Us! pic via thewordzombie.com

I’ve always loved Seinfeld (the comedy show), and its whacky way of looking at the world. This is one on the hundreds of moments that have stayed with me, and Wikipedia sums it up perfectly:

” Festivus, a well-celebrated parody, has become a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 which serves as an alternative to participating in the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas holiday season.

Originally a family tradition of scriptwriter Dan O’Keefe working on the American sitcom Seinfeld, the holiday entered popular culture after it was made the focus of a 1997 episode of the program.The holiday’s celebration, as it was shown on Seinfeld, includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum “Festivus pole,” practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength,” and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles.”

The episode refers to it as “a Festivus for the rest of us”, referencing its non-commercial aspect. It has also been described as a “parody holiday festival” and as a form of playful consumer resistance.”

So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or any other tradition that I don’t know about; or you prefer not to celebrate any of these, there is always Festivus to bring us all together. It’s nearly the end of the year so basically let’s all come together and celebrate that.

So here’s a few essential oil recipes to scent your home and which I feel reflect the true meaning of Festivus.

Scent Your Space – In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

The Festivus Pole

1. The Festivus Pole

Inspiration: clean lines, modernism, clarity

Petitgrain 10 drops

Black Pepper 8 drops

Clary Sage 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 5 drops

Happy Festivus! pic via thewildheartrocks.wordpress.com

2. The Airing of Grievances

Inspiration: truth, honesty, flow of energy, detox, communication

Frankincense 10 drops

Sage 4 drops

Cardamom 4 drops

Orange 7 drops

Feats of Strength – Festivus isn’t over until someone gets pinned. pic via zazzle.com

3. Feats of Strength

Inspiration; strength, fun and games, masculinity, flexibility

Sandalwood Australian 8 drops

Geranium 5 drops

Lemongrass 5 drops

Palmarosa 7 drops

I hope you have enjoyed this year on earth and you better get ready for 2015 because we are called to make a difference, to evolve. In the words of the great Bob Marley:

“One world, one love, let’s get together and feel alright”

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 1

Posted on December 17, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 1 – Unashamedly a Re-Blog From Last Year!

The 12 Days of Christmas folk song – pic via wikipedia.org

Thought to be of French and English origin this little ditty is called a cumulative song where we build a verse on top of another verse. Its origins lay in France but it was popularised in England in the 1700’s. There is all sorts of information attached to where the lyrics came from and they are all very different but what I know is that even though I might not remember all the 12 gifts my true love gave to me, I sure do know “a partridge in a pear tree”. There also seems to be a lot game birds in this song too but I’m a vegetarian …..

I’ve taken each verse and created an oil blend for you to scent your home. To scent you own space I recommend 25 drops of essential oil, and you can use a traditional oil burner with a candle, an electric vapouriser, or for a quick and easy result put 25 drops of oil into a bowl and pour boiling water over it and leave it to stand – instant aromatherapy!

Partridge in a Pear Tree - pic via www.pspassociation.org.uk

Partridge in a Pear Tree – pic via http://www.pspassociation.org.uk

1. On the first day of Christmas I got a partridge in a pear tree (lucky me).

“A Partridge in a Pear Tree”

Inspiration – contentment, attuning to nature, simplicity

Orange 10 drops

Black Spruce 8 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 4 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

2 Turtle Doves -pic via blupenny.com

2. On the second day of Christmas I received 2 turtle doves.

” 2 Turtle Doves”

Inspiration – love, partnership, courtship, romance

Petitgrain 9 drops

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Rose Geranium 4 drops

Fennel 4 drops

3 french hens - pic via www.booksillustrated.com

3 french hens – pic via http://www.booksillustrated.com

3. On the third day of Christmas I was fortunate to have three french hens come into my life.

” 3 French Hens”

Inspiration – creativity, working together, friendship, loyalty

Lemongrass 7 drops

Lime 8 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Sage 4 drops

4 Colly Birds – pic via nostalgicallyyours.blogspot.com –

4. Then unexpectedly on day four, four colly birds swooped me! Those naughty French thrushes!

“4 Colly Birds”

Inspiration – lots of choice, abundance, laughing with friends

Palmarosa 8 drops

Sandalwood (Australian) 6 drops

Mandarin 11 drops

5 gold rings - pic via www.beverlybremer.com

5 gold rings – pic via http://www.beverlybremer.com

5. Here’s the good present – five gold rings (or is it golden)?

“5 Gold Rings”

Inspiration – infinity, universal love, wishes coming true, prosperity

May Chang 6 drops

Cardamom 6 drops

Cypress 13 drops

6 Geese laying – pic via ronwalls.blogspot.com –

6. I’m running out of room in my backyard for the six geese who are laying eggs!

“6 Geese a-Laying”

Inspiration – happiness, maternal love, caring for others, willingness to share

Peru Balsam 10 drops

Spearmint 8 drops

Lavender 7 drops

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.

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

And the Winners Are ……

Posted on December 15, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

And the Winners Are ……

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Just in time for Christmas the winners of the “Win My Book” competition are

1. Diana

and

2. Ella

I’ll be in touch to get your address.

Thanks everyone for participating, I’ll hold another one soon.

The Highs and The Lows – Which Essential Oils to Use

Posted on December 10, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

The Highs and The Lows – Which Essential Oils to Use

ENERGY!

In Sydney the past week we have had stinking hot days with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Pretty much everyday, and it’s been really full on too.

Thunder!

Lightening!

Rain!

Hail!

More Rain!

Apparently it’s due to slow moving low pressure troughs. OK.

So I was thinking it’s the same in life. One moment it’s sunny, bright, happy and beachy; the next it’s an explosion of emotional energy just like thunder. Anger, anguish, uncertainty, pain, sadness …. and so much more.

Happy!

Essential Oils for The High Times

Since you’re already feeling so wonderful about everything essential oils can help ground you, or even add to the good vibes.

If you’re a bit on the manic side you may need essential oils to even you out, and help you feel more connected to the earth:

Patchouli – peace, connection to Mother Earth

Vetiver – calming, grounding, cooling

Bergamot – clear headedness

Cedarwood Virginian – smooth your energy, slow down

Lavender – strength and solidarity

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

I’d recommend a body oil to even out your energetic surges, and keep you hydrated, smooth and soft.

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.

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”

“Tall Tree”

You can get all rustley and fun but stay connected to the ground so you don’t fly away –

Bergamot 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

Not going anywhere …

Essential Oils for The Low Times

Depression. Sadness. Grief. Heaviness. Lack. Despair.

These emotions are hard to deal with and I know if you are feeling them, then it’s highly likely you won’t have the energy to treat yourself with an oil. But I’m going list them anyway.

Basil – open up your mind

Lemon – refresh and reload your energy

Geranium – cheeriness, happiness

Palmarosa – flexibility

Cypress – away from ego into spirit

For you, all you have to do is open up a bottle and have a sniff.

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds – but don’t overdo it!

Essential oils are your scented support system. Love them and use them ad be transformed!

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out some pics of the Sydney storms here.

Dalbergia sissoo I MUST Have You!

Posted on December 8, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

Dalbergia sissoo I MUST Have You!

The gorgeous tree Dalbergia sissoo - pic via www.mswn.com

The gorgeous tree Dalbergia sissoo – pic via http://www.mswn.com

While searching for supplies of Rosewood essential oil – Aniba roseaodora, I found this!

Called Indian Rosewood, it

“is an evergreen rosewood tree, also known as sisu, sheesham, tahli, Tali and also Irugudujava. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southern Iran. In Persian, it is called Jag. It is the state tree of Punjab state (India) and the provincial tree of Punjab province (Pakistan).” Wikipedia

I’m a bit excited because I didn’t know an essential oil was produced from this tree and it’s the first essential oil that I know of that comes from a plant in the “Fabaceae” family and the Dalbergia genus. This family is the legume or pea family of trees, and is the 3rd largest family of plants on earth. It is found in tropical and subtropical climates and is widely distributed in Pakistan and India, Iraq, Afghanistan and even Kenya and Tanzania.

The leaf and pod of Sissoo

The scent is quite similar to Rosewood, and what makes this essential oil so important is that Aniba roseaodora is still under threat, and supplies of the oil and wood are severely limited. To read more about Rosewood see my article “Rosewood – A Story of Ecology and Conservation”. While we are waiting for sustainable Rosewood trees to mature, this Indian Rosewood can be the savior.

The most information I can find out about the typical analysis of the essential oil of Indian Rosewood is that it is high in linalool, which is found in many plants and essential oils including lavender, basil, cinnamon and palmarosa just to name a few. It usually lends a floral scent to an oil, but of course that is an over simplification. So we can assume this Indian Rosewood is relaxing and could be used in place of traditional Brazilian Rosewood.

The scent is a little spicier than Rosewood, but has very similar sweet, rosey notes too.

The heartwood – pic via wood-database.com

I’ve also found an interesting database for woods which includes Dalbergia sissoo, which lists lots of other Dalbergia plants too. Many of the other related species are from tropical climates all over the world. Check it out here.

I have also found an article on the various medicinal uses of the plant which include:

* using the crushed leaf in boiling water to remove dandruff – Pakistan

* leaf juice used for eye and skin ailments in Ayurveda

* again the juice of the leaf proved to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic

Check out more info “DALBERGIA SISSOO DC AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT”.

I am reluctant to give you recipes until I’ve used the oil myself, but in the meantime, get excited! I’m looking forward to talking more about this oil in the future.

Thanks scent lovers!

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