Cure Mondayitis with Essential Oil Shower Steams

Posted on August 4, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Cure Mondayitis with Essential Oil Shower Steams

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

Mondays keep rolling around.

They finally turn into Fridays. There’s the week gone.

Then suddenly it’s August 2014 and we are in the future!

We can choose to go against the flow of life, but that won’t get us anywhere or anyplace except stressed, and stress is one of the leading contributors to declines in mental and physical health.

I’m writing about Mondays as a return to work for most people on the treadmill of this game of life. But not me! I’ve never been a 9 to 5’er, or a Monday to Friday worker so I have a different view. Mondays represent chillin out to me and even if I work, it never feels like I’m working because do what I love. Sometimes Monday may mean writing a few blog articles and that’s about it. It does make Friday less of a celebration but I can live with that.

So for those having to get up at stupid o’clock on a Monday morning to start a long work week, this is for you.

Working 9 to 5 what a way to make a livin’

There are some essential oils that can wake you up, others that can relieve stress and some that just make you feel a bit happier. The easiest way to treat yourself with essential oils on a Monday morning is with a few drops of essential oil in the bottom of the shower, Cover the drain with a face cloth or even your foot. Allow the oils to vapourise with the steam, breathe deeply, enjoy the scented stimulation of your senses.

Check out these oils and see what magic they can deliver –

Eucalyptus – wake up, cleanse the cobwebs in your mind, embrace the new day with gusto

Lemon – gently refresh and reload your energy onto the new page of a new week

According to living.msn.com this Pantone colour Lemon Zest was a top colour for spring 2013

Peppermint – enliven your mind, remove headaches and head tension

Rosemary – zap your memory into gear, stimulate your brain

Flowering rosemary in my client’s garden

Basil – open the upper chakras to start channeling new universal patterns and downloads

Orange – inject a little bit of happiness into your Monday morning

Oranges and orange oil can make you happy!

Petitgrain – a zingy green start to the day allowing all possibilities to unfold

Lemongrass – energy now! revitalize

Lemongrass

Ginger – warm your emotions, get the circulation going

Ylang Ylang – release anger and frustration

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower

Bergamot – calm your nerves

Cedarwood Atlas – remove ego, come from a spiritual perspective

Sandalwood Indian – be Zen, peace and calm

Raw sandalwood and the powder

And if all that’s too hard, eat an orange or mandarin and throw the zest into the bottom of the shower. Squish it up with your feet. Breathe. Continue with your day.

And during the day if you do have some citrus fruit, save the peel (and/or eat some of it too), and let the zest sit on your desk for some instant aromatherapy in the afternoon.

Happy Monday peeps!

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Inspire Creativity

Posted on July 16, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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10 Essential Oil Recipes to Inspire Creativity

Get your creative self moving!

Are you someone who has a creative job or profession, or are you a budding poet, artist, writer or musician? Whoever you are, and regardless of what you do on a daily basis, sometimes it’s hard to come up with original ideas and tap into the never-ending creative flow of the universe. Are you studying and need to write essays or are you entering a local art competition? Maybe it’s getting started that is the issue or maybe you need extra juice to get your project finished. Well fear no more, here are some essential oils recipes to help you dodge your stagnating mind, and open you to possibility.

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Basil – open your mind and third eye

Rosemary – stimulate your brain and remember your true creative self

Ylang Ylang – release anger and frustration

Cardamom – generate flow of qi throughout your body

Petitgrain – access your creative potential

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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

“Good Times Come to Me Now”

A chant for the happiness to come on in –

Mandarin 8 drops

Lemongrass 8 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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“1, 2, 3 GO”

Just start –

Juniper 10 drops

May Chang 8 drops

Nutmeg 5 drops

Wintergreen 2 drops

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“Purple Vibrations”

Access the faster moving colour vibrations –

Lavender 5 drops

Black Spruce 8 drops

Orange 8 drops

Palmarosa 4 drops

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“Hmmmmmmmmmm”

Start wondering, daydreaming, and something will come to you –

Rosewood 10 drops

Clary Sage 5 drops

Pine 5 drops

Peru Balsam 5 drops

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An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

3. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff straight from the bottle, but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

Eucalyptus – wow wake up! Cleanse the old energy

Cypress – move away from your ego into spirit

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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!

“Pure Creation”

Jasmine 3% a few drops straight from the bottle * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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“Warmth and Movement”

Ginger 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 2 drops

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“I am a Champion!”

Positive self talk will help open any creative blockages –

Sandalwood Indian 1 drop

Bergamot 2 drops

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“The Little Engine that Could”

One step at a time will lead to a finished project –

Rosemary 1 drop

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

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Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

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

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Deal with Road Rage and Traffic

Posted on July 9, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Traffic!

When looking for inspiration for articles one of my readers suggested I apply the 10 Recipes series to minimising road rage and dealing with traffic. Great idea so here goes.

If you are someone that has to deal with traffic congestion on a daily basis, and gets frustrated by it, then these oils may be for you.

Or, are you someone that just can’t handle what others do on the road and then completely freak out about it? Road rage? It seems sad that we now have a widely accepted term for this anger on the roads and that’s not good at all. This is just a reflection of how angry we are as a society, and how we are not coping with modern day life. You definitely need some oils.

Look people, just calm down ok? Release anger, and have a more “go with the flow” attitude when driving. If you can’t do that then stop driving. If you really hate the traffic on your way to work try and find solutions that put you in a less stressful situation (public transport, car pooling).

If you must drive and tend to get a bit stressed then try these 10 recipes to start your day;

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

Peppermint – clarity, happiness

Tea Tree – cleanse your aura and energy

Mandarin – happiness, allowing

Lemongrass – stimulating and refreshing, happiness

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Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

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”

By doing this in the morning, while using your good intention, you will start your day with scented positivity. Allow this feeling to infuse good vibes all day long.

“Patience is a Virtue”

Sure is –

Lemon 3 drops

Frankincense 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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“I Wonder What Good Things Are Coming My Way?”

Open up to possibility –

Lavender 4 drops

Petitgrain 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

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“I Heart You Even Though You Didn’t Let Me Merge”

Ylang Ylang 3 drops

Orange 2 drops

Rosewood 2 drops

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“Repeat the Happy Mantra”

Lemongrass 3 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Spearmint 2 drops

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

3. 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!)

“Smile and Wave, Smile and Wave”

Let others drive the way they drive, practice being kind anyway –

Basil 6 drops

Mandarin 12 drops

Lemon Myrtle 7 drops

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“1, 2, 3”

Count to 3 and then breathe deeply, release anger –

Juniper 8 drops

Lime 10 drops

Vanilla CO2 6 drops

Vetiver 1 drop * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

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“Bubble of Love”

You’re in control of your little space (and headspace) –

Bergamot 10 drops

Black Spruce 7 drops

Marjoram 6 drops

Clary Sage 2 drops

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

4. 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!

“Sniff and Go”

A quick natural perfume for your wrists to sniff in the middle of traffic to help release anxiety –

Neroli 3% a few drops straight from the bottle

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

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“Sniff and Go Too”

You are the benevolent Queen –

Rose 3% a few drops straight from the bottle

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

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10 Recipes with Rose Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens

Posted on June 4, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Rose geranium – pic via commons.wikimedia.org

So what is the difference between Rose geranium and Geranium?

Good question.

Both Rose geranium and geranium come from the same species. They are from the family Geraniaceae, the genus Pelargonium and then the species Pelargonium graveolens. It seems that the common name Pelargonium roseum is actually just another term for graveolens too.

But they do smell different! Rose geranium is a lot sweeter with a distinct rosey scent and geranium just smells like geranium. There are many different cultivars and it depends where the plants are grown as to what scent they have. The particular sweet rose scented flowers will be sold as Rose geranium and others as just geranium.

Just to add something else into the mix, hundreds of years ago the Island of Reunion was famous for their geranium which was called Bourbon geranium. It is thought that this could have been Pelargonium capitatum rather than, or as well as P. graveolens. Now the neighbouring island of Madagascar produces geranium which is called Bourbon, but it is listed from my suppliers as coming from P. graveolens.

According to Marcia Elston http://www.wingedseed.com/blog/

“North Africa is a principal producer and includes the countries Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt. Most of the plant stock for North African development came from Grasse from P. graveloens or its hybrids; the French oil produced around Grass having the most rosaceous odor of all.”

Ok let’s get into some recipes!

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Party!”

Get the party started –

Rose geranium 8 drops

Orange 8 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 5 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

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“Fresh Saturday House Cleaning Vibe”

Don’t avoid the housework any longer –

Rose geranium 7 drops

Lemongrass 7 drops

Juniper 7 drops

Tea tree 4 drops

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“Cheer Up!”

Add some happiness –

Rose geranium 5 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

Ylang Ylang 5 drops

Sandalwood Australian 5 drops

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Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

2. 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”

“Happy Days”

Get smiling in the morning –

Rose Geranium 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Black spruce 2 drops

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“Cute-Sexy”

Get your cute on –

Rose geranium 3 drops

Peru balsam 3 drops

Vanilla CO2 1 drop * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

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“I Like Life”

Rose geranium 2 drops

Palmarosa 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 2 drops

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get any cute little dish to mix your oils 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!

“Yee ha Lets Go!”

Rose geranium 1 drop

Black pepper 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

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“Lollipops and Laughs”

Acknowledge your inner child –

Rose geranium 1 drop

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

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“Sweet AND Determined”

You can do it –

Rose geranium 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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“First Class”

You are the Queen –

Rose Geranium 1 drop

Rose 3% 3 drops

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

10 Recipes with Lemon Essential Oil – Citrus limonum

Posted on May 28, 2014 by suzannerbanks

According to living.msn.com this Pantone colour Lemon Zest was a top colour for spring 2013 – nice!

Lemons are lovely and so are you. Lemons represent happiness, simplicity and joy and the essential oil has an uncanny knack of doing the same. I love this oil and use it frequently when treating clients. Not only is it a great oil for muscle fatigue but it helps you to feel refreshed and cleansed, ready to go on with a new outlook.

Lemon essential oil is light and sparkly and has many applications. As the molecules of this essential oil are simple, it tends to fly away quickly when used in a vapouriser or burner so it’s important to anchor it with heavier oils. As a perfume or body oil blend it holds its own but has slight photo-toxic qualities – meaning if you go out into the sun you could burn more than you would without it. So just remember not to slather it all over you and sunbake – ok?

Lets check out some recipes with magnificent lemon oil –

Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

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”

“End of the Week Relaxathon”

Get rid of the working week and into a relaxing weekend –

Lemon 4 drops

Peru Balsam 4 drops

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“Anti-Puff”

Release puffiness and a feel a bit lighter –

Lemon 3 drops

Fennel 2 drops

Cypress 3 drops

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“Legs Up The Wall”

When your legs and feet hurt use this blend and then elevate your legs and rest –

Lemon 4 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

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Face mask it!

2. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol.

2 drops of lemon oil will be great for acne skin, oily skin and if you just need to freshen up dull skin.

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Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“New Ideas”

Lemon 12 drops

Basil 5 drops

Palmarosa 5 drops

Geranium 3 drops

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“Lemon Bubble”

Create your own lemony bubble around you in a non-friendly environment –

Lemon 15 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Marjoram 5 drops

Vanilla CO2 3 drops

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“Vitality”

Keep your interest and energy levels up all day with a regular mist –

Lemon 10 drops

Juniper 8 drops

Mandarin 5 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

4. 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!

“Daisy”

Stay fresh as –

Lemon 2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 1 drop

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“Truth”

Simplicity is the key –

Lemon 2 drops

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

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Scent your space – the candle and flame will help transform negative energy too!

5. Scent Your Space

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

“Party”

Lemon 14 drops

Ylang Ylang 6 drops

Lime 5 drops

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

10 Recipes with Rosemary Essential Oil – Rosmarinus officianalis

Posted on May 21, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Rosemary is a wonder herb and so is the oil

Rosemary is a spicy, stimulating essential oil which warms the body and helps the mind to remember. It is used frequently in Aromatherapy as it’s accessible, inexpensive and gives great results.

Rosemary will warm up the hands and feet and can even help with arthritis pain. It is wonderful in an oil blend for muscle pain and I often use it in a treatment blend with lavender and marjoram for this very purpose.

When you need more energy (both mentally and physically), a bit more warmth; when you need to get your brain working – think rosemary essential oil. Let’s check out some recipes.

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

Use rosemary in the shower if you can’t seem to wake up in the morning or if you need your brain to switch on for a full day ahead.

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

2. 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”

“Oh My Aching Body”

You get the drift –

Rosemary 8 drops

Lavandin 8 drops * for more info on Lavandin see my article Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Marjoram 8 drops

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“Winter’s Run”

A pre-run warm up blend – pay attention to your feet and calves when rubbing in the oil –

Rosemary 10 drops

Lemongrass 8 drops

Ginger 7 drops

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“Long Day Ahead”

A stimulating body blend to keep your muscles going –

Rosemary 6 drops

Orange 6 drops

Rosewood 6 drops

Palmarosa 6 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Must Keep Studying!”

To keep your brain awake –

Rosemary 12 drops

Petitgrain 12 drops

Buddha Wood 1 drop

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“Meeting of the Minds”

A great blend to get brain storming in your meeting –

Rosemary 8 drops

Basil 6 drops

Mandarin 11 drops

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“Whistle While you (House) Work”

Come on its time to do the housework –

Rosemary 10 drops

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Lime 7 drops

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

4. 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!

“Wonder Woman”

Rosemary 1 drop

Sandalwood Indian 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

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“Car Pool Tonic”

Rosemary 1 drop

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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“Confidence is the Key”

Rosemary 1 drop

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

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

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum (part 2)

Posted on May 14, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful green basil!

If you are ever feeling down, a bit tired and generally blah, grab some fresh basil. Grind up a leaf in your fingers and inhale deeply. Eat a few leaves. Rest a minute.

Phew!

And if you can, make a few blends with basil oil it will not disappoint you at all. It is an oil that is so clearing and revitalising you’ll be so glad you’ve made friends with it. Here are a few recipes.

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

Basil oil will wake you up in the morning and give you a fresh green start to the day.

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Just use any mist bottle you can find

2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Cool Water Brain Rinse”

Clear brain fog –

Basil 8 drops

Orange 12 drops

Cypress 5 drops

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“Creative Explosion”

When you need to open to your creative drive –

Basil 6 drops

Rosemary 6 drops

Lime 6 drops

Geranium 6 drops

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“Bubble of Inspiration”

When you need to surround yourself with light, creative energy –

Basil 7 drops

Rosewood 12 drops

Lemongrass 6 drops

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“It’s Morning!”

Help the whole family wake up smiling –

Basil 8 drops

Petitgrain 12 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 5 drops

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

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!

“Awaken the Goddess”

Open to divine guidance –

Basil 1 drop

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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“Big Meeting this Morning”

Stay focused and relaxed-

Basil 2 drops

Lavender 1 drop

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“Clean Green”

Give yourself a burst of vitality –

Basil 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

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Throw some essential oils into your bucket and mop your floors

4. Scent Your Space

I usually say “In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil”, but I also recommend you put about 15 drops in the water with your usual product and mop the floors. It’s a great way to get an aromatherapy treatment while cleaning!

and

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

“Hello World”

Welcome every day –

Basil 6 drops

Peru Balsam 8 drops

Lemon 11 drops

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

Embrace Basil Essential Oil and Free Your Mind

Posted on May 12, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Flowering basil – beautiful!

Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is part of the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum. This family of plants also holds many herbs including mint, rosemary, lavender, patchouli and many more. The most common basil essential oil is sometimes referred to as sweet basil as there are a couple of chemotypes that are used to make essential oils.

Sweet basil is a linalool type. Linalool is one of the main ingredients of lavender, so this basil with have a softer scent and be more soothing and calming.

I have a basil essential oil that is a chavicol chemotype (methyl chavicol), which is slightly spicier and more camphorous in scent. I would use this with a client in a treatment blend if I wanted a warmer more stimulating blend. I would use the linalool type for a more relaxing blend, and I tend to use the sweet basil more often.

The stunning basil leaf makes a wonderful essential oil

Basil takes its name from the latin ’Basileum’ meaning royal. It is also considered a holy plant of India used in Ayurveda and dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. This Indian basil is a different plant and is called tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorumi. One of my suppliers now offers this as an organic essential oil but I haven’t smelt it yet so I’ll have to get back to you on that. There are some great tulsi teas on the market – they don’t taste like the sweet basil, just a soft lovely herb.

Sharp and spicy (yet sweet), basil helps clear the head and open the mind. It is referred to in aromatherapy as a “cepahilc” oil, which means pertaining to the head. It is a very powerful clearing oil, particularly effective when used in a vapouriser as an inhalation, or even when you are cooking! Making a fresh basil pesto is enough to make you feel refreshed and alive – especially when you use a mortar and pestle.

Basil is alluring – even to bees!

Basil essential oil is used for mental and physical fatigue and its anti-spasmodic properties make it ideal for treating menstrual problems and digestive disorders too.

* Sinus congestion, asthma and bronchitis are all soothed by basil.

* Fever can be treated effectively with basil.

* In the middle ages it was prescribed for melancholy and depression

So when you are feeling like you need some energy try basil oil for a quick pick-me-up. I’ll follow up with some recipes in the next article, but in the meantime buy a fresh bunch of basil instead of flowers and make sure you inhale the fragrance deeply. Get cooking with some basil and when you do, crush up a leaf in your fingers and allow the cooling fragrance to open your mind!

10 Recipes with Lemongrass Essential Oil- Cymbopogon citratus

Posted on April 23, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Delicious lemongrass

Lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae family (the grasses), and its genus is Cymbopogon. Other plants you may know in this family are palmarosa, citronella and vetiver (same family different Genus).

Commercially lemongrass essential oil comes from Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosis, some of my suppliers have both, and some only have one.

“East Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass (Malayalam: (inchippullu), is native to Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, while West Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is native to maritime Southeast Asia.” Wikipedia

Recently I have seen more C. flexuosis on offer and I wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference unless I had both bottles to sniff at the same time. There are variations in chemical constituents however if you bought either you would be fine to use them in the recipes below.

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

With a lemongrass steam in the shower expect to feel uplifted, awakened, refreshed and ready to go. Some extra happiness may also randomly occur.

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

2. 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”

“Pre Exercise Zinger”

When you need a bit of encouragement to get you going –

Lemongrass 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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

“After Exercise Soother”

Lemongrass 3 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“Eye of the Tiger”

To give yourself some positive vibes for the day ahead –

Lemongrass 3 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

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

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!

“Energy NOW!”

Lemongrass 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

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

“After Work Before a Dinner Date”

Refresh and revitalize –

Lemongrass 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

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

“It’s Gonna Be a Bumpy Ride”

To help with travel sickness –

Lemongrass 1 drop

Ginger 1 drop

Peppermint 1 drop

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

A classic oil burner with a candle helps to remove and transmute unwanted energy

4. Scent Your Space

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

“Freedom”

Lemongrass 8 drops

Peru Balsam 9 drops

Cinnamon 8 drops

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

“A Night of Intrigue and Love”

Lemongrass 6 drops

Ylang Ylang 6 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Sandalwood 6 drops

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

“Sunny Sunday”

The perfect scent for a Sunday afternoon –

Lemongrass 8 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 7 drops

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

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

10 Recipes with Juniper Essential Oil – Juniperus communis

Posted on March 26, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Juniper berries - pic via www.thedrinksbusiness.com

Juniper berries – pic via http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com

Juniper essential oil is one of my favourites! I go through periods of needing to use it a lot. It has a clean fresh scent, with spicey undertones and conveys a sense of lightness and freedom. The essential oil is steam distilled from the berries and most people know it as the main flavouring in gin.

Juniper comes from the cypress family, Cupressaceae and the genus Juniperus which contains many species from all over the world. The essential oil is high in a-pinene (anti-inflammatory and broncho-dialator) and sabinene. For more info see my previous article on juniper here.

I use juniper in my practice when someone is overwhelmed with emotion or is needing (or wanting) to clean out their life and start afresh. It is a great oil to help release watery emotions and to energetically cleanse a space.

sprawling juniper bush

In Aromatherapy today it is used –

* as a diuretic

* as a treatment in a sitz bath for urinary tract infections

* for acne

* to stimulate digestion

Try these 10 recipes –

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

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Begone Bad Stuff”

A little purse pack of cleansing energy –

Juniper 9 drops

Orange 12 drops

Geranium 4 drops

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

“Light On My Feet”

Put a spring in your step –

Juniper 8 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Rosewood 6 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

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

“Bubble of Love”

Surround yourself with good vibes –

Juniper 6 drops

Ylang Ylang 4 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

Peru Balsam 4 drops

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

“Feather”

Float with the universe –

Juniper 8 drops

Fennel 3 drops

Lime 8 drops

Sandalwood Australian 4 drops

Nutmeg 2 drops

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

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

2. 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!

“Evaporate”

Let your concerns evaporate –

Juniper 1 drop

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

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

“Create Space”

.. to be creative –

Juniper 1 drop

Pink grapefruit 2 drops

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

“Refresh”

Refresh your mind –

Juniper 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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

“Accept”

Don’t fight it –

Juniper 1 drop

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

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

Green clay face mask - pic via www.wholisticresearch.com

Green clay face mask – pic via http://www.wholisticresearch.com

3. Face Mask

Usually add 2 or 3 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

Juniper 2 drops in green clay to soothe and tone acne skin

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

4. 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”

“Pick-Me-Up”

Give your body a buzz in the morning –

Juniper 2 drops

Eucalyptus 1 drop

Grapefruit 2 drops

Jasmine 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.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: basil essential oil

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