Botanical Inspirations from Oz- A Photo Essay

Hi there my scented friends! I’m really enjoying summer on this beautiful land and here are some lovely plants and flowers I’ve seen lately. I hope you are as inspired as I am with the lovely colours and shapes of nature.

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Eucalyptus or gum nut flowers

Eucalyptus or gum nut flowers

Where: the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    happy and grateful for the warmth of Australia

Scent:  a very mild honey scent which brings bird life

 

Pine cones

Pine cones

 

Where: Sugar Pine Forest, Batlow. NSW,

I feel:    quiet and abundant

Scent:  not particularly scented but the environment of the pine forest certainly was!

 

Murraya peniculata

Muraya paniculata

Where: the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    beautiful, dreamlike and sensual

Scent:  a very heady citrus/jasmine scent that permeates the air all around Sydney

 

Sunflower

Sunflower

 

Where: a friend’s garden, the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    connected to the universe through the golden ratio

Scent:  mild herbaceous scent

 

Frangipani

Frangipani

 

Where: the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    tropically delicious as if I’m on holidays

Scent:  a sweet honey floral


How does your environment make you feel – how are you inspired?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copyright 2016

Are You an Everyday Aroma-Hero?

Hello lovely friends! As the years roll by on this blog I’m looking for some new, vibrant energy. Are you someone who loves using essential oils – but IS NOT and Aromatherapist? I’d love to have some fun stories about how you use aromatherapy in your everyday life.

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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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Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

 

Perhaps you have kids and some success stories with essential oils?

Maybe you have helped friends with essential oils and would be happy to share?

 

Rose is the Queen of oils

Rose is the Queen of oils

 

Maybe you love taking pictures of scented flowers and plants?

Do you love blending oils and playing around with recipes?

Would you like to share your favourite recipe?

Have you had some epic failures using essential oils?

 

Divine jasmine!

Divine jasmine!

 

In the coming weeks I will introduce a new page which will help you submit your story, so you can be the feature here on “suzannerbanks”. I’ll dream up some questions for you to answer and I’d love a photo of you. I will be happy to include links to your social media and business pages as long as you share the article with your friends and followers.

Do you know someone who would be perfect?

Stay tuned and thanks again.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copryright SR Banks 2015

The Persian Garden – Cruising on the Celebrity Solstice with Eucalyptus Oil – Video

Video

Hello friends! I missed a post last week all caught up in summer in Sydney, parties with visiting DJ’s and singers, and the beach. This week I share a moment in time on the cruise ship the Celebrity Solstice, where I was excited to discover a eucalyptus infused steam room and sauna, sailing home from New Caledonia.

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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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The theme of this little video is “aromatherapy is easy” …

 

 

And just to prove it here is a pic of my good friend DJ Wayne G (DJ WAYNE G) from San Francisco, playing tunes on New Years Day:

 

Me and Wayne at the start of a party

Me and Wayne at the start of a party

 

And me with other incredibly talented friends, singer and recording artist Peyton (Peyton Music) and travel writer and blogger Amanda (Adventures All Round). It was dark so I had to do a few little adjustments including some stars and fireworks too …

Friends

Friends

Thanks for your time! Have you been to a spa on a cruise? I’d love to hear about it.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks 2015

Vanilla Weddings in the South Pacific – Video

Video

A vanilla wedding in the South Pacific? How about hundreds of them every year? Forge on to discover how organic vanilla is grown on the tropical island of Lifou in New Caledonia, with my mini movie and gorgeous pics!

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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

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

The vanilleraie on Lifou

The vanilleraie on Lifou

 

On my recent trip to New Caledonia I found a small organic vanilla plantation in the Botanic Garden on the island of Lifou. Watch the story unfold ….

 

In a nutshell:

  • Mexican vanilla was introduced by the missionaries in the 1800’s
  • The plantation is growing each year as more vines are planted – cuttings are taken from the original vines
  • It takes about 7 years from planting to produce beans
  • The plant flowers in October to November
  • The flowers are not scented
  • This is the beautiful vanilla flower

    This is the beautiful vanilla flower

     

  • As the plants are an introduced species the local insects and birds do not pollinate the flower – this has to be done by hand
  • The male organ in the flower is gently touched to the female organ – this is the pollinating process
  • Pollinating must be done in the morning as the flowers close in the afternoon
  • Once the flower has dried and died, the vanilla beans grow
The young vanilla bean

The young vanilla bean

  • When the time is right the beans are picked and plunged into boiling water for 3 minutes
  • The beans are dried in both sun and shade for 3 months then placed into aging boxes to develop – just like wine
  • Lifou currently sends all its harvest to Noumea but is aspiring to export worldwide when the crops are more bountiful
My wonderful guide

My wonderful guide

It was so hot and the tour continued onto other beautiful sights, like a tribal hut and he Cliffs of Jokin. I wish I had asked a few more questions but the tour party pressed on. And I can’t believe I forgot my guide’s name. The heat got into my brain!

The Cliffs of Jokin

The Cliffs of Jokin

The picture does not do the water justice – it was a stunning turquoise blue. We also spotted a shark swimming around.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks 2015

Essential Oils and their Keywords – Part 2

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.

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

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

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

Gentle warmth with ginger

Gentle warmth with ginger

Ginger

warm and approachable

Grapefruit

lightness, appreciation; gentle energetic cleanse

Jasmine

sensuality

Juniper

release watery emotions; spontaneous lightness

Lavandula stoechas, my own pic thanks yes it is wonderful

Lavandula stoechas, my own pic thanks yes it is wonderful

Lavender

solidarity; solid foundations, acceptance; regeneration

Lemon

refresh, reload; brighten up

Lemongrass

energising; vitality

Lime

counter-acts negative thinking; a moment of silence

Mandarin

openness; simple choices

Marjoram

relief

May change essential oil is distilled from the fruit

May change essential oil is distilled from the fruit

May chang

a sunny heart

Melissa

softness, communication; soothing

Myrrh

heals deep wounds of the past

Neroli

seduce your soul

Nutmeg

mysticism

Orange

innocence, sweet simplicity

Palmarosa

flexibility; new ideas about love

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

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

copryright SR Banks 2015

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

10 Recipes with Cedarwood Atlas – Cedrus atlantica

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

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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

Cedrus atlantica needles

Cedrus atlantica needles

In aromatherapy this cedarwood oil is used:

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

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

Body oils make lovely legs

Body oils make lovely legs

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

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

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Cedar Atlas          3 drops

Mandarin              3 drops

Palmarosa            2 drops


“A Blend For My Man”

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

Cedar Atlas        3 drops

Bergamot           4 drops

Vetiver                1 drop


“I am One with the Planets”

Cedar Atlas       2 drops

Lavender           3 drops

Petitgrain           3 drops


“Gentle Strength”

Cedar Atlas       2 drops

Orange             4 drops

Basil                  1 drop


 

Lovely hair with cedarwood

Lovely hair with cedarwood

2. Hair Mask

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

Cedar Atlas                2 drops

Roman chamomile     2 drops

Indian rosewood        3 drops


Hot steamy shower with essential oils

Hot steamy shower with essential oils

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

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff straight from the bottle, but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

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


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

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

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“To Attract HIM”

Cedar Atlas     1 drop

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Lime                1 drop


“To Attract HER”

Cedar Atlas     1 drop

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


 

“Aligned”

Cedar Atlas     1 drop

Ginger             1 drop

Geranium        1 drop


“Wonder”

Cedar Atlas     1 drop

Patchouli         1 drop

Rose 3%         2 drops

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


 

 

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Like our Facebook page to stay tuned for more info on the inaugural

Australasian Artisan Botanical Perfume Expo in Sydney, 24th April 2016

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

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

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!

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

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

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

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

10 Recipes with Australian Sandalwood – Santalum spicatum

Ah beautiful sandalwood oil! Our lovely Australian sandalwood essential oil has a hint of the bush and some herbaceous tones too. The Aussie species is not as syrupy, heady or as sweet as Indian (Mysore) sandalwood, but adds depth and the wisdom of this great land to your world. It can can also be found as a CO2 extract, so dive in and experience Australia.

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

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

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

“Courage”

Aust. Sandalwood    3 drops

Lavender                  2 drops

Geranium                  1 drop

Black pepper            1 drop


“A Potion for my Man”

Aust. Sandalwood     4 drops

Mandarin                   4 drops


“Relaxing AND Energising all at the Same Time”

Aust. Sandalwood      2 drops

Lemongrass               2 drops

Orange                       4 drops


Salt makes a great base for a scrub

Salt makes a great base for a scrub

 

2. Skin Scrub

Use 2 cups of fine sea salt, add some unperformed lotion, or some carrier oil, mix into a paste and then add your essential oils (only a few drops). You’re ready to scrub under the shower or in the bath, but remember to be gentle! If you use the scrub while standing in the bath you can then soak in the salt and oils too. When you shower scrub most of it gets wasted.

Aust. Sandalwood       2 drops

Lemon                         3 drops


Anyone can give themselves a face mask!

Anyone can give themselves a face mask!

 

3. Face Mask

Usually I add 1 or 2 drops of oil to 2 teaspoons of clay, and add water, floral water or hydrosol. Keep the mask on for 5 minutes then rinse off with cool water. Mist with a hydrosol or floral water and moisturise.

Aust. Sandalwood  1 drop

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


 

 

Australian sandalwood thrives in semi-arid conditions - pic via www.fpc.wa.gov.au

Australian sandalwood thrives in semi-arid conditions – pic via http://www.fpc.wa.gov.au

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“Bush Magic”

Aust. Sandalwood      8 drops

Palmarosa                  8 drops

Lavender                    5 drops

Basil                           3 drops


“Manifestation”

Aust. Sandalwood    8 drops

May Chang             10 drops

Cypress                    7 drops


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

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

5. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“I Will”

Aust. Sandalwood   1 drop

Peru Balsam            1 drop

Lime                        1 drop


“Lovely”

Aust. Sandalwood    1 drop

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


“Double Torus”

Aust. Sandalwood      1 drop

Juniper                       1 drop

Rose Geranium           1 drop


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Like our Facebook page to stay tuned for more info on the inaugural

Australasian Artisan Botanical Perfume Expo in Sydney, 24th April 2016

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

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

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

“My Aromatic Journal” with Julie Nelson, Australian Aromatherapist

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

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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

This is Julie Nelson

This is Julie Nelson

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

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

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

Julie Nelson

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

Julie;s Aromatic Journal

Julie’s “My Aromatic Journal”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Julie's gift to a friend

Julie’s gift to a friend

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

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

Good luck Julie!

Follow Julie:   Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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Like our Facebook page to stay tuned for more info on the inaugural

Australasian Artisan Botanical Perfume Expo in Sydney, 24th April 2016

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

copryright SR Banks 2015