New Year – New Energy – Which Essential Oils?

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New Year – New Energy – Which Essential Oils?

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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

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

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

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.

copryright SR Banks 2014

 

Chakras, Colours and the Oils to Support Them

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Chakras, Colours and the Oils to Support Them

This post is dedicated to my friend DJ Wayne G

Chakras, their colours and Sanskrit names - pic via www.peacefulmind.com

Chakras, their colours and Sanskrit names – pic via http://www.peacefulmind.com

My friend has been painting his new apartment lots of different colours.  When I asked him if it was too much I realised in that same moment he would reallybenefit from colour therapy. A friend had already commented on his red kitchen cupboards, and how it “would be good for his chakras”, so this post is for Wayne, with some additional essential oils to match.

red

1. Base or Root Chakra/ Muladhara/ Red

Keywords: basic needs met, safety, survival, connect with Mother Earth

Oils:          lavender, patchouli, vetiver

orange 3

2.  Sacral Chakra/Svadisthana/Orange

Keywords: creation of something tangible, sexuality,connecting with another

Oils:           sandalwood, ylang ylang, jasmine

yellow

3. Solar Plexus Chakra/Manipura/Yellow

Keywords: wanting good things for ourselves, confidence in the world

Oils:           black pepper, bergamot, lemongrass, fennel

green

4. Heart Chakra/Anahata/Green

Keywords: love, compassion, empathy

Oils:           rosewood, rose, petitgrain

blue

5. Throat Chakra/Vishudda/Blue

Keywords: truth, expression, creativity

Oils:           sage, ginger, lime, palmarosa

indigo blue

6. Third Eye Chakra/Ajna/Indigo

Keywords: intuition, psychic abilities

Oils:          clary sage, cedarwood, rosemary, black spruce

violet

7. Crown Chakra/Sahasrara/Violet

Keywords: knowledge of the divine, connect to universal intelligence

Oils: basil, frankincense, cypress

 

I have kept the essential oil associations minimal so as not to over-complicate things; but remember when you use your intention with any essential oils and combinations, they can be used for anything you desire.

By infusing your own energy into your oils and your formulations, you are creating your health, and your future so please be mindful when you’re in your scented zone!

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

copryright SR Banks 2014

10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Oh the lovely scent of mandarin could make anyone happy! I rate all the citrus oils as happiness oils as they’re so fresh and light and zingy and sparkly.

Mandarin essential oil is different to orange oil, just as the fruit is different. It is a deeper, more red colour than orange oil, which can vary from light orange to yellow. The deepness of the colour adds to the unique properties of mandarin oil as red connects us with the base chakra, which is all about survival and all the necessities to live. When taking in this information and combining it with the mouth watering scent of the fruit, mandarin essential oil can open our minds to the big concepts of the universe.

In aromatherapy mandarin oil does not have a lot of therapeutic uses but can be used for –

* improving digestion (by using externally not internally, or drinking tea made with the rind)

* alleviating stress and improving relaxation

* counteracting stretch marks in pregnancy

I use it to connect us to the simple – yet huge – concepts of how the universe works.

Let’s get into some recipes –

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

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.

***** 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”

 

yum!

yum!

**** the basic rule when using citrus oils in an oil blend all over your body is not to go out and sun bake or expose yourself to massive amounts of sunlight as these oils may cause a photo toxic reaction.

“Love and Happiness”

Explains itself really –

Mandarin    3 drops

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

——————————————————————————————————————

“Tra La La”

Get some happiness in your body –

Mandarin             3 drops

Rose geranium    2 drops

Palmarosa           2 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“64 Tetrahedron Grid”

Slip into the magic of the universe –

Mandarin         4 drops

Lemongrass    2 drops

Vetiver             1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Release the Day”

Let go of all things from the day –

Mandarin          10 drops

Cypress              8 drops

Lemongrass       6 drops

Sage                  1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“Fun Kids Party”

Mandarin       12 drops

Cinnamon       6 drops

Peru Balsam  7 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Meditation and Contemplation”

Scented relaxation –

Mandarin          8 drops

Frankincense   12 drops

Lavender          5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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!

“Life is Easy”

Flow –

Mandarin      1 drop

Melissa 3%   2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Spikenard     1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Joy”

Appreciate the little things in life –

Mandarin        1 drop

Jasmine 3%    2 drops  * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

——————————————————————————————————————

Mandarin lips! pic via www.beautezine.com

Mandarin lips! pic via http://www.beautezine.com

“Smile and Laugh”

Even if you have to force yourself, smile at someone and the rewards will be great –

Mandarin      1 drop

Rosewood    1 drop

May Chang   1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“Chill”

Mandarin           1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   1 drop

Clove                 1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

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

 

 

10 Recipes with Patchouli Essential Oil – Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli leaf - pic via www.vanaroma.com

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

Patchouli is a herb from the Lamiacae family (along with lavender, peppermint, marjoram and may other herbs), and the genus Pogostemon. It is a beautiful oil, and the scent is quite deep, earthy and dark, and perhaps an oil that you wouldn’t necessarily use on its own. It is  great oil to blend with others, but you do need to get the proportions right.

I was stimulated to write this as one of my blog followers has started getting into oils and was quite surprised when she opened her first bottle of patchouli. She described it as musty which I think is quite apt – but don’t let that put you off. Patchouli’s strength is in its ability to bring a blend together as it is regarded as a base oil. If you have made a very light blend with essential oils of a simple molecular structure (like citrus oils), you may notice they evaporate quite quickly and “fly away”. A few drops of patchouli will round-out the blend and keep it closer to the earth.

Patchouli is a grounding herb which relates to the base and second chakra, and it is connected to the hippie movement of the sixties. Please see my article “World Peace, Hippies, Patchouli Oil and The Evolution of Human Consciousness” for more on patchouli and how it relates to the world in general.

It is an oil that is often used for skin disorders such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. It also has skin regenerating properties so it’s great for use in face and body products too.

So let’s check out some recipes –

Chinese tea cup - perfect for a little perfume magic

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

1. 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!

“I am Connected”

When your head is in the clouds and you need to feel belonging –

Patchouli       1 drop

Rosewood     1 drop

Lemongrass   1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————–

“Compassion”

The world needs your kindness and compassion –

Patchouli     1 drop

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

——————————————————————————————————————

“(I’m Gonna Get) Get Sexy On Ya”

yep ……

Patchouli   1 drop

Ylang Ylang  1 drop

Orange         1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“Deep Sleep”

Sometimes you need a little help –

Patchouli    1 drop

Lavender    1 drop

Marjoram    1 drop

——————————————————————————————————————

“A Quiet Night with A Good Book”

Take some time out –

Patchouli    1 drop

Basil           1 drop

Petitgrain    1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————–

I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Party, Dance”

Set the mood for a dance-off –

Rosewood         8 drops

Geranium           6 drops

Mandarin            7 drops

Patchouli            4 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Meeting of the Minds”

When you’re a bit nervous about meeting someone –

Cedarwood Virginian    6 drops

Lemon                        12 drops

Lime                             6 drops

Patchouli                       3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Need.To.Stop.Procrastinating”

Bergamot        10 drops

Rosemary          4 drops

Juniper               6 drops

Patchouli            5 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin with oil blends

3.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.

***** 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”

“Lovin Myself Sick Today”

You are wonderful –

Patchouli    2 drops

Lavender    3 drops

Bergamot   3 drops

——————————————————————————————————————

“Soft Supple Skin”

Peru Balsam       3 drops

Palmarosa           3 drops

Patchouli             2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————–

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

copyright suzanne

World Peace, Hippies, Patchouli Oil and The Evolution of Human Consciousness

peace

peace

We owe the Hippies from the 60’s a great deal more kudos than they receive today. They tapped into the energy of the coming of the new world age, and displayed a radical yet peaceful way of behaviour. It really was the first signs of the “dawning of the age of Aquarius” and 50 years later we, the common people, are really feeling the vibe in everyday life. The age of Aquarius is finally here and we are being summoned by the universe to improve, change, be kind to animals, be peaceful, add value to the world, be positive, look after the earth, tap into our spirituality and connect with people we have never met before. The scent of change in the 60’s was patchouli oil, and as a scent of peace, it is our oil now! It is an oil of the evolution of mankind.

The patchouli shrub

The patchouli shrub

Patchouli oil on it’s own is not particularly lovely, but when used with others oils, really comes alive. It is a “base oil” meaning that is dark, deep and heavy and related to the base and second chakras. The base chakra “Muladhara” is about survival (food, nurturing, shelter) and the second chakra “Svadisthana” is about our scared sexuality.

chakras via westwoodhealingarts.com

chakras via westwoodhealingarts.com

So it’s easy to understand why the hippie culture used this amazing oil. It is “grounding” as it helps us place our attention on our lower chakras – the ones closest to the earth. It helps us place our feet firmly in this world now and creates an empathy toward the planet and all the beings who reside on this planet. I would even say patchouli oil is almost buddhist in its existence.

hippies via flowerpower89.wordpress.com

hippies via flowerpower89.wordpress.com

The “free love” ethos of the hippie culture was supported by patchouli oil, and a need to connect with others in a deeply spiritual and sexual manner. It was all about the sharing the love and if we are to evolve beyond war, famine, politics and money we need to be peaceful and loving. We need patchouli oil!

Patchouli oil is also;

* great for skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis to help calm the symptoms

* wonderful to blend with other oils to help consolidate the scent and keep the formula in harmony

* a good oil to use on nail fungal infections – a drop straight from the bottle is best for this treatment

* an oil used to stimulate cell growth (like lavender) and therefore lovely in skin and hair care

Here are some recipes:

Hair Mask

Warm 6 teaspoons of olive oil, add the following essential oils, then massage into hair and scalp. you can sleep on a towel overnight so the oils really penetrate, or wash and condition after an hour.

“Rapunzel”

Patchouli             4 drops

Lavender             6 drops

Orange                5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Body Oil

A deep moisturising oil blend to promote peace and harmony in your environment. To 3 teaspoons of oil (almond, jojoba, sunflower, grape seed) add:

“Miss Universe”

Patchouli      2 drops

Rosewood   4 drops

Ylang Ylang  2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or an electric vapouriser add:

“Om, Baby”

Patchouli           5 drops

Mandarin          15 drops

Lemongrass       5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Patchouli is peace.

Patchouli is worldly love.

Patchouli is the scent of the evolution of human consciousness.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Get Your Sexy On – Oils for the Boudoir

stylish boudoir @ hotelchatter.com

stylish boudoir @ hotelchatter.com

As I am writing from my perspective I tend to be a bit (unintentionally) biased towards women, and how we see the world, what we want and how we like our scents. Of course as I mention in my previous post (Essential Oil Recipes for the Gentleman), men can and do like floral oils, and woman love woods and deeper oils. So I am writing from a female perspective but take note gentleman – follow my guide to impress your partner in the subtle art of seduction by scent.

According to Wikipedia

A boudoir (French: [bu.dwaʁ], English: /ˈbuːd.wɑːr/) is a lady’s private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning “to be sulky” or boudeur, meaning “sulky”.

So if you are a man or a woman, your space behind closed doors becomes your “boudoir” with some oils and a little intention.

Here are my suggestions for lovely, sexy oil blends with a few recipes too.

My Top 3 Sexy Oils

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower

1. Ylang Ylang

Keywords: aphrodisiac, release anger and frustration, awaken base and 2nd chakras, connect to your divine sensuality

Scent Your Space:

In a classic oil burner with a candle, add these oils to the water:

“Rudolph Valentino”

Ylang Ylang        10 drops

Orange               10 drops

Patchouli              5 drops

Nourish Your Bodies:

To make a beautiful oil blend In 6 teaspoons of oil like almond, apricot, jojoba, sunflower add:

“Entwine”

Ylang Ylang         5 drops

Pink Grapefruit    9 drops

Cardamom          1 drop

Anoint Your Skin

A drop or two of an essential oil on a pulse point, chakra point, or as said Coco Chanel said – wear your perfume wherever to want to be kissed.  Mix these two together, add a few drops of carrier oil and use your imagination and intention:

“Did You Just Put A Spell On Me?”

Ylang Ylang        2 drops

Cinnamon           1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Raw sandalwood and the powder

Raw sandalwood and the powder

2. Sandalwood (Indian)

Keywords: awaken Kundalini energy, sacred sexuality, deep hypnotic aphrodisiac

Scent Your Space:

In a classic oil burner with a candle, add these oils to the water:

“Vortex”

Sandalwood      8 drops

Mandarin          14 drops

Nutmeg              3 drops

Nourish Your Bodies:

To make a beautiful oil blend In 6 teaspoons of oil like almond, apricot, jojoba, sunflower add:

“Galactic Magic”

Sandalwood        8 drops

Petitgrain             7 drops

Anoint Your Skin

A drop or two of an essential oil on a pulse point, chakra point, or as said Coco Chanel said – wear your perfume wherever to want to be kissed. Mix these two together and use your imagination:

“Alchemy”

Sandalwood      2 drops

Lime                  1 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Jasmine

Jasmine

3. Jasmine

Keywords: powerful message of renewal, charm and attraction, stimulates lower chakras and desire for connection with another.

Scent Your Space:

In a classic oil burner with a candle, add these oils to the water:

“Spontaneous Combustion”

Jasmine        30 drops or more (assuming you have 3% Jasmine in Jojoba which is the standard retail offering, as it is a premium oil and the 100% pure is very expensive).

Rosewood     5 drops

Nourish Your Bodies:

To make a beautiful oil blend In 6 teaspoons of oil like almond, apricot, jojoba, sunflower add:

“The Golden Ratio”

Jasmine                   15 drops (jasmine in jojoba)

Cedarwood Atlas       2 drops

Anoint Your Skin

A drop or two of an essential oil on a pulse point, chakra point, or as said Coco Chanel said – wear your perfume wherever to want to be kissed. Just use Jasmine on its own, for a powerful “come hither” scent.

“Dance of the Nymph”

Jasmine       5 drops (jasmine in jojoba)

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

copyright suzannerbanks 2013