A Bee and Some Lavender

Video

Hello natural beauties how are you? I’ve got a short and succinct post today. Remember to smell the lavender and give thanks to the bees.

Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:

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Lavender is an ancient healing herb, with many deep and unwavering powers. In my book Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils, I refer to lavender as an oil of solidarity and that’s what we need right now. It’s a herb and oil that can keep you grounded and feeling strong.

All hail lavender and the pretty little bees that love it too!

A bee in the lavender

All lavender pics by me – I just cant help myself I love it sooo much.

Thanks lavender, I love you.

The Wonders of Wintergreen

Posted on January 18, 2017 by suzannerbanks

Thanks for tuning in again natural beauties. This week a client and friend brought me a gift from the USA – Wintergreen Life Savers. She had promised she would bring some back to me so I could have a taste – and had been inspired to do this after I used wintergreen in an oil blend for one of her treatments. She said that this lolly was a blast from the past and a loved candy from her childhood.

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

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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A post shared by Suzanne R Banks (@banksbotanicals)

As you can see from the comment in my pic above – wintergreen as a flavouring for a candy is very unusual for me (and I would think many Aussies too). To me it’s like eating a sports rub like Deep Heat or Dencorub. It is commonly used as a flavouring in America, but I’m not sure if it’s embraced the same way in other parts of the world. After the initial blast and sensation of the essential oil of wintergreen in my mouth, the fragrance subsided into a general sweetness. Phew.

Some of my classic aromatherapy text books warn against using this oil at all, which seems strange when you can eat it in a lolly )this is however, at an extremely low dosage). Wintergreen is an essential oil of warmth, expansion and healing and can be used in an external oil blend for:

sore muscles
a chest cough
a headache
tension
poor circulation

I think the reason this oil is misunderstood is that some texts say it is high in the same chemical constituents that are in aspirin – but that’s not quite true. It has a high concentration of methyl salicylate ……

“Methyl salicylate is good for some people, not for others. A blanket contraindication is not necessary, but it is best avoided in pregnancy – all salicylates are teratogenic in sufficient amount, including methyl salicylate and aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid). Methyl salicylate must be absolutely avoided by anyone taking blood-thinning drugs, as it increases the action of the drug, and this causes blood to leak into tissues and internal bruising occurs.

Wintergreen oil has some wonderful properties, but I would not like to see it used at more than 5%.”

Robert Tisserand

wintergreen – Gaultheria procumbens

NB: As Robert Tisserand says above, he would not recommend using this at a higher concentration then 5%. Well 5% is a very high concentration in aromatherapy as mostly our oil blends are a standard 2.5%.

I have used this oil with an elderly client who is on blood thinners and it really helps him with back pain. I don’t use it all the time and when I do make a blend I always add other oils too.

Common sense and intuition must always play a part when you use essential oils. One size does not fit all.

Here are a few recipes for an oil blend at 2.5%

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”

Wintergreen with frost – pic via http://tcpermaculture.com/

“BRRR I’m Freezing”

Wintergreen 1 drop

Lemon 7 drops

“The Anti Cough”

Wintergreen 2 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Frankincense 4 drops

“Period Pain-Away”

Wintergreen 2 drops

Lavender 4 drops

Peppermint 1 drop

“Oh My Aching Knees”

Wintergreen 3 drops

Ginger 3ginger drops

Cypress 2 drops

Do you like wintergreen?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

3 Essential Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Posted on September 30, 2015 by suzannerbanks

Essential oils work powerfully on the mind and the brain, and often smelling an oil is enough to create change in emotions and stress addiction. Stress often becomes a habit that we get used to rather than a trigger to help us survive, and in turn we get adrenal and cortisol overload. This is not good! Smell an essential oil to break your bad habit.

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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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sweet little marjoram leaves

Marjoram (Oreganum marjorana)

Keyword: relief

Little leaf, big scent, great results. Marjoram has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, and comes from a time when our food was our medicine. This beautiful herb essential oil will help everyone from babies to the elderly with its stunning aromatic medicine. Marjoram is wonderful for:

muscle pain
period pain
headaches
grief
any kind of physical stress
soothing emotional pain and angst
help induce sleep

Wonderful frankincense resin is steam distilled into the beautiful oil

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Keywords: meditation, truth, preservation

Another botanical substance that has been used for a long time, made popular by stories from the Bible, is a must have for stress relief. This essential oil which is steam distilled from the resin has a deeply calming effect by inducing longer, slower, deeper breaths. This leads to a meditative state of mind creating Alpha brainwaves to help you chill out. It is great for:

asthma attacks and sufferers
coughing and not being able to breathe very well
meditation and instilling a greater connection to spirit
relaxing in general
connecting to your youthfulness, no matter how old or young you are
helping us see the bigger picture, and moving us away from a busy mind
setting up a restful sleep

German Chamomile and Roman chamomile are both great for stress

The Chamomiles – German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Keywords: cool down and less tension more inspiration

Both chamomiles are wonderful for stress relief but work in slightly different ways and have distinctly different scents. Roman chamomile has an intense honey-like sweetness whereas German chamomile is very deeply herbaceous.

German chamomile is good for:

healing inflammation in the body and in the emotions
heat and anger
restlessness
inducing sleep

Roman chamomile is good for

reducing cramping in the body
unwinding inflexibility which can lead to more stress
soothing tiredness
relaxing the body as a whole
allowing tension to subside

The best and easiest way to use the oils is to open the bottle and take a whiff.

more gorgeous lavender

If you’re wondering why I haven’t included lavender in this article it’s because I know that you know it’s a really great oil for stress relief – well done!

For more ideas on how to use essential oils check out my other articles:

How to Use Essential Oils – A Dummies Guide

“Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and

“Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

Australian Eucalyptus Oil – A Review and Giveaway

Posted on April 22, 2015 by suzannerbanks

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 a Kindle and Paperback

Australian Eucalyptus Oil – A Review and Giveaway

The picturesque road to Banalasta – it was stinking hot and there was a bushfire in the distance

At the end of last year I visited a friend in Armidale which is about 5 hours drive from Sydney (or about an hour flying). On our way to see friends in Tamworth – the Country Music Capital of Australia – we saw signs to a Eucalyptus farm. A few kilometres up a bumpy dirt road we found the gorgeous little shop and cafe, selling eucalyptus oil from the property “Banalasta” (the land of healthy waterholes). They are growing quickly and increasing their wholesale business to the USA, as well as supplying the Australian public through online sales and sale on the property. They are a certified organic farming business.

The lovely people gave me a quick look around out the back, where they actually store the leaves and distill the oil. Here are a few pics:

Here you can see fresh eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptus radiata) harvested off the property, from living trees (that continue to live). The scent was absolutely divine!

Fresh eucalyptus leaves awaiting distillation

The massive vats used for distilling the oil:

Distilling vats

The receptacle that collects the essential oil:

The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – where the essential oil is collected

Glass measuring and testing equipment to assess each batch:

At Banalasta they also grow and distill lavender (Lavandula Intermedia grosso):

Lavender just about to flower outside the shop

The Oil: Eucalyptus radiata certified organic

The Scent: A sweet and soft eucalyptus, almost like you are eating a eucalyptus candy. Within the scent I can detect mild camphorous tones and the poetic sense of the Australian bush.

The Verdict: A must have for all scent enthusiasts

To Win:

10ml bottle Eucalyptus radiata

Please comment via the little thought bubble at the top of the blog and tell my why you’d LOVE this little bottle of Aussie goodness. The winner will be chosen through random.org on the 20th May 2015.

Thanks so much! You can support local organic farmers by buying direct from Banalasta here: http://www.banalasta.com.au/Essential-Oils-p-1-c-252.html

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

I Just Used Wintergreen On A Client …..

Posted on January 14, 2015 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

I Just Used Wintergreen On A Client …..

Wintergreen – be cautious!

Well it’s nothing new I often used wintergreen on clients. A couple of drops at the most. I’m an aromatherapist and I am trained, however it wasn’t an oil I learnt about at college. A couple of text books I have, say we mustn’t use wintergreeen, as it’s too strong and potentially toxic. I say to you, follow this advice, as in everyday life there are other oils you can use that don’t have the potency, and that are more tried and tested.

Wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens, comes from the family Ericaceae and the genus Gaulteria. The family Ericaceae generally refers to heath or heather and it has (according to Wikipedia), over 120 genera. This family also includes plants such as cranberry, blueberry, huckleberry, azalea, rhododendron. I’m not sure if any other plants in the genus lend themselves to producing essential oils, but I’d love to find out!

“Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry, checkerberry, boxberry, or American wintergreen) is a species of Gaultheria native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Alabama.^[1] It is a member of the Ericaceae (heath family).”

Dwelley, Marilyn J. (1977). Summer & Fall Wildflowers of New England via Wikipedia

Eastern teaberry sounds nice!

Wintergreen – pic via naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com

The oil of wintergreen smells like a lot of sports rubs and liniments, very menthol-like. You can understand why it would be used in a product for sore muscles, when you look at the traditional uses of the oil –

Traditionally this oil has been used for –

* joint pain and inflammation

* muscle and tendon pain

* headaches

* bad circulation

and many other issues, that you could take aspirin for – pain and inflammation.

The reason it is thought of as toxic is that it is extremely high in Methyl salicylate, which when absorbed by the body turns into salicylate, basically aspirin. But a very, very high dose of aspirin from a very small amount of wintergreen oil. Check out this article, which states:

“The sudden death of a 17-year-old Staten Island high school track star was caused by the accidental overuse of an over-the-counter remedy routinely used by millions of Americans to treat sore muscles and joints, the New York City medical examiner ruled after a two-month investigation.”

This happened in 2007, and while rare, please take note that just because something says it’s “natural” or has “natural ingredients, doesn’t always mean its safe.

From Kohler’s Medizinal Plfanzen a book now in the public domain

So basically it’s a anti-inflammatory, high in aspirin, and can cause people to react with asthma and other aspirin overdose issues.

Use lavender or German chamomile instead.

OK?

And FYI my blend was equal parts of lavender, juniper and lemon with a couple of drops of wintergreen. It was stunning. I’m going to text my client now to see how she’s feeling.

Look after yourself people!

Palo Santo – I Tried to Like You But I Didn’t, Sorry

Posted on September 24, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Palo Santo – I Tried to Like You But I Didn’t, Sorry

The spindly tree Palo Santo

About this time last year, Palo Santo popped into my world. Within a week or two, a friend had asked about it and one of my readers here on the blog also mentioned it in one of her blends. I’d never used it nor had I really heard much about this oil. So my interest was sparked and I did a bit of research to find –

* it belongs to the Family “Burseraceae” of which frankincense and myrrh also belong, and it definitely shows in its form and the fact that it’s a desert dwelling tree and looks just like a frankincense or myrrh tree

* according to Wikipedia the Burseraceae family has also been called the incense tree family

* its sort of like the South American sandalwood, as the scented wood is used to make incense and of course essential oil

* it is used in the Americas more than in Europe or Asia

* it has been used for healing in communities in South American countries for many years and has a strong place in their folklore too

* spiritual and healing ceremonies often used the smoke of the burning wood to purify bad or stagnating energy (similar to indigenous Australians using tea tree branches, and Native American Indians using sage for smudging)

* my friend who studied in Thailand was told it was good for increasing sexual drive and raising kundalini

The dried wood can be burnt directly

“It is widely used in folk medicine for stomach ache, as sudorific, and as liniment for rheumatism. Aged heartwood is rich in terpenes such as limonene and α-terpineol.” Wikipedia

As it is very high in limonene one would expect a lemon scent (if only slightly), but the mix of molecules makes for a very deep, earthy, heady scent indeed!

I bought a couple of bottles from a small environmentally focused company in Ecuador and I was feeling very international and slightly self-important when I placed the order. I was excited to receive and smell this intriguing oil of history and healing in many South American cultures including Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, and on the Galapagos islands.

Then it arrived. It probably didn’t help that I was unwell at the time. I ripped open the bag to find a cute little wooden box. Opened the box, cracked the lid, took a huge whiff and almost vomited. It has an earthy, rich, almost truffle scent, which is pungent and warm.

I could end the story right there, but I put it away in the oil cupboard until my friend dropped in for a blend. A week or two later she came by to collect her bottle of oil (she had actually experienced this oil in a yoga teacher training place in Thailand!)

She was excited. I wasn’t.

50 ml bespoke body oil made by me

I made her oil blend and put 6 drops of Palo Santo in 150mls with a few other oils. Months later she reported that her body oil blend was beautiful, but now I’m scarred for life!

The weather is warming up and I’ve started to smell the Palo Santo wafting from my studio. It has managed to penetrate the triple bubble wrapping.

It is POWERFUL.

Use with caution!

Ay comments on this interesting oil are welcomed.

There’s More Than One Eucalyptus Oil!

Posted on September 3, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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There’s More Than One Eucalyptus Oil!

Eucalyptus globulus - pic via www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

Eucalyptus globulus – pic via http://www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

I love Eucalyptus!

1. Eucalyptus globulus

This eucalyptus tree – the “blue gum” – is the one most used to produce the essential oil. According to Wikipedia it’s also called the Tasmanian Blue Gum or Southern Blue Gum too. You are probably going to get Eucalyptus globulus when you buy eucalyptus oil. This oil is sharp, strong, clean and fresh and is the classic, most identifiable eucalyptus scent.This oil has been produced for nearly a century and the main production now comes from China. There are many of these trees in the USA too and other warm climates. The tree is easily able to adapt, and because of this it has been the most planted eucalyptus tree in the world.

Eucalyptus radiata

2. Eucalyptus radiata

This is also called the “narrow-leaved peppermint gum” and there seem to be quite a few chemotypes (different scents). I buy this as my everyday eucalyptus oil, as it’s a bit milder and sweeter in scent than the globulus. It still has the same amazing qualities of globulus, and in fact all the eucalypts (as with the melaleucas – see my post “All the Australian Melaleucas”, share similar properties. I recommend trying this lovely oil next time you need some eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus polybractea

3. Eucalyptus polybractea

This is the ‘Blue mallee’ tree. The oil from this tree has a high cineole content (1,8-cineole is one of the particular active ingredients in eucalyptus tree), which gives it a camphorous and pungent scent. Penetrating and sharp, it is less likely to be found when searching for “eucalyptus oil”, but I have bought blue mallee oil from supermarkets here in Australia and it’s inexpensive and gorgeous. I think there is one brand I found in a supermarket that’s also organic. Even looking at these three pictures it’s hard to distinguish the difference in the look of the leaves and flowers.

Eucalyptus citriodora

4. Eucalyptus citriodora

Yep if you guessed lemon scented you’d be right. It has a citronella/lemon scent, a bit like lemon tea tree, but not really. It is high in citronellal and that would explain the scent. It is a warm, almost herbaceous lemon scent and has different shaped leaves to the others discussed so far. I don’t really use this oil although I do carry it in my kit. I would probably use a classic eucalyptus with another lemon scented oil if I need that combination.

Eucalyptus dives

5. Eucalyptus dives

This eucalyptus tree is also used to distill essential oils, but I don’t really use this one a lot either. In fact I don’t think I even have any. Its common name is “broad-leaved peppermint” (radiata was called narrow-leaved peppermint). It has a couple of chemotypes that produce oils and once again the constituents are particular to its type but include the 1,8-cineole, common to all eucalypts. I can’t describe the scent as I can’t remember the last time I used it or smelled it. It is however used for its high piperitone content which gives it a pepperminty-camphorous scent.

Eucalyptus piperita

6. Eucalyptus piperita

Wikipedia claims this is called “Sydney peppermint” but I’ve never heard that. Can’t say I ever smelled the oil either but this one is also high in piperitone too. I’ve never looked for it for sale but I’m sure someone makes it. The English phyto-chemist H. G. Smith who moved here in the late 1800’s, wrote a paper on the volatile oil of Eucalyptus piperita and also wrote a book with his colleague on the Eucalypts of Australia.

Eucalyptus smithii

7. Eucalyptus smithii

This is the “gully gum” also found in South Africa where this is the main eucalyptus for oil production. It was named after Mr Smith (from the paragraph above) and is quite high in 1,8-cineole. It has that classic eucalyptus scent and all the qualities you would expect:

*decongestant

*astringent

*analgesic

*anti-septic

*expectorant

and the list goes on. It’s typically used for colds, flu, coughs and many respiratory complaints and is warming and refreshing.

Get some eucalyptus oil in your house NOW! It has a simple yet very strong message –

“cleanse, clarify, open your mind”

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Make You Better Looking

Posted on August 20, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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10 Essential Oil Recipes to Make You Better Looking

I love this pic of the legendary Ursula Andres

Gotcha! Can essential oils make you better looking?

Short answer YES!

Long answer …………

Sort-of but not really. Depends on the way you look at it, and beauty IS in the eye of the beholder.

Tyson Beckford being ridiculously good-looking

When you use essential oils

* they can help change your focus from negative to more positive

* they are beautiful and carry coded information carrying the secrets of the universe

* they allow you to be more kind and compassionate

* they can have a positive change on your moods and emotions

* they help relieve stress

* they can make your body feel less pain and discomfort

* they can make your mind more alert

* they can give you more physical energy too

So if you are less stressed, kind and compassionate, feeling happy, pain-free, awake and alert with more energy are you better looking? Yes! Of course!

I love Elle! pic via http://www.tvrage.com

And now some recipes –

1. Nourishing 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”

“Love Your Body, Become Even More Beautiful if That’s Possible”

Ylang Ylang 3 drops

Geranium 2 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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“Oh the Aches and Pains”

Release muscular tension –

Lavender 3 drops

Marjoram 3 drops

Clove 1 drop

Peppermint 1 drop

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“My Nerves are on Edge”

Release nervous tension in your body –

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

Peru Balsam 2 drops

German Chamomile 3% 6 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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“Need Some Love Today”

When you’re a bit down –

Lemon 3 drops

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

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“I Am a Supermodel!”

Juniper 3 drops

Orange 3 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan 2 drops

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Wowsa!

2. 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.

“Hydration Now!”

Frankincense 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

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“Youthful Glow”

Bergamot 1 drop

Everlasting 1 drop

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Miranda Kerr

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Kindness and Compassion for all Living Beings”

Petitgrain 10 drops

Rosewood 7 drops

Rose geranium 4 drops

Black Spruce 4 drops

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“Stress-Less”

Lavender 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

May Chang 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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Rob Evans just can’t stop being beautiful – he must use essential oils – pic via thatgrapejuice.net

4. 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.

Sandalwood Indian – allow your spirit to rise

Fennel – love yourself and unwind

Lime – get happy

Pine – feel the abundance all around you

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Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

10 Recipes with Marjoram Essential Oil – Oreganum marjorana

Posted on June 25, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Marjoram - pic via www.podgardening.co.nz

Marjoram – pic via http://www.podgardening.co.nz

Marjoram is an essential oil I use frequently with clients as it has a beautiful scent and some wonderful qualities. It hails from the Lamiacae family (along with many other herbs), the genus Oreganum and the species marjorana. It has a much more pleasant scent than oregano and therefore has more uses in aromatherapy.

In aromatherapy today marjoram is used for –

* aching and sore muscles

* general body pain and as a warming tonic

* to help someone deal with grief and as a sedative for distraught emotions

* to help with falling asleep

* to counteract stress and generally for calming and soothing

* to reduce coughing

Let’s try out 10 recipes –

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

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

Marjoram in the shower will help you unwind at the end of a very stressful day, or give you warming shower before bed on a cold night.

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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!

“Planning My Day”

Start out nice and calm –

Marjoram 1 drop

Bergamot 2 drops

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“Kindness”

Marjoram 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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“Warm Heart”

Marjoram 1 drop

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

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“Serenity Now”

Marjoram 1 drop

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

Lavender 1 drop

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Classic oil burner with a twist – pic via top3.com.au

3. Scent Your Space

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

“HEAD.ACHE”

Please go away –

Marjoram 8 drops

Lavender 8 drops

Peppermint 5 drops

Orange 4 drops

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“Chill Out Sunday Sessions”

Marjoram 6 drops

Petitgrain 10 drops

Peru Balsam 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

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. 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”

“Achey Breaky Body”

Marjoram 3 drops

Ginger 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

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“Pre Yoga”

Marjoram 3 drops

Lemongrass 3 drops

Black Pepper 1 drop

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“Apre Run”

Marjoram 3 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

Fennel 2 drops

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

Essential Oils for Winter Wellness

Posted on June 16, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Warm up in winter with essential oils

It must seem strange to all my northern hemisphere readers that I’d be writing about this subject now. Well it is winter for us in the southern hemisphere, so next week I’ll do an article on essential oils for summer so you guys don’t miss out.

What essential oils to use for winter …… hmmm?

Flowering rosemary in my client’s garden

1. Rosemary

Why?

* Stimulates blood circulation, good for those with cold hands and feet (used in a body oil)

* Works against catarrh and congestion (used in a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)

* Works a pain reliever for sore muscles and for aching rheumatic joints (used in a body oil)

* Stimulates the brain and memory so it can wake you up on a cold winter’s day (used in a steam inhalation or a shower steam)

Warming, spicy ginger

2. Ginger

Why?

* Warming to the digestive fire and the body in general (used in a body oil)

* Alleviates catarrh (used in a body oil or steam inhalation)

* Soft and gentle to treat people who are very sick with a cold or flu and may help stimulate appetite (diffuse in the sick room or use as a body oil)

Lemon myrtle flower- pic via www.lemonmyrtle.com.au

Lemon myrtle flower- pic via http://www.lemonmyrtle.com.au

3. Lemon Myrtle

Why?

* highly anti-bacterial and anti-viral (diffuse this oil in the home or office to help prevent YOU from getting what THEY have)

* use lemongrass or lemon as a substitute if you can’t find lemon myrtle oil

Eucalyptus globulus is the most commonly produced essential oil although there are quite a few - pic via www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

Eucalyptus globulus is the most commonly produced essential oil although there are quite a few – pic via http://www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

4. Eucalyptus

Why?

* the number one oil to break down mucous in the sinuses and lungs (used in a steam inhalation and diffuse in the sick room)

* an expectorant (used in a steam inhalation)

* generally helps easier breathing (diffuse in the sick room) and may also help throat inflammation

Sage – use in small amounts

5. Sage

* analgesic for a sore throat (used as a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)

* Clary sage can also be used for a sore throat (used as a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)

Ah lovely lavender

6. Lavender

Why?

* general aches and pains from the cold and/or sickness (used in a body oil or diffused in the sick room)

* analgesic for a sore throat (a drop in a steam inhalation)

* analgesic in general for headaches and other inflammatory symptoms (diffuse in the sick room and in a body oil)

The fennel plant

7. Fennel

Why?

* helps with catarrh and lung congestion acting as an expectorant (use in a body oil)

* acts as an analgesic in coughs and colds (used in a body oil)

* digestive tonic to calm an upset stomach (diffuse in the sick room or in a body oil)

As you can see these oils can help you feel a bit better if you get sick in winter, or warm you up when your feet are freezing, or help clear the air of unwanted germs.

If you have a few people in your home, especially if you have kids, I recommend you diffuse oils in your home at night during winter not only to create a lovely scented atmosphere, but to lend a little bit of anti-bacterial magic to the mix. Of course when using essential oils they will not necessarily cure an infection or disease, but they can help you feel a little better and more comfortable too.

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

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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