Hello Black Spruce, Where Have You Been All My Life?

Black spruce pc via essentialhealth.com

Black spruce pic via essentialhealth.com

Picea mariana (black spruce) is a species of spruce native to northern North America, from Newfoundland to Alaska, and south to northern New York, Minnesota and central British Columbia, in the biome known as taiga or boreal forest.”  Wikipedia

I’ve just used black spruce in a body wash with some other oils – simply because I had in my oil collection and never used it before. And now of course, I can’t live without it! Described as Canada’s best kept secret the scent of this oil is divine. It’s not nearly as brash as pine, but more herbaceous and green than fir (although they do smell quite similar). It is quite enchanting, warming and soft and I want to use it every day now. It’s from the Pinaceae family like these other trees and so displays some common characteristics.

A typical analysis of Black spruce essential oil is hard to find and I’ve been searching for ages. I have found a couple of MSDS’s (Material Safety Data Sheet) and many aromatherapy websites that seem to be regurgitating the same few lines. A website named Stillpoint Aromatics seems to have more specific info and claims;

“Black Spruce Essential Oil is rich in monoterpenes that give this oil its anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapeutic effects. It also is high in camphene, a monoterpene known for its mucolytic and respiratory benefits. The other chemical component of significant value, bornyl acetate, has multiple therapeutic values. It is what gives Black Spruce not only added analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but the energetic and emotional support for calming and sedating.”
Black and White Spruce trees pic via uptreeid.com

Black and White Spruce trees pic via uptreeid.com

I still haven’t found a complete chemical breakdown on this oil (it’s called A Typical Analysis) so it’s hard for me to say specifically what this beautiful oil could be used for but it’s clear to me that just one whiff of this oil is very clarifying. I would treat this oil as an expansive oil for the third eye chakra and a great way to connect to your abundance. I’ve always thought of pine oil as an oil of abundance as so I would include this lovely black spruce, fir and other conifers in this metaphysical section too.

If the above description is correct, sounds like this oil is great for sore muscles, and what we would expect from a tree like this –  help with breathing and breaking down mucous in the respiratory system. So yay for Black spruce!

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

So let’s get into some recipes –

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Believe!

Black Spruce  10 drops

Lavender          5 drops

Orange           10 drops

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

“Meditation”

Clarify and cleanse your mind –

Black Spruce    8 drops

Frankincense    8 drops

Rosewood       9 drops

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

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

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

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Multiverse”

Go beyond this universe into other dimensions –

Black Spruce 1 drop

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

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

“I Am”

Just ‘be’ –

Black Spruce                2 drops

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Lovers – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Lovers - # 6 from the Rider-Waite deck

The Lovers – VI from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah the lovers. It’s always interesting when this card shows up in reading because there is hidden meaning in the symbols – as with all the tarot cards. When I was learning the tarot I always remembered this card was just as much about choice, as about love. You can see the resemblance to The Devil which is very much about choice.

The Devil - XV from the Rider-Waite deck

The Devil – XV from the Rider-Waite deck

Our lovers stand before us, naked, and representing Adam and Eve, with the apple tree and the snake in the background. The apples represent the choices between right and wrong, good and evil; however we know these degrees of behaviour lie within us, not without.The Bible story tells us that Eve had a choice to eat the apple or not. She did. The rest is history (or should I say her-story).

The sun is shining brightly indicating happiness and growth, and the 12 flamed tree behind our man indicates the 12 zodiac signs and his greatest desire for passion and sex.

Love - pic via eofdreams.com

Love – pic via eofdreams.com

And yes this card is about LOVE! Maybe it has popped up in your reading because you’ve just met someone interesting, maybe it’s because you are looking for love or maybe you need to love yourself more before you can share with another?

There is duality in this card as it is ruled by Gemini so these two could even be seen as the masculine and feminine parts of yourself, and a desire to achieve inner harmony. The love in this card is divined by God, represented by Archangel Raphael who is the healer. Maybe some of your relationships need healing?

Hey – and maybe this card is just about good old fashioned romantic love, orchestrated by the angels and created by you.

Let’s get into some great essential oils for love:

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

The classic Duralex glass dish is a handy thing to mix your oil blends and quick perfumes in

1. 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!

“Feminine Love”

Nurture yourself –

Rose 3% straight from the bottle        * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Butterflies”

When you are a bit nervous with a new love or a first date –

Neroli 3% straight from the bottle        * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Come Hither”

Oils for seduction –

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Sandalwood    1 drop

Mandarin         1 drop

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

oil burner

An oil burner with a candle helps transform stagnating energy

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I’m Gonna Love You, Love You, Love You”

Get in the mood –

Cocoa CO2                  8 drops *

Orange                         5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    6 drops

Palmarosa                    6 drops

* see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

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

“Love is in the Air”

Try this light and breezy love blend –

Bergamot        12 drops

Patchouli           5 drops

Rosewood        8 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

The Perfect Aromatherapy Skincare Regime

Beautiful skin is easy with natural products - pic via nuimage.ca

Beautiful skin is easy with natural products – pic via nuimage.ca

I know its sounds corny but people always comment on how good my skin looks. When asked how I do it, I usually say there’s no quick answer but essential oils help. I’ve been using essential oils in my own handmade products on my skin for almost 20 years and would never use anything else. Apart from the natural simplicity of oils, it’s the scent of most skincare products detest. Even if I couldn’t access essential oils, I’d still use plain cold pressed oils on my face and body, and for sensitive skins this could be the best thing to use. I like to mix it up a bit and not use essential oils everyday.

Here’s an outline of my easy, natural aromatherapy regime:

Daily

Morning

1. Shower

* No soap or other foaming agents on my face just water, with a face cloth if I want a deeper cleanse

* No soap or other foaming agents on most of my body – maybe some natural soap on the underarms and nether regions

2. Moisturise

Moisturising with oil on your face can have fantastic benefits

Moisturising with oil on your face can have fantastic benefits

* Face – spritz first with a rose or neroli hydrosol or floral water to really boost hydration (see my article “Hydrosols vs Floral Waters – What’s the Diff?”) then use rosehip oil with rose essential oil

or plain rosehip oil

or a cream I have made myself containing essential oils

If you are buying a small bottle of rosehip oil you could add the drops of rose oil into the bottle or just add the rose on a daily basis. For quantities to add to your bottle please check the 3% article below or the article above about the basics.

For example, for small squirt of rosehip oil onto your fingers, add a drop or two or rose oil 3% (see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?”) and spread liberally all over your face. The only downside is that it’s a bit fiddly. Practice makes perfect though.

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin with oil blends

* Body – a nourishing body oil containing essential oils all over my body (see my article “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics”)

or a rich cream I’ve made myself containing essential oils

or just a plain cold pressed oil like almond, grapeseed, sunflower, olive, coconut

 

Remove makeup with the best makeup remover in the world - oil!

Remove makeup with the best makeup remover in the world – oil!

Evening

* Remove makeup (if applicable) with a damp cotton pad, with oil on it. This is the best makeup remover n the world! You can use sunflower, almond, olive etc and any cold pressed oil really

* Wipe with a warm, damp face cloth and only moisturise if you feel you need it. Often there is enough oil remaining on your skin to leave it feeling hydrated and soft

or shower and repeat the morning’s step

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifying mask. pic via chiclooking.com

Occasionally

And occasionally I’ll give myself a body scrub, face scrub and face mask to remove old skin and tone and refine the top layer.

Face Scrub

Try some almond meal mixed with a little water. Stand over the basin so falling almonds can be caught and gently scrub. It’s wonderful how your skin feels with the oils of the almond infused into your skin. Then either apply a face mask or add a little extra moisture if needed.

Face Mask

Mix a little clay (any colour – for more info see my article “The Wonderful World of Clay”) with water or a hydrosol. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you like just stay with lavender, geranium, chamomile, neroli and the softer oils. Apply. Rest for 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Moisturise.

A salt scrub is easy to make! pic via cambridgenaturals.com

A salt scrub is easy to make! pic via cambridgenaturals.com

Body Scrub

The easiest body scrub is a salt scrub. Use fine sea salt, add some water and a little oil and mix to a slurry. Scrub all over your body standing in the shower or bath. If you are in a bath, then take the opportunity to soak for another 15 minutes.

Add 5 – 10 drops of essential oil to your liking to create an aromatherapy treatment at the same time. Or get creative and add things from your cupboard or fridge like fresh lemon rind and juice, cinnamon or fresh herbs. For more info see my article “It’s Easy to Make Your Own Body Scrub”.

Moisturise with an oil blend or cream.

Body Mask

Same for face mask but you’ll need about a cup and a half of clay. Add water slowly and mix well. Add 20 drops of essential oil if you like, and then wrap yourself in towels and a blanket as the clay will make you COLD! Rest. Shower off and moisturise with an oil blend.

 

Wheel of Fortune – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Wheel of Fortune - # 10 from the Rider-Waite deck

Wheel of Fortune – # 10 from the Rider-Waite deck

Oh yeah this is a good one. If this card comes up in a reading it will make you feel positive and hopeful. As with all the tarot cards the symbols are important and this card has heaps! It has the four fixed signs of the zodiac and according to Biddy Tarot, they all have wings “signifying stability amidst movement and change”. There is also a sphinx (Horus, God of Resurrection), Anubis (giver of life) and a snake (transformation) as well as the letters spelling “Tora” or “Taro”. They can also be read as “orat” (to speak), “rota” (wheel) and “ator” (Egyptian Goddess of the Dead). Phew!

There are also 4 Hebrew letters which can be interpreted as God, and the symbols for mercury, sulphur, salt and water. These are symbols indicating the power of alchemy and the ability to create new things and transform elements into new compounds.

So the Wheel of Fortune is about movement, change and transformation. It also indicates success and good fortune which is what we all want to hear. When this card comes up in a reading it may be mirroring your current circumstances or it may be asking you to make determined physical changes in your life.

Change is a good thing pic via wix.com

Change is a good thing! pic via wix.com

Taking control of the wheels of your life may be just what you need. Steer your life into uncharted territory and allow the energy of this movement to open new doors for you. The seasons and cycles of life wait for no man so why fight against it? Maybe you have been disconnected from the life cycles of earth – get out into nature and fully experience these changes with gusto. Align yourself with the magnetic energy of the universe and it may then be easier to accept more success and abundance into your life.

Are you feeling stuck? pic via pickthebrain.com

Are you feeling stuck? pic via pickthebrain.com

Get the wheels of life moving if you are feeling stuck. travel would be a great antidote, as would be meditating on this great tarot card.

This card could also represent the way “fate” plays with us, and may be asking you to open your awareness to the world to see how the web of life is “entangled” with everyone in the universe.

Awaken your senses to the possibilities of new things in your life by using some essential oils to invoke the Wheel of Fortune.

cinnamon

cinnamon

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cedarwood Atlas – abundance

Cardamom – flow of energy in and around your body

Palmarosa – flexibility and happiness

Cinnamon – love what you do for work and abundance will flow

I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

Scent your space with this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“River”

Get your energy moving and flowing –

Ginger          5 drops

Juniper         5 drops

Rosemary    5 drops

Lime            10 drops

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

“Wheel of Fortune”

Take risks and see what opens up for you –

Pine                      8 drops

Frankincencse      8 drops

Black Pepper        4 drops

Orange                 5 drops

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

“Lady Luck”

Be happy, positive and grateful and you will be in the flow of life –

Rose Geranium      8 drops

Mandarin                8 drops

Patchouli                4 drops

May Chang            5 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The High Priestess – A Tarot Card reading with Essential Oils

The High Priestess - II from the Rider-Waite Deck

The High Priestess – II from the Rider-Waite Deck

Listen to your inner voice.

Trust your intuition.

Allow the thin veil of illusion (maya) to fall away between your conscious and subconscious mind.

The High Priestess is the bold feminine, intuitive energy of the major arcana in the tarot. She is a the one who is connected to her emotions and the power of the moon and the invisible cycles. She is calm, contained, and her deep wisdom shines through. She is supported by the twin pillars of Boaz and Jachin, from Solomons Temple (a very long and interesting story there). The pomegranates also appeared on the twin pillars and are adorning the curtain behind the priestess. They represent possibility, sexuality and according to Biddy Tarot, duty.

The High Priestess is about the dark feminine knowledge, the witch, the power of psychic forces and the wisdom of the ages. She is the gateway to the underworld. She is the all-knowing feminine power.

Feminine power - pic via www.beliefnet.com -  by Julie Loar

Feminine power – pic via http://www.beliefnet.com
by Julie Loar

 

When The High Priestess shows up in a reading she may be asking you to recall ancient wisdom to help you on your present journey. You may need to take a break from the madness of everyday life, be calm and meditate.

You are wise, but at this time you may need to pay attention to your inner world more than your external world. It’s time to develop your intuition and rely on yourself.

Are you looking for a deeper meaning in your life? Maybe you have a new interest in philosophy and metaphysics? The High Priestess will help you with her knowledge of the collective unconscious.

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

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

 

What essential oils could help you look within?

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Sacred Space”

Create a beautiful space to meditate in –

Frankincense         10 drops

Rose Geranium        8 drops

Lime                        6 drops

Spikenard                1 drop

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

“Retreat”   

Have a break from the outside world –

Juniper               10 drops

Fennel                  6 drops

Mandarin              9 drops

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

“Dreams”

Allow your dreams to point the way –

Clary Sage            5 drops

Peru Balsam        10 drops

Nutmeg                5 drops

Lavender             5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with 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!

“Psychic River”

Open your psychic channels – anoint your third eye chakra

Basil                1 drop

Frankincense   1 drop

Bergamot        1 drop

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

“Speak the Truth”

Let your knowledge flow – anoint your throat chakra –

Sage          1 drop

Myrrh         1 drop

Geranium   1 drop

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

“The Heart Knows”

Rely on your intuition which may speak through your heart –

Rosewood     1 drop

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

Patchouli        1 drop

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

Anointing with Essential Oils – What’s it all About?

Anointing with sacred oils in the time of the Pharoahs pic via www.jewishencyclopedia.com

Anointing with sacred oils in the time of the Pharoahs pic via http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com

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

From the freedictionary.com –

a·noint  (-noint)

1. To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to.
2. To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration.
3. To choose by or as if by divine intervention.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Anointing is absolutely connected to religions of all kind but lets step up and reclaim the word on behalf of consciousness and spirituality.

If you are anointed in a religious ceremony it usually signifies that you have been playing the game correctly, and symbolizes your worthiness to be alive. It can also help you remember to walk with the divine in your life on a daily basis and allow the almighty gods to be with you. It shows others you are doing the right thing and can also be a source energetic protection. This practice occurs in many religions across many cultures and centuries.

Man with a tilaka - a mark of the divine pic via www.flickriver.com

Man with a tilaka – a mark of the divine pic via http://www.flickriver.com

Going to a temple in India, one may leave with a thumbprint of red paste on the forehead called a tilaka. It could be red sandal paste or red tumeric but there are so many variations according to the specific sect, caste and temple. The style and shapes of the mark are different too, and of course this does have a mild scent.

The Egyptians were into scent as a connection to the gods in a BIG way. There are depictions of perfumes, incense and scent rituals in the art they left us. The pic at the top of this article shows this, and according to wikipedia:

“In several temple reliefs in Ancient Egypt the Pharaoh is depicted being anointed by Horus (sun god and “father” of Pharaoh) and Thoth (god of wisdom), the oil of which is symbolically depicted as a stream of ankhs (symbols of life).”

Jesus , the Anointed One (so the story goes) pic via bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com

Jesus , the Anointed One (so the story goes) pic via bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com

The Bible and the Hebrew Bible are full of stories about anointing, the anointed or chosen ones, and references to this practice as being an important part of religion. The Hebrew Bible apparently describes the recipe for the anointing oil, while in the New Testament Jesus was described as the ‘anointed one’.

Back to present time.

Dr Hfuhrurur and Delores in The Man with Two Brains pic via youtube.com

Dr Hfuhruhurr and Delores in The Man with Two Brains pic via youtube.com

I recently referred to Steve martin in “The Man with Two Brains” when talking about myrrh. Clearly this movie has stuck in my mind and I just can’t seem to shake it. In this movie Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr woes his love Delores with this poem (by a fictional one-armed English poet named John Lillison):

‘ O pointy birds, o pointy pointy, anoint my head, anointy-nointy.’

Yep so there you go. Every time I say or think “anoint”, I’m not thinking about Jesus, I’m thinking about Dr Hfuhruhurr. Deep.

Let’s anoint! Historically fats and oils, perfumes, scented waters and coloured pastes have been used for this practice but I use essential oils.

**** Officially I can’t recommend you use essential oils straight from the bottle on your skin as it could cause a reaction in sensitive people. Why not follow your intuition with this but I’ll recommend you use a little carrier oil to dilute the essential oils.

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with essential oils

Anoint Where?

Chakras

Pulse points – wrists, throat, heart

Anoint with What?

One or two essential oils diluted with some carrier oil

Why Anoint?

When you feel you need support from the universe

To inspire gratitude

To open energetic flow in your body

To open channels of creativity

To remind yourself you are surrounded by beauty through scent

Before or after meditation as a symbol of your connection to your spirit

To give you courage for a hard task or day ahead

When you need to feel more compassion for others

The practice of anointing is easy and a quick way to get in tune with the entangled web of us and the universe!

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Death – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Death - XIII in from the Rider-Waite deck

Death – XIII in from the Rider-Waite deck

DEATH! Don’t freak out. This card is a little gruesome but in the end the messages are positive. The design and imagery are confronting but it doesn’t mean you are going to die (right now), however we will all die from our mortal lives at some time.

What do you think it means? It’s about a cycle, a situation or an emotional state ending. It’s a BIG ending, a purge, and it is not without difficulty. Notice that Death is riding a white horse which shows there is positivity and movement – movement toward something new. The sun is also rising showing there is light at the end of this death. The images on this card are similar to The Sun card too, which is a much happier and brighter card – perhaps it could even be construed as the opposite to death.

what's next?

what’s next?

So if you are wondering “what’s next?”, perhaps you need to look at patterns and old ways that need to be removed from your life. By detoxing from the old, you will have space to create the new. Many tarot cards carry similar messages but of course it also depends what other cards come up in the reading too. The Death card asks you to make BIG changes, clear the slate and start again.

clear road ahead pic via alatlatequator.wordpress.com

clear road ahead pic via alatlatequator.wordpress.com

You may need to initiate this change yourself because you are feeling stagnant, or this may be thrust upon you like The Tower card. What essential oils could help you transition?

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Juniper – detox, release the unwanted

Rosemary – stimulate your mind to consciously change

Cinnamon – add some sweetness and find what you love in life – follow your dharma

Lavender – garner strength and energy to help you through this change

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin and create change with oil blends

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

This is a great way to nurture yourself and cover your self with the protective energy of essential oils.

“Change Change Change”

When you need to almost force yourself to make changes –

Cardamom        2 drops

Rosemary         2 drops

Lemon              4 drops

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

The sun is always shining somewhere pic via wallpaperswide.com

The sun is always shining somewhere pic via wallpaperswide.com

 

“Even Though It’s Cloudy, I know the Sun is There”

Try and see the positive side of this big shock –

Peru Balsam       3 drops

Mandarin             3 drops

Rose Geranium   2 drops

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

“Remain Calm”

Stay calm and soothe out of control emotions while going through the Death energy –

Marjoram       2 drops

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

Lime              2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

Can Essential Oils be used Undiluted on Your Skin?

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of oil can be essential

This question is one of the most commonly asked questions in regards to essential oils and essential oil safety.

I studied in Australia and although I don’t know exactly what other education institutions teach, I’m positive there is a general feeling about this subject.

Short Answer: NO

Do not use essential oils directly on your skin as a general rule.

Why?:

Essential oils are concentrated volatile substances extracted from plants. A couple of important actions in some essential oils are classed as:

Photosensitisation:

If you apply one of these oils  to your skin and go outside, the oil can cause a skin reaction when the suns hits you. It can be really bad, or mild, or you may not get a reaction at all. Oils to watch out for are bergamot and all the citrus oils.

Sensitising:

Many oils can be classed as sensitising, meaning if you use to much, or in a strong dilution it may cause a skin reaction. Oils to watch out for are black pepper, cinnamon, clove, wintergreen, maybe oregano and thyme, and other oils which you wouldn’t be able to buy retail.

Irritation:

According to Essential Therapeutics “irritation” may occur with many different oils in very strong dilutions. However, most essential oils contain different molecules that could potentially cause irritations on the skin, but are not classified as toxic. It really depends on each person and how sensitive you are generally.

The most important thing is not to drink essential oils – this will cause poisoning and potentially harmful long term effects.

Use your common sense and dilute essential oils in the ratios listed in my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

skin reaction to Peru Balsam pic via www.cdc.gov

skin reaction to Peru Balsam pic via http://www.cdc.gov

If you are a very sensitive person then always patch test before using essential oils all over your skin – even if it is in the correct dilution.

I’m not going to say I don’t use essential oils directly on my skin, but I’m not going to say I do. I have 20 years of experience using essential oils with clients and various scenting projects so I feel confident about what I can do on my skin.

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils diluted with a carrier oil

What about anointing with essential oils?

Once again the general rule is not to use essential oils directly on your skin. I recommend diluting with a carrier oil and then anointing.

What about perfume straight from the bottle?

Same as above. if you want a stronger effect, try putting a couple of drops of oil on a makeup pad in your bra or even your handbag.

PATCH TEST FIRST – especially if you are a person who is very sensitive! Just because essential oils are natural does not mean they are always safe.

Don’t use essential oils in strong dilutions, or neat on kids either. if a reaction does occur the only way to get the oils off the skin is with a carrier oil like olive or almond. Smooth it all over the area, wipe off and seek medical advice if necessary. See my article ‘“Aunty, something is biting my legs” – 10 things NOT to do when using Essential Oils” for more info on the general rules of using essential oils.

You are the expert on you

You are the expert on you

You are the expert on you, so use common sense, the information that is available to you and patch test first.

Enjoy the beautiful scents of nature and allow miracles through scent!

Temperance – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Temperance - XIV from the Rider-Waite deck

Temperance – XIV from the Rider-Waite deck

My tarot card and essential oil series continues with the lovely card called Temperance.  This card is a bit like the Hierophant card for me – gentle, mild and sometimes it just doesn’t jump out at me with gusto. Depending on what other cards are in the reading, I find it hard to translate.

A beautiful Angel appears before us in a calm scene in nature. This card has a feeling of peacefulness and happiness. In the tarot the water represents emotions and also the subconscious mind. In this card the water is supposed to be flowing upward – from the bottom cup to the top cup. The overall meaning of the water symbols in this card, is balance between the subconscious and the conscious mind. It also represents the balance we need to find between humanity and spirituality. The angels toe in the water also reflects the interconnectedness between humanity and the divine.

It's all about balance - pic via www.homelifesimplified.com.au

It’s all about balance – pic via http://www.homelifesimplified.com.au

You may need to consciously work on balance after a big change in your life, or simply be more mindful of taking care of yourself as much as you do with others. This card could be asking you integrate your spiritual side with your human side to become whole and to find a deep richness in your life.

This is not a time to rush and achieve but to be calm and stress less. Leave all your anxiety and tension behind you as this is the first day of the rest of your life – a life of peace and serenity.

Flow with nature and reap the benefits - pic via www.southernwilderness.com

Flow with nature and reap the benefits – pic via http://www.southernwilderness.com

The flow of the water is asking you to become harmonious with nature, and with yourself. It’s a message to acknowledge how far you’ve come and instills an energy of beauty to help you carry on.

There are many essential oils that can help inspire peace, beauty and wholeness:

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Rose – nurture and love yourself

Fennel – be gentle with yourself too

Orange – inspire sweetness and innocence

Rosewood – enhance the flow of love in your heart

Frankincense – breathe deeply and relax

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“Peace”

Allow a sense of peace to fall all around you –

Patchouli        1 drop

Mandarin        1 drop

Frankincense  1 drop

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“Gratitude Gives”

By being grateful you will open up to more beauty and gentility –

Geranium                       1 drop

Australian Sandalwood   1 drop

Petitgrain                         1 drop

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“Bubbling Brook”

Flow like a little stream –

Cardamom      1 drop

Lime                1 drop

May Chang      1 drop

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

Myrrh – A Healing Resin of Old

myrrh resin pic via www.pointsoflight.com

myrrh resin pic via http://www.pointsoflight.com

Myrrh. Whenever I say this oil in my head it sounds like merr-er-er. Just like Steve Martin’s character in the movie “The Man with Two Brains”, Dr Hfuhruhurr. I can’t help it. I’ve created a permanent synapse in my brain, that pronounces myrrh like Hfurhruhurr (except with an M). I don’t really use myrrh very much and maybe this is the reason.

I do however, use myrrh as an oil of abundance – a little goes a long way. Just like frankincense, myrrh is a resin in its natural state and then it’s steam distilled to produce an essential oil. In all bottles of myrrh that I’ve owned, before too long the cap is often stuck to the bottle with the dried oil – it wants to revert back to its original form. This never happens with frankincense which is quite a thin oil. Look how similar the trees are – they are from the same family, Burseraceae, but a different genus. Myrrh is from Commiphora, and frankincense is from the Boswellia genus.

myrrh tree pic via azarius.net

myrrh tree pic via azarius.net

frankincense tree pic via herbsocietyvic.org.au

frankincense tree pic via herbsocietyvic.org.au

Myrrh is native to parts of Africa and still revered as a great healer. We know of stories in the bible which tells us that this resin has been used for centuries. Like many of the older plants and oils, myrrh is also noted in ancient Egypt as an important ingredient in the holy incense kyphi, and the temples of Jerusalem in the incense of ketoret. I’ve just written about spikenard (see my article Spikenard – an Essential Oil with a Rich History and a Heady Scent), which appears in the same texts and was also an ingredient in these ceremonial incenses.

With its amazing qualities of healing and preservation you can see why the Egyptians used myrrh in embalming. If it’s hardening on the lid of my oil bottle then it’s working that way when embalming a body!

Egyptian mummy

Egyptian mummy

Myrrh is a great wound healer and works really well with gum disease and mouth ulcers. I would use myrrh in an oil blend with a client to add dimension to the scent and to address fears of lack, and a general feeling of being unsupported. I love myrrh to stimulate healing from past hurts and to help someone gain strength to continue in life.

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of myrrh may be all you need

In aromatherapy today myrrh is used for –

* gum disease

* deep cracks n the heels

* chronic wounds that wont heal

* to reduce mucous in coughs and bronchitis

* as a meditative oil to connect to spirit

* to help with period pain and for use in childbirth

Embrace myrrh as an oil to support you in your connection to the divine. Be sparing with myrrh in your oil formulations as a little goes a long way.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013