Essential Oil Recipes for Changing Seasons Spring/Autumn 2018

Hello natural beauties I hope all is well in your world. Time keeps rolling on and we will soon find ourselves walking into a new season, unless you live in a tropical climate where its delicious all year round. Some of us love the winters, some of us love the summer, and some love the in-betweens. I’m a summer lover so anytime it’s getting warmer I’m happy. Here are a few recipes for your new season …

 

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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

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Flowering rosemary in Sydney this week

 

Moving Into Spring – The Southern Hemisphere

Ah yes the promise of spring is in the air! And my skin is looking dry and scaly from covering up all winter, having hot showers and being in heated environments. Here are a few recipes to bring yourself back to life:

**** Spring Body Oil

.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”

After a good skin scrub with a body puff or your favourite scrub, lather yourself in this “Spring Has Sprung” blend:

 

Orange          4 drops

Rosemary      2 drops

Peru Balsam   3 drops


 

**** Spring Clay Face Mask

I Usually 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.

Neroli 3% in jojoba  5 drops in yellow or pink clay    * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

add

Orange blossom water and blend to a smooth paste

 

Magnolia in Sydney

 

**** Easy Spring Perfume

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!

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

Petitgrain                     2 drops


 

More beautiful roses from my recent trip to New Zealand

 

Moving Into Autumn – The Northern Hemisphere

Moving into Autumn you may still be quite warm with late summer lingering on. Time to hydrate and moisturise your skin after the sun.

**** Autumn Body Oil

.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”

Try a long soak in a warm bath then lavish this blend all over yourself:

Lavender      2 drops

Geranium     2 drops

Mandarin     4 drops


 

**** Autumn Face Hydration

Facial Oil Treatment

Mix one or two drops of essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier oil. You can warm the oil slightly first if desired – it will be very relaxing! Massage your face and rest for 10 minutes. You can also place a cool or warm wet facecloth on your face as a compress over the oil mask. Remove excess oil with a tissue or cloth if necessary.

Rose 3% in jojoba   4 drops

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

 

lavender loving bee at my friend’s house

 

**** Easy Autumn Perfume

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!

Atlas cedarwood   1 drop

Ylang Ylang           1 drop

May chang               1 drop


bliss with roses

 

 

Get blending my friends and let me know how you go!

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Australian Sandalwood – Santalum spicatum

Ah beautiful sandalwood oil! Our lovely Australian sandalwood essential oil has a hint of the bush and some herbaceous tones too. The Aussie species is not as syrupy, heady or as sweet as Indian (Mysore) sandalwood, but adds depth and the wisdom of this great land to your world. It can can also be found as a CO2 extract, so dive in and experience Australia.

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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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. 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”

“Courage”

Aust. Sandalwood    3 drops

Lavender                  2 drops

Geranium                  1 drop

Black pepper            1 drop


“A Potion for my Man”

Aust. Sandalwood     4 drops

Mandarin                   4 drops


“Relaxing AND Energising all at the Same Time”

Aust. Sandalwood      2 drops

Lemongrass               2 drops

Orange                       4 drops


Salt makes a great base for a scrub

Salt makes a great base for a scrub

 

2. Skin Scrub

Use 2 cups of fine sea salt, add some unperformed lotion, or some carrier oil, mix into a paste and then add your essential oils (only a few drops). You’re ready to scrub under the shower or in the bath, but remember to be gentle! If you use the scrub while standing in the bath you can then soak in the salt and oils too. When you shower scrub most of it gets wasted.

Aust. Sandalwood       2 drops

Lemon                         3 drops


Anyone can give themselves a face mask!

Anyone can give themselves a face mask!

 

3. 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.

Aust. Sandalwood  1 drop

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


 

 

Australian sandalwood thrives in semi-arid conditions - pic via www.fpc.wa.gov.au

Australian sandalwood thrives in semi-arid conditions – pic via http://www.fpc.wa.gov.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!)

“Bush Magic”

Aust. Sandalwood      8 drops

Palmarosa                  8 drops

Lavender                    5 drops

Basil                           3 drops


“Manifestation”

Aust. Sandalwood    8 drops

May Chang             10 drops

Cypress                    7 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

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!

“I Will”

Aust. Sandalwood   1 drop

Peru Balsam            1 drop

Lime                        1 drop


“Lovely”

Aust. Sandalwood    1 drop

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


“Double Torus”

Aust. Sandalwood      1 drop

Juniper                       1 drop

Rose Geranium           1 drop


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Like our Facebook page to stay tuned for more info on the inaugural

Australasian Artisan Botanical Perfume Expo in Sydney, 24th April 2016

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

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

10 Recipes with Himalayan Cedarwood – Cedrus deodora

Stunning pic of Himalayan cedarwood via www.efloras.org credit KK Shrestha

Stunning pic of Himalayan cedarwood via http://www.efloras.org credit KK Shrestha

Himalayan cedarwood has a deep history in Hindu traditions, as a tree that creates sacred forests, spurring a closer connection to Shiva through meditation. In Ayurveda the oil has been used to treat bronchial and lung disorders, urinary tract infections and to release fluid from the body. The oil is also considered a spiritual oil which helps to expand consciousness. In modern aromatherapy it is used for the same issues, and has a much softer, creamier scent than Atlas cedarwood or Virginian cedarwood (which is actually a juniper tree).

Let’s check out some recipes –

Face mask it!

Face mask it!

1. 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.

Great for oily or acne skin add 1 drop of Himalayan cedarwood to some pink clay for a clarifying and toning mask.

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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. 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”

“I’m the One and Only”

Respect yourself –

Himalayan cedarwood       2 drops

Orange                              4 drops

Lavender                            2 drops

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“Forest of Dreams”

Click into the vibes of the sacred Deodora forests –

Himalayan cedarwood       2 drops

Rosewood                         3 drops

Bergamot                          3 drops

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“Energy Now!”

Himalayan cedarwood       3 drops

Lemongrass                      4 drops

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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!)

“Portable Sacred Space”

Himalayan cedarwood       8 drops

Mandarin                         10 drops

May Chang                        4 drops

Sage                                  3 drops

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“Meditation Anywhere”

Himalayan cedarwood       6 drops

Frankincense                  12 drops

Lime                                 7 drops

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“Overthinking, 0: Feeling, 1”

Himalayan cedarwood       8 drops

Peru balsam                      8 drops

Ginger                               4 drops

Geranium                          4 drops

Vetiver                               1 drop

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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!

“Thankful”

Himalayan cedarwood       1 drop

Lemon                               1 drop

Ylang Ylang                        1 drop

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Changing my Epi-Genetic Markers”

Himalayan cedarwood       1 drop

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

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“Inter Stellar Travel”

Himalayan cedarwood       1 drop

Roman Chamomile 3%      4 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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Lemon Essential Oil – Citrus limonum

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

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

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

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

Lets check out some recipes with magnificent lemon oil –

Rub oil into your body - it's good!

Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“End of the Week Relaxathon”

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

Lemon            4 drops

Peru Balsam   4 drops

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“Anti-Puff”

Release puffiness and a feel a bit lighter –

Lemon      3 drops

Fennel      2 drops

Cypress   3 drops

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“Legs Up The Wall”

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

Lemon         4 drops

Marjoram      2 drops

Peppermint   2 drops

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Face mask it!

Face mask it!

2. Face Mask

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

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

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Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(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!)

“New Ideas”

Lemon        12 drops

Basil              5 drops

Palmarosa     5 drops

Geranium      3 drops

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“Lemon Bubble”

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

Lemon          15 drops

Lavender         5 drops

Marjoram         5 drops

Vanilla CO2      3 drops

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“Vitality”

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

Lemon       10 drops

Juniper        8 drops

Mandarin     5 drops

Rosemary    2 drops

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Daisy”

Stay fresh as –

Lemon                  2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas  1 drop

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“Truth”

Simplicity is the key –

Lemon            2 drops

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

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Scent your space

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

5. Scent Your Space

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

“Party”

Lemon          14 drops

Ylang Ylang    6 drops

Lime               5 drops

 

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

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

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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 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

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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

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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

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

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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

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“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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Juniper Essential Oil – Juniperus communis

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

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

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

(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!)

“Begone Bad Stuff”

A little purse pack of cleansing energy  –

Juniper       9 drops

Orange     12 drops

Geranium   4 drops

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

“Light On My Feet”

Put a spring in your step –

Juniper          8 drops

Mandarin       6 drops

Rosewood     6 drops

Cinnamon      5 drops

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

“Bubble of Love”

Surround yourself with good vibes –

Juniper             6 drops

Ylang Ylang      4 drops

Bergamot        10 drops

Peru Balsam      4 drops

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

“Feather”

Float with the universe –

Juniper                           8 drops

Fennel                            3 drops

Lime                               8 drops

Sandalwood Australian   4 drops

Nutmeg                          2 drops

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

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

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

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Evaporate”

Let your concerns evaporate –

Juniper       1 drop

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

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

“Create Space”

.. to be creative –

Juniper              1 drop

Pink grapefruit   2 drops

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

“Refresh”

Refresh your mind –

Juniper         2 drops

Basil             1 drop

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

“Accept”

Don’t fight it –

Juniper                             1 drop

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

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

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

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

3. Face Mask

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

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

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

4. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Pick-Me-Up”

Give your body a buzz in the morning –

Juniper          2 drops

Eucalyptus     1 drop

Grapefruit       2 drops

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

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

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

copyright suzanne

10 Recipes with Bergamot Essential Oil – Citrus bergamia

Bergamot - pic via globalhealingcenter.com

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

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

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

(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!)

“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

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

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“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

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Scent your space

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

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“Let’s Dance”

Yeah!

Bergamot    10 drops

Cinnamon     5 drops

Spearmint     5 drops

Lime              5 drops

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’ll Have a Juniper and Tonic, thanks”

juniper berries

juniper berries

“I’ll have a juniper and tonic, thanks” – I really did say this to a barman once.  I had juniper on my mind and really needed it. Obviously what I wanted was a gin and tonic, with the smooth, styling flavour of juniper berries. Gin was originally made in the Netherlands where it is called “jenever”, and was first made as a medicine in the 16th century. Looking at the historical uses of plants and oils gives us a very clear indication of what they are good for (even without the modern scientific techniques of gas chromatography, which breaks down the oils into components). Juniper was also used against cholera and typhoid in this time by herbalists and common people –  the plants were the medicine!

young unripe juniper berries

young unripe juniper berries

Juniper is an oil I often have cravings for and will spend months at a time obsessed with it. It’s a clean, crisp oil I refer to as having the “scent of sophistication”. It is a lightly scented oil produced from steam distillation of the ripe dark berries. l will use it for clients for anything from stress to lethargy.

It belongs to the Cupressaceae family which also holds Cypress, Cedarwood Virginian, Cade and Savin. Have a look at the leaves on the top pic – you can see how it would be related to a cypress tree.

sprawling juniper bush

sprawling juniper bush

Traditionally juniper is used for:

* a diuretic and detoxifier for the body eliminating excess fluid and also acidic build up in the blood

* this may then lead to help with issues such as gout and rheumatism

* and also cellulite (wouldn’t that be great) – I have never stuck with any one treatment long enough to know if anything helps with that …….

* cystitis – where a sitz bath or douche is used – be cautious when using essential oils in a douche and a very low ratio would be recommended

* oily skin

I use juniper for:

* energetic cleansing whether it be in your home or your personal aura

* to help release build up of emotions especially weepy and watery emotions

* to relieve someone of heavy self-deprecating feelings

* and generally when I feel ‘release’ is needed

energy vortex

energy vortex

Try these recipes:

unlike this lady I recommend putting the mask on all over your face!

unlike this lady I recommend putting the mask on all over your face!

1. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay

Juniper       2 drops

Lavender    1 drop

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2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist

To release negativity and invite sweetness and protection, in a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add –

“Ah That’s Better”

Juniper           12 drops

Orange             8 drops

Peru Balsam     5 drops

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3. Body Oil

For a detox treatment, in 3 teaspoons of oil add –

“Light as a Feather”

Juniper            4 drops

Fennel             2 drops

Ginger             1 drop

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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!

“Crisp Like Linen (that’s been ironed)”

Juniper      2 drops

Petitgrain   1 drop

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I also found this :

juniper plant will keep away witches; as such it was commonly planted near front doors.
(The witch could still enter, but only if she correctly counted needles on the tree).

Love that one!

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Frankincense is the Scent of Truth

frankincense tree and resin

frankincense tree and resin

Frankincense.

As I finished a treatment last week and I was writing the ingredients of the formula on a label, I said to myself “frankincense’, “frank – incense”. Frank, incense. The scent of truth. I had an immediate understanding of the entire universe all at once.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri), has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals and is still used today in Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches. It makes an appearance in the bible as a precious gift brought to Jesus and is found in the Middle East and Africa. According to Wikipedia

“Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa for more than 5000 years.[6] A mural depicting sacks of frankincense traded from the Land of Punt adorns the walls of the temple of ancient Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, who died in circa 1458 BC.”

It’s also know as oilbanum referring to the process of “milking” the tree for the resin. There are many romantic stories of old about this resin and oil, and it is also linked to to the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem where it was used as a temple offering and incense.

It’s an unusual looking tree, and it is tapped for the resin, which is then steam distilled into an essential oil. The resin droplets that emerge from the tree are called “tears”. The myrrh tree actually looks quite similar.

frankincense resin

frankincense resin

You can buy the resin to burn on charcoal too, and it emits a scented smoke that is entrancing to say the least.

frankincense resin burning on charcoal

frankincense resin burning on charcoal

Frankincense is the oil of breathing deeply and slowly. When you click into a rhythm of deep breathing it not only relaxes you, but also invokes a state of peacefulness and calm – just like when you meditate. Is it any wonder that churches use this resin? It is employed in the church to entrance the congregation into a type of meditation or trance, to access God and higher energies. When we connect with our spirit, we are seeing the truth in all things. We are connecting with the everything else in the universe at the same time – the oneness of all things. This is the truth. This is honesty. When we are being honest with ourselves we are being “frank” and open.

Frankincense has also been used to heal wounds by promoting cell growth and this also makes its a great facial oil. Most aromatherapy book will say that Frankincense is wonderful for wrinkled mature skin to help reduce signs of aging so I often use this in a face mask or add it to rosehip oil for a daily face moisturiser.

Here are some recipes for Frankincense:

For an oil burner or diffuser to help you relax into a divine stateessential:

“Sweet Silence”

Frankincense   15 drops

Orange              8 drops

Cinnamon         2 drops

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For an oil blend for your body to help you relax – especially great around the lungs and chest. Into 3 teaspoons add

“OM”

Frankincense   5 drops

Lavender         3 drops

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For a steam inhalation for congested lungs, or if you find it hard to catch your breath:

In a bowl put 3 drops of Frankincense then fill with boiling water and inhale through your mouth (cover yourself and the bowl with a towel).

steam inhalation

steam inhalation

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For a face mask:

In a couple of teaspoons of clay (any colour of your choice) add 3 drops of Frankincense and a little floral water (or just plain water) to form a smooth paste to apply all over you face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes then rinse off. Beautiful! You look 10 years younger already!

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Seekers of the truth – this oil is for you!

Remember to treat yourself first then everyone will benefit.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Grapefruit Essential Oil Makes Your Mouth Water (and other stuff too)

pink grapefruit

pink grapefruit

There are lots of good things to say about the wonderful grapefruit AND the essential oil that comes from the rind.

* There are white grapefruit and pink grapefruit essential oils. There is definitely a difference in the scent but it’s quite subtle. Just like there is a difference in the taste, pink grapefruit is a bit sweeter and milder than the white variety.

* With both varieties of essential oil it’s important to remember that when you are making an oil blend for a vapouriser or a mist, the grapefruit oils are so mild you will need to use a lot! It’s almost not worth using any with strongly scented oils – you’d be better off using a more robust citrus like lime, orange or mandarin, if you want to blend deeper oils. Stay light with Grapefruit.

oil burner

oil burner

Recipe for a classic oil burner for a soothing calming blend:

Grapefruit    30 drops

Lavender       5 drops

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white grapefruit

white grapefruit

* Grapefruit oil is fantastic to use as an energetic and physical “cleanser”. It works wonderfully on your etheric energetic body and its great to use in a mist to refresh and cleanse any negative vibes.

Recipe for a 50ml mist bottle filled with water:

Grapefruit      22 drops

Cinnamon       3 drops

50ml mist bottle

50ml mist bottle from essenceofwellbeing.com.au

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* Grapefruit oil is fantastic to use in an oil blend for your body when you feel you need a gentle cleanse. It will help move excess fluid from the body (mild effect) and brighten the skin with the alpha hydroxy acids.I love using grapefruit oil with my clients when I feel they may need to move emotions through their system and to give them a fresh start to the day.

Recipe for a body oil blend:in 3 teaspoons of oil add –

Grapefruit                   6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  1 drop

nothing like a massage with grapefruit oil

nothing like a massage with grapefruit oil

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* The therapeutic properties of grapefruit also include being a mild astringent on the skin – perfect for a face mask for acne!

Recipe for a face mask: in 2 teaspoons of white clay, add a few drops of water to make a fine paste and add –

Grapefruit       3 drops

unlike this lady I recommend putting the mask on all over your face!

unlike this young lady I recommend putting the mask on all over your face!

* Grapefruit is also used with other citrus oils to act as a stimulating burst of happiness. It’s light sparkly nature lends itself to freshness and newness!

Pink or white, the grapefruit oil is wonderful!