Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

Posted on September 2, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

Dear Clary sage, I’m sorry I haven’t called on you in a while but I promise to consider you for my next client.

It’s not that I don’t like you, your scent is very heady and strong, and so much more sweet than sage. I realise you are very closely related and come from the same family – but I don’t favour sage over you – in fact it could be the other way around.

I like the fact that you are an expansive oil and for this I like to consider you as a very spiritual oil, as you relate to the crown and third eye chakras. You have the ability to open my mind, and that of my client too, and I suppose looking back over the centuries you have often been employed to help people over come depression and melancholy. You inspire, and can be considered an oil of euphoria – thank you. You are wonderful in allowing us to connect to the creativity of the universe too!

The essential oil is made from the flowering tops and the foliage

I love the way you work on excess oil on the skin and in the hair!

Another thing I am grateful for is that you are so powerful as an analgesic particularly in regards to period pain. I have used you on pregnant clients in preparation for labour and even in oil blends in a birthing suite. You are also great for older women during menopause to calm many of the very boring symptoms. Not only are you a very spiritual and creative oil you also help with pain.

I’ve even read you could help with lung spasm in bronchitis and asthma because of your relaxing effect on the muscles and bronchii via the hypothalamus and thalamus. You contain some similar functional groups to lavender and that’s why you are great for relaxation.

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

You inspire us to connect to the dream dimension – day dreaming and night dreaming – which can help shape our lives.

Here are some formulas for people to try so they can also experience your magnificence –

2. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay add 3 drops of oil

Clary sage 1 drop

Orange 2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“Come In Please Creativity”

A blend to help release fears and invite in creativity to your life or a project –

Clary sage 1 drop

Lemongrass 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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

“Cool Calm and Collected”

Keep cool when you are hot flushing like crazy –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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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.

***** 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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Oh Lord Help Me”

For period pain –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“Even Stevens”

To clarify and tone oily skin –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Sandalwood Australian 2 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

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

Melissa – Pretty Name, Pretty Scent – A Wonderful Essential Oil

Posted on August 26, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Melissa officinalis

Melissa is also called lemon balm. It belongs to the same family as lavender, marjoram, peppermint, sage, patchouli, rosemary, thyme, oregano and more. You can see how the leaf looks similar to some of the other herbs too, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell them apart just from a photo.

Like many plants that create essential oils, Melissa extract is used in Naturopathy extensively for calming nerves and anxiety. This is what the essential oil is good for as well. It has a lemon scent but is more refined than lemongrass, more subtle than lemon and more delicate than any lemon scented eucalyptus or tea tree.

many lemon scented plants exist in nature

And once again this plant has an interesting history in healing through the past centuries. The standout landmark for this lovely plant is traced back to the Carmelite Monks of France during medieval times, but this magical herb is recorded as far back as 550BC with the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus – and ancient Greek city now in Turkey. Then we have the founders of modern medicine talking about this herb; 40—90 AD with the Greek physician Dioscorides, and with the Roman naturalist and philosopher of the same time, Pliny the Elder. Thank goodness there are really brainy people who have looked back through ancient records and delivered the information to us.

So it seems as though this gorgeous little herb has the healing powers of the universe within its little green leaves.

Back to the Carmelite monks……… or was is the nuns of another Carmelite origin in the 1200’s? Melissa has been noted way back to the 800’s as a herb of great healing properties, and it seems as though the healing water made with melissa originated in the 14th century (or even earlier) but became more well-known when the Carmelite friars were granted patents by the kings Louis IV, V and VI of France under the name “Eau de Melisse de Carmes”. During these times the herb water was both drunk as a tonic and used as a cologne to wash away the stench and dirt of the streets – and the stink of the general population who did not wash frequently! The balm water also contained other herbs and was used as a panacea. Both original recipes of Benedictine and Chartreuse (the liqueurs from monastic origin) contained melissa but not sure if they do now.

Chartreuse – a lovely green herbal colour with over 100 ingredients

Our beautiful melissa lost favour as more herbs and plants were discovered for healing but it is still prized in Naturopathy and Aromatherapy today as a soothing balm for the emotions. In Aromatherapy we use melissa for –

* uplifting emotional states in depression

* soothing anxiety

* on the skin as an anti-viral – topically for cold sores

* vapourised in a room of sickness to help with nausea and to limit the spread of a virus (it seems that a lot of the lemon scented plants have a great anti-viral effect and I’ve always recommended vapourising lemon in the home if you have a sick person to reduce the spread of the virus or bacteria)

* on the stomach to reduce cramps

melissa flower – pic from dr.hauschka.com

Melissa – also called balm and lemon balm – is best used to soothe the soul, mental anguish and to inspire happiness. Just take a whiff straight from the bottle.

It is a very expensive oil so you will probably find it in a 3% dilution ready to use straight from the bottle as a perfume, anointing oil and skin treatment for lesions. For more info see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

I hope you love melissa as much as I do!

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 7, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Moon – XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

Have you been howling at the moon recently? We have had 3 super moons this year, the last one, just last week. Pretty amazing. We all know how the moon phases – especially the full moon – can make us feel a little crazy and emotional. We are connected to our universe in all respects and the moon represents our subconscious. What’s beneath our sunny side?

I was always a little freaked out by the lobster coming out of the water to bite me. This could represent dark and hidden fears emerging, or even needing to be revealed. Either way it’s a bit prickly. There is lots of water in the card and in tarot that speaks about our emotions, as does the moon.

The dog and the wolf show the balance of tame/wild. The moon is also reflected in the sun which also indicates balance is needed with our conscious and subconscious. If The Moon comes to you in a reading it could represent a willingness or absolute need to release deep fears and emotions from the past, to be able to move on.

It is the middle of the night so perhaps you’ve lost your way or have been blinded by your dark side of your fears? Maybe you just can’t see things clearly?

oooooooooooo

This could be a time when you are having incredible, wacky dreams. What is your subconscious trying to tell you?

The Moon could appear if it’s a time when you need to rely on your intuition or develop it. Follow your instincts like the wild wolf! Have courage.

Rely on, and develop your intuition (from curvyoga.com)

Anyway I’m sure you get the vibe of this card so let’s look at what essential oils could help you acknowledge your fears and release past hurts.

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I am Light and Dark”

Acknowledge your deep fears –

Geranium 3 drops

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

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“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper 2 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel 2 drops

May Chang 2 drops

Peru Balsam 3 drops

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essential oil diffuser

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I Get So Emotional Baby”

Everything will be ok –

Spearmint 6 drops

Lemon 10 drops

Siberian Fir 9 drops

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“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper 8 drops

Pink Grapefruit 15 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress 12 drops

Orange 8 drops

Ylang Ylang 5 drops

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

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

The Jasmines – A Love Story Full of Promises

Posted on August 5, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Jasmines – grandiflorum and sambac

It’s hard to tell by the pic above but these jasmine plants that make stunning essential oils, are slightly different in the look of the petal, but definitely different in the scent.

They do share qualities of being so absolutely divine that one sniff could take you to a new dimension. The oils are concentrated versions of the sweet scent of the blossoms, and are deep and alluring.

There’s lots of jasmine planted around Sydney and today I got a little excited when I saw the deep pink tinged buds, promising flowers very soon. That means Spring to me and the first step out of winter.

Hooray!

Jasmine in Sydney – the sweet promise of spring!

Jasminum grandiflorum

This is the classic jasmine we have come to know and love. It is the most common jasmine, but has an uncommon scent.

Sexy

Deep

Alluring

Mouth watering

Floral

Love

Seduction

A promise of things to come………..

Jasmine blooms in the spring – a time to shed the old energy of winter and gather new strength from the sun and warmth. Spring promises a wonderful time taking us into summer. Spring asks us to give everything, and in return promises newness, happiness and love.

The word “promise” always reminds me of K.D. Lang in 1985, when she won a JUNO Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year and rushed up to claim her award in a wedding gown. She said “no one makes more promises than a bride”.

KD Lang making promise

It’s a perfect flower and oil for weddings as it creates a stunning scented environment of love, romance and (the promise of) sex. It is often used throughout Asia for this very purpose.

Jasmine is a base oil and has always been considered an aphrodisiac as it connects to our lower chakras and inspires kundalini energy. I call jasmine an oil of love and it’s definitely and oil of sexiness too. There’s nothing more promising than a wink, a smile, a kiss.

In Hindu and Muslim traditions it has been known as the oil of romance and the flowers are used in times of seduction and love. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to tonify the liver and to treat stress and anxiety. Hey why not have a cup of jasmine green tea?

You will mostly find jasmine oil in a 3% blend which is ready to use as a perfume straight from the bottle! See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

A jasmine blossom in Sydney

Jasminum sambac

Oh my if you’ve ever smelt this oil you are the lucky one!

This jasmine is native to Asia and is sometimes known as Arabian jasmine or Indian jasmine. In the Philippines it is called sampaguita, in Indonesia it’s called melati putih, in Sri Lanka Pichcha or Geta pichcha and in Hawaii pikake.

This flower is certainly revered and I remember traveling in India and smelling it everywhere. It is used in Ayurveda for stimulating sexual drive and treating anxiety – can you see how these 2 things are related?

It is intoxicating! It has all the same amazing scent qualities of Jasminum grandiflorum but has a more intriguing, tropical scent. This flower is often used in spiritual ceremonies and used in adorning and beautifying children on their birthdays and women on special occasions.

This is the oil of exotic tales of the “far east” and it promises surprise and delight. It’s heady aroma can hypnotise you in a second and once you have smelt the sweet aroma of the oil or the flower I promise you, you will never be the same again!

Jasminum sambac promises to hypnotise you

If you find this oil it will also be in 3% blend, and once again it’s ready to use straight from the bottle.

When you need some new energy in your life use the jasmines.

When you need to get your sexy on use the jasmines.

When you make a promise to yourself to fulfill your destiny, use the jasmines.

What is your destiny?

The Tower – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Posted on July 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Tower XV1 from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

The Tower – XVI – from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

OOOOOOO The Tower card. It usually freaks everyone out when they see it. However saying that, if someone is having a tarot reading and this card pops up, they are probably in the throws of the tower energy, just experienced it, or can feel it looming.

So what is it about?

As you can see by the picture, people are leaping from a burning tower, screaming, plunging to their death. Lightening and flames surround and break down the tower. The structure will crumble and die, along with the inhabitants. Oh dear.

When I was learning tarot, something about this card stayed with me. The fact that this seems to be happening as an “act of God” via lightening, is an illusion. It is actually something that you have probably created yourself, but are unaware of the fact. For example: feeling that you hate your job and really need a change but don’t do anything about it. You think these thoughts over and over again but don’t take any steps to change. Then “all of a sudden” you are fired and completely freak out as your regular job and wage – your stability – is ripped out beneath you plunging you into change and fear! The same could be said of any situation like a relationship breakdown, sudden illness or death.

It's ok if you are freaking out - grab a bottle of essential oil

Don’t fear “The Tower” – just use some essential oils!

The Tower represents dismantling of your current circumstances whether you like it or not. And we all know that when something crumbles, we learn how to survive and create new ways of approaching life. We may be awakened, when prior the the event we were blissfully unaware. The universe is demanding that we evolve. Our subconscious is doing the same. It’s our ego that doesn’t like it!

The Tower forces us to confront situations, thoughts and emotions that do not serve us, but that we hold onto as a security blanket. You may be being asked to let go of outdated structures in your life so you can spiritually evolve.

Embrace change

So what essential oils and essential oil blends could represent this card, and it’s meanings for you in your day? Try these recipes –

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“OMG!”

To de-stress –

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

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

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

“Get it Together”

Help your major anxiety –

Vetiver 1 drop

Bergamot 5 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils – but test first!

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!

“Angels Please Help Me”

Help your heartbreak –

Rose 3% as many drops as you need

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“Guides Give Me Strength”

Open your crown chakra to receive help and guidance –

Petitgrain 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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: essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Be your own cheerleader in hard times –

Juniper 10 drops

Sandalwood 5 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

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

“Peaceful Sleep”

Try and get a good night’s sleep to restore your energy –

Rosewood 8 drops

Lavender 8 drops

Marjoram 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

Happy mixing and remember to use your intention when you are blending.
(See my article about intention)

Cedarwood Atlas – An Ancient Wood with a Modern Scent

Posted on June 3, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Cedarwood atlas – Cedrus atlantica

In Aromatherapy we use a few cedarwoods –

Cedrus atlantica = Cedarwood Atlas

Juniperus virginiana = Cedarwood Virginian

Cedrus deodora = Cedarwood Himalyan

When I first started practicing I didn’t really use this oil a lot – I preferred Cedarwood Virginian. Years ago when I was creating a range for a new clinic in Sydney, I was inspired to incorporate this oil by the Herbalist and sales manager. She encouraged me to use Cedarwood atlas and described the scent to me as being reminiscent of sandalwood. She also suggested I could use it in place of sandalwood as the Sandalwood industry was under pressure and prices had tripled within years.

So embraced Cedarwood atlas and while I don’t necessarily use it as s replacement for sandalwood I certainly love to use it frequently. It is a true cedarwood and has an interesting history.

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco, map originally created by Daniel Feher of Free World Maps. Original map can by found here http://www.freeworldmaps.net/africa/morocco/map.html

It is part of the Pinaceae family of trees and is still considered to be a viable tree with no concern for its life here on earth. It hails from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is also farmed for its wood and oil in other regions.

The rich history of cedarwood most probably relates to Lebanon cedarwood which is Cedrus libani and found in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Cypress and surrounding areas. It is also from the Pinaceae family and I would assume that the two are quite similar and they both would have been used for ancient rituals and traditions; in Egyptian times, in building the Temples of Jersualem and all the ancient majesty and mystery that comes with them. Phoenicaians and Egytians built their boats with this wood, and the resin was used to treat illness and mummify Phaoroahs. There are also other cedars in these areas that belong to the Cupressaceae family (the cypresses), and have also been used over thousands of years in spiritual practice.

A drop of oil can be essential

The oil is steam distilled using the wood and twigs and currently in Aromatherapy Cedarwood atlas is used for-

* respiratory ailments – coughs, colds, bronchitis as it is a great expectorant

* in a sitz bath to address kidney and bladder including cystitis – it’s an astringent oil

* as a tonic for stress and anxiety (yes we say this about many oils so it goes to prove a few drops of distilled nature really can change your focus and make you feel better)

* as an astringent for oily skin and on the flip side to also treat dry and flaky conditions like dry scalp, dandruff and also to ease symptoms of psoriasis

Abundance is a state of being

I love to use this oil to stimulate connection to spirit and to inspire acknowledgement of the abundance all around us. If the resins of this tree were used in the mummification process to help souls live for ever after death, I see it as a sign that our abundance is ever flowing in all states of existence.

Neroli Neroli Neroli

Posted on May 13, 2013 by suzannerbanks

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

Neroli, neroli, neroli. I love it, I love it, I love it.

The oil is produced from the blossom of Citrus aurantia ssp amara or bigarade. It is a powerful, beautifully enchanting blossom fragrance with a little spice and bitter-sweet citrus.

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).

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

Anne Marie de La Tremoille Duchess of Bracciano via wikipedia.com

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.

She later changed her name and title (when the duke of Bracciano died) to Marie Anne de La Trémoille, princesse des Ursins. Apparently the title was created by herself and had no real credit, but her influence in politics remained until her death.

orange blossom

Thank goodness she was a scented visionary and left us with a love of this beautiful flower and perfume.

In aromatherapy neroli is therapeutically used for –

* relieving tension and anxiety, depression and melancholy

* sleeplessness

* improving the look and feel of facial skin by reducing the look of small capillaries

* some claims say it can be beneficial in treating muscle spasms and is also used in heart patients – massaged over the heart

Neroli is best used therapeutically as a sedating agent and for a treatment against anxiety and depression. Perhaps the small white flower allows one to open to the simple beauty of life.

the bitter orange tree

Try these recipes:

1. Facial Oil

Use Neroli 3% straight from the bottle as a moisturiser or an overnight treatment. The scent will be heavenly and will soothe and calm your skin.

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Once again use this oil straight from the bottle as a perfume. I always get comments when I wear Neroli as it appeals to men and women.

3. Nourishing Body Oil

Add these oils to 3 teaspoons of carrier oil for an all-over body moisturiser –

“Princess”

Neroli 3% 21 drops

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“Feminine Power”

Neroli 3% 9 drops

Cardamon 1 drop

Rosewood 3 drops

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“Influence”

Neroli 3% 9 drops

Fennel 1 drop

Patchouli 1 drop

Orange 2 drops

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

Remember to use your intention when making a blend or using an essential oils as a perfume. You will be creating your life!

Rose and Rosehip – A Winning Combination for Youthful Skin

Posted on April 15, 2013 by suzannerbanks

rosehips

I declare the best facial moisturiser in the entire world to be essential oil of rose with rosehip oil. Some may disagree but I don’t care because I love it. And here’s why ……

Rosehip Oil

the orange colour of rosehip oil

Rosehips are the little buds left on a rose bush after the flowers have gone. They are high in Vitamin C and are now being used in supplements for immune strength and as an anti-inflammatory agent in joint formulas too. We have been drinking delightfully pink rosehip tea for years too, which is high in anti-oxidants and can help with colds and flu. It is the fruit of the rose bush and is also used in jams and jellies.

The oil can be extracted by cold pressing the buds or by using CO2 extraction process. This sounds a bit technical but it is actually a good way to extract oils as not much energy is needed, and the products are very near to their natural state.

It is obvious that all these amazing properties are present in the oil which is a dark orange colour, quite viscous with a distinct scent. It is luxurious to say the least and I find it funny when I read the back of the labels of some retail products that say to use “a few drops”. I use way more than that everyday. I use a decent pump’s worth. It is hydrating. soothing, and the Vitamin C really keeps your skin looking and feeling youthful!

Sometimes the scent is what puts some people off but I use it straight and love it. This is where mixing some rose essential oil into it will turn it into a stunning serum.

Rose Essential Oil

Rosa damascena – the most used rose for oil production

As a skin oil rose is amazing because it treats heat and redness in the skin. It is a complex oil revered through the ages for its use in beauty and femininity. Great for any skin condition from eczema and psoriasis through to scars and sunburn.

It is called the “Queen of Oils” and will make you feel just that. It is an oil of inner strength and wisdom.

Who wouldn’t want to have it everyday? I’d take a drop of rose oil over any perfume or any scented skin cream, any day.

Quantities for mixing (assuming you have rose 3% in jojoba):

5 mls rosehip oil add 4 drops

10 mls rosehip oil add 7 drops

15 mls rosehip oil add 11 drops

20 mls rosehip oil add 15 drops

25 mls rosehip oil add 19 drops

30 mls rosehip oil add 22 drops

(These are my own ratios for any oil in 3% jojoba for the face. It will be a higher concentration for the body. They are also rounded up and down to get a whole drop – unless you can get 1/2 a drop or 3/4’s of a drop, but I cant seem to do that very well!)

Or just pump some rosehip onto your fingers and add a few drops of rose oil. Sometimes we just need to simplify things.

create your own natural skin care

For more notes on rose oil please see my article “Stop and Smell The Roses”

Softly and Gently with the Chamomiles

Posted on April 10, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Roman chamomile Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

What a pretty flower! I always loved daisies as a child, and the chamomiles belong to this species called Asteraceae or Compositae. Chamomile is famous for it’s soothing nature and tranquil effects, and is used in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy alike. I’ve always thought of Aromatherapy as a specialist part of herbal medicine, powerful because it insists we use our sense of smell for healing and interacting with the world.

1. Roman Chamomile

Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

This chamomile has a sweet honey like aroma, and appeals to many people because of this softness. Roman chamomile is usually found in a 3% jojoba blend because of its price. It is often overlooked in favour of German chamomile but please give it a try. It is one of those oils that gives an immediate reaction of bliss.

In aromatherapy Roman chamomile is the one used as an anti-spasmodic treatment, an tonic for unclenching, that may also help the smooth muscle of the gut relax. Also great for muscle spasm and tension and general fatigue and stress.

Best of all, I like to use Roman chamomile as a perfume straight from the bottle. No doubt people will be attracted to you when you wear this oil as you will smell divine and will be radiating a sense of calm and knowingness. Try these recipes

“Floatin’ on a Cloud”

For release of gripping tension and pain in the body make an oil blend with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil and add:

Roman Chamomile 3% 8 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

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“Venus”

As a pulse point perfume mix these drops together and anoint your chosen spot – for attracting and resonating with a goddess-like energy

Roman Chamomile 3 % 3 drops

Rosewood 2 drops

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German chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita)

2. German Chamomile

This tiny little flower is a different genus to Roman chamomile and what sets it apart from most oils is its blue colour. During the distillation process, one of the consituents – chamazulene – is changed to give a deep blue hue to the oil. This oil is best used as an anti-inflammatory and works well with lavender in this sense. It is great for stress, anxiety, and any tension in the body. It is a strongly scented herbaceous oil and I would not say this is an oil to use as a perfume. Think BLUE – think COOLING! A good oil for joints and muscles as well as an over thinking mind. German chamomile is more readily found then Roman chamomile and will also be in a 3% jojoba blend. Try these remedies:

“Release”

For a treatment of painful joints make an oil blend with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil, rub over the joint and cover with a bandage. Rest. Add these essential oils to create your treatment:

German chamomile 3% 8 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Peppermint 1 drop

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“Cocoon”

After a stressful day stop your mind from over-processing by mixing the following into a little container and rubbing on your temples and third eye. Remember to put a little of the oil residue inside your nose to gain maximum benefit, and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil.

German Chamomile 2 drops

Orange 2 drops

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

The chamomiles are your ancient tool for stress release.

Remember to use your intention when you make your blends to give extra power and personality to the formula. For more information on intention see my article What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”?

Delicious, Mouth-watering Petitgrain Essential Oil

Posted on January 9, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Citrus aurantium ssp amara (or var. amara)

I recently mentioned petitgrain essential oil in my new year article I’ve Got a New Attitude but I feel it requires a lot more attention because I LOVE it!

The scent of petitgrain is beautiful and these are some words to describe it:

* citrus with a hint of grass

* green yet floral

* herbaceous and tangy with citrus undertones

* light

* slightly “soapy” in scent

* similar to Neroli (orange blossom from the same tree)

Petitgrain stands out from the other citrus oils because it is actually made from the leaves, twigs and green buds of the tree. See the pic below which captures the branches and leaves being prepared for distillation.

the leaves and twigs ready to be distilled

Lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, orange and lime essential oils are all pressed or distilled from the rind of the fruit, but our lovely petitgrain oil claims its distinction with ease. It is a scent widely used in perfumery and appeals to men and woman alike because of its fresh, clean nature.

Due to its chemical constituents it has a relaxing and soothing effect, similar to the properties of all the citrus oils. It is high in linalool (in lavender) and linalyl acetate. Other oils high in linlayl acetate are clary sage (a very high content) , lavandin, lavender, and bergamot, as well as neroli, lemon, lime, rosewood, and some mints.

Remember it is interesting to note the similar components of essential oils ,but each oil will have a very complex arrangement of molecules and the oil as a whole has a very individual energy, scent, and effect on the mind and body. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” applies so well to essential oils – and then when you add your intention you potentially create a whole new level of benefits.

petitgrain (citrus aurantium v amara)

Petitgrain can be used :

* as a perfume straight from the bottle mixed with a little carrier oil

* in an oil blend for the body where this oil will work in synergy with the others oil for its scent and as an addition to an anti-inflammatory blend

* in a body oil blend as an astringent or tonic for oily skin

* in a facial as a soothing and repairing treatment for acne and inflamed skin, particularly in teenagers as the oil will help with anxiety too

* to help release tension in the house use the oil in a diffuser or oil burner

* to reduce stress use a few drops in the shower and inhale the steam

* perfect for children and the elderly as it has an appealing scent with relaxing qualities and it will go to work for you in helping you amplify your care

* as a treatment for general sickness use a few drops on a cool washcloth and press all over the skin, then leave the cloth across the forehead

* use in place of lavender if a different scent is needed, but you still require a calming nurturing oil

I like to use Petitgrain when I need to look at things in a new light, or if I just need to chill out. It has so many uses in my practice, and when I am treating someone who is a bit stressed it is an oil that has far-reaching effects and tends to also work as an agent to simplify life.

Remember to add your intention when you make an oil blend which will add a powerful energetic, yet subtle force. Expects miracles using essential oils!

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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