10 Recipes with Neroli Essential Oil – Citrus aurantium ssp amara/Bigaradia

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10 Recipes with Neroli Essential Oil – Citrus aurantium

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

The citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

Pretty flower. Very pretty scent.

Neroli essential oil is made from the blossom of a couple of citrus trees which do produce bitter fruit, sometimes used for marmalade – but the main focus is to harvest the blossoms for perfume. Thank you tree, your perfume is beautiful!

In the world of essential oils and plant-based medicine it is a relative newcomer. While some herbs and oils have been used for thousands of years (lavender, myrrh, frankincense, cypress for example), this scent was made popular in Italy in the 1700’s. The story goes that,

“by the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, Italy, introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the term “neroli” has been used to describe this essence.”

 

The principality of Nerola is close to Rome where the Princess really worked the diplomacy angle in the Italian capital, securing her future in the courts of France, Spain and Rome. The essence was used particularly in Venice to ward off water born viruses and nasties.

Anne-Marie-de-La-Tremoille_Dss-Bracciano via wikipedia.com

Anne-Marie-de-La-Tremoille_Dss-Bracciano via wikipedia.com

It is an oil that is precious and expensive to make and therefore is mostly sold in a 3% blend. (see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?” for more information on 3% blends).

Let’s check out some recipes with Neroli 3%:

1. 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 face cloth on your face as a compress over the oil mask. Remove excess oil with a tissue or cloth.

Neroli 3%    4 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!

“Bride”

Perfect to calm the nerves and smell wonderful too –

Neroli 3%      5 drops

Ylang Ylang   1 drop


“Summer Nights”

Get into your happy summer place –

Neroli 3%       3 drops

Lemongrass   1 drop

Lavender        1 drop


Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

“Whimsical”

Neroli 3% straight from the bottle on your wrists and heart


“Quietly Powerful”

When you need a little oomph –

Neroli                         3 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  1 drop

Nutmeg                      1 drop


 

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. 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”

“Sweetness and Light”

Neroli 3%        8 drops

Lemon            2 drops

Frankincense  2 drops


“Youthful Glow”

Neroli 3%            6 drops

White Grapefruit  4 drops

Rose Geranium   1 drop


And if you have Neroli pure essential oil then you can use it in a vapouriser or in a mist bottle. The 3% blend is only good for mixing with oil or in a cream for your face and body, or using direct from the bottle as a perfume. Here are some recipes with pure Neroli oil:

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

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!)

“Divinity”

Neroli           8 drops

Palmarosa    8 drops

Bergamot     9 drops


“Seduction”

Neroli              10 drops

Sandalwood      6 drops

Juniper              6 drops

Cinnamon         3 drops


“I Am”

Neroli         8 drops

Orange      6 drops

Patchouli   4 drops

Cypress     6 drops

Spikenard   1 drop


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

copryright SR Banks 2014

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Spearmint Essential Oil – Mentha spicata

Flowering spearmint - Mentha spicata

Flowering spearmint – Mentha spicata

Ah beautiful spearmint! It always comes off second best compared to peppermint, but it has a wonderfully sweet and soft nature. It is part of the very big Lamiacae family (which is actually called the Mint Family). This family of plants contains all the herbs; lavender, marjoram, thyme, oregano, patchouli, peppermint sage, clary sage, melissa and many more. This family contains many plants that have been used in healing for thousands of years and became popular again in medieval times.

I was first introduced to spearmint as a kid. With this

The classic Wrigley's Spearmint sticks

The classic Wrigley’s Spearmint sticks

Not only was the flavour amazing but this gum came in sticks, not pellets. I thought this was the best thing ever, and can still feel the cool flat, slightly powdery finish on the gum.

But I digress.

Back to the plant and oil.

If you think that spearmint and peppermint have similar qualities you’d be right. Spearmint just has a more friendly scent as it’s milder and appeals to kids too. Peppermint can be a bit spicy for some people, so that’s where spearmint is great. So how can you use it in aromatherapy recipes?

Just use any mist bottle you can find it doesn't have to be glamourous to get the job done

Just use any mist bottle you can find it doesn’t have to be glamourous to get the job done

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!)

“Happy Kids Happy Life”

Spritz around the little ones to lighten up the vibe –

Spearmint          10 drops

Orange               10 drops

Geranium              5 drops


“I Think I Ate Too Much”

Spearmint         8 drops

Lemon             12 drops

Lime                  5 drops


“Light and Happy”

Refresh your aura –

Spearmint         8 drops

Bergamot          8 drops

Rosewood         5 drops

Frankincense     4 drops


“New Workspace Energy”

Change the feeling in your creative space for the better –

Spearmint        6 drops

Mandarin        12 drops

Lavender          5 drops

Patchouli          2 drops


Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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!

“Faeries Live in My Garden”

Spearmint                       1 drop

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


“The Only Way is Up”

You CAN be a positive about the future –

Spearmint           1 drop

Lemongrass        1 drop

Rose Geranium   1 drop


“Today WILL be Easy!”

Spearmint     1 drop

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


 

 

Lovely long hair in great condition

Add essential oils to keep your hair in great condition

 

3. 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”.

Spearmint       2 drops

Lavender        4 drops

Rosemary       1 drop


 

A bath can be so luxurious! pic via www.housetohome.co.uk

A bath can be so luxurious! pic via http://www.housetohome.co.uk

4. Soak in a bath

I don’t often recommend adding too many essential oils to a bath as they are difficult to disperse and can cause minor skin irritations when combined with the heat of the water. If you do like to use them in a bath, try 4 -6 drops in total and add the drops to another medium like sea salt, coconut milk, other milks or a water dispersible agent.

“Evening Treat”

Spearmint       2 drops

Ylang Ylang     2 drops


“Morning Zinger”

Spearmint      2 drops

Juniper          1 drop

Cypress         1 drop


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

copryright SR Banks

 

 

 

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Meditation

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

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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 Inspire Creativity

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


 

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Inspire Creativity

Get your creative self moving!

Get your creative self moving!

 

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

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Basil – open your mind and third eye

Rosemary – stimulate your brain and remember your true creative self

Ylang Ylang – release anger and frustration

Cardamom – generate flow of qi throughout your body

Petitgrain – access your creative potential

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

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Good Times Come to Me Now”

A chant for the happiness to come on in –

Mandarin                           8 drops

Lemongrass                      8 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan      6 drops

Patchouli                           3 drops

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

“1, 2, 3 GO”

Just start –

Juniper          10 drops

May Chang     8 drops

Nutmeg          5 drops

Wintergreen    2 drops

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

“Purple Vibrations”

Access the faster moving colour vibrations –

Lavender           5 drops

Black Spruce     8 drops

Orange              8 drops

Palmarosa        4 drops

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

“Hmmmmmmmmmm”

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

Rosewood       10 drops

Clary Sage         5 drops

Pine                   5 drops

Peru Balsam       5 drops

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

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

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

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

Eucalyptus – wow wake up! Cleanse the old energy

Cypress – move away from your ego into spirit

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Pure Creation”

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

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

“Warmth and Movement”

Ginger                1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   2 drops

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

“I am a Champion!”

Positive self talk will help open any creative blockages –

Sandalwood Indian   1 drop

Bergamot                 2 drops

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

“The Little Engine that Could”

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

Rosemary      1 drop

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

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

Essential Oils that Inspire Love, Truth and Acceptance

What is love?

What is love?

Ok here’s the thing people.

Be kind to each other and all the animals too.

Accept your fellow humans as a reflection of yourself.

Move your energetic vibration to peace.

Do it now because we’ll all be dead in the blink of an eye, and if not you, then who will help the evolution of our species?

How?

Well use essential oils of course! Throw in meditation, mindfulness and empathy for every living entity, and I think we’ll make it.

One drop leads to many ripples...

One drop leads to many ripples…

Many of you already feel this way, so I’m writing this in the hope that I will reach someone new and bring them into our fold. We must keep talking about the future, we must accept we have the power to drive consciousness to new multidimensional levels, and we must allow our brilliance to change the way we have structured life on the planet.

It’s important that you treat yourself first, and then emanate the qualities of the oil from your energetic body. It’s never about treating someone else unless they ask for help. So with that in mind here are some recipes for your own little daily perfumes to help the evolution of humanity. Yep, really. One drop of lavender could save the world.

Chinese tea cup - perfect for a little perfume magic

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

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 the following oils to support our journey;

Love

Love

LOVE

Love is a word used for many things, including the one positive force that connects us all. It could also be aligned with the 99.999999% space around the atoms of our cells and the universe at large. It is an emotion of feeling good. Keep sending it out to those that need your help whether you know them or not. You can do this by starting your day with a little scented message to yourself –

Patchouli

* peace, grounding, mother earth, collectiveness, wholeness

Patchouli       1 drop

Cypress        2 drops

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

Rose (usually in a 3% blend)

* nurturing, self love, softness and kindness

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

Petitgrain      1 drop

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

Truth

Truth

2. TRUTH

What is the truth? It’s the same as love. One love.

Frankincense

* “frank” incense is the scent of truth, deep breathing, connection to everything

Frankincense     2 drops

Rosewood         1 drop

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

Sage

* speak the truth, abundance, wisdom

Sage               1 drop

Palmarosa       1 drop

Lavender         1 drop

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

Accept you are part of a simple (yet complex) existence

Accept you are part of a simple (yet complex) existence

3. ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance is the emotion of the NOW. If there is only one NOW, allow acceptance to flood your aura with its subtle power, and when you do, all barriers to life will melt away. By accepting things you are not giving up desires or wishes for things to change; you are simply stepping into the slipstream that binds us all together.

Lavender

You knew I’d have to say lavender at some stage didn’t you?

* solidarity, consolidation, acceptance

Lavender                       1 drop

Orange                          1 drop

Sandalwood Australian  1 drop

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

Jasmine (usually in a 3% blend)

* remove anxiety, immersion in the creative forces of the NOW

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

Juniper            1 drop

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

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

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

 

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

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

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

“Anti-Puff”

Release puffiness and a feel a bit lighter –

Lemon      3 drops

Fennel      2 drops

Cypress   3 drops

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

“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

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

 

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.

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

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

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

“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

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

“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

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

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

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

“Truth”

Simplicity is the key –

Lemon            2 drops

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

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

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

 

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Oh the lovely scent of mandarin could make anyone happy! I rate all the citrus oils as happiness oils as they’re so fresh and light and zingy and sparkly.

Mandarin essential oil is different to orange oil, just as the fruit is different. It is a deeper, more red colour than orange oil, which can vary from light orange to yellow. The deepness of the colour adds to the unique properties of mandarin oil as red connects us with the base chakra, which is all about survival and all the necessities to live. When taking in this information and combining it with the mouth watering scent of the fruit, mandarin essential oil can open our minds to the big concepts of the universe.

In aromatherapy mandarin oil does not have a lot of therapeutic uses but can be used for –

* improving digestion (by using externally not internally, or drinking tea made with the rind)

* alleviating stress and improving relaxation

* counteracting stretch marks in pregnancy

I use it to connect us to the simple – yet huge – concepts of how the universe works.

Let’s get into some recipes –

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

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”

 

yum!

yum!

**** the basic rule when using citrus oils in an oil blend all over your body is not to go out and sun bake or expose yourself to massive amounts of sunlight as these oils may cause a photo toxic reaction.

“Love and Happiness”

Explains itself really –

Mandarin    3 drops

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

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

“Tra La La”

Get some happiness in your body –

Mandarin             3 drops

Rose geranium    2 drops

Palmarosa           2 drops

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

“64 Tetrahedron Grid”

Slip into the magic of the universe –

Mandarin         4 drops

Lemongrass    2 drops

Vetiver             1 drop

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

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Release the Day”

Let go of all things from the day –

Mandarin          10 drops

Cypress              8 drops

Lemongrass       6 drops

Sage                  1 drop

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

“Fun Kids Party”

Mandarin       12 drops

Cinnamon       6 drops

Peru Balsam  7 drops

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

“Meditation and Contemplation”

Scented relaxation –

Mandarin          8 drops

Frankincense   12 drops

Lavender          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!

“Life is Easy”

Flow –

Mandarin      1 drop

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

Spikenard     1 drop

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

“Joy”

Appreciate the little things in life –

Mandarin        1 drop

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

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

Mandarin lips! pic via www.beautezine.com

Mandarin lips! pic via http://www.beautezine.com

“Smile and Laugh”

Even if you have to force yourself, smile at someone and the rewards will be great –

Mandarin      1 drop

Rosewood    1 drop

May Chang   1 drop

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

“Chill”

Mandarin           1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   1 drop

Clove                 1 drop

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

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

 

 

Equinox Ahoy! And an Essential Oil Treatment

The seasons, equinoxes and solstices - pic via www.universetoday.com

The seasons, equinoxes and solstices – pic via http://www.universetoday.com

It’s that time of year again when we slowly make our way into a different season. For me in the southern hemisphere I get a bit upset and try to hold onto summer for dear life. Fortunately in Sydney the weather is great for the beach for at least another month. The sea water temperature is wonderful too. Enough about me! All you lovely people in the north are getting excited for summer around the corner and your world is giving you little signs of spring.

“Simply put, an equinox occurs twice a year – spring and autumn – when the Sun crosses the plane of the Earth’s equator.  Derived from a Latin term meaning “equal night”, an equinox is not actually an entire day, but happens at two specific moments each year when the centre of the Sun is observed directly above a certain location on the Earth’s equator.  But science aside, in folklore equinoxes are mystical moments whose magical power still touches the Earth today.” urbanghostsmedia.com
So whether you are about to experience the Vernal Equinox (spring) or the Autumnal Equinox (autumn), it seems there is a little it of magic going on that gives us a glimpse into the universe at large, and traditions here on earth. Many Celtic festivals are held on these days, and in Japan they are national holidays. In some parts of the world that hail from Persia the sun and the moon are said to have equal power.
Stonehenge - pic via guiddoo.com

Stonehenge – pic via guiddoo.com

In stone circles (particularly found in the UK) the sun and the moon are very important in the way their visual levels interact with the structures. Although there is still much intrigue around these amazing structures,  it is clear that the ones who built these circles had wonderful knowledge of the seasons and the stars.

Essential oils can help you move into the season and it’s very important to use your intention when you are making your oil blend and using it on your body. This is a great time for prayer/asking, and a wonderful time for giving thanks too.

Vernal Equinox (Spring)

Spring

Spring

Of course depending on your location to the equator, the beginning of Spring could be mild or still bloody freezing and snowing! However the general vibe of Spring is to shake off the stagnating energy of winter, come out from under the blankets and jump into life. It is a time of baby animals and flowers, newness and renewed vigour.

The essential oils for you will be those that get your energy going both physically and mentally.

As a treatment try using this blend for 1 week after the equinox to bring yourself up to speed with the earth –

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”

“Speed Up”

Lemongrass        2 drops

Pink Grapefruit    3 drops

Cypress              2 drops

Cardamom          1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————-

Autumnal Equinox (Autumn)

Autumn

Autumn

Once again if you live quite close to the equator the seasons are mild and the temperatures are quite even throughout the year. The further you get from the middle, the more extreme the weather patterns. For those about to receive Autumn, the energy is about coming closer to the earth and settling down. It is giving thanks for a wonderful summer and sewing the seeds of intention (and food), that will come to fruition next summer.

The essential oils best for us, will be those which calm us down, and that are soft and gentle.

As a treatment try using this blend for 1 week after the equinox to bring yourself closer to the earth –

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”

“Slow Down”

Mandarin       3 drops

Peru Balsam  2 drops

Patchouli       2 drops

Fennel           1 drop

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

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

copyright suzanne

Lagging Energy? Use These Essential Oils

Sometimes it just feels hard to do anything! pic via www.katimorton.com

Sometimes it just feels hard to do anything! pic via http://www.katimorton.com

Feeling listless, not enough energy to get through the day? Sometimes it’s not even about being tired because you can definitely have trouble getting to sleep during these low times too.

It. Feels. Like. You. Just. Can’t. Do. Stuff.

I’ve been feeling a bit like that lately as our late summer in Sydney has been a hot, wet, heavy earth summer. Not much sun, but loads of humidity. Some of my friends have been complaining about having no energy, and I suppose as we count down to the equinox (Autumn equinox for the southern hemisphere and spring equinox for the north), we can take time to adjust.

bounce on trampoline - pic via herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com

bounce on trampoline – pic via herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com

All the obvious regimes apply here like making sure you have good nutrition, good sleep and make yourself get out and exercise. A daily routine can help get you back on track and by this I mean waking at the same time, eating dinner and breakfast at the same time, going to bed at the same time. Use your alarm and plan ahead. It may only take you a week to reclaim your energy. But what if you are doing all that and still feel blah? Cutting down on stress in all forms will help but sometimes we need a bit of nature’s medicine. Cue essential oils.

Try these oils and recipes –

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This is the easiest and fastest way to wake up your brain which can be enough to then stimulate your body into action. The oils with strong aromas will automatically wake you up.

Rosemary – stimulates your mind, particular to helping you remember

Basil – energetically open upper chakras to the universe and is stimulating to your brain

Eucalyptus – wake up, deconstruct over thinking

Lemongrass – gently helps your mind fall into action

Tea Tree – release negative thinking

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of oil can be essential

2. 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 have an essential oil steam.

Use any of the oils above plus –

Palmarosa – gentle hint at being more flexible in your daily life

Lime – a zesty zingy way to wake up

Thyme – could blow your head off with its strength but great for a complete mind cleanse

Cypress, Pine, Black Spruce, Juniper – like waking up in a beautiful forest, clean, fresh, inspiring

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

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

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”

If you’ve got a couple of extra minutes up your sleeve THE BEST way to wake you body up and get energy flow going is to make an oil blend for your body. By massaging the oil into your skin you are physically creating warmth and energy directly, then the oils will go to work silently and softly. Get up, shower, oil yourself, put on a robe for 5 minutes to let the oil soak in. Get dressed. Go!

“I am A Robot”

When you need to get gong and do loads of things without  having to think about it –

Rosemary   2 drops

Lavender     1 drop

Cardamom   1 drop

Lemon        4 drops

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

“Ok That’s It I’m Going For a Walk”

Get vibed up for some exercise –

Orange           4 drops

Black pepper  2 drops

Juniper           2 drops

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

“Anything is Possible”

The universe rewards action –

Tea Tree     3 drops

Mandarin    3 drops

Ginger       2 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

2014! The Universal Number of 7!

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


2014! The Universal Number of 7!

7 - pic via jakhongirshaturaev.wordpress.com

7 – pic via jakhongirshaturaev.wordpress.com

I met a numerologist the other day when she came into a pop-up shop I was a part of – I was selling handmade body washes, face mask kits, oils and other scented things. I asked her about the way she practices numerology as there are a few different techniques. Well I got loads of quickly downloaded information with the one prominent theme being 7. She said that 2014 had the universal vibration of 7 and that I must remember and write about this in particular. It was very important she said. Write about she said. So here goes …….

This year our collective vibration is a 7. Clearly we have  assigned this number to our lives as somewhere along the track, as the study of numbers in numerology has evolved to a practice that combines maths with consciousness. So we are moving into a 7 to help us evolve to the next level. My numerologist friend talked about ‘the universal vibration of the year 2014’. I had never looked at numerology this way, so it’s opened up a new level of meaning for me.

Basically there are a few different ways of calculating someone’s number or life path, cycle year and other things. I’ve always stuck to the basics which is add up all the numbers in your birth date and that’s the life path number. Add up all the numbers in the year you are in, plus your birth date to get to a cycle year. There are 9 numbers but some people read double digits like 1/1 or 1/0. And then there’s this simple way of looking at a year and what it may hold for us.

In other numerology too, different numbers are assigned to letters and then your number is calculated according to the letters in your name, but that is a bit too difficult for me because I haven’t studied that technique.

The truth - what is it? pic via theyogablog.com

The truth – what is it? pic via theyogablog.com

I always remember 7 being about truth, seeking the truth and embodying the truth. It is the number of looking for the hidden meaning in things and usually has a spiritual undertone. It is also about the big picture and how things fit together. 7 is searching for the underlying meaning of things. 7 is philosophical. 7 is about the why? 7 is about the mystical and magical powers in the universe and collecting all the scientific information and combining it with the spiritual truth.

So that’s pretty exciting I reckon. Combined with starting the year off with a supermoon I’d say 2014 will be a cracker of a year. Come on people let’s make some oil blends to support our search for the truth.

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Mulder and Scully – The Truth is Out There”

Connect to the truth of the universe –

Frankincense   12 drops

Rosewood       6 drops

Juniper            6 drops

Vetiver             1 drop

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

“I’m on a Quest”

Don’t be afraid to start searching –

Black pepper      8 drops

Lime                   8 drops

Lavender            9 drops

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

“Look Within”

Macro to micro – it’s all the same

Cypress                 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas     8 drops

Mandarin                 7 drops

—————————————————————————————————————-

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils in a little carrier oil

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!

“I Have a Dream”

Dream big – we need you!

Basil                              1 drop

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

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

“All Knowing”

You already know everything so embrace it –

Nutmeg            1 drop

Pink Grapefruit  2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013