10 Recipes with Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens

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10 Recipes with Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens

Cypress is a conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family

Cypress is a conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family

I love this oil!

Clean, crisp, light and green, the essential oil of Cypress takes us back to the time of stories in religious books – the Bible, The Torah and many others we have probably never seen. It is an old family of trees and shrubs and there are many species spanning the globe. These wonderful trees have been known to last thousands of years (the word sempervirens means “ever-living” says Aromatherapist Salvatore Battaglia), and according to Wikipedia this cypress is …

“also known as Italian, Tuscan, or Graveyard Cypress, or Pencil Pine) is a species of cypressnative to the eastern Mediterranean region, in northeast Libya, southern Albania, southeast Greece (Crete, Rhodes), southern Turkey, Cyprus, Northern Egypt, western Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Malta, Italy, western Jordan, and also a disjunct population in Iran.”

In Australia we have a cypress that is called Australian Blue Cypress, which has a deep blue hue to the essential oil. It is a different species to the classic cypress used in Aromatherapy, and you can read more about it here.

Ok so in Aromatherapy cypress is used

* to release excess water from the body

* to tonify veins

* help the symptoms of coughs and lung disorders like asthma and bronchitis

I like to use this oil to expand consciousness and help someone move from ego into spirit. It has a wonderful quality to help us move through overwhelming human situations, allowing us to see the truth.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Oils are nourishing for your body

Oils are nourishing for your body

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. 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”

“Lovely Legs”

Help the noticeable veins be less noticeable –

Cypress                            3 drops

Lavender                           3 drops

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


“Tone”

Feel a little more pulled-together –

Cypress               3 drops

Mandarin             3 drops

Juniper                2 drops


“I Need a Miracle”

Cypress                2 drops

Petitgrain              2 drops

Geranium              2 drops

Rosewood            2 drops


“Ancient Knowledge”

Cypress                     2 drops

Sandalwood Indian    2 drops

Orange                      4 drops


 

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

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

2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

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

“Renew My Vibe”

Cypress        12 drops

Lemongrass   6 drops

Lime               6 drops

Rosemary       3 drops


“I’m Expecting a Miracle Here”

Cypress        10 drops

Bergamot       8 drops

Marjoram       4 drops

Cinnamon      3 drops


“Get Outta My Way (Very Subtlely)”

Cypress                  8 drops

Ylang Ylang            8 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    4 drops

Palmarosa               4 drops


 

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

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

3. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Crisp Day”

Cypress      2 drops

May chang  1 drop


 

“Cool Night”

Cypress         1 drop

Peru Balsam  1 drop

Lemon           1 drop


“Just for Me”

Cypress      1 drop

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


 

 

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

copryright SR Banks

 

 

 

Dharma & Work

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Chapter 8

Dharma & Work

Another look in between the covers of my book

What we do every day has far reaching energetic waves

What we do every day has far-reaching energetic waves

Have you ever heard the word dharma before? It is a Sanskrit word and it denotes, not only our jobs and work, but where we fit in the world and how we achieve our spirit’s desires.

“It can include religion, social justice, jobs, awareness, thoughts and deeds, and relates to our true place in the cosmic process. It means more than what we do for work, it speaks to the more profound meaning of our souls”

Suzanne

 

To find your true place in the world start using essential oils. The practice of aromatherapy will help you open your upper chakras to divine intelligence, and allow you to fulfill your destiny (by giving you the confidence to move beyond your perceived limits).

If you are actually looking for a new job, add a few drops of essential oils to your job hunting exercises and allow your ego to step back. Add your intention and trust the perfect job is already there for you – just catch up to it!

Black pepper

Black pepper

Black pepper

This wonderful spice makes a beautiful essential oil, and although you may need to take care with the amounts you use (too much can harm the skin), don’t be afraid to take a whiff from the bottle, add it to your vapouriser, or put a couple of drops into an oil blend for your body.

Black pepper is all about taking action. it will help you gain courage to pursue your dreams!


“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives”

Annie Dillard, Author


 

So how do you spend your days? In a job you hate, desperate for each holiday, but you’re hanging in there because the money is good?

Or are you throwing away the demands and expectations of western society and pursuing your dreams, so in turn you may inspire others to do the same? This may sound selfish but in doing this you are adding another extra surge of energy to our evolution.

Petitgrain is a green citrus with an uplifting scent

Petitgrain is a green citrus with an uplifting scent

Petitgrain

Petitgrain is also an oil of happiness as it helps relieve anxiety and tension. To me it is the promise of good things to come.

“When you can be a bit more relaxed about the search for your purpose in this world, more opportunities will present themselves to you. Find new opportunities, new projects, new thoughts and feelings, new rituals and a new outlook with petitgrain”

Suzanne

Please spend your days, or at least some time each day, with your true desires to be revealed to you through your work. Sometimes it may just be the case of renewed passion for the job you currently have – and then its easy! By using essential oils daily, the scent will transform your soul and you will have no choice but to follow your dreams.

To find out what other oils can help you find your dharma, click on one of the links below.

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK

Thanks everyone.

copryright SR Banks

Scents for the Spring/Autumn Equinox

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Scents for the Spring/Autumn Equinox

Sorry I’m a week too late for the equinox but it’s never too late to start using essential oils.

So for some of us its spring. Yay for us!

Beautiful spring blossoms

Beautiful spring blossoms

Which oils are our oils?

Jasmine

sweet syrupy floral, deep base scent, sensuality and sexuality, promise of good things to come

This is the perfect oil for spring as it bursts forth heralding the last of winter. When I see the jasmine starting to come alive on the streets of Sydney I get very, very excited. I’m happy because I know the scent will surround me, and I’m happy because winter has gone. Bye. See ya. Don’t come back for at least another year.

The great thing about jasmine oil is that you’ll usually find it in a 3% dilution (mainly due to the fact that is an expensive oil to make). This means use it straight from the bottle as a perfume and bewitch the world with your feminine wiles! See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.


 

Lemongrass

sticky lemon scent with a grassy twist, energising, happiness, let’s go summer!

I love lemongrass as it’s inexpensive, can be found almost anywhere, and gives us a bit of extra energy. Perfect for shaking of the winter blahs.

The best way to use lemongrass to increase your energy level is to make a 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”)

try

Lemongrass                   3 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan   2 drops

Orange                           2 drops


 

And for others it’s autumn. Yay for you!

The stunning rich tones of autumn

The stunning rich tones of autumn

Which oils are your oils?

Fennel

liquorice type scent, be kind to yourself, self nourishment, warm and calming

Fennel is a beautiful oil to embrace in autumn when the vegetable is in season too. It is an oil that’s great for warming and helping digestion, and for deconstructing chest catarrh. It also has a very soft and calming feel to it and works well with so many different oils.

Try scenting your space by putting 25 drops of oil into a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser.

try

Fennel        8  drops

Bergamot  12 drops

Geranium    5 drops


Frankincense

clear and crisp scent, induces deeper slower breathing, gently calm down after a lovely summer

Frankincense helps us look within and be calm. Take some deep breaths of the cooling autumn air to let your body know winter is coming. It is a time of being thankful for the lovely summer, and to plant spiritual seeds for the future. Invite meditation into your space with an aura cleansing mist containing frankincense.

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

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

try

Frankincense      14 drops

Mandarin             7 drops

Patchouli             4 drops


 

 

Lavender is the most versatile essential oil we have and it can be used all through the year

Lavender is the most versatile essential oil we have and it can be used all through the year

And of course use lavender all year round!

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks

 

 

Love

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

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Chapter 7

Love

Another look in between the covers of my book

 

Heart is the symbol for all love

Heart is the symbol for all love

Essential oils for love could be any oil you like really. In my book I have listed some oils in the section for love that inspire and move me to feel more open and compassionate. Love is a small word for a big concept ….

“Any of the oils I relate to love, can be used on any level of intention – personal to universal, micro to macro. And you must remember to use your intention to invoke feelings through the essential oils. This also gives you more of  choice when creating a potion. if you really love, love, love lemongrass oil, why not use it to inspire romance (even if its traditional use is quite different?). ”

 

That’s me quoting myself. Hehehehe

 

So here’s a couple of oils I associate with love.

A jasmine blossom in Sydney - pic by me

A jasmine blossom in Sydney – pic by me

Jasmine

sensuality

Ah the sweet scent of jasmine rides on the promise of spring. The world opens up to us again after winter with this little white blossom that contains powerful data.

“One sniff, one drop, will bring to the surface your desires for love and intimate connection with another.”

 

Yep I’m quoting myself again …….

Jasmine is a very basey smelling oil, and this deep syrupy scent can stir your 2nd chakra – the energy centre for sexual desire. You will most likely find this oil in a 3% blend so it’s perfect to use straight from the bottle as a perfume. See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

 

Palmarosa is a grass similar to lemongrass

Palmarosa is a grass similar to lemongrass

Palmarosa

new ideas about love

“If you desire a new romantic partner, but your methods to date are not really working, give palmarosa a go in a mist or moisturiser. Maybe you need some new ideas about love and romance? Perhaps you need to look at how you love yourself, so someone else can too?”

 

Another quote from my book

 

Palmarosa belongs to the Poaceae family that includes lemongrass and citronella. It is very interesting to note that the scents of lemon and rose are quite closely linked. So when you smell citronella you can detect the geraniol in it as well as the limonene. Palmarosa is more rosey scented, but still has a tart undercurrent of grass. When I think of palmarosa I think “flexibilty”.

Mmmmmm sweet love hearts

Mmmmmm sweet love hearts

Love, love, love. It’s a big topic and includes so many aspects and angles. Maybe you are trying to express more love to those around you.

Maybe you need to love yourself more.

Maybe you just want a lover.

Wherever you stand in your life, essential oils will help you open to become a channel for the oneness of the universe.

To find out what other oils I include in the Love chapter of my book, click on one of these links.

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK

Thanks x

copryright SR Banks

 

 

 

Palo Santo – I Tried to Like You But I Didn’t, Sorry

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

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Palo Santo – I Tried to Like You But I Didn’t, Sorry

The spindly tree Palo Santo pic via blessyourbody.com

The spindly tree Palo Santo

About this time last year, Palo Santo popped into my world. Within a week or two, a friend had asked about it and one of my readers here on the blog also mentioned it in one of her blends. I’d never used it nor had I really heard much about this oil. So my interest was sparked and I did a bit of research to find –

* it belongs to the Family “Burseraceae” of which frankincense and myrrh also belong, and it definitely shows in its form and the fact that it’s a desert dwelling tree and looks just like a frankincense or myrrh tree

* according to Wikipedia the Burseraceae family has also been called the incense tree family

* its sort of like the South American sandalwood, as the scented wood is used to make incense and of course essential oil

* it is used in the Americas more than in Europe or Asia

* it has been used for healing in communities in South American countries for many years and has a strong place in their folklore too

* spiritual and healing ceremonies often used the smoke of the burning wood to purify bad or stagnating energy (similar to indigenous Australians using tea tree branches, and Native American Indians using sage for smudging)

* my friend who studied in Thailand was told it was good for increasing sexual drive and raising kundalini

The dried wood can be burnt directly

The dried wood can be burnt directly

“It is widely used in folk medicine for stomach ache, as sudorific, and as liniment for rheumatism. Aged heartwood is rich in terpenes such as limonene and α-terpineol.”  Wikipedia

As it is very high in limonene one would expect a lemon scent (if only slightly), but the mix of molecules makes for a very deep, earthy, heady scent indeed!

I bought a couple of bottles from a small environmentally focused company in Ecuador and I was feeling very international and slightly self-important when I placed the order. I was excited to receive and smell this intriguing oil of history and healing in many South American cultures including Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, and on the Galapagos islands.

Then it arrived. It probably didn’t help that I was unwell at the time. I ripped open the bag to find a cute little wooden box. Opened the box, cracked the lid, took a huge whiff and almost vomited. It has an earthy, rich, almost truffle scent, which is pungent and warm.

I could end the story right there, but I put it away in the oil cupboard until my friend dropped in for a blend. A week or two later she came by to collect her bottle of oil (she had actually experienced this oil in a yoga teacher training place in Thailand!)

She was excited. I wasn’t.

50 ml bespoke body oil made by me

50 ml bespoke body oil made by me

I made her oil blend and put 6 drops of Palo Santo in 150mls with a few other oils. Months later she reported that her body oil blend was beautiful, but now I’m scarred for life!

The weather is warming up and I’ve started to smell the Palo Santo wafting from my studio. It has managed to penetrate the triple bubble wrapping.

It is POWERFUL.

Use with caution!

Ay comments on this interesting oil are welcomed.

copryright SR Banks

 

 

Abundance

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

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Chapter 6

Abundance

Another look in between the covers of my book

 

Abundant energy sustains us

Abundant energy sustains us

 

Abundance is one of those words that has become very well used in the past few years, along with manifestation and a few others. This is a great thing because it brings consciousness into popular culture, and allows everyday people to get a glimpse at the true nature of life. Not everyone is attuned to higher consciousness, but I’m hoping this wave of awareness will not only continue, but also grow until we have taken a huge leap in evolution.

So basically the way to abundance is through gratitude. When you are thankful, it makes you feel good. When you feel good your energetic presence resonates with happiness, which draws good tidings toward you. When good things happen to you because you have opened your field of focus, you will have more to be grateful for, and the upward spiral of thankfulness allows you to see abundance in the smallest of things.

Be thankful to open the floodgates of abundance

Be thankful to open the floodgates of abundance

 

Essential oils can help support you on your journey to abundance. Well actually, you already are abundant, essential oils will allow you to acknowledge this within and around you. How? Their scent and energy will enhance your ability to see beauty, because they simply exist as beautiful representations of the world around us.

You may choose to have a daily ritual of giving thanks, which will set your entire being into an abundant energy field. It doesn’t have to be long or arduous to give great results!

Fresh clean inspiring pine

Fresh clean inspiring pine

Pine

“abundance through others

 

Pine’s fresh clean scent is exhilarating and inspirational. Have you ever had the experience of standing in the middle of a cluster of pines? It can be a silent, uplifting moment of clarity. Pine offers abundance in every drop. There is enough sunlight, oxygen, love, joy and money for everyone and by having more of these things doesn’t necessarily mean you will be taking away from another. The more beauty you have in your life, the more you will be able to share. I use pine oil when I am stuck; when I need to get moving, and as a way to allow myself to be showered by the abundance of another person. We are not in this life alone, and sometimes abundance may be presented to us by someone else.”

 

Myrrh in its natural form before it undergoes steam distillation to produce an essential oil

Myrrh in its natural form before it undergoes steam distillation to produce an essential oil

Myrrh

“heals deep wounds of the past

 

Energetically, I use myrrh to conjure enthusiasm for life, when I’m finding it difficult to see the abundance and positive flow of energy around me. I use myrrh when I feel like nothing is going my way. Myrrh is the healer of deep wounds of the past, providing a new start to creating your life and rising to your destiny.”

 

Be thankful. Great things will come of it.

 

copryright SR Banks

3 Essential Oils to Help You Stop Obsessing About Something

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

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3 Essential Oils to Help you Stop Obsessing About Something

 

An over-thinking mind can create even more stress

An over-thinking mind can create even more stress

Have you ever had an argument, an altercation with someone, a problem at work, a nasty email or letter, a bitchy comment on social media? One that you can’t seem to shake?

Sometimes we find ourselves obsessing about these kinds of human issues, and we can’t seem to let go of them. We replay the situation over and over in our minds. This leads to invoking the emotional response all through the body, which then brings back the same angst as if the situation had just occurred.

So then our body hitches a ride with our mind, and they feed off each other leading to a continual circle of stress, elevating all our stress responses in the body; which keep the mind fueled to keep on re-hashing the same thing.

Basically it’s a stress response which is harmful to us as a whole when it keeps going, and going, and going.

Break the chains of stress pic via ww.laffeycomputer.com

Break the chains of stress pic via ww.laffeycomputer.com

Breaking the cycle of stress can be a little easier with essential oils and hopefully you’ll be able to stop yourself from even starting next time. Sniffing an essential oil will change your focus in a matter of seconds, which is enough space for you to take back your power over a detrimental negative state.

Try these oils by having a sniff straight from the bottle. be careful not to over expose yourself to the oils as they can create headaches. Alternatively scent your space with a traditional oil burner or diffuser which will be a more gentle way to come down.

Lavender gives you strength

Lavender gives you strength

1. Lavender

To me lavender is the oil of solidarity. It not only helps relieve stress but its ancient herbal magic can really help you relax, revive and regain strength.

A few drops in the bottom of the shower will help cleanse and fortify you with a little calm thrown in for good measure.

Lavender’s purple colour is the colour of the Third Eye and Crown chakras, opening you to the abundant intelligence of the universe.

 

Lemon - gorgeous simplicity

Lemon – gorgeous simplicity

2. Lemon

Lemon essential oil is simply wonderful. Lemon is light and sparkly and lovely and it’s refreshing too. It helps you reload the page of your mind and refresh the content.

This oil is perfect for a whiff straight from the bottle.

The yellow colour of lemons relates to the Solar Plexus chakra which is the energy centre of desiring good things for ourselves (including good feelings!).

 

The blue of german chamomile looks a bit like this - pic via s296.photobucket.com

The blue of German chamomile looks a bit like this

 

3. German Chamomile

When the petite German chamomile flower is distilled a chemical component is change into chamazulene which gives it a deep blue colour. This chamomile is an anti-inflammatory oil and is often found in a 3% dilution as it’s quite expensive.

This essential oil will help you chill out and it would be perfect as a drop on your wrists, heart or throat so its steady evaporation will keep you stay calm too. You will find a chance here in this space, to release tension and stressful thoughts and feelings. You will be able to be aware of the thoughts you no longer need.

The deep blue of German chamomile relates to the heart chakra, stimulating you to open your heart energy and infuse compassion into the situation you want to release.

yum!

yum!

So if you have one of those moments when you keep replaying that movie over and over again in your mind. Grab an essential oil and have a whiff to help change your focus and reclaim your power and energy from the situation.

If you don’t have an essential oil, sniff a piece of citrus fruit or cut of some of rind and squeeze it all around you to release the essential oils from the skin. Actually why not just eat it first and THEN sniff the skin.

If you can’t find a piece of citrus fruit, smell a sweet flower walking down the street or open some spice jars and sniff the good stuff – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger …………..

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks

 

10 Recipes with Vetiver Essential Oil

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

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10 Recipes with Vetiver Essential Oil

 

Hairy vetiver root
Hairy vetiver root

Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides) is steam distilled from the root or “rhizome” of the plant. As you can see from the pic above the rhizome is hairy and fine, exposing as much surface area as possible to the surrounding soil. This scent of vetiver is similar to damp soil, although this is a simplification. It is an essential oil that is used extensively in perfume as a “fixative”; bringing all the scents together and binding or fixing them into a cohesive blend. It is used in many scents for men due it’s strong, deep, smoky aroma- but having said that it is also used in women’s perfumes too.

less IS more via zazzle.com
less IS more via zazzle.com

In aromatherapy it is therapeutically used for many things, and is also used the bind a formula together. I would use 1 drop of vetiver in a formula to make this possible. The most important thing to remember about vetiver is that the scent is so strong, less is more!

One drop is enough in a small oil blend for your body.

Vetiver is sometimes referred to as “The Oil of Tranquility”, especially in India where it is commonly used, and produced. If you just remember this little phrase you will automatically know what to use vetiver oil for – relaxing, de-stressing and being tranquil. It can also be used in hair care and skincare as a moisturiser for dryness.

Let’s check out some recipes;

1. Nourishing Body Oil

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”

“Crocodile Skin”

Remove the scaliness –

Lavender      3 drops

Palmarosa   3 drops

Vetiver         1 drop


“Softly, Gently”

Calm yourself down by oiling yourself up –

Lemon             3 drops

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

Vetiver               1 drop


“Head in the Clouds”

Bring yourself down to earth and get “grounded” –

Lemongrass                     3 drops

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

Vetiver                              1 drop


2. Hair Mask

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

Rosemary   2 drops

Lavender    2 drops

Orange       2 drops

Vetiver        2 drops


3. Scent Your Space

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

“Slow it Down Sister”

Chill, be calm

Marjoram    8 drops

Mandarin    8 drops

Spearmint   7 drops

Vetiver        2 drops


“Kids. Driving. Me. Nuts. Help”

Petitgrain                   10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    6 drops

Peru Balsam                6 drops

Vetiver                         3 drops


4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

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

“Givin Myself Some Room”

Allow time to relax –

Rosewood         8 drops

Bergamot          8  drops

Ylang Ylang       4  drops

Cinnamon         4 drops

Vetiver               1 drop


“Serenity NOW!”

Orange                           10 drops

Rose Geranium               8 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan    5 drops

Vetiver                             2 drops


“Sweet Sleep”

Lavender    9 drops

Lime           8 drops

Marjoram    6 drops

Vetiver        2 drops


 

5. Soak in a bath

I don’t often recommend adding too many essential oils to a bath as they are difficult to disperse and can cause minor skin irritations when combined with the heat of the water. If you do like to use them in a bath, try 4 -6 drops in total and add the drops to another medium like sea salt, coconut milk, other milks or a water dispersible agent.

“Finally Me Time”

Frankincense   3 drops

Vetiver             1 drop


Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks

Happiness

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


Chapter 4

Happiness

Another look in between the covers of my book

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

 

Chapter 4

Happiness

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions”

14th and present Dalai  Lama

 

Sometimes the word happiness freaks people out. I don’t know why. I know all my readers here on the blog are already connected to a higher purpose and realise that happiness is actually a sate of being, achieved by actually practising the art of happiness. I suppose it’s like the chicken and the egg – which came first? Happiness or being happy? Hmmmm…….

In my book, I talk about oils that I believe can inspire happiness, because when you smell them they make you smile and breathe a sigh of relief. Sometimes the energetic field of an essential oil can make you perk up too.

Oranges and orange oil can make you happy!

Oranges and orange oil can make you happy!

A quote from my book:

“Orange

innocence, sweet simplicity

 

A sweet way to view life is with a drop of orange oil. Children particularly love this oil, so it must resonate with innocence and simplicity. Children are wonderful at being able to grasp the big concepts in life without the boring little details. If you want to see the world through a child’s eyes, with a sense of fun and without clutter, use essential oil of orange. Orange oil will add sweetness to your potion too, so don’t be afraid to use it lavishly.”

 

When you open a bottle of orange oil is does make you smile, and it’s so true to the fruit its wonderful. There are many oils I list as happiness oils and each lend their own energy to giving you a burst of sunshine when you need it most.

 

 

It's hard to tell the difference between spearmint and peppermint just by looking at it - by scent its easy!

It’s hard to tell the difference between spearmint and peppermint just by looking at it – by scent its easy!

A quote from my book

“Spearmint

lighten up

 

Spearmint gets a bad wrap and always comes second to peppermint. Spearmint is another essential oil used as a flavouring and it is mostly found in chewing gum and toothpaste. Try and look beyond its limited uses and embrace the softness of this gorgeous oil.

To me, spearmint is a lot less intense than peppermint and it works well with other oils in moisturiser blends. Bring a sense of playfulness into your day by taking a huge sniff of spearmint oil. Use it when you find yourself clenching your jaw and generally being too serious about things. When you lighten up and put everything into perspective, happiness flows more easily.”

 

There are so many more oils I attribute to bringing happiness, and you probably have your own too! To find out what other oils I have on my happiness list check my book out using these links:

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK

 

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

copryright SR Banks

 

There’s More Than One Eucalyptus Oil!

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


 

There’s More Than One Eucalyptus Oil!

Eucalyptus globulus - pic via www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

Eucalyptus globulus – pic via http://www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

 

I love Eucalyptus!

1. Eucalyptus globulus

This eucalyptus tree – the “blue gum” – is the one most used to produce the essential oil. According to Wikipedia it’s also called the Tasmanian Blue Gum or Southern Blue Gum too. You are probably going to get Eucalyptus globulus when you buy eucalyptus oil. This oil is sharp, strong, clean and fresh and is the classic, most identifiable eucalyptus scent.This oil has been produced for nearly a century and the main production now comes from China. There are many of these trees in the USA too and other warm climates. The tree is easily able to adapt, and because of this it has been the most planted eucalyptus tree in the world.

Eucalyptus radiata

Eucalyptus radiata

2. Eucalyptus radiata

This is also called the “narrow-leaved peppermint gum” and there seem to be quite a few chemotypes (different scents). I buy this as my everyday eucalyptus oil, as it’s a bit milder and sweeter in scent than the globulus. It still has the same amazing qualities of globulus, and in fact all the eucalypts (as with the melaleucas – see my post “All the Australian Melaleucas”, share similar properties. I recommend trying this lovely oil next time you need some eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus polybractea

Eucalyptus polybractea

3. Eucalyptus polybractea

This is the ‘Blue mallee’ tree. The oil from this tree has a high cineole content (1,8-cineole is one of the particular active ingredients in eucalyptus tree), which gives it a camphorous and pungent scent. Penetrating and sharp, it is less likely to be found when searching for “eucalyptus oil”, but I have bought blue mallee oil from supermarkets here in Australia and it’s inexpensive and gorgeous. I think there is one brand I found in a supermarket that’s also organic. Even looking at these three pictures it’s hard to distinguish the difference in the look of the leaves and flowers.

Eucalyptus citriodora

Eucalyptus citriodora

4. Eucalyptus citriodora

Yep if you guessed lemon scented you’d be right. It has a citronella/lemon scent, a bit like lemon tea tree, but not really. It is high in citronellal and that would explain the scent. It is a warm, almost herbaceous lemon scent and has different shaped leaves to the others discussed so far. I don’t really use this oil although I do carry it in my kit. I would probably use a classic eucalyptus with another lemon scented oil if I need that combination.

Eucalyptus dives

Eucalyptus dives

5. Eucalyptus dives

This eucalyptus tree is also used to distill essential oils, but I don’t really use this one a lot either. In fact I don’t think I even have any. Its common name is “broad-leaved peppermint” (radiata was called narrow-leaved peppermint). It has a couple of chemotypes that produce oils and once again the constituents are particular to its type but include the 1,8-cineole, common to all eucalypts. I can’t describe the scent as I can’t remember the last time I used it or smelled it. It is however used for its high piperitone content which gives it a pepperminty-camphorous scent.

Eucalyptus piperita

Eucalyptus piperita

6. Eucalyptus piperita

Wikipedia claims this is called “Sydney peppermint” but I’ve never heard that. Can’t say I ever smelled the oil either but this one is also high in piperitone too. I’ve never looked for it for sale but I’m sure someone makes it. The English phyto-chemist H. G. Smith who moved here in the late 1800’s, wrote a paper on the volatile oil of Eucalyptus piperita and also wrote a book with his colleague on the Eucalypts of Australia.

Eucalyptus smithii

Eucalyptus smithii

7. Eucalyptus smithii

This is the “gully gum” also found in South Africa where this is the main eucalyptus for oil production. It was named after Mr Smith (from the paragraph above) and is quite high in 1,8-cineole. It has that classic eucalyptus scent and all the qualities you would expect:

*decongestant

*astringent

*analgesic

*anti-septic

*expectorant

and the list goes on. It’s typically used for colds, flu, coughs and many respiratory complaints and is warming and refreshing.

Get some eucalyptus oil in your house NOW! It has a simple yet very strong message –

“cleanse, clarify, open your mind”

 

 

copryright SR Banks