Essential Oils and Babies – Do They Go Together?

Posted on June 2, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Do essential oils and babies go together? Thats a good question natural beauties. Read on to find out the best way to use essential oils around babies.

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Precious little person

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Babies – only use essential oils in their environment – not on them!

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Can you use essential oils on babies?

Short answer = YES – but not on them directly.

Long Answer = YES but you must use caution and follow these rules.

Any child up to 3 years I will consider a baby for this article and topic. Babies have extremely new and sensitive skin so

* do not use essential oils, diluted or neat, on your baby unless you seek medical advice.

* do not put essential oils into the bath, diluted or neat.

* always wash you hands before you touch your baby if you’ve been using essential oils

* keep bottles of essential oils away from reach, as even a couple of drops may hurt them

There’s so many easy ways to diffuse essential oils now

You can use essential oils with your baby in the environment around them and the best way to do this is to use a diffuser and vapourise the essential oils in their room. You can buy humidifier from your pharmacy specifically made for children so they can breathe easier, and you may also use calming essential oils so they sleep better too. An ordinary motorised diffuser will be fine for this as well, but as a precaution don’t use a burner with a candle. Refer to the model of your diffuser for amounts of oil and if there is no info I would only use 6 drops.

Babies love baths

If you really want to add something to your baby’s bath you could use some organic herbal tea (a couple of teaspoons) wrapped in some muslin and make a weak infusion. Chamomile and lavender would be the only herbs I would use. In the same vein you could use organic oats which makes a soft, skin soothing bath which is safe for babies and will help soothe nappy rash and hot skin. A dash of hydrosol would be fine too.

A lovely selection of rosewater

A great alternative to essential oils that works well with babies and kids are hydrosols and floral waters. They have a mild scent and are safe you to be misted all around your baby to help induce a sense of calm and also for cooling them down in summer. The best hydrosols will be rose, lavender, roman chamomile and neroli (or orange blossom). See my article Hydrosols vs Floral Waters – What’s the Diff? for more information.

You will find rosewater and orange blossom water in some food stores and to be on the safe side I would water these down, otherwise buy a good quality (organic if possible) hydrosol from a natural beauty/aromatherapy store.

Essential Oils for Baby’s Sleep

lavender

Roman chamomile

bergamot

marjoram

Essential Oils for Baby’s Better Breathing

frankincense

eucalyptus (sparingly ie 1 or 2 drops in a humidifier only and do not continue the treatment for more than a night or two) *

lavender

* a reader of my blog has asked a question regarding eucalyptus and babies –

“I enjoyed your article. However, why do you recommend eucalyptus? I have read it is not safe for young children. Wouldn’t fir needle, a pine, or spruce be a better option?”

My answer –

I have referenced 3 text books and only one leans towards avoiding eucalyptus with young babies. It has an active ingredient called 1-8 cineole that can be toxic in lethal doses but nothing like a couple of drops you would use in a humidifier. It may be best for me to update this article to be very specific about using eucalyptus with babies. It is still one of the best mucolytic oils. Fir, pine and/or spruce could be used as a substitute for sure, but they won’t be as effective.

Also some oils/formulas that are specific for kids & babies, that are sold with humidifiers, contain many questionable ingredients and could even be potentially more dangerous than a drop or two of eucalyptus.

Sleeping babies are happy babies

Essential Oils For Baby’s Crying

Try putting a couple of drops of oil on your clothes and when your hold your baby, they will just get a small scent of oil, mixed in with your scent, and this may work really well to settle them down. Just be careful not to let the babies face touch against you where the oil is.

vetiver (sparingly as its very strong – just a drop will do. You could also add a drop to the sleep oils too

lavender

Roman chamomile

You can see a pattern here – pretty much just stick with lavender and a few other oils until your baby is older.

Please your you motherly or fatherly intuition with your baby and remember if you use a diffuser the whole family will benefit from the aromatherapy treatment too.

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

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.

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

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“After Exercise Soother”

Lemongrass 3 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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“Eye of the Tiger”

To give yourself some positive vibes for the day ahead –

Lemongrass 3 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

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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

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“After Work Before a Dinner Date”

Refresh and revitalize –

Lemongrass 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

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“It’s Gonna Be a Bumpy Ride”

To help with travel sickness –

Lemongrass 1 drop

Ginger 1 drop

Peppermint 1 drop

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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

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“A Night of Intrigue and Love”

Lemongrass 6 drops

Ylang Ylang 6 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Sandalwood 6 drops

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“Sunny Sunday”

The perfect scent for a Sunday afternoon –

Lemongrass 8 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 7 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 Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – Anthemis nobilis

Posted on April 16, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Chamomile – sweet flower, sweet scent

My last post went into a bit more detail about the beautiful essential oil of Roman Chamomile, so for a bit of background click here to check it out. Then lets get into some recipes!

An important note here is about how you are likely to buy this oil. As it tends to be one of the more expensive essential oils, you may find it in a 3% jojoba blend. For more info on this kind of essential oil see my article 3% blends in jojoba.

I’ll do a few recipes with 100% essential oil and a few with 3% in jojoba.

Recipes using Roman chamomile 3% in Jojoba

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras always patch test first!

“Divine”

Use straight from the bottle as a pure perfume and I promise you will not be disappointed by the scent

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“Serene”

Anoint yourself before meditation –

Roman chamomile 3% 4 drops

Frankincense 1 drop

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“Angels Please Surround Me”

Roman chamomile 3% 3 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

Bergamot 1 drop

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“Soothe and Comfort”

For you or someone who needs it –

Roman chamomile 3% 4 drops

Rose 3% 2 drops

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A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

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

Roman chamomile 3% 3 drops

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Recipes using Roman chamomile essential oil 100% pure

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

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”

“From Hot to Cool”

To soothe tired skin and muscles –

Roman chamomile 2 drops

Marjoram 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

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“Marshmallows”

For soft, lovely skin –

Roman chamomile 3 drops

Pink grapefruit 2 drops

Palmarosa 1 drop

Patchouli 1 drop

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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

(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!)

“De-Stress”

Roman chamomile 8 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana 6 drops

Orange 8 drops

Nutmeg 3 drops

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“Pink Bubbles”

Surround and protect yourself with Shakti Gawain’s pink bubble of love –

Roman chamomile 7 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Vanilla CO2 4 drops * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

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“Petit”

Let big problems become small problems –

Roman chamomile 8 drops

Juniper 8 drops

Lime 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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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 Lavender Essential Oil – Lavandula angustifolia

Posted on April 9, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Lavender – you can find it in many gardens around the world

Continuing on the lavender theme over the past couple of weeks I thought we may as well have a look at some recipes too. Sometimes people often underestimate the versatility of this magnificent oil, along with the common understanding that lavender is an old ladies’ oil! Let’s debunk that by checking out some recipes.

Before we go ahead please have a look at these articles on lavender if you’d like some more info on this wonderful oil –

Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe (more recipes here)

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender

I really do feel we could lavender oil for most cases. In Aromatherapy we learn that lavender would not be good for people with low blood pressure, so if that’s you, just don’t over use the oil by making body oils for yourself everyday. Lavender is a relaxing oil, but remember too much of good thing is exactly that – too much of a good thing!

For example when adding a drop of lavender to your pillow to go to sleep, don’t add 20 drops to help you get to sleep 20 times faster because it will probably work in the opposite way.

Ah lovely lavender

Use essential oils sparingly as you learn and then you will instinctively know how much, when and with what to mix them with.

Lavender is a herb of old being coined by the Romans using the latin word “lavare” meaning to wash. This makes perfect sense to me – wash away bacteria from cuts and wounds with lavander oil; wash lavender with clothes for a beautiful scent; wash away stress and tension, wash away pain.

My recipes will start with the best of all body moisturisers – the body oil!

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”

“Daily Do-Good”

A basic recipe for any day –

Lavender 3 drops

Geranium 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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“Oh My Aching Legs”

After a long day rub this oil on your legs and elevate, and rest –

Lavender 3 drops

Marjoram 3 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

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“I’m Nervous About Today”

Calm your nerves with lavender –

Lavender 3 drops

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

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A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic via chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

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

Lavender 2 drops

Take the time to relax for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm or cool water and moisturise

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oil burner

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Thank Goodness That Day is O-Vah!”

Lavender 9 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Lime 5 drops

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“Just Chillin”

When you have nothing much to do except potter around the house and maybe do a few little chores –

Lavender 5 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana 5 drops

Petitgrain 5 drops

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

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Bottle o’ Courage”

Lavender 8 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Peru Balsam 8 drops

Cinnamon 3 drops

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“Afternoon Energetic Refresh”

A spritz in the afternoon can do wonders for your fatigue –

Lavender 6 drops

Lemongrass 10 drops

Pink grapefruit 9 drops

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Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

5. 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!

“Next Thing”

When you’ve got lots to do –

Lavender 1 drop

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

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“Fortify”

Reveal your inner strength –

Lavender 1 drop

Cardamom 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

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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 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

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“Light On My Feet”

Put a spring in your step –

Juniper 8 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Rosewood 6 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

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“Bubble of Love”

Surround yourself with good vibes –

Juniper 6 drops

Ylang Ylang 4 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

Peru Balsam 4 drops

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“Feather”

Float with the universe –

Juniper 8 drops

Fennel 3 drops

Lime 8 drops

Sandalwood Australian 4 drops

Nutmeg 2 drops

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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

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“Create Space”

.. to be creative –

Juniper 1 drop

Pink grapefruit 2 drops

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“Refresh”

Refresh your mind –

Juniper 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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“Accept”

Don’t fight it –

Juniper 1 drop

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

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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

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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

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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 Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

Posted on March 12, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Palmarosa - pic via www.les-medecines-douces.fr

Palmarosa – pic via http://www.les-medecines-douces.fr

Palmarosa is a scented grass that belongs to the Poaceae family (grasses) and the genus Cymbopgon. It is closely related to lemongrass and citronella and when looking at a picture it’s hard to tell them apart. The essential oil has been known as Indian geranium oil and also Turkish geranium oil “because it was imported into Europe via Turkey and Bulgaria as an adulterant to Otto of Roses” – according to botanical.com “A Modern Herbal”.

It has a green rosey/geranium scent and in Aromatherapy today it is used –

* as a skin moisturiser, with cell regenerating properties. See my article Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness for more info on this gorgeous oil

* to help improve mood (like many essential oils)

* and Salvatore Battaglia claims it may stimulate digestion

Palmarosa is more often used in perfumery and body products as cheaper additional rose/geranium scent.

Palmarosa for oil production pic via www.grammeproducts.com

Palmarosa for oil production pic via http://www.grammeproducts.com

I love using this oil in many kinds of recipes –

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”

“Flexibilty”

Flow with the universe –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Orange 3 drops

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

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“Buzz Off”

An oil blend for outdoors to fend off little biters –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Citronella 2 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

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“Lunar”

Look to the sky for inspiration –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Mandarin 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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“Tra-la-la”

Invite happiness in –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

Black Spruce 3 drops

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Wrap it up! pic via hellobeautiful.com

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”

“Flower Girl”

A moisturising mask for dry hair –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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“Balance”

For oilier hair –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

Lemon 4 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

“Resistance is Futile”

The Borg were right – don’t resist, go with the flow

Palmarosa 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Marjoram 5 drops

Lime 5 drops

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“Attention!”

Wake up, pay attention to the signs –

Palmarosa 9 drops

Lemon Myrtle 8 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

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

“Gastronomique”

Stimulate your appetite –

Palmarosa 6 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Orange 12 drops

Cardamom 3 drops

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“Swish”

Get ya swish on –

Palmarosa 7 drops

Spearmint 10 drops

Fennel 3 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

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

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

Posted on March 5, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful aromatic basil

Basil is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum, and has been flavouring our foods and healing us for centuries. It is a scent you won’t forget – green, herbabceous sweet and pungent. As an essential oil basil (sometimes referred to as sweet basil) is stimulating to the mind opening the upper chakras and giving the brain a cleansing, refreshing scent.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used –

* as a cephalic which means it stimulates the head in general so if used in small amounts it could help a headache. Some basil oils can be high in linalool oil which is present in large amounts in lavender.

* to ease stress and tension and calm mild anxiety (you may notice lots of essential oils are attributed to this use which shows that they can be easily used to help you relax – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes)

* as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

There are many types of culinary basil but so far the winner in terms of essential oil production is this basil – sweet basil. When using this oil it can be tricky to get the proportions right because it’s so strong. Sometimes a drop is all you’ll need.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This “recipe” is one for those who need to –

* wake up

* open to universal intelligence

* chill out and stop freaking out

* have a headache or have mental fatigue?

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There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now - pic via www.aliexpress.com

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now – pic via http://www.aliexpress.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Can’t.Wake.Up”

When your brain needs a boost –

Basil 8 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Peppermint 4 drops

Orange 9 drops

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

“Summer Evening”

Add some basil to your gin and tonic too –

Basil 10 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Petitgrain 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

“Oh Man What a Day!”

When you need to relax after a challenging day –

Basil 8 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Lemongrass 5 drops

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

“Living the Dreams”

For a slumber full of dreams –

Basil 4 drops

Lavender 12 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Spikenard 1 drop

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

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

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!

“Ascended Masters”

Tap into this great wisdom –

Basil 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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

“Big Day Ahead”

Basil 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

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

“Bon Courage”

Basil 1 drop

Black Pepper 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

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

“I Invite Understanding”

When you need a nudge to gain understanding –

Basil 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 1 drop

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

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

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”

“Bring it On!”

For a kickstart to the day –

Basil 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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

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

Posted on February 26, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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

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“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

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“(I’m Gonna Get) Get Sexy On Ya”

yep ……

Patchouli 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

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“Deep Sleep”

Sometimes you need a little help –

Patchouli 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Marjoram 1 drop

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“A Quiet Night with A Good Book”

Take some time out –

Patchouli 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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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

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“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

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“Need.To.Stop.Procrastinating”

Bergamot 10 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Patchouli 5 drops

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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

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“Soft Supple Skin”

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Palmarosa 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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

Cedarwood Virginiana Has a Secret!

Posted on February 24, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Cedarwood virginiana – pic via botany.csdl.tamu.edu

Cedarwood Virginiana has a secret – it’s a juniper tree! It’s botanical name is Juniperus virginiana but in Aromatherapy today it’s referred to as a cedarwood. I’ve always seen this tree and oil referred to as cedarwood and perhaps it’s because this native to North America is commonly called Red Cedar and/or Aromatic cedar, and a few other names too! It is from the Cupressacae family and the Juniperus genus whereas Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), for example, is from the Pinacae family and the Cedrus genus. Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodora) is from the Pinacae family and the Cedrus genus too.

So back to our Cedarwood Virginiana. You can see by the pic above it has berries like a juniper tree, and leaves like a cypress, but the oil is very different from juniper essential oil and cypress essential oil. This essential oil is thick and creamy and smells like it could easily come from a wood, but also carries a very cleansing energy about it like juniper. I think in my very early days of aromatherapy I blended this oil like it was a basey wood and was never disappointed with the results. I’ve even read a description of the scent of this oil as “pencil- like” and it is also referred to as a pencil cedar , as the heartwood has been used to make lead pencils.

Eastern Red Cedar pic via www.realchristmastrees.org

Eastern Red Cedar pic via http://www.realchristmastrees.org

In Native American medicine this common tree has been used for respiratory infections and other ailments including arthritis and rheumatism, skin disorders and as a treatments for venereal infections (according to Salvatore Battaglia).

In Aromatherapy today Cedarwood Virginiana is used –

* as a treatment for oily and acne skin

* as a treatment for other skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis

* as a soothing treatment for coughs and colds and as an expectorant

* to induce more spiritual connectedness

* as a space/energy cleanser

I’ve always loved using this oil so check out some simple recipes –

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

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

“Psychic Awareness”

Open your upper chakras –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Mandarin 1 drop

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“A New Start”

Cleanse and refresh you attitude –

Cedarwood Virginiana 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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“And… Breathe!”

Take a quite moment for yourself –

Cedarwood Virginiana 1 drop

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

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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”

“Classic”

This is my go-to classic body oil blend –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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“Give Me Strength”

A warming blend for courage and physical strength –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

Rosewood 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 Bergamot Essential Oil – Citrus bergamia

Posted on February 19, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Bergamot – pic via globalhealingcenter.com

I just wrote an article about the wonderful oil of bergamot, so click here if you’d like to check it out. I received a great response to my story on this bittersweet citrus oil and that’s because it’s a universally adored oil and has been used extensively in perfume for hundreds (if not more) years. It’s sparkly, light, refreshing and I always categorise the citrus oils as oils of happiness. It’s also fab for using in love blends as it negates mild feelings of anxiety.

Bergamot is used in aromatherapy to help with feelings of sadness and depression and to generally improve moods. It can be used as a tonic for oily skin, and is wonderful for all kinds of skincare. There is a warning with bergamot oil though – there is a constituent in its makeup called bergaptene, and this renders the oil slightly phototoxic. This means don’t smother yourself with it then sunbake for 8 hours – you could burn baby!

Les check out some recipes –

Pink clay – pic via qrbiz.com

1. Face Mask

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

“Teenage Dream Skin”

For oily and acne skin try a face mask twice weekly with PINK clay –

2 teaspoons pink clay

Bergamot 1 drop will be enough here

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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

“Ugh”

When you need bit of a boost –

Bergamot 15 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

Lemon Myrtle 3 drops

Myrrh 2 drops

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“I’m Lovely”

Yes you are ….

Bergamot 10 drops

Palmarosa 6 drops

Black Spruce 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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“I Wonder What Good Fortune is Coming my Way?”

Get in the vibration to accept good things –

Bergamot 12 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

May Chang 3 drops

Nutmeg 3 drops

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“From Negative to Positive”

Change!

Bergamot 16 drops

Rosewood 9 drops

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

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”

“Soft Skin”

For beautiful feeling and smelling skin –

Beragmot 3 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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

“Don’t Dilly-Dally”

Make a fresh start in the morning to get moving –

Bergamot 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Eucalyptus 1 drop

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“You Will Be Mine”

Become absolutely irrisistable –

Bergamot 3 drops

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

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

Scent your space

4. Scent Your Space

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

“I Love My Little Space in the World”

Bergamot 15 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 6 drops

Geranium 4 drops

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

“Let’s Dance”

Yeah!

Bergamot 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Spearmint 5 drops

Lime 5 drops

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

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: bergamot essential oil

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10 Recipes with Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – Anthemis nobilis

10 Recipes with Lavender Essential Oil – Lavandula angustifolia

10 Recipes with Juniper Essential Oil – Juniperus communis

10 Recipes with Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

10 Recipes with Patchouli Essential Oil – Pogostemon cablin

Cedarwood Virginiana Has a Secret!

10 Recipes with Bergamot Essential Oil – Citrus bergamia

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