The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Moon - XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

The Moon – XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

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

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

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

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

oooooooooooo

oooooooooooo

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

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

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

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

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

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I am Light and Dark”

Acknowledge your deep fears –

Geranium      3 drops

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

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

“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper     2 drops

Lemongrass       2 drops

Patchouli            3 drops

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

“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel             2 drops

May Chang     2 drops

Peru Balsam   3 drops

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

essential oil diffuser

essential oil diffuser

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I Get So Emotional Baby”

Everything will be ok –

Spearmint        6 drops

Lemon            10 drops

Siberian Fir      9 drops

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

“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper               8 drops

Pink Grapefruit  15 drops

Lavender            2 drops

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

“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress           12 drops

Orange              8 drops

Ylang Ylang      5 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Strength – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Strength - a Major Arcana Card #7

Strength – VIII – from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

I’ve always loved this card.

As a learner many years ago I was scared of the lion until we ventured further into the meaning of the card. Our lady is “taming the lion” with her soft yet powerful feminine energy. She is also gaining strength from the lion too. They make a great pair and the lion is very happy to be at her side. She is not using physical, external strength, but an inner compassion and knowing. The lady and the lion are spiritually connected and honour each other.

Infinity - also called the Holy Lemniscate

Infinity – also called the Lemniscate

Our lovely young maiden also has the infinity symbol over her head, indicating she is connected to the flow of life. Her awareness of the never-ending circle of existence gives her even more strength to connect with everything around her and appreciate the beauty of life.

The card may also indicate it is a time for you to look within and gain your own personal strength from the knowledge of the universe rather than pressing forward with your intellect. You will attain more by using subtlety than by outer force.

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? (sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com)

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”

“Subtle and Sweet”

To align with your inner sweetness –

Peru Balsam        4 drops

Palmarosa           2 drops

Rose Geranium   2 drops

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

“Lemniscate”

Open your crown chakra to allow the flow of knowledge from the universe –

Clary Sage       2 drops

Petitgrain         4 drops

Lavender         2 drops

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

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!

“Lioness”

Be brave – you can do it –

Black pepper   1 drop

Cardamom      1 drop

Orange            1 drop

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

“Feminine Wiles”

Get what you want without anyone even realising it –

Ylang Ylang   2 drops

Nutmeg         1 drop

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

cinnamon

cinnamon

3. Scent Your Space

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

“All is Well”

To emit calm and purpose in your environment –

Marjoram     8 drops

Lemon        12 drops

Geranium     5 drops

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Remind yourself you are the creator of your own life –

Fennel          6 drops

Cinnamon   10 drops

Rosewood    9 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oils for Hair Care

Lovely long hair in great condition

Lovely long hair in great condition

If essential oils can be used on your skin then they can be used on your hair too.

By now you know I dislike any kind of synthetic fragrance so you can imagine how much I really dislike most shampoos and conditioners. Hair styling products often have strong scent as well but those products are harder to replace with natural ingredients.

Shampoo

My advice is to find a natural unscented shampoo (they do exist) and add some essential oils. You could add essential oils to the whole bottle if you feel confident you have a lovely blend, or pick new oils each time you shampoo. Even though that sounds a bit harder it’s like aromatic dressing – making a new nourishing body oil blend each day. It allows for spontaneity and creativity, and each day you’ll feel emotionally and physically different from the day before.  As essential oils have individual purposes, you will be treating yourself for the day, according to your needs.

You’ll just need a little dish to squeeze some shampoo into, then add oils.

a cute little dish

a cute little dish

I’m going to estimate you’ll need 2 tablespoons of shampoo (but of course this will differ depending on the length and thickness of your hair). This equates to about  40 mls of shampoo so we will add 15 drops. If you are sensitive to essential oils reduce the amount to 10 drops or less. This ratio is lower than what I recommend for body oils for 2 reasons –

1. It’s close to your eyes and nose

2. You will wash it down the sink anyway

For more info on body oil ratios see this article.

You will be washing your hair AND having an aromatherapy treatment at the same time! YAY!

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

I don’t necessarily agree with using different oils for different coloured hair, and as always, some oils are better than others for this purpose.

Try these combo’s

1. “Lovin Myself”

For all hair types

Lavender     5 drops

Rosewood   5 drops

Orange        5 drops

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

2. “Just Stepped Out of A Salon”

For hair that’s a little oily

Spearmint                    6 drops

Lemon                        6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian   3 drops

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

condtioning hair - add essential oils

conditioning hair – add essential oils

Conditioner

The same ratios apply as for shampoo but at least by leaving the conditioner on your hair for a while will allow more benefits to soak in. Find an unscented conditioner and blend away.

1.”Rapunzel”

For drier hair types

Peru Balsam      6 drops

Mandarin           6 drops

Patchouli           3 drops

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

2. “Smooooooth”

For all hair types

Geranium         4 drops

Marjoram         4 drops

Bergamot        7 drops

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

They are the basics, so I think I may have to do a Part 2, to include hair conditioning treatments with oils and natural hair masks using natural ingredients from the cupboard.

Stay tuned!

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

Hong Kong - a great city with loads of people living, working, surviving

Hong Kong – a great city with loads of people living, working, surviving

As the Grandmaster Flash says in his 1982 album and single “The Message”

“It’s like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder
How I keep from going under….”

Don’t go under!

Use essential oils for nurturing, support, expansion and to help shift your focus to what’s really important.

Try these recipes, and file them in your urban survival kit:

Pure Pulse Point Perfumes

It’s easy to make a little perfume with essential oils but if you are sensitive the right thing to do is to patch test first. So that’s my official stance – patch test first.

I like to choose a couple of oils, put a few drops into a little dish and choose which pulse point or chakra point I want to anoint. It is equally important to smell the oils deeply through your nose so they can go to work on different levels of your brain and body.

Smelling the oils is the primary key.

Wearing the oils is the secondary key.

Using your intention when you create the blend is the underlying key to wonderful synergistic blend.

It’s easy.

You could even just use a saucer or Chinese tea cup.

Chinese tea cup

Chinese tea cup

Away we go.

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!

1. “Brainiac”

To stimulate your mind and help you wake up –

Rosemary    1 drop

Basil            1 drop

Mandarin     1 drop

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

2. “Notice Me”

To give you confidence and help you shine  (so maybe someone you’re interested in will notice you)

Ylang Ylang                2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas       1 drop

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

3. “Deep Sleep”

Entice your body and mind into relaxing enough to go to sleep –

Marjoram   1 drop

Lavender   1 drop

Vetiver       1 drop

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

4. “Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!”

Stop freaking out –

Melissa      1 drop

Bergamot  2 drops

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

5. “Re-Align”

When you’re feeling a bit out-of-sorts –

Lemongrass    1 drop

Rosewood      1 drop

Lime               1 drop

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

we are one

we are one

6. “I’m connected to the Stars”

When you are feeling completely alone unsupported –

Roman Chamomile 3%  3 drops *info on 3% blends

Juniper                           1 drop

Peru Balsam                   1 drop

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

7. “Superwoman”

When you have a lot to do and others to look after too –

Lavender                    1 drop

Cedarwood Virginian  1 drop

Petitgrain                    1 drop

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

Nurture yourself now

appreciate yourself now!

8. “I am the Queen of My Life”

Take time out to appreciate how magnificent you are –

Rose 3%                    6 drops *info on 3% blends

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

9. “Expansion is Inevitable”

Remember you are here to experience life, and expand your consciousness –

Sandalwood   2 drops

Lemon            1 drop

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

10. “You are Fabulous”

Inspire others which will help YOU to find growth and happiness within –

Rose Geranium    1 drop

Patchouli              1 drop

Neroli 3%              2 drops *info on 3% blends

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oils for a Seasonal Change – Northern and Southern Hemispheres

hemispheres & seasons

hemispheres & seasons

We are well into our new seasons now but that means different things for everyone, depending on where you are on our planet. As usual, most popular culture tends to favour the northern hemisphere, but believe me people, we are alive and well in southern hemisphere.

Yay for us in the southern hemisphere

Yay for us in the southern hemisphere

There are people going into spring where it is still cold and snowing, and others who are already warming up. There are some having a mild autumn, and those who are already feeling the chill.

What essential oil will you be using this season? I’ve narrowed it down to 4 oils I love – with a few body oil recipes – so you can coat your body with a gorgeous scent while helping to get in tune with nature.

Southern Hemisphere

the fennel plant

the fennel plant

Fennel

For a cooler autumn fennel is always my choice. It is an oil of nurturing and loving yourself. It has a soft, rounded liquorice scent and blends well with so many other oils. It helps with digestion and generally feels quite warming. Eat the fennel bulb roasted with garlic for an inside-out treatment.

For a body oil blend add these drops to 3 teaspoons of oil (see my article Aromatherapy – It’s as easy as 1 2 3 for further information on quantities and ratios)

“So Soft and Sweet”

Fennel             2 drops

Orange            4 drops

Geranium        2 drops

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

the lovely mandarin

the lovely mandarin

Mandarin

For an autumn that’s still warm and lovely try Mandarin. The fruit starts to appear now, full of Vitamin C to prepare us for the colder winter months. Mandarin is an oil of happiness, and it helps us remember the hot days of late summer.

“Red. Warm”

Mandarin                     5 drops

Cedarwood  Virginian  2 drops

Cinnamon                    1 drop

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

Northern Hemisphere

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

Lavender

A cooler spring, even with snow, brings promise. The days are getting longer and everything seems a bit lighter. Lavender is a great oil to use in these cooler spring climates as it is an oil that can be used for almost anything. It is an oil of solidarity and its purple energy can help in bringing lost energy to the fore, so you can embrace the new season with gusto.

“I’m Getting Ready for….. Something”

Lavender            4 drops

Lemon                4 drops

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

the fragrant jasmine blossom

the fragrant jasmine blossom

Jasmine

Jasmine is the perfect warm spring oil. It blooms early spring and I know when I see jasmine getting ready to flower around the inner city streets of Sydney, I get very excited. It is a sexy, gorgeous oil enticing sensuality to reveal itself. Jasmine can bring us out of our winter shell and propel us into the fun of summer.

“Anticipation”

Jasmine (3% in jojoba)      8 drops

Juniper                              2 drops

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

North or south of the equator, we can’t stop the planet turning and giving us light and shade in our lives. Embrace the new season, it could hold some magical secrets.

Remember to use your intention when you make your oil blends – you are the alchemist of your life! (also see my article What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”)

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oil Recipes To Get Yourself from “I’m a Loser” to “Things are Looking Better”

positive attitude via chasingmiracle.com

positive attitude via chasingmiracle.com

Sometimes we are just not positive all the time. That’s life, that’s hormones, that’s being human. Granted some people – like Wayne Dyer for instance – is positive most of the time, but I’m sure he has a moment or two when things aren’t completely rosy. It’s times like this we need to be our own champions of happiness and acceptance. Positive self talk is an important part of survival and a skill that needs to be practised. It’s great when you have someone to talk to about not feeling good about yourself, but that is not always the case. If you can muster up the energy to get some oils out and formulate a gorgeous scent for yourself, you are on the road to altering your perception of reality.

And what is reality anyway?

What is reality? via fusionanomoly.net

What is reality? via fusionanomoly.net

Our realities are a projection of our inner world.

So when you need to change your reality here are some great oil blends to help you on the path of least resistance.

Body Oils 

In 3 teaspoons of carrier oil add the following drops. If you want to make a bottle follow my article here for the correct ratios  Aromatherapy – It’s as Easy as 1 2 3.

To improve thoughts like “I’m a fat, ugly, loser” try

“I AM Alive, Yay”

Ylang Ylang    3 drops (help release anger and frustration, get sexy)

Mandarin        4 drops (innocence of life, happiness)

Fennel            1 drop (love yourself, be kind to yourself)

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

To improve thoughts like “I never get it right, she is so successful, look what they have”

“Free Spirit”

Cinnamon                  2 drops (inspires loving what you do for work)

Cedarwood Virginian  2 drops (connect to your spirit)

Lemongrass               4 drops (stimulates energy in the etheric body and physical body)

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

To improve thoughts like “I feel alone, I’m lonely, I want a partner” try

“OOO So HOT Right Now”

Sandalwood             1 drop (spirituality, sacred sexuality, tap into kundalini energy)

Rosewood               3 drops (flow of love and giving and receiving in the heart chakra)

Pink Grapefruit         4 drops (sparkle, cleanse old unwanted feelings)

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

Pure Pulse Point Perfumes

Anoint your chakras, or pulse points with the pure essential oil. Use the energy of the oil and the scent to transform your funk. Place a few drops into a container, dilute with a few drops of carrier oil, mix with your finger and anoint. Always place a tiny residue under your nose for the scent to go to work on your mind.

To improve feelings of deep regret and unhappiness try

“One Moment in Time”

Nutmeg       1 drop (mysticism, open your mind)

Lime            1 drop (happiness, my uniqueness is my forte)

Lemon         1 drop (refresh, reload new feelings)

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

To improve feelings of sadness, grief in any form and emotional pain try

“Breathe In, Breathe Out”

Marjoram             1 drop (relief, calming)

Rose Geranium    1 drop (happiness, joy, fun)

Juniper                 1 drop (release watery emotions)

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

To improve feelings of loss, not fitting in and not understanding life try

“I Share My Cells with an Elephant”

Spikenard                1 drop (spiritual knowledge of where you are in the universe)

Neroli in 3% jojoba   3 drops (immortality, fountain of youth, stress relief)

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

The most powerful ingredient when blending your oils is the subtle power of intention. When you place your intention, into your oil formula, you will create a masterpiece of healing through scent. For more information on intention see my article ( What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”?

Remember to treat yourself first and then everyone will benefit.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oil Recipes for the Gentleman

Hello natural beauties! It’s not only presumptuous, but very outdated to suggest that a particular oil or scent is more suited to a woman or a man. I have male friends who love geranium and woman clients who don’t like lavender. It comes down to (as always) preference, and that’s why there are so many perfumes and colognes in the world. There must be an infinite number of scent combinations possible with and infinite number of personal preferences …

 

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

Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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

When I’m talking about essential oils, it’s not just about the scent but the therapeutic properties too. In my previous post “Electrifying Essential Oil Body Blends – for the Ladies” I create some wonderful oil blends specifically for women. In this article I will do the same for men. Hope you enjoy it.

 

smooth skin

 

Face Moisturiser and After Shave

The last thing you need after shaving with a razor is an alcohol filled splash. You have just taken off the hair and at least a layer of skin, so it’s best to go with soft creams and oils. Even if you don’t shave, using oils on your face with enhance the appearance of your skin, keep it hydrated and make you smell gorgeous. Some people even use oil in place of shaving cream, and it can work well. Oil will then be left on your skin and in your pores and extra moisturising may not even be necessary.

“Shaken, Not Stirred”

This blend is for the face and even one teaspoon will last a few days. In a little dish add one teaspoon of oil (apricot kernel oil, rosehip oil, camelia oil, almond oil) and then add a total of 3 drops:

Lemongrass                  1 drop

Cedarwood Atlas          1 drop

Lavender                       1 drop

Dip your fingers in to mix the formula, then use a few drops, rub between fingers and apply to your face. Less is best to start with then use more as required


“Resistance is Futile”

A blend to tap into your positive powers and smell divine at the same time. In one teaspoon of oil add a total of 3 drops::

Sandalwood   1 drop

Orange           2 drops


“Recovery”

A blend to help your skin after drinking or lack of sleep. In one teaspoon of oil adda total of 3 drops::

Bergamot      2 drops

Patchouli       1 drop


 

Body Oil and Natural Scent

There are lots of men who are into natural products and it’s easy to create natural scent. Similar to how the face moisturiser is made, you can also make oils for your body and use these like a cream -all over your body, or simply use a bit on your arms, chest and neck in place of cologne. Here are a few recipes designed for the body:

 

treat your body well!

“I’m Pumped”

An after gym oil for all over your body. You don’t need to use much, just smooth the oil between your palms first. The more hair you have the more oil you will have to use because the hair follicle will absorb a lot!

In 4 teaspoons of oil (this time use a heavier oil like sunflower, almond, grapeseed or even olive) add a total of 10 drops:

Rosemary    3 drops

Lemon         6 drops

Marjoram     1 drop


“I’m Getting My Suave On”

For a night out….

In 4 teaspoons of oil (this time use a heavier oil like sunflower, almond, grapeseed or even olive) add a total of 10 drops:

Grapefruit                   8 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  1 drop

Ylang Ylang                1 drop


“Sun’s Out Guns Out”

To make your skin look, feel and smell amazing!

In 4 teaspoons of oil (this time use a heavier oil like sunflower, almond, grapeseed or even olive) add a total of 10 drops:

Australian sandalwood   5 drops

Petitgrain                       3 drops

Palmarosa                     2 drops

 

Natural scents for everyone!

 

Natural scents are wonderful for everyone! A man’s skin will benefit from the therapeutic properties of essential oils: skin renewal and hydration, easing muscle tension, easing stress, keeping the mind alert and general well-being.

And always consider the meta physical properties too: awakening the soul, stimulating happiness, connecting to the universe and your purpose in life.

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

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

wake up your mind with a whiff of oil

wake up your mind with a whiff of oil

There are lots of fantastic essential oils to use to help stimulate your mind, clear your mind, help retain facts and generally work towards greater focus.

Who would need these oils?

A student studying for an exam or writing an essay, an executive working on a quote or proposal, a team leader implementing training or even a mother needed a bit of clarity before putting the kids in the car and driving to the shops.

How do oils help?

Some essential oils are classified as being “cephalic” meaning relating to the head. Most oils however, when you breathe them in through your nose, will always have a direct effect on the brain and other flow on effects throughout the body, for example, stimulating hormones to be produced, or working on the nervous system.

How to use oils for focus and clarity

The best way to employ essential oils to stimulate your mind is to smell them. You can do that by

  • opening the bottle of an oil and taking a huge whiff
  • putting a few drops of your oil onto a makeup pad or handkerchief and, once again, take a huge whiff
  • make a mist with water and mist around you – then breathe in through your nose
  • place oils in a classic oil burner with a candle or an electric vapouriser and keep it going while you require the help
  • boil the kettle, put a few drops of oil into a cup, pour on boiling water and breathe in through your nose – this is a mini steam usually used for sinus congestion but it doesn’t have to be limited to this

Do you see now, the most important thing is to SMELL the oil?

a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist

a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist

What oils are the best?

1. Rosemary

This is the oil of remembering. Rosemary for remembering, that’s all you need to remember about this oil – hehehehe-  (also see my article on rosemary and remembering)

2. Basil

Basil is a very strong oil and will really wake you up if you sniff it straight from the bottle. This is a classic cephalic oil to awaken your mind. Next time you make a pesto (see my article) notice how refreshed you feel after smelling all the beautiful leaves.

Take a deep whiff of a lemon (pic via marieclaire.com)

Take a deep whiff of a lemon (pic via marieclaire.com)

3. Lemon

Lemon is an oil that can be used for so many things. If you don’t have any you could just use some lemon peel, squeeze it onto your fingers and place the oils around the base of your nose. Delicious, sweet and refreshing. For all things lemon read this.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is great for a headache – (see my story on hangovers), as it’s very cooling. You could always have a strong mint instead and see how that works. Ensure it’s a natural as possible with real peppermint oil in it. Breathe in through your nose while the mint is in your mouth!

5. Tea Tree

This wonderful oil is not only for cuts and cleaning! Its therapeutic properties lend it to clearing and releasing toxicity. So if you are weighed down with heavy thoughts or there are too many things going on in your mind, try tea tree for cleansing negativity and allowing space for the important things-  (also see my article on tea tree oils)

So when you need clarity and focus – take a big whiff of a stimulating essential oil.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Help Your Hangover with Essential Oils

Oh no natural beauties, I hope you don’t have a hangover! The best cure for a hangover is time. Drink water, eat good food and rest too. Using essential oils can help speed up the process by acting as anti-inflammatory agents, tonics for the nervous system and antidotes for nausea. Here are some great oils for a hangover.

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

Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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

 

 

A cup of peppermint tea could do the trick as well

 

Peppermint oil is THE best! It’s great for nausea and a headache too. It’s cooling and clearing.

How to use peppermint oil for a hangover:

Place a few drops in the bottom of the shower and cover the drain. This works as a peppermint steam and will make you feel better immediately!

Put a drop on your temples and the back of your skull for headaches.

Place a few drops in a teaspoon of oil and rub onto your stomach and lower back to lessen nausea.

 

Lavender is the most versatile essential oil we have and it can be used all through the year

 

Lavender oil is an all-rounder. It’s versatility makes it perfect to treat any type of discomfort in the body.

How to use lavender oil for a hangover:

Put 10 drops of lavender into an oil burner with 10 drops of peppermint. Chill on the couch or go back to bed.

You can use lavender like peppermint oil for a headache but the deep scent could have an opposite effect if you feel sick too. Stick to peppermint if you have an upset stomach.

 

Sunny lemons

 

Lemon is a refreshing, light, happy oil and is great for a hangover because it isn’t too heavy. It is an oil used for so many things, and I would use this for a hangover because it will lighten you up, and help your mind clear.

How to use lemon oil for a hangover:

Follow the same two methods for both lavender and peppermint AND,

in 3 teaspoons of oil add 8 drops of lemon and smooth all over your body.

This is a very nourishing moisturiser for your skin and entire body, and will help your nerves settle a little bit and give you a more clarity. It will refresh your energy too.

Wh!at a gorgeous flower

 

** It will be best to stay away from floral oils like geranium, ylang ylang and jasmine as they could make you feel a bit sicker than you already are.

However, rose oil could do the trick quite nicely and may help you go back to sleep – which will help you even more!

** Don’t use vetiver or patchouli as they are too deeply scented and are base notes – this could bring you down even further.

Stay with citrus oils – light, sparkly and fresh!

Time is the best thing for a hangover but these simple, beautiful essential oils will speed up the recovery process.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oil Recipes to PARTY With!

Sydney Mardi Gras

Sydney Mardi Gras

It’s late summer in Sydney and it’s party time in the Gay and Lesbian Community. Mardi Gras is a queer cultural festival filled with music, art and parties. Here are a few recipes intended to help you get your party vibe going, and to stay on the dance floor as long as possible.

“Here We Are Again”

This is my magic formula for and outdoor dance-off – dedicated to the Sydney Harbour Party which was held this weekend. It rained. We danced in the rain with our friends. Life is grand!

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Ylang Ylang           2 drops

Bergamot              3 drops

Cedarwood Atlas  2 drops

The Harbour Party - Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Harbour Party – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

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

“3am Eternal”

To be prepared for an all-nighter, smooth this formula all over your body to give you a great scent and energy to continue!

To make a nourishing body oil blend  – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Petitgrain       3 drops

Patchouli       2 drops

Nutmeg         2 drops

dance floor at Sydney Mardi Gras 2007

dance floor at Sydney Mardi Gras 2007

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

“I’m a Free Agent”

When you decide to leave the party Gods in charge, and you go solo – opening to chance meetings and serendipitous events.

Sandalwood Australian – smooth a few drops of this stunning oil on your wrists, your heart, and your third eye to be at one with your party universe.

feel free to be you - on your own

feel free to be you – on your own

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

“Dance Dance Dance”

This is a warming blend for your muscles. When you want to dance, help out your body with this powerful blend.

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Rosemary         2 drops

Ginger              1 drop

Lemon             4 drops

Dance!

Dance!

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

“Buzz!”

To wake yourself up, clear your mind, and get ready to party – do a steam inhalation with an essential oil.

To a bowl of steaming water add

Peppermint       2 drops

stand over the bowl and inhale the steam and oil with a towel over your head. This is a very quick way to use essential oil and is also great for colds, sinus congestion and headaches.

Steam inhalation with oils

Steam inhalation with oils

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

“OMG I’m so Tired”

When you need a recovery blend for your body try this.

To make a nourishing body oil blend -in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Lavender           2 drops

Pink Grapefruit  6 drops

oh yeah I'm tired

oh yeah I’m tired

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

“What time is Beer-o’clock?”

To get yourself out of the house for a recovery drink with your friends, try adding a few drops of oil into the bottom of the shower (covering the drain with your foot or a cloth), and breathe deeply.

Awaken your mind  – Basil  3 drops

Move your body –     Lemongrass 3 drops

mmmmm beer

mmmmm beer

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

When it’s party time essential oils can always help. They can get you vibed up, give you stamina, make you smell great and even help you recover!

Essential oils are powerful!

Remember to treat your self first and everyone will benefit.