2017 Year of the Rooster – Your Sign & Your Essential Oils

Posted on January 25, 2017 by suzannerbanks

Hello natural beauties and scent lovers everywhere. This Saturday the 28th January 2017 marks the start of a new year for the Chinese community and the zodiac. We say goodbye to the Year of the Monkey and welcome the Rooster! Goodbye to a cheeky and troublesome year for some, hello to a year of getting things done, reassessing how we do things and where that can lead us. Unstable at times, the Rooster year favours those willing to work hard. Read on the find out which oil can benefit you this year.

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

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Year of the Rooster 2017

The Year of the Rooster

Keywords: hard work and discipline will pay off; keep your cool; look within yet take action; congratulate your self on achievements; make things happen for yourself; be flexible in your attitude

Wow here we are living in the future – 2017! Onwards and upwards people, lets set about making the world a better place.

Which Chinese zodiac are you? Here’s a chart:

http://www.highrated.net/17502/this-is-what-your-chinese-zodiac-sign-says-about-you/

Look for your sign on this chart

Here are my predictions for your lucky oils this year:

Rat – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Rat

Keywords for this year: listen to your intuition; changes with work; new relationships

Your oils: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood Atlas, black pepper

Ox – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Keywords for this year: stay alert for opportunities; pursue new interests; commit to goals

Your oils: petitgrain, basil, patchouli

Tiger – picc via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Tiger

Keywords for this year: creative developments afoot; romantic prospects; ask for help

Your oils: fennel, rose, bergamot

Rabbit – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Rabbit/Hare

Keywords for this year: fast paced year – proceed with caution; set long-term goals

Your oils: marjoram, frankincense, jasmine

Dragon – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Dragon

Keywords for this year: lucky; improved work situation; travel

Your oils: lemongrass; tea tree; rose geranium

Snake – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Snake

Keywords for this year: improved work life; new recreations; abundance

Your oils: Indian rosewood, cinnamon, pine

Horse – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Horse

Keywords for this year: adapt; ask questions; watch finances

Your oils: palmarosa, neroli, juniper

Sheep – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Sheep/Goat

Keywords for this year: flexibility and strength; stand up for yourself

Your oils: may chang, lavender, lime

Monkey – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Monkey

Keywords for this year: steady progress, spirituality; discipline

Your oils: cypress, Peru balsam, Ylang ylang

Rooster – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Rooster

Keywords for this year: destiny; open your mind; happiness

Your oils: geranium, orange, Siberian fir

Dog – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Dog

Keywords for this year: balance; keep your cool; increased activity

Your oils: melissa, peppermint, wintergreen

Pig – pic via http://www.chinesehoroscopeonline.com/

Pig

Keywords for this year: self-development; socialising; progress

Your oils: cedarwood Virginian, nutmeg, lemon

So how does that sound?

What are you lucky oils for this Year of The Rooster?

3 Essential Oils to Help You Stop Obsessing About Something

Posted on September 17, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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3 Essential Oils to Help you Stop Obsessing About Something

An over-thinking mind can create even more stress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lavender gives you strength

1. Lavender

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

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

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

Lemon – gorgeous simplicity

2. Lemon

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

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

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

The blue of German chamomile looks a bit like this

3. German Chamomile

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

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

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

yum!

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

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

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

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

Amazon USA Amazon AU Amazon UK

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.

Lemon Essential Oil = Refresh and Reload

Posted on May 26, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Lemon – gorgeous simplicity

One of my first stories on this blog was about lemons – The Loveliness of Lemons!.

Lemons truly are delightful and I categorize the essential oil from the rind as an oil of happiness. Sparkly, zingy, zesty, fresh, clarifying and clean, lemon essential oil is a must-have oil for the aromatherapy enthusiast.

I use lemon oil frequently when treating clients as I find it’s a great addition to a body blend for sore muscles. When I was studying, I remember my teacher telling me a therapist she knew used lemon juice with oil for sore muscles and had great results. Not sure if I could do that (you’d smell like a salad after the massage), but the essential oil is definitely the go.

Aw – a baby lemon!

From my earlier article:

Lemon essential oil is an uplifting oil with a sweet innocence about it, but don’t be fooled – it has a solid place in modern aromatherapy.

Some aromatherapists and scientific data claim lemon oil is good for:

stimulating the action of white blood cells

killing bacteria in the gut

soothing and lessening varicose veins

tonifying the circulatory system and aiding high blood pressure

helping the body shed excess fluids

decreasing cellulite

improving concentration

easing rheumatic pain & gout pain

stopping the flow of blood with cuts and abrasions

…… and the list continues.

Mum’s lemon tree with the washing hanging on it

Lemon essential oil is inexpensive and accessible and has a scent that is also easy to inhale. Within the chemical constituents and energy of the drops of lemon oil, lay the coded information of lightness and happiness. I often say the words “refresh and reload” in my mind when I get the bottle of lemon oil out, and it does just that!

* Feeling tired and uninspired? Lemon oil.

* Need a new perspective on life? Lemon oil.

* Want some more joy? Lemon oil.

*Just like clicking on the “reload” icon in your web browser, lemon essential oil can give you a clean slate to start from.

Lemon blossoms – I wonder why they aren’t made into an essential oil like Neroli?

* Add some drops of lemon oil to your water when cleaning surfaces in the house or completely brighten your home with lemon essential oil in the bucket of water for mopping the floors. When cooking with lemons I always keep the rind to rub over the kitchen benches at night to combat bacteria.

Lemons are a fruit of old and have origins in Asia – from Burma and India through to China.

They entered Europe near southern Italy no later than the 1st century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated. They were later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around 700 AD. The lemon was first recorded in literature in a 10th-century Arabic treatise on farming, and was also used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens.^[1]^[2] It was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1000 and 1150. Wikipedia

So a big hooray for lemons, and lemon essential oil. They have survived for this long because they are wonderful! Stay tuned for my next article 10 Recipes with Lemon Essential Oil.

Can Essential Oils be used Undiluted on Your Skin?

Posted on October 7, 2013 by suzannerbanks

A drop of oil can be essential

This question is one of the most commonly asked questions in regards to essential oils and essential oil safety.

I studied in Australia and although I don’t know exactly what other education institutions teach, I’m positive there is a general feeling about this subject.

Short Answer: NO

Do not use essential oils directly on your skin as a general rule.

Why?:

Essential oils are concentrated volatile substances extracted from plants. A couple of important actions in some essential oils are classed as:

Photosensitisation:

If you apply one of these oils to your skin and go outside, the oil can cause a skin reaction when the suns hits you. It can be really bad, or mild, or you may not get a reaction at all. Oils to watch out for are bergamot and all the citrus oils.

Sensitising:

Many oils can be classed as sensitising, meaning if you use to much, or in a strong dilution it may cause a skin reaction. Oils to watch out for are black pepper, cinnamon, clove, wintergreen, maybe oregano and thyme, and other oils which you wouldn’t be able to buy retail.

Irritation:

According to Essential Therapeutics “irritation” may occur with many different oils in very strong dilutions. However, most essential oils contain different molecules that could potentially cause irritations on the skin, but are not classified as toxic. It really depends on each person and how sensitive you are generally.

The most important thing is not to drink essential oils – this will cause poisoning and potentially harmful long term effects.

Use your common sense and dilute essential oils in the ratios listed in my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

skin reaction to Peru Balsam pic via www.cdc.gov

skin reaction to Peru Balsam pic via http://www.cdc.gov

If you are a very sensitive person then always patch test before using essential oils all over your skin – even if it is in the correct dilution.

I’m not going to say I don’t use essential oils directly on my skin, but I’m not going to say I do. I have 20 years of experience using essential oils with clients and various scenting projects so I feel confident about what I can do on my skin.

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils diluted with a carrier oil

What about anointing with essential oils?

Once again the general rule is not to use essential oils directly on your skin. I recommend diluting with a carrier oil and then anointing.

What about perfume straight from the bottle?

Same as above. if you want a stronger effect, try putting a couple of drops of oil on a makeup pad in your bra or even your handbag.

PATCH TEST FIRST – especially if you are a person who is very sensitive! Just because essential oils are natural does not mean they are always safe.

Don’t use essential oils in strong dilutions, or neat on kids either. if a reaction does occur the only way to get the oils off the skin is with a carrier oil like olive or almond. Smooth it all over the area, wipe off and seek medical advice if necessary. See my article ‘“Aunty, something is biting my legs” – 10 things NOT to do when using Essential Oils” for more info on the general rules of using essential oils.

You are the expert on you

You are the expert on you, so use common sense, the information that is available to you and patch test first.

Enjoy the beautiful scents of nature and allow miracles through scent!

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: A Must-Have for the Scent Lover

Posted on April 29, 2013 by suzannerbanks

orange – it’s a great food AND oil!

How can you NOT be captured by the beautiful colour, taste and scent of an orange?

Well, actually, I have a client who really can’t bare the smell of orange essential oils because it gives her a headache. Fair enough. But let’s all love it together – because we can!

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it is light, fresh, sweet and blends well with ALL essential oils.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it is a simple representation of the beauty of life.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it lends itself to become the body of an aromatherapy blend, easily and effortlessly.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it appeals to most people by connecting to the inner child, or the innocence and happiness of children.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it always allows my client to completely relax and enjoy the experience of the treatment

orange

Traditionally orange oil as been used for:

* helping with digestion and gut issues including symptoms of IBS

* as a tonic for depression and anxiety

* as a soothing agent to the skin, and in inflammatory skin conditions like acne

* as a mild stimulant to the lymphatic system

I would say most therapists use orange oil because of it’s scent and it’s intrinsic nature of joy and happiness.

orange = happiness

Handy Hints

+ If you squeeze oranges for fresh juice keep the rind and rub it over the kitchen benches to act as a disinfectant and make your place smell great.

+ Use the rind in a bath to have a de-stress unwind moment of peace – no need for a bottle of oil go straight to the source.

+ Make a cake with whole boiled oranges and almond meal to have an aromatherapy treatment and a dessert at the same time.

+ Kids LOVE this oil so it’s good have around in case they need a little help to re-focus and chill out

And try these recipes:

Scent Your Space

1. “Good Morning Darling (Get out of Bed on the Wrong Side Did Ya?)”

To infuse your space with some soft happiness add these oils to a classic oil burner:

Orange 15 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

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2. “I’ve Got a Headache”

To relieve tension and relax:

Orange 10 drops

Lavender 10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 5 drops

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Skin Scrub

To a cup of fine sea salt add a good splash of oil (almond, olive, sunflower) and either 5 drops of orange oil OR grate the rind of 2 oranges into the mix.

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Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Anoint your chakras, or pulse points with the pure essential oil. Use the energy of the oil and the scent for transformation and energy protection. Always place a tiny residue under your nose for the scent to go to work on your mind.

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!

1. “Serendipity”

To invite openness into your life:

Orange 2 drops

Geranium 1 drop

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2. “I’m Lovin Myself Sick Tonight”

To help you connect with your inner sexy goddess:

Orange 2 drops

Nutmeg 1 drop

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Orange oil is an oil of happiness so…….

Remember to treat your self first and then everyone will benefit!

Help Your Hangover with Essential Oils

Posted on March 4, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Oh no natural beauties, I hope you don’t have a hangover! The best cure for a hangover is time. Drink water, eat good food and rest too. Using essential oils can help speed up the process by acting as anti-inflammatory agents, tonics for the nervous system and antidotes for nausea. Here are some great oils for a hangover.

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

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A cup of peppermint tea could do the trick as well

Peppermint oil is THE best! It’s great for nausea and a headache too. It’s cooling and clearing.

How to use peppermint oil for a hangover:

Place a few drops in the bottom of the shower and cover the drain. This works as a peppermint steam and will make you feel better immediately!

Put a drop on your temples and the back of your skull for headaches.

Place a few drops in a teaspoon of oil and rub onto your stomach and lower back to lessen nausea.

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

Lavender oil is an all-rounder. It’s versatility makes it perfect to treat any type of discomfort in the body.

How to use lavender oil for a hangover:

Put 10 drops of lavender into an oil burner with 10 drops of peppermint. Chill on the couch or go back to bed.

You can use lavender like peppermint oil for a headache but the deep scent could have an opposite effect if you feel sick too. Stick to peppermint if you have an upset stomach.

Sunny lemons

Lemon is a refreshing, light, happy oil and is great for a hangover because it isn’t too heavy. It is an oil used for so many things, and I would use this for a hangover because it will lighten you up, and help your mind clear.

How to use lemon oil for a hangover:

Follow the same two methods for both lavender and peppermint AND,

in 3 teaspoons of oil add 8 drops of lemon and smooth all over your body.

This is a very nourishing moisturiser for your skin and entire body, and will help your nerves settle a little bit and give you a more clarity. It will refresh your energy too.

Wh!at a gorgeous flower

** It will be best to stay away from floral oils like geranium, ylang ylang and jasmine as they could make you feel a bit sicker than you already are.

However, rose oil could do the trick quite nicely and may help you go back to sleep – which will help you even more!

** Don’t use vetiver or patchouli as they are too deeply scented and are base notes – this could bring you down even further.

Stay with citrus oils – light, sparkly and fresh!

Time is the best thing for a hangover but these simple, beautiful essential oils will speed up the recovery process.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: citrus essential oils

2017 Year of the Rooster – Your Sign & Your Essential Oils

3 Essential Oils to Help You Stop Obsessing About Something

Cure Mondayitis with Essential Oil Shower Steams

Lemon Essential Oil = Refresh and Reload

Can Essential Oils be used Undiluted on Your Skin?

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: A Must-Have for the Scent Lover

Help Your Hangover with Essential Oils

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