10 Recipes with Cedarwood Atlas – Cedrus atlantica

Posted on November 18, 2015 by suzannerbanks

The cedarwoods are very useful oils in Aromatherapy. As a base to anchor an oil blend or perfume, they also speak to our spiritual nature by opening us to higher frequencies, and the dynamic existence of the universe. This cedarwood hails from the Atlas mountains in Morocco and is the nearest in location to the cedars of Lebanon mentioned in spiritual texts.

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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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Cedrus atlantica needles

In aromatherapy this cedarwood oil is used:

help reduce the symptoms of skin irritations and dermatitis
help stimulate the scalp where hair loss is an issue
to act as a mild aphrodisiac and is often used in products for men for this reason and of course due to its scent

I use this oil as an oil of abundance – to see abundance in all things. It is wonderful for strengthening resolve and fear. Let’s check out some recipes:

Body oils make lovely legs

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”

“I’ve Got the Power”

Cedar Atlas 3 drops

Mandarin 3 drops

Palmarosa 2 drops

“A Blend For My Man”

Get your guy into the habit of using body oil blends –

Cedar Atlas 3 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

“I am One with the Planets”

Cedar Atlas 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Petitgrain 3 drops

“Gentle Strength”

Cedar Atlas 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

Basil 1 drop

Lovely hair with cedarwood

2. Hair Mask

Warm 3 teaspoons of oil (either olive or jojoba) and add 7 to 8 drops of essential oil. Massage into your hair from the ends up. Wrap your hair in a towel (or some plastic wrap then a towel). Leave for 1 hour, or overnight, then wash and condition as usual.

Cedar Atlas 2 drops

Roman chamomile 2 drops

Indian rosewood 3 drops

Hot steamy shower with essential oils

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.

Cedarwood will help you counteract nerves on a big day, help you move from fear to abundance and allow your upper chakras to open.

A cute little Chinese tea cup to make your perfumes in! pic via – icollector.com

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!

“To Attract HIM”

Cedar Atlas 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

“To Attract HER”

Cedar Atlas 1 drop

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

“Aligned”

Cedar Atlas 1 drop

Ginger 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

“Wonder”

Cedar Atlas 1 drop

Patchouli 1 drop

Rose 3% 2 drops

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

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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.

copryright SR Banks 2015

10 Recipes with Australian Sandalwood – Santalum spicatum

Posted on November 4, 2015 by suzannerbanks

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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Santalum spicatum – pic via http://www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org

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

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!

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

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.

“My Aromatic Journal” with Julie Nelson, Australian Aromatherapist

Posted on October 28, 2015 by suzannerbanks

This is a story of scent, romance, sharing, hope, trust, self empowerment and support, featuring Julie Nelson, an Australian Aromatherapist. This is a story of dreams, stunning visuals, essential oil perfume recipes and scented style. Think water coloured, botanical bliss.

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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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This is Julie Nelson

I first met Julie about 15 years ago at one of the colleges she was lecturing at in Sydney. I was in awe of her, as I’d dreamed of being able to teach aromatherapy on a professional level. Fast forward to 2014 and we were reconnected through social media and my friend Portia Turbo of Australian Perfume Junkies.

Julie’s exquisite perfumes are not only a delight to encounter, her romantic style and high fashion styling have been a joint production with her photographer daughter. This is such a beautiful story when you read where Julie’s love of essential oils and Aromatherapy started:

“Having my beautiful daughter was an amazing and life changing gift. She was born with a life threatening illness and at 6 months young was diagnosed with a 2nd life threatening condition. Her precious life and challenges were the driving force behind me discovering the healing power of aromatherapy and beautifully perfumed essential oils. They have played an enormous role in supporting us emotionally, psychologically and physically.”

Julie Nelson

Julie’s daughter is the photographer, with her childhood friend as the make-up artist and stylist on all the photo shoots for Julie’s e-zines, images for her website and social media sites, and the upcoming “My Aromatic Journal”.

Julie’s “My Aromatic Journal”

Julie’s successful company Aromatique, has been established for many years offering amazing natural, botanical perfumes and skincare. She is now on a new venture to crowd fund her “My Aromatic Journal” with Kickstart.

Julie’s “My Aromatic Journal” will help you:

• Discover why you should use the power of scent in your daily life

• Use the beautiful perfume recipes shared in this journal to enhance your emotions and feelings in a helpful and positive way

• Write down your emotions, thoughts, feelings and physical responses to any particular scent to draw on for future use

• Connect with the essence of your being through the power of divine scents. This beautiful journal has been created with my highest of intentions, infused with passion and love to support and help you to discover the power of scent and connect and ground with your true self.

Julie’s gift to a friend

Can you help Julie spread the word of the power of essential oils?

Please click on this link: “My Aromatic Journal” to give as little as $2 or as much as you like. There are great gifts for each level of donation, and the buzz you’ll get from helping someone reach their goal is free.

Good luck Julie!

Follow Julie: Facebook Instagram Twitter

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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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10 Recipes with Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Eucalyptus radiata

Posted on October 21, 2015 by suzannerbanks

Eucalyptus is a must-have essential oil for the home. It helps with stuffy colds and the cleaning but how else could this wonderful oil be used?

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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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Eucalyptus in the Australian country

1. Steam Inhalation

Put 1 or 2 drops into the bottom of a bowl. Add boiling water and make a tent with a towel to stick your head in! Breathe through your nose for blocked sinuses and a headache, and through your mouth to help with a cough. Add another drop of oil if necessary.

Eucalyptus is the oil to help clear the nasal passage from congestion, so it’s the perfect oil to use when you have a cold.

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series – puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Clear the Air”

Get a fresh approach –

Eucalyptus 6 drops

Orange 14 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 5 drops

“Relax”

Eucalyptus 5 drops

Lavender 8 drops

Marjoram 3 drops

Lemon 9 drops

“I Need Ideas!”

Eucalyptus 8 drops

Petitgrain 10 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

Basil 3 drops

“Space Cleanse”

Eucalyptus 7 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

Frankincense 8 drops

lovely legs!

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

“Hello Day!”

A sweet start –

Eucalyptus 2 drops

Geranium 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Orange 2 drops

“Oh My Aching Legs”

Eucalyptus 2 drops

Rosemary 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

“A Spiritual Body”

Eucalyptus 2 drops

Frankincense 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

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

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!

“I’ve Got the Power”

Eucalyptus 1 drop

Jasmine 3% jojoba 8 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

“1, 2, 3”

Eucalyptus 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

Indian Rosewood 1 drop *see my article about this oil here

Koalas MUST have eucalyptus and so must I!

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.

I Love Lemons!

Posted on September 1, 2015 by suzannerbanks

I’ve always wondered about where this saying came from: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. In this article I’m on the hunt for its author, and ponder why the amazing lemon has such a bad wrap. It does give us nutrition, flavour, colour, and of course lemon essential oil!

Sunny lemons

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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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Well of course the easy answer is that the fruit is sour. So if life is sour to you, add sugar, reinvent the moment and prosper.

The phrase was initially coined by Christian anarchist writer Elbert Hubbard in a 1915 obituary he penned and published for dwarf actor Marshall P. Wilder.The obituary, entitled The King of Jesters, praises Wilder’s optimistic attitude and achievements in the face of his disabilities:

“He was a walking refutation of that dogmatic statement, Mens sana in corpore sano. His was a sound mind in an unsound body. He proved the eternal paradox of things. He cashed in on his disabilities. He picked up the lemons that Fate had sent him and started a lemonade-stand.” Wikipedia

The phrase was adopted again in the 1940’s by a couple of authors and especially attributed to Dale Carnegie, in his revolutionary self-help book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, first printed in the UK in 1948.

Ok, so most people won’t eat a lemon like an orange (some do though), but its flavour is a must-have for the kitchen.

And then there’s the rind which is often overlooked, but when it’s used in a dish makes something unmistakably divine. This flavour comes from the essential oil tucked away in little pockets all through the tough skin. This essential oil can do so many wonderful things, and is a fresh happy scent that appeals to young and old alike.

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.

lemon mandala

And from my book “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”:

Lemon

refresh, reload

This gorgeous fruit and oil is a real winner for me. Even Martha Stewart commented on Oprah, that the one thing she really missed in prison, was lemons. They have a myriad of uses both with the juice, flesh and rind, but we will be focusing on the essential oil that comes from the rind. When I think lemon oil I think, “refresh”, “reload” like the refresh button on your computer. Aromatherapists use this oil for a variety of purposes, but to me it means start again. This oil is often used for cleaning so in that sense it helps clear the air, clear your energy and clear your perspective. It’s the oil of fresh starts.”

Suzanne R Banks

Yep. I still love quoting myself. Thanks for indulging me. For wonderful essential oil recipes for lemon oil check out my article 10 Recipes with Lemon Essential Oil – Citrus limonum

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

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

10 Body Oil Recipes for Seasonal Change

Posted on August 26, 2015 by suzannerbanks

There’s nothing like a nourishing essential oil blend for your body, to soften your skin, cover you with energetic protection and generally keep your spirits up. And there’s no better time than now of course, as we move from one season to the next.

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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

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

Body oils make lovely legs

As per usual here is my spiel on making a body oil:

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 took this gorgeous pic in Sydney on the weekend

Winter to Spring

This is a time to wake your body up, shed winter skin and get moving! Smell the sweet flowers and get happy ….

1. Spring Vibin’

Jasmine 3% 9 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Orange 4 drops

Ginger 1 drop

2. Leg Warmer Upperer and Getting Ready for Summer Legs

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

Cypress 2 drops

3. Sprouting Soul

Petitgrain 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

4. A love of Blossoms

Mandarin 4 drops

Geranium 2 drops

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

5. Signs of Abundance

Palmarosa 4 drops

Australian Sandalwood 2 drops

Black pepper 1 drop

Do you have a cold autumn or a warm autumn?

Summer to Autumn

A time of lingering summer memories, cooling down and appreciating your life.

1. Gee That Was Fun!

Lemongrass 3 drops

Juniper 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

2. What’s the Plan Now?

Bergamot 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Indian Rosewood 2 drops

3. Winding Down

Roman chamomile 3% 12 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Marjoram 2 drops

Lime 1 drop

4. The Colours of Happiness

Pink Grapefruit 7 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

5. Memories

Rose 3% 9 drops

Rose Geranium 3 drops

Rosemary 1 drop

Yellow roses for happiness and friendship

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.

Must-Have Mid Season Essential Oils!

Posted on August 5, 2015 by suzannerbanks

Time marches on and so do the seasons. I’m getting excited because all around my neighbourhood in Sydney I can see the jasmine blossoms building strength, until one day soon, their beautiful, scented little white flowers will tell me it’s getting warmer. Phew!

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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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Jasmine in Sydney

And if you’re in summer it’s probably peaking right now and you’re feeling warm and lovely and happy. There’s nothing like late summer on a beach in Mexico, or in a park in Europe savouring the long lingering summer light. I’m envious of all of you northerners right now.

Remember for us, everything happens in summer. Well there’s summer for starters, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and finishing of with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Then it’s winter.

Just winter.

So you’ll understand my excitement when I see the jasmine getting read to bloom.

I took this pic in Mexico last year

Mid to Late Summer Essential Oils

Lavender

If you’ve had a bit of sun over the past couple of months lavender will help your skin heal and regenerate. The perfect after sun oil, lavender is also the perfect first aid kit in a bottle. Make sure you dilute it in the right proportions before you coat your body with this grounding, centering and calming oil.

Palmarosa

This mildly rose scented grass (like lemongrass) is great for skin renewal too, and allows you to be flexible and flowing in your attitudes. If you haven’t already warmed up this summer, palmarosa with help your mind unwind and open up to new adventures – there’s still plenty more spontaneity to be had this summer.

Peppermint

Lovely peppermint is a cooling oil, but take care if you are using it on your body as it can be sensitising. The best way to cool down with peppermint is to put a few drops into the shower and let the beautiful aroma surround and cool you. Breathe in deeply and enjoy your scented summer.

Brrrrrrr

Mid to Late Winter Oils

Rosemary

Warm up and get the circulation going! Rosemary can help fatigued muscles feel better, and generally stimulate your mind so you can dream up the best spring and summer possible. It is also an oil of remembering to help us tune into our multi-dimensional existence, and to prepare us for the abundance of summer.

Juniper

Release excess fluid in your body and joints with juniper essential oil. It is a wonderful oil for releasing negativity, so if you tend to get a bit sad during winter because of lack of light, this is your oil. It’s fresh, clean scent can lighten the vibe of any house or space, including your mind.

Sandalwood

Whether you choose Mysore (Indian) sandalwood or Australian sandalwood, this spiritual oil can help you focus within. Take time this winter to meditate – the perfect accompaniment to a cold day or night. Winter is a time of planting ideas that can come to fruition over summer so don’t delay in creating your life.

Essential oils can help support you mentally, physically, emotionally and energetically if you allow them too. You can create a scented paradise for your self and your loved ones, creating life long memories and rituals.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

Strength, Clarity and Potentiality with Essential Oils

Posted on July 22, 2015 by suzannerbanks

I thought of a friend this morning and I’ll be seeing her in a few days. I decided I’d make a little oil blend for her because I know she has been working really hard in her own business for a few years, and is facing new challenges with it. These three words came to mind STRENGTH, CLARITY AND POTENTIALITY.

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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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Strength

Strength

What oils will I use to embody this energy?

I always go to lavender for strength and solidarity. Most people attach calm and relaxation to lavender which is right, but when you smell this divine flower and essential oil, it is powerful. It has depth. It contains the energetic imprint of thousands of years in its healing ways. To me it is the embodiment of strength as it can be used to soften and relax, and to contain and bolster you in times of weakness.

Clarity

Clarity

Clarity

Ah there’s nothing like a beautiful blue sky to help you attain some clarity in your life. When I think of this I immediately think of basil, and cypress.

Basil is an oil that can open your upper chakras and completely clear your head and your mind with its robust scent.

Cypress is clean and crisp, uplifting heavy emotions and allowing your body to release excess fluids.

Potentiality

Potentiality

Petitgrain is the oil for me! This bitter-sweet citrus is lightening fast in scent and the way it affects your whole being. I use this oil to help me see the unlimited possibilities in any situation. This can be hard when you get bogged down in life and you may feel you have no choice. Limitless expansion = petitgrain.

An oil blend is full of unexpected treasure!

Strength, Clarity and Potentiality – The Blend

In a 50ml bottle add these drops of essential oil:

Lavender 8 drops

Cypress 5 drops

Basil 2 drops

Petitgrain 10 drops

Then pour in your carrier oil of choice – sunflower, grape seed, jojoba, almond, argan, rosehip, apricot, olive, macadamia or anything else you love.

Essential oil blends are best when left to mature for a while but don’t let that put you off using it straight away!

♥ ♦ ♠ ♣

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.

To Scrub or Not To Scrub? That is the Question!

Posted on May 13, 2015 by suzannerbanks

The Soft, Supple Skin Series Part 1 – Skin Scrubs

Natural skin scrubs are easy to make, and thanks to the internet it’s easy to find recipes – but are they good for your skin?

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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

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

Salt scrub – pic via themethuselahcenter.com

Skin scrubs can make your skin feel soft and new, providing you don’t use them too often.

The skin is called the Integumentary system. It is the largest organ of the body – and yes it’s actually classified as an organ, just like your liver and heart are organs. The skin has its own intelligence and it separates us from our environment and gives us our unique quality. It is also the most exposed organ in the body and needs some care and attention.

The skin on our faces is finer than in other parts of our body, but generally speaking it works in a particular way. It is estimated we could be losing about 30,000 skin cells per hour. Yes, per hour! New cells are formed from within, and push up to the external layer of the epidermis. This means our skin is already taking care of itself in a complicated and intelligent fashion, so is it ok to use a scrub?

Salt makes a great base for a scrub but use fine salt or grind up coarse salt

I think using a scrub once every week to 10 days is good for your skin, just be careful when actually scrubbing your skin so as not to give yourself scratches. Also the scrub you make to use on your body, could be a little too rough for your face so plan ahead and do your recipe research first.

* Winter skin tends to need a scrub more frequently as hot showers and layers of clothing can interfere with the natural release of skin, and we can get that dry crocodile looking effect.

* Basically you will be washing dead skin down the drain rather than letting it pile up around the house.

* Ideally soak in a bath for 5 minutes. Use your scrub on all parts of your body, then soak for at least another 5 minutes for a real spa treatment feeling. Some of us only have a shower so make the best of what you have.

* Always moisturise after your scrub, and of course I recommend you use a body oil and face oil or serum which will give your skin a velvety smooth finish.

Sea salt – pic via cooks.ndtv.com

Bases for Your Body

* Fine sea salt is the best. Don’t use coarse as you will scratch yourself.

* I see recipes all the time using sugar but I just don’t understand why you would use sugar when you have salt?

* Oil and/or moisturising cream to make a slurry

* Green or pink clay

* a little water

Bases for Your Face

* moisturising cream on its own or with some white or yellow clay

* almond meal – I love this gentle scrub base for the face

Use a mortar and pestle to grind up anything you want to use in your scrub

Additives to Your Bases

* a few drops of essential oil (1 drop for face – 5 drops for body – or a few more) – don’t go overboard you don’t want to burn or irritate your skin, especially if you are adding other botanicals to it

* coffee grains

* almond meal

* fresh rind of lemon/orange/grapefruit/lime

* dried citrus peel

* ground cacao nibs

* ground rose petals

* ground pumice

* dried or fresh herbs

Use your imagination but also your intuition as to what might be good for your face and what is best left for your body.

lovely legs!

A basic body scrub could look like this:

2 cups fine sea salt

grated lemon rind

3 – 5 drops lavender essential oil

a tablespoon of oil

a tablespoon of clay

a little water or cream to make a gooey paste

A face scrub:

3 teaspoons almond meal

1 teaspoon white clay

a little water to make a paste

1 drop bergamot essential oil

The only issue for me using these types of scrubs is that we are washing the gooey paste down the drain. I think that’s fine for the salt on it’s own but what about the oil and botanicals too?

Stay tuned for more in my Soft, Supple Skin Series and check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

10 Recipes with Lime Essential Oil – Citrus aurantifolia

Posted on May 6, 2015 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful lime oil is an interesting citrus oil with depth and even a little spice. What is lime’s secret?

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Lime oil has more depth than the other citrus oils

“Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

counteracts negative thinking

Lime is better used in diffuser and mists rather than on the body. Lime is one of the heavier citrus oils and I feel it hides a deep, magical secret, but I’m not quite sure what that secret is. It has less classical uses than lemon but when I use this oil on my clients I can see its ability to influence and counter-act negative thinking. Don’t give away your energy to negative thoughts, feelings or situations otherwise you wont have anything left for your own happiness. Use lime instead.”

Suzanne R Banks “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”

Beer and lime!

So while beer with a wedge of lime is lovely, what can lime oil be used for?

* According to Salvatore Battaglia (who has written a great text-book on essential oils “The Complete guide to Aromatherapy), lime is great for sore throats due to its anti-microbial nature. However, all oils have anti bacterial qualities as they are the protectors of each plant they come from.

* Lime is used to help with depression – as with all the citrus oils. They are oils of happiness.

* It could be used in a body oil blend as a digestive tonic

* In a mild dilution it can help oily skin and hair as it acts as an astringent.

Refreshing zesty lime

Let’s check out some recipes:

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Cocktails!”

Get in the spirit! Get it?

Lime 12 drops

Orange 8 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

“Life is Good”

When you need a bit of help to see the good things –

Lime 10 drops

Lavender 10 drops

Fennel 5 drops

“Summer Summer Summer”

Lime 8 drops

Palmarosa 8 drops

Lemon Myrtle 5 drops

Nutmeg 4 drops

“Fun with Kids”

Lime 7 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Spearmint 6 drops

Marjoram 6 drops

“From Negative to Positive”

Start feeling good now –

Lime 6 drops

Indian Rosewood 10 drops

Lemongrass 6 drops

Clove 8 drops

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!

“Feelin Good”

Lime 2 drops

Australian Sandalwood 1 drop

“I Feel Pretty, Oh SO Pretty”

Lime 1 drop

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

“Don’t Hesitate”

Lime 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

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”

“Energy NOW!”

Lime 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Cypress 4 drops

“Life is Sweet”

Lime 3 drops

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Geranium 2 drops

lime is a happy colour too!

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.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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10 Recipes with Lime Essential Oil – Citrus aurantifolia

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