10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Meditation

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


 

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Meditation

 

Meditation creates positive ripples in your environment

Meditation creates positive ripples in your environment

Many people are still are still unsure of meditation, why we do it and how accessible it is. It is a term for a wide variety of styles and beliefs but the one common thread is that we meditate to connect with the universe within us, and all around us. This includes people in your life, when you have problems, when you don’t have problems, when you want to create something and simply just as a way of attuning to higher consciousness.

One of the biggest myths of meditation is that you can’t do it because your mind is too active. That’s WHY you do it.

Another myth is that it takes too much time. Have you heard the story of the student who says to the master he hasn’t got enough time to meditate for half an hour every day. The master considers the story and then tells him to meditate for an hour everyday. We MAKE time for meditation it’s as simple as that.

If you have access to the internet you can find out many ways of meditating. It could be an “open focus” style meditation where you close your eyes and open your mind to become no body, no thing at no time, in no place. You may learn a mantra meditation by going to a meditation group or you may sit with relaxing music and breathe deeply.

be happy

Be happier with meditation

The key to meditation is actually doing it. Sometimes your mind will be quite and sometimes it may not. Meditate anyway. Even if it’s for 5 minutes, just do it.

Positive results from meditation include –

* reduced stress leading to far-reaching health benefits

* a more relaxed body

* deeper, slower breathing in waking states

* reduced blood pressure

* healing of chronic disease

* objectivity

* better sleep

* better relationships

* better communication

and the list goes on. Here are some recipes to help induce slower breathing and meditation –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Frankincense – deeper slower breathing

Lavender – general relaxation

Marjoram – stress relief and relaxation

Orange – sweetness and innocence

Sandalwood – connection to spirit

Patchouli – feel grounded

 

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series - puzhen.com

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series – puzhen.com

Scent Your Space

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

“World Peace”

World peace starts in your heart –

Mandarin     10 drops

Cypress        8 drops

Patchouli      7 drops

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

“Clarity’

May Chang     8 drops

Lavender         7 drops

Pine                5 drops

Basil                5 drops

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

“Double Torus”

Get the energy going

Frankincense     10 drops

Geranium             5 drops

Cardamom          5 drops

Rosewood           5 drops

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

“Fairy Garden”

Open to the magic –

Petitgrain                         8 drops

Lime                                7 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan    7 drops

Sage                               3 drops

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

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

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

 

3. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“The Time is Now”

Meditate for 5 minutes NOW –

Geranium                   1 drop

Indian Sandalwood    1 drop

Lemon                       1 drop

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

“Mantra”

Just say ‘om’ as a simple mantra –

Cedarwood Virginian   1 drop

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

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

“Heart Chakra”

Open the flow –

Rose 3%    on its own straight from the bottle * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Release Toxic Thought Patterns”

Juniper          2 drops

Peru Balsam  1 drop

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

 

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

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

4. Face Mask

Usually I add 1 or 2 drops of oil to 2 teaspoons of clay, and add water, floral water or hydrosol. Keep the mask on for 5 minutes then rinse off with cool water. Mist with a hydrosol or floral water and moisturise.

Bergamot    2 drops in white clay.

Relax and meditate for 5 minutes with some chilled music.

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

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

Traffic!

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

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. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

Peppermint – clarity, happiness

Tea Tree – cleanse your aura and energy

Mandarin – happiness, allowing

Lemongrass – stimulating and refreshing, happiness

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

Rub oil into your body - it's good!

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

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

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

Open up to possibility –

Lavender                      4 drops

Petitgrain                      2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    2 drops

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

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

Ylang Ylang         3 drops

Orange               2 drops

Rosewood          2 drops

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

“Repeat the Happy Mantra”

Lemongrass      3 drops

Peru Balsam      2 drops

Spearmint          2 drops

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

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

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

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

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

“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?

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

“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

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

 

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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

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

“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

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

 

 

 

 

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

Beautiful green basil!

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

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.

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

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

Just use any mist bottle you can find

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!)

“Cool Water Brain Rinse”

Clear brain fog –

Basil           8 drops

Orange     12 drops

Cypress      5 drops

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

“Creative Explosion”

When you need to open to your creative drive –

Basil           6 drops

Rosemary   6 drops

Lime           6 drops

Geranium    6 drops

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

“Bubble of Inspiration”

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

Basil              7 drops

Rosewood   12 drops

Lemongrass   6 drops

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

“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

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

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

“Big Meeting this Morning”

Stay focused and relaxed-

Basil             2 drops

Lavender      1 drop

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

“Clean Green”

Give yourself a burst of vitality –

Basil              1 drop

Palmarosa     1 drop

May Chang    1 drop

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

Throw some essential oils into your bucket and mop your floors

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

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Cananga odorata

Gorgeous flower gorgeous scent. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t like this oil and even though it’s a floral, men still love it because of it’s very deep basey scent. Of course I’m generalising but I want you to know that men can love floral oils and women can love herbs and woods, and vice versa. If you want to get your partner in the mood for some loving (whether male or female), then choose this amazing oil.

***********************************************************************************************

Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

***********************************************************************************************

Wh!at a gorgeous flower

 

For more specifics on this beautiful plant and oil check out my previous article here. For now let’s get into it!

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 Love Myself”

You better!

Ylang Ylang    2 drops

Bergamot      1 drop


“Tropical Breeze”

Feel summery and delicious even in winter –

Ylang Ylang    1 drop

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


“Release Frustration”

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Frankincense   2 drops


“Not a care in the World”

Ylang Ylang          1 drop

Petitgrain              1 drop

Cedarwood Atlas  1 drop


 

Artsisan diffuser

 

2. Scent Your Space

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

“You WILL Be Mine”

Ylang Ylang     8 drops

Mandarin         8 drops

Black Pepper   6 drops

Juniper            4 drops


“My Corner of The World”

Enjoy your own space and your own company –

Ylang Ylang      8 drops

Lime                 8 drops

Lavender          6 drops

Clove               3 drops


“Sexy Love Bedroom Disco”

Ylang Ylang                  8 drops

Sandalwood Mysore    6 drops

Orange                       11 drops


 

Body oils make lovely legs

 

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”

 

“Life is Beautiful”

Ylang Ylang                      3 drops

Marjoram                          3 drops

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


“Nourish and Repair”

Skin can benefit from Ylang Ylang –

Ylang Ylang         2 drops

Lavender             2 drops

Patchouli             2 drops

Peru Balsam        1 drop


“You WILL Be Mine – The Musical”

Ylang Ylang                  3 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana  2 drops

Pink Grapefruit             3 drops


Lavandula stoechas, my own pic thanks yes it is wonderful

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

10 Recipes with Lemongrass Essential Oil- Cymbopogon citratus

Delicious lemongrass

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

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

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

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

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

oil burner

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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – Anthemis nobilis

Chamomile - sweet flower, sweet scent

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

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

“Serene”

Anoint yourself before meditation –

Roman chamomile 3%      4 drops

Frankincense                     1 drop

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

“Angels Please Surround Me”

Roman chamomile 3%      3 drops

Rose Geranium                 1 drop

Bergamot                          1 drop

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

“Soothe and Comfort”

For you or someone who needs it –

Roman chamomile 3%       4 drops

Rose 3%                            2 drops

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

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

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

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

Recipes using Roman chamomile essential oil 100% pure

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

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

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

“Marshmallows”

For soft, lovely skin –

Roman chamomile    3 drops

Pink grapefruit           2 drops

Palmarosa                 1 drop

Patchouli                   1 drop

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

Just use any mist bottle you can find

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

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

“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?

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

“Petit”

Let big problems become small problems –

Roman chamomile       8 drops

Juniper                         8 drops

Lime                             8 drops

Vetiver                          1 drop

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

10 Recipes with Lavender Essential Oil – Lavandula angustifolia

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

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

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

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

“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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

oil burner

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

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

“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

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

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

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

(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!)

“Bottle o’ Courage”

Lavender        8 drops

Juniper           6 drops

Peru Balsam   8 drops

Cinnamon      3 drops

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

“Afternoon Energetic Refresh”

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

Lavender            6 drops

Lemongrass     10 drops

Pink grapefruit    9 drops

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

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

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

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

“Fortify”

Reveal your inner strength –

Lavender       1 drop

Cardamom    1 drop

Orange          1 drop

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

 

Black pepper - pic via www.seriouseats.com

Black pepper – pic via http://www.seriouseats.com

Many moons ago my first guest post on Australian Perfume Junkies was about black pepper. Black pepper is one of those oils that I may not use frequently, but when I do use it, I am always intrigued as if I am smelling it for the first time. And I seem to be surprised at its soft, warm scent. When you taste black pepper it can be sharp, pungent and spicy but when you smell the essential oil it is gentle and sweet with a hint of spice.

From my APJ story;

“The essential oil of black pepper is a lot softer and sweeter than the taste, and is used in Aromatherapy for symptoms such as poor circulation, muscle and joint aches and pains, as treatment for bad digestion and as a general warming tonic. It has been used as an aphrodisiac, and an anti-dote to depression. Taking in all these properties, what can the divine scent tell us? Like many spice oils, it carries the energetic resonance of the evolution of humanity – really. Each drop, each whiff can link us to the past. It’s an oil of warmth, expansion and action. It’s a stimulating scent to the brain and can certainly be employed to open your mind. When I smell black pepper straight from the bottle (the best way to experience an essential oil is to take off the lid and take a huge sniff) I am inspired to carry on. To me it’s an oil of searching for your purpose in life, and giving inspiration to go forward and seize the day.”

Wow I just quoted myself hehehehehehe. To read the full story click here.

Black pepper in its dried and undried forms - pic via kampot-pepper.us

Black pepper in its dried and natural forms – pic via kampot-pepper.us

Black pepper is considered as slightly sensitising, which means it may cause a reaction on the skin. This is why I say to “patch test first”, even though I know not many of you do. Putting a couple of drops neat on your skin would not be advisable but putting a couple of drops in an oil blend may work quite well.

Here’s a couple of recipes –

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

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 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.

Black pepper – will gently warm up your brain and body in the morning, creating space for you to shine!

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

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 Legs!”

Rub this blend on, and then put your feet up –

Black pepper  2 drops

Lavender        4 drops

Peppermint    1 drop

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

“Hike”

When you need to warm up your muscles before you conquer your day –

Black pepper  2 drops

Rosemary      2 drops

Lemon           4 drops

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

“God Give Me Strength”

When you need to summon some courage –

Black pepper             2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  2 drops

Petitgrain                   4 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

10 Recipes with Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

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

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

“Buzz Off”

An oil blend for outdoors to fend off little biters –

Palmarosa     3 drops

Citronella       2 drops

Lemongrass  2 drops

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

“Lunar”

Look to the sky for inspiration –

Palmarosa     3 drops

Patchouli       2 drops

Mandarin       2 drops

Basil              1 drop

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

“Tra-la-la”

Invite happiness in –

Palmarosa       2 drops

Rosewood       3 drops

Black Spruce   3 drops

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

Wrap it up! pic via hellobeautiful.com

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

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

“Balance”

For oilier hair –

Palmarosa                    2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    2 drops

Lemon                         4 drops

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

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

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

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!)

“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

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

“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

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

“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.

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

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