Better Sleep with Essential Oils

Just a drop of lavender on your pillow at night will help you sleep well – right? No, sorry, it’s not as simple as that. Essential oils can definitely help you relax and adjust your weird sleep patterns, but you’ll have to do a bit more work than opening an oil bottle. Read on to find the best essential oils for sleep, and what you need to change…….

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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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sleep!

sleep!

 

If we don’t sleep well all sort of problems can start happening. When this becomes more frequent, the daytime can be very challenging. Lack of sleep can be the cause of so many other health problems, but at the very least we simply can’t function well during the day. If bad sleep patterns prevail they can become habit, and then it’s all downhill. Here’s what you need to do to prepare for essential oils to help you sleep:

  1. Drink less coffee and/or don’t have caffeine in the afternoon
  2. Exercise more frequently, even if that means a walk around the block
  3. Stop watching TV at least an hour before bed
  4. Stop all screen time ie phones and computers at least an hour before bed
  5. Set up healthy patterns – eat about the same time each day, go to bed about the same time, wake up about the same time

Other hints:

  1. Have a cup of relaxing herbal tea about an hour before bed
  2. Have a warm bath or shower before bed
  3. Start stretching and force yourself to yawn in the evening (I read that somewhere and I’ve tried it and it works!)
  4. Have a book at your bedside – this always sends me to sleep

 

timing is everything

timing is everything

 

Daily habits are important if you are having difficulties sleeping. Of course the clock can be the devil when you’re staring at it every night – 1am, 2am, 3am, 4am ……… It may only take you a few days to reset your body clock, but it could take weeks. In the evening (perhaps after dinner), start your essential oil diifuser to help you unwind. Here are your oils:

Lavender

The classic sleep and relaxation oil, lavender is a healing herb that’s been around for centuries. This is a panacea (helps everything) in my opinion. The art of aromatherapy comes into play here as too much lavender can be too stimulating, so the key is to mix your oils to get a perfect soothing combination.


Vetiver

Sometimes referred to as “The Oil of Tranquility”, vetiver is a very strong oil and you’ll only need a couple of drops in each blend. It is a cooling oil and very grounding and centering. Great for meditation and stress.


Marjoram

Another ancient herb, marjoram will help induce relaxation and works wonderfully with its sister, lavender. Marjoram is an oil to treat pain relief, grief and anguish, so is perfect to help you turn off the events of the day, and the anxiety of tomorrow.


Frankincense

Frankincense is the oil to help you take deeper, slower breaths. By breathing deeply you will automatically slow your heart rate, calm your mind and allow yourself to “be”. This is a classic oil for meditation and asthma.


Bergamot

Bergamot is not a classic sleep oil, but it’s a lovely oil to help with anxiety, and mixed with some other oils, can add some sweetness to your blend. In fact all the citrus oils (lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, grapefruit) are light and blend well with most other oils so are always handy to have nearby. They will add happiness and lightness to your blends.


The Chamomiles – Roman and German

Both these oils are relaxing oils. German chamomile is blue due to a chemical change during distilling, and is an anti-inflammatory oil for the body. It works synergistically with lavender in this regard. The scent is not as pretty as Roman chamomile, which has a honey sweetness to it, and could be better for you to use for this reason. Why not double up and have a relaxing chamomile tea in the hour before bed too?


Sandalwood

I regard Indian (Mysore) sandalwood as a sleep inducing oil due to its traditional uses, and it’s powerful energetic presence. This oil has many uses for the body but excels when treating the mind and emotions. It is a beautiful and expensive oil to use, but when it comes to sleep I’d say it’s worth buying a bottle. It will cover you in a comforting, soft yet strong, blanket of love. Other woods could be used in its place and I’d recommend cedarwood Virginian (which is actually a juniper, not a true cedar).  Australian sandalwood could be a bit too stimulating with its hint of the hot Australian bush.

 

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

 

And now some blends for your diffuser –

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil, which could be too much for some diffusers, so check the recommendation of each unit and adjust thee recipes accordingly.

 

“Universal Flow”

Lavender         10

Frankincense    8

Bergamot         7


 

“Depth”

Marjoram                   6

Roman Chamomile    7

Orange                       8

Vetiver                        2


 

“Cool”

Mandarin                       10

German Chamomile       4

Cedarwood Virginian      6

Lavender                        5


 

“Intuition”

Sandalwood                6

Lavender                    6

Marjoram                     4

Orange                       11

 


 

“The Way”

Frankincense              10

German Chamomile     2

Vetiver                          2

Sandalwood                5

Lime                           6


I've got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed - sweet dreams!

I’ve got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed – sweet dreams!

 

By now you have the idea so go for it! Mix those oils baby!

Let me know how you go and –

remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

 

copyright 2016

 

Essential Oils and Their Keywords – Part 1

Essential oils tend to be grouped together as to their physical healing properties – but what about the way they treat our spirit and minds too? For example marjoram, lavender and rosemary are great for muscles; rose, geranium and patchouli are wonderful for skin health; fennel and juniper can help relieve joint swelling. Of course essential oils often have more than one quality and the art of aromatherapy allows synergistic combinations to be formulated to expand their individual powers. Read on to discover how I feel about some of my favourite oils.

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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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I've just planted some basil and it seems to be dong quite well

I’ve just planted some basil and it seems to be dong quite well

Basil

clarity; open your mind

Bergamot

calm and connected; from “what is to “what if?”

Black pepper

go forward and fulfil your destiny

Cardamom

energetic flow

Cedarwood Atlas

abundance in everything

Cedarwood Virginian

dissolve barriers

I've got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed - sweet dreams!

I’ve got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed – sweet dreams!

Chamomile German

cool down

Chamomile Roman

less tension more inspiration

Cinnamon

sweetness in work; be sweet with yourself

Clary Sage

dream

Clove

release pain

Cypress

allow miracles; away from ego into spirit

Eucalyptus in the Australian country

Eucalyptus in the Australian country

Eucalyptus

invigorate; clearing, enlightening

Everlasting

immortal beauty

Fennel

licorice love

Frankincense

meditation, truth, preservation

Geranium

cheeriness; feel good

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

All the oils and their keywords are quotes from my book. You will find the links to buy the book at the top of the post.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

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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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copryright SR Banks 2015

Botanical Postcards from Sydney

If a picture paints a thousand words ……… I can’t wait til we have smellevsion and scentagram!

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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

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

I've got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed - sweet dreams!

I’ve got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed – sweet dreams!

Chamomile

Keywords: “cool down: less tension more inspiration


Little roses from my back lane

Little roses from my back lane

Rose

Keywords: “divine love; self love; self nurturing; Cleopatra”


Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

Lavender

Keywords: “solidarity; solid foundations; acceptance; regeneration”


Divine jasmine!

Divine jasmine!

Jasmine

“Keyword: “sensuality”


 

*** All keywords are quotes from my book “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”.

*** All pics above were taken by me around Sydney.

 

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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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copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

3 Essential Essential Oils for Stress Relief

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.

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

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

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

sweet little marjoram leaves

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

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

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

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”


copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

De-Stress

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


Chapter 9

De-stress

Another look in between the covers of my book

 

De-stress from distress and be happier

De-stress from distress and be happier

 

Stress in the 2ist century, in Western life, is pretty much the cause all kind of disease.

“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”

George Burns,  Actor

There you go – stop worrying and stressing.

Live longer, and prosper.

Live long and prosper, the Vulcan goodbye

Live long and prosper, the Vulcan greeting

By simply using essential oils in any matter, you will give your brain and chance to refocus and change the current vibe.

* Just open a bottle of oil and have a big sniff. Your brain is in charge of your body so by re-calibrating your thought patterns you have a better chance of having a healthier stress-free body too.

* Put a few drops of an oil in the bottom of the shower before and/or after work, or a stressful day, to help you come down off your high cortisone levels. Once again, give you brain and body a wake-up call to release tension on a daily basis

* Chronic stress can lead to chronic (and acute) disease and we often find out too late. Stress and worry won’t help change your situation so you’ll have to change it from the inside out.

* Have a massage or make your own body oil to completely rejuvenate your body and cleanse your aura

What oils are great to use to minimise stress?

Roman chamomile - pic via 3morganic.com

Roman chamomile – pic via 3morganic.com

 

The Chamomiles – Roman and German

Both these oils often come in a 3 % blend as they are more expensive than most essential oils. See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.  Use these oils straight from the bottle like a perfume, but if you find them as a 100% pure oil just use them in the same ratios as you would with other oils.

Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is soft, syrupy and sweet and is a great oil for cramping and tension.

German chamomile has a dark blue colour and is deeply herbaceous smelling. This oil is good for heat and inflammation.

Marjoram - pic via www.101herbs.com

Marjoram – pic via http://www.101herbs.com

 

Marjoram

Marjoram is second to lavender for me. I use this oil frequently as it has such wonderful properties. Not only is it a great oil for stress and anxiety, it is a must-have for muscle soreness. It has a strong scent but manages to blend so well with all the other oils and it is an ancient herb that has lasted through the ages.

This oil also helps induce sleep, is great for treating grief, and helps calm an overactive mind. It is the oil of relief.

To find out which other essential oils can help you de-stress, click on one of the links below.

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK

Thanks everyone.

copryright SR Banks

 

 

3 Essential Oils to Help You Stop Obsessing About Something

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


3 Essential Oils to Help you Stop Obsessing About Something

 

An over-thinking mind can create even more stress

An over-thinking mind can create even more stress

Have you ever had an argument, an altercation with someone, a problem at work, a nasty email or letter, a bitchy comment on social media? One that you can’t seem to shake?

Sometimes we find ourselves obsessing about these kinds of human issues, and we can’t seem to let go of them. We replay the situation over and over in our minds. This leads to invoking the emotional response all through the body, which then brings back the same angst as if the situation had just occurred.

So then our body hitches a ride with our mind, and they feed off each other leading to a continual circle of stress, elevating all our stress responses in the body; which keep the mind fueled to keep on re-hashing the same thing.

Basically it’s a stress response which is harmful to us as a whole when it keeps going, and going, and going.

Break the chains of stress pic via ww.laffeycomputer.com

Break the chains of stress pic via ww.laffeycomputer.com

Breaking the cycle of stress can be a little easier with essential oils and hopefully you’ll be able to stop yourself from even starting next time. Sniffing an essential oil will change your focus in a matter of seconds, which is enough space for you to take back your power over a detrimental negative state.

Try these oils by having a sniff straight from the bottle. be careful not to over expose yourself to the oils as they can create headaches. Alternatively scent your space with a traditional oil burner or diffuser which will be a more gentle way to come down.

Lavender gives you strength

Lavender gives you strength

1. Lavender

To me lavender is the oil of solidarity. It not only helps relieve stress but its ancient herbal magic can really help you relax, revive and regain strength.

A few drops in the bottom of the shower will help cleanse and fortify you with a little calm thrown in for good measure.

Lavender’s purple colour is the colour of the Third Eye and Crown chakras, opening you to the abundant intelligence of the universe.

 

Lemon - gorgeous simplicity

Lemon – gorgeous simplicity

2. Lemon

Lemon essential oil is simply wonderful. Lemon is light and sparkly and lovely and it’s refreshing too. It helps you reload the page of your mind and refresh the content.

This oil is perfect for a whiff straight from the bottle.

The yellow colour of lemons relates to the Solar Plexus chakra which is the energy centre of desiring good things for ourselves (including good feelings!).

 

The blue of german chamomile looks a bit like this - pic via s296.photobucket.com

The blue of German chamomile looks a bit like this

 

3. German Chamomile

When the petite German chamomile flower is distilled a chemical component is change into chamazulene which gives it a deep blue colour. This chamomile is an anti-inflammatory oil and is often found in a 3% dilution as it’s quite expensive.

This essential oil will help you chill out and it would be perfect as a drop on your wrists, heart or throat so its steady evaporation will keep you stay calm too. You will find a chance here in this space, to release tension and stressful thoughts and feelings. You will be able to be aware of the thoughts you no longer need.

The deep blue of German chamomile relates to the heart chakra, stimulating you to open your heart energy and infuse compassion into the situation you want to release.

yum!

yum!

So if you have one of those moments when you keep replaying that movie over and over again in your mind. Grab an essential oil and have a whiff to help change your focus and reclaim your power and energy from the situation.

If you don’t have an essential oil, sniff a piece of citrus fruit or cut of some of rind and squeeze it all around you to release the essential oils from the skin. Actually why not just eat it first and THEN sniff the skin.

If you can’t find a piece of citrus fruit, smell a sweet flower walking down the street or open some spice jars and sniff the good stuff – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger …………..

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks

 

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Make You Better Looking

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


10 Essential Oil Recipes to Make You Better Looking

 

I love this pic of the legendary Ursula Andres

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

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 www.tvrage.com

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

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

“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

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

“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

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

“I Am a Supermodel!”

Juniper                         3 drops

Orange                         3 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan  2 drops

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

Wowsa!

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

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

“Youthful Glow”

Bergamot        1 drop

Everlasting       1 drop

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

Miranda Kerr

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

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

“Stress-Less”

Lavender       8 drops

Mandarin       8 drops

May Chang   8 drops

Vetiver          1 drop

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

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

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

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks

The Hierophant – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

 

The Hierophant - V in the Rider-Waite Deck

The Hierophant – V in the Rider-Waite Deck

I must say when I was learning about the tarot I never really got a strong vibe for this card when it came up in a reading. Perhaps it was the religious imagery I didn’t like, even though the main figure seems quite kind and placid. The monks in the foreground are being blessed by the priest, holding a triple cross – religious overload! As with all tarot cards there are many symbols embedded in the image that spark reactions and hint to meanings of the card in general.

graduation - pic via celebrationandpartyblog.com

graduation – pic via celebrationandpartyblog.com

Anyway, The Hierophant is here to let us know that if we are studying, learning anything in any form, we now have the power to take it to the next level. It could also mean we need a deeper understanding of our spirituality and this could be the sign we need to take that step. This card also represents marriage ordained by the church and religious elders.

Are you being challenged by an authority figure or feeling controlled by an institution? If so, The Hierophant will show up helping you to release your feelings of being blocked by others. Maybe this is a time to keep your continuing spiritual practice (going deeper within) and allow others – who appear to have authority – continue on their path. It may also indicate that this is a time not to rock the boat, but to abide by the rules and laws that govern us. It indicates the opposite to having free will and being totally creative.

pic via radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com

pic via radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com

It is a great card to meditate on now for those who are demanding marriage equality. We need balance with the relationship between the people, those in power, and our growing need for a deeper spiritual connection between us all. So I suppose this card is also about fairness and equality.

What essential oils could embody this card? The issues are fairness, marriage, deeper spirituality and the balance of power. Hmmmm.

 

Just use any mist bottle you can find

Just use any mist bottle you can find

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Will You Same Sex Marry Me”

Propose now, why wait?

Sandalwood Indian       8 drops

Petitgrain                       10 drops

Ylang Ylang                    4 drops

Rose Geranium           3 drops

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

“My Own Mantra”

Release the bonds of traditional religions and find a deeper spirituality –

Cypress                    10 drops

Orange                    10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    5 drops

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

“I’ll Agree to Disagree”

Follow the rules this time to make it easier –

Lavender      8 drops

Ginger          8 drops

Lime              8 drops

Vetiver          1 drop

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

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

 

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

German Chamomile – instant relaxation

Palmarosa – being flexible with inflexible rules

Spikenard – a deep connection to spirituality

Juniper – release the old and unwanted

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

 

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

 

 

 

The Tower – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

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.

we are one

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

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“Get it Together”

Help your major anxiety –

Vetiver          1 drop

Bergamot     5 drops

Lavender      2 drops

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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

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

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“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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?

3% of essential oils in the bottle of jojoba

3% of essential oils in the bottle of jojoba

Oils that are sold as 3% in jojoba are mostly done so because of the cost. These oils are considered premium oils and are beautiful and more expensive than the regular oils like lavender and orange, for example.

These oils are usually sold this way:

Rose

Jasmine

Neroli

Immortelle

German Chamomile

Roman Chamomile

Melissa

and now also

Sandalwood

Oakmoss

Tuberose

Lotus

Champaka

Violet leaf

Tomato leaf……. and others.

When I was writing my last article I had to think clearly about what ratios I suggested for making a facial moisturiser of essential oil of rose, in rosehip oil. (See Rose and Rosehip – A Winning Combination for Youthful Skin http://wp.me/p2R7rE-cb )

When making an oil blend for a client’s treatment I usually take the dropper out and free pour the 3% blend into the bottle. When making other products I usually use the 100% pure oils, or not at all.

So I thought about it.

thinking....... pic via designthinkingworkshop2011.wordpress.com

thinking……. pic via designthinkingworkshop2011.wordpress.com

Then scribbled ratios, percentages and varying numbers on the page. Then sent a message to my aromatherapist Vicky to ask her opinion.

Vicky:

There is 3% of pure rose oil in each drop (of the 3% in jojoba). Imagine dividing that drop into 100 parts and then times it by 3. Miniscule.

Me:

Yes so I’m saying there’s 0.03 drops of rose oil in 1 drop of a blended oil. So if I wanted 1 drop of rose oil I’d have to multiply by 30.

Vicky:

If you multiply by 30 you’d get 90% pure. Now my brain’s fried.

33.3 drops (of the blend) is 1 pure drop…..I think”

So there you have it. How many aromatherapists does it take to do the maths?

Vicky just uses the 3% blends as if they are pure and adds a little more. She does this because she commented on the power and strength these oils seem to have. So even though the oils are far less concentrated, you won’t need as much as a standard oil anyway. But when it comes to recommending ratios I thought I would decide on my own and stick with it.

amplify your aura with a nourishing body oil

amplify your aura with a nourishing body oil

I made an oil for a treatment with a single oil – rose – to test it out. I decided to multiply by 3. If it was pure rose oil I would use the standard ratio, but using the blended oil I’ve decided to triple it:

50 mls of carrier oil

25 drops of pure rose (or less)

or

75 drops of rose 3% in jojoba

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When I made an oil the other day for a treatment I used 3 oils in the blend. I doubled the 3% oil (rather than tripled)  as it seemed to work better:

50 mls carrier oil

Roman chamomile 3 %  12 drops (pure would have been 6 or less)

Bergamot                       12 drops

Frankincense                    6 drops

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oh so pretty

oh so pretty voilets – it’s the leaf NOT the petals that are used to make the oil

Often these stunning essential oils that are blended with jojoba in a 3% ratio, are very strong too and so less is needed.

The benefits of having these gorgeous oils is that they are ready made perfumes!

Nothing is a sweeter scent than a few drops of jasmine, rose or neroli.

No alcohol to cheapen the lovey roundness of the oils.

No superfluous packing.

No hidden marketing costs.

Just a little amber bottle full of divine love.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013