10 Recipes with Rosemary Essential Oil – Rosmarinus officianalis

Rosemary is a wonder herb and so is the oil

Rosemary is a wonder herb and so is the oil

Rosemary is a spicy, stimulating essential oil which warms the body and helps the mind to remember. It is used frequently in Aromatherapy as it’s accessible, inexpensive and gives great results.

Rosemary will warm up the hands and feet and can even help with arthritis pain. It is wonderful in an oil blend for muscle pain and I often use it in a treatment blend with lavender and marjoram for this very purpose.

When you need more energy (both mentally and physically), a bit more warmth; when you need to get your brain working – think rosemary essential oil. Let’s check out some recipes.

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels - pic via completehealthcircle.com

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. 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.

Use rosemary in the shower if you can’t seem to wake up in the morning or if you need your brain to switch on for a full day ahead.

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

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

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”

“Oh My Aching Body”

You get the drift –

Rosemary        8 drops

Lavandin         8 drops * for more info on Lavandin see my article Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Marjoram        8 drops

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

“Winter’s Run”

A pre-run warm up blend – pay attention to your feet and calves when rubbing in the oil –

Rosemary         10 drops

Lemongrass        8 drops

Ginger                 7 drops

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

“Long Day Ahead”

A stimulating body blend to keep your muscles going –

Rosemary    6 drops

Orange        6 drops

Rosewood   6 drops

Palmarosa   6 drops

Vetiver         1 drop

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

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Must Keep Studying!”

To keep your brain awake –

Rosemary          12 drops

Petitgrain           12 drops

Buddha Wood     1 drop

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

“Meeting of the Minds”

A great blend to get brain storming in your meeting –

Rosemary     8 drops

Basil             6 drops

Mandarin     11 drops

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

“Whistle While you (House) Work”

Come on its time to do the housework –

Rosemary      10 drops

Ylang Ylang     8 drops

Lime                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

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!

Wonder Woman”

Rosemary               1 drop

Sandalwood Indian 1 drop

Geranium                1 drop

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

“Car Pool Tonic”

Rosemary        1 drop

Peru Balsam    2 drops

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

“Confidence is the Key”

Rosemary         1 drop

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

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum (part 2)

Beautiful green basil!

Beautiful green basil!

If you are ever feeling down, a bit tired and generally blah, grab some fresh basil. Grind up a leaf in your fingers and inhale deeply. Eat a few leaves. Rest a minute.

Phew!

And if you can, make a few blends with basil oil it will not disappoint you at all. It is an oil that is so clearing and revitalising you’ll be so glad you’ve made friends with it. Here are a few recipes.

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels - pic via completehealthcircle.com

An essential oil steam in the shower will do wonders for your mind and energy levels – pic via completehealthcircle.com

1. 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.

Basil oil will wake you up in the morning and give you a fresh green start to the day.

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

Just use any mist bottle you can find

Just use any mist bottle you can find

2. 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!)

“Cool Water Brain Rinse”

Clear brain fog –

Basil           8 drops

Orange     12 drops

Cypress      5 drops

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

“Creative Explosion”

When you need to open to your creative drive –

Basil           6 drops

Rosemary   6 drops

Lime           6 drops

Geranium    6 drops

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

“Bubble of Inspiration”

When you need to surround yourself with light, creative energy –

Basil              7 drops

Rosewood   12 drops

Lemongrass   6 drops

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

“It’s Morning!”

Help the whole family wake up smiling –

Basil                           8 drops

Petitgrain                  12 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

3. 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!

“Awaken the Goddess”

Open to divine guidance –

Basil                               1 drop

Sandalwood Australian   1 drop

Mandarin                         1 drop

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

“Big Meeting this Morning”

Stay focused and relaxed-

Basil             2 drops

Lavender      1 drop

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

“Clean Green”

Give yourself a burst of vitality –

Basil              1 drop

Palmarosa     1 drop

May Chang    1 drop

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

Throw some essential oils into your bucket and mop your floors

Throw some essential oils into your bucket and mop your floors

4. Scent Your Space

I usually say “In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil”,  but I also recommend you put about 15 drops in the water with your usual product and mop the floors. It’s a great way to get an aromatherapy treatment while cleaning!

and

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

“Hello World”

Welcome every day –

Basil                6 drops

Peru Balsam    8 drops

Lemon           11 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Cananga odorata

Gorgeous flower gorgeous scent. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t like this oil and even though it’s a floral, men still love it because of it’s very deep basey scent. Of course I’m generalising but I want you to know that men can love floral oils and women can love herbs and woods, and vice versa. If you want to get your partner in the mood for some loving (whether male or female), then choose this amazing oil.

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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

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

Wh!at a gorgeous flower

 

For more specifics on this beautiful plant and oil check out my previous article here. For now let’s get into it!

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!

“I Love Myself”

You better!

Ylang Ylang    2 drops

Bergamot      1 drop


“Tropical Breeze”

Feel summery and delicious even in winter –

Ylang Ylang    1 drop

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


“Release Frustration”

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Frankincense   2 drops


“Not a care in the World”

Ylang Ylang          1 drop

Petitgrain              1 drop

Cedarwood Atlas  1 drop


 

Artsisan diffuser

 

2. Scent Your Space

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

“You WILL Be Mine”

Ylang Ylang     8 drops

Mandarin         8 drops

Black Pepper   6 drops

Juniper            4 drops


“My Corner of The World”

Enjoy your own space and your own company –

Ylang Ylang      8 drops

Lime                 8 drops

Lavender          6 drops

Clove               3 drops


“Sexy Love Bedroom Disco”

Ylang Ylang                  8 drops

Sandalwood Mysore    6 drops

Orange                       11 drops


 

Body oils make lovely legs

 

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

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

 

“Life is Beautiful”

Ylang Ylang                      3 drops

Marjoram                          3 drops

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


“Nourish and Repair”

Skin can benefit from Ylang Ylang –

Ylang Ylang         2 drops

Lavender             2 drops

Patchouli             2 drops

Peru Balsam        1 drop


“You WILL Be Mine – The Musical”

Ylang Ylang                  3 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana  2 drops

Pink Grapefruit             3 drops


Lavandula stoechas, my own pic thanks yes it is wonderful

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

10 Recipes with Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – Anthemis nobilis

Chamomile - sweet flower, sweet scent

Chamomile – sweet flower, sweet scent

My last post went into a bit more detail about the beautiful essential oil of Roman Chamomile, so for a bit of background click here to check it out. Then lets get into some recipes!

An important note here is about how you are likely to buy this oil. As it tends to be one of the more expensive essential oils, you may find it in a 3% jojoba blend. For more info on this kind of essential oil see my article  3% blends in jojoba.

I’ll do a few recipes with 100% essential oil and a few with 3% in jojoba.

Recipes using Roman chamomile 3% in Jojoba

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras always patch test first!

“Divine”

Use straight from the bottle as a pure perfume and I promise you will not be disappointed by the scent

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

“Serene”

Anoint yourself before meditation –

Roman chamomile 3%      4 drops

Frankincense                     1 drop

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

“Angels Please Surround Me”

Roman chamomile 3%      3 drops

Rose Geranium                 1 drop

Bergamot                          1 drop

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

“Soothe and Comfort”

For you or someone who needs it –

Roman chamomile 3%       4 drops

Rose 3%                            2 drops

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

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 clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

Roman chamomile 3%   3 drops

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

Recipes using Roman chamomile essential oil 100% pure

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

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 articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“From Hot to Cool”

To soothe tired skin and muscles –

Roman chamomile   2 drops

Marjoram                 3 drops

Lavender                 3 drops

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

“Marshmallows”

For soft, lovely skin –

Roman chamomile    3 drops

Pink grapefruit           2 drops

Palmarosa                 1 drop

Patchouli                   1 drop

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

Just use any mist bottle you can find

Just use any mist bottle you can find

2. 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!)

“De-Stress”

Roman chamomile         8 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana    6 drops

Orange                          8 drops

Nutmeg                         3 drops

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

“Pink Bubbles”

Surround and protect yourself with Shakti Gawain’s pink bubble of love –

Roman chamomile       7 drops

Mandarin                      8 drops

Cinnamon                     6 drops

Vanilla CO2                  4 drops * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

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

“Petit”

Let big problems become small problems –

Roman chamomile       8 drops

Juniper                         8 drops

Lime                             8 drops

Vetiver                          1 drop

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

10 Recipes with Lavender Essential Oil – Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender - you can find it in many gardens around the world

Lavender – you can find it in many gardens around the world

Continuing on the lavender theme over the past couple of weeks I thought we may as well have a look at some recipes too. Sometimes people often underestimate the versatility of this magnificent oil, along with the common understanding that lavender is an old ladies’ oil!  Let’s debunk that by checking out some recipes.

Before we go ahead please have a look at these articles on lavender if you’d like some more info on this wonderful oil –

Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe  (more recipes here)

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender  

I really do feel we could lavender oil for most cases. In Aromatherapy we learn that lavender would not be good for people with low blood pressure, so if that’s you, just don’t over use the oil by making body oils for yourself everyday.  Lavender is a relaxing oil, but remember too much of  good thing is exactly that – too much of a good thing!

For example when adding a drop of lavender to your pillow to go to sleep, don’t add 20 drops to help you get to sleep 20 times faster because it will probably work in the opposite way.

Ah lovely lavender

Ah lovely lavender

Use essential oils sparingly as you learn and then you will instinctively know how much, when and with what to mix them with.

Lavender is a herb of old being coined by the Romans using the latin word “lavare” meaning to wash. This makes perfect sense to me – wash away bacteria from cuts and wounds with lavander oil; wash lavender with clothes for a beautiful scent; wash away stress and tension, wash away pain.

My recipes will start with the best of all body moisturisers – the body oil!

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 articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Daily Do-Good”

A basic recipe for any day –

Lavender    3 drops

Geranium    2 drops

Orange       4 drops

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

“Oh My Aching Legs”

After a long day rub this oil on your legs and elevate, and rest –

Lavender        3 drops

Marjoram        3 drops

Peppermint     2 drops

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

“I’m Nervous About Today”

Calm your nerves with lavender –

Lavender       3 drops

Neroli 3%     10 drops  * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

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 clarifyng mask. pic via chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

Lavender  2 drops

Take the time to relax for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm or cool water and moisturise

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

oil burner

oil burner

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Thank Goodness That Day is O-Vah!”

Lavender              9 drops

Rose Geranium    5 drops

Mandarin              6 drops

Lime                     5 drops

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

“Just Chillin”

When you have nothing much to do except potter around the house and maybe do a few little chores –

Lavender                      5 drops

Bergamot                   10 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana   5 drops

Petitgrain                      5 drops

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

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

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

“Bottle o’ Courage”

Lavender        8 drops

Juniper           6 drops

Peru Balsam   8 drops

Cinnamon      3 drops

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

“Afternoon Energetic Refresh”

A spritz in the afternoon can do wonders for your fatigue –

Lavender            6 drops

Lemongrass     10 drops

Pink grapefruit    9 drops

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

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

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!

“Next Thing”

When you’ve got lots to do –

Lavender                       1 drop

Sandalwood Australian  1 drop

Lemon                           1 drop

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

“Fortify”

Reveal your inner strength –

Lavender       1 drop

Cardamom    1 drop

Orange          1 drop

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Juniper Essential Oil – Juniperus communis

Juniper berries - pic via www.thedrinksbusiness.com

Juniper berries – pic via http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com

Juniper essential oil is one of my favourites! I go through periods of needing to use it a lot. It has a clean fresh scent, with spicey undertones and conveys a sense of lightness and freedom. The essential oil is steam distilled from the berries and most people know it as the main flavouring in gin.

Juniper comes from the cypress family, Cupressaceae and the genus Juniperus which contains many species from all over the world. The essential oil is high in a-pinene (anti-inflammatory and broncho-dialator) and sabinene. For more info see my previous article on juniper here.

I use juniper in my practice when someone is overwhelmed with emotion or is needing (or wanting) to clean out their life and start afresh. It is a great oil to help release watery emotions and to energetically cleanse a space.

sprawling juniper bush

sprawling juniper bush

In Aromatherapy today it is used –

* as a diuretic

* as a treatment in a sitz bath for urinary tract infections

* for acne

* to stimulate digestion

Try these 10 recipes –

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

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

1. 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!)

“Begone Bad Stuff”

A little purse pack of cleansing energy  –

Juniper       9 drops

Orange     12 drops

Geranium   4 drops

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

“Light On My Feet”

Put a spring in your step –

Juniper          8 drops

Mandarin       6 drops

Rosewood     6 drops

Cinnamon      5 drops

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

“Bubble of Love”

Surround yourself with good vibes –

Juniper             6 drops

Ylang Ylang      4 drops

Bergamot        10 drops

Peru Balsam      4 drops

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

“Feather”

Float with the universe –

Juniper                           8 drops

Fennel                            3 drops

Lime                               8 drops

Sandalwood Australian   4 drops

Nutmeg                          2 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!

“Evaporate”

Let your concerns evaporate –

Juniper       1 drop

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

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

“Create Space”

.. to be creative –

Juniper              1 drop

Pink grapefruit   2 drops

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

“Refresh”

Refresh your mind –

Juniper         2 drops

Basil             1 drop

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

“Accept”

Don’t fight it –

Juniper                             1 drop

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

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

Green clay face mask - pic via www.wholisticresearch.com

Green clay face mask – pic via http://www.wholisticresearch.com

3. Face Mask

Usually add 2 or 3 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

Juniper   2 drops in green clay to soothe and tone acne skin

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

4. 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”

“Pick-Me-Up”

Give your body a buzz in the morning –

Juniper          2 drops

Eucalyptus     1 drop

Grapefruit       2 drops

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

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

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

copyright suzanne

10 Recipes with Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

Palmarosa is a scented grass that belongs to the Poaceae family (grasses) and the genus Cymbopgon. It is closely related to lemongrass and citronella and when looking at a picture it’s hard to tell them apart. The essential oil has been known as Indian geranium oil and also Turkish geranium oil “because it was imported into Europe via Turkey and Bulgaria as an adulterant to Otto of Roses” – according to botanical.com “A Modern Herbal”.

It has a green rosey/geranium scent and in Aromatherapy today it is used –

* as a skin moisturiser, with cell regenerating properties. See my article Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness for more info on this gorgeous oil

* to help improve mood (like many essential oils)

* and Salvatore Battaglia claims it may stimulate digestion

Palmarosa is more often used in perfumery and body products as cheaper additional rose/geranium scent.

Palmarosa for oil production pic via www.grammeproducts.com

Palmarosa for oil production pic via http://www.grammeproducts.com

I love using this oil in many kinds of 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 articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Flexibilty”

Flow with the universe –

Palmarosa    3 drops

Orange         3 drops

Ylang Ylang  2 drops

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

“Buzz Off”

An oil blend for outdoors to fend off little biters –

Palmarosa     3 drops

Citronella       2 drops

Lemongrass  2 drops

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

“Lunar”

Look to the sky for inspiration –

Palmarosa     3 drops

Patchouli       2 drops

Mandarin       2 drops

Basil              1 drop

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

“Tra-la-la”

Invite happiness in –

Palmarosa       2 drops

Rosewood       3 drops

Black Spruce   3 drops

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

Wrap it up! pic via hellobeautiful.com

Wrap it up! pic via hellobeautiful.com

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. This is the same ratio for a body oil blend and for more info see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Flower Girl”

A moisturising mask for dry hair –

Palmarosa      3 drops

Lavender        3 drops

Peru Balsam   2 drops

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

“Balance”

For oilier hair –

Palmarosa                    2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    2 drops

Lemon                         4 drops

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

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

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

3. 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!)

“Resistance is Futile”

The Borg were right – don’t resist, go with the flow

Palmarosa      10 drops

Cinnamon        5 drops

Marjoram         5 drops

Lime                5 drops

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

“Attention!”

Wake up, pay attention to the signs –

Palmarosa        9 drops

Lemon Myrtle    8 drops

Bergamot          8 drops

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

“Gastronomique”

Stimulate your appetite –

Palmarosa      6 drops

Juniper           6 drops

Orange          12 drops

Cardamom       3 drops

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

“Swish”

Get ya swish on –

Palmarosa           7 drops

Spearmint          10 drops

Fennel                  3 drops

Rose Geranium     5 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

Lagging Energy? Use These Essential Oils

Sometimes it just feels hard to do anything! pic via www.katimorton.com

Sometimes it just feels hard to do anything! pic via http://www.katimorton.com

Feeling listless, not enough energy to get through the day? Sometimes it’s not even about being tired because you can definitely have trouble getting to sleep during these low times too.

It. Feels. Like. You. Just. Can’t. Do. Stuff.

I’ve been feeling a bit like that lately as our late summer in Sydney has been a hot, wet, heavy earth summer. Not much sun, but loads of humidity. Some of my friends have been complaining about having no energy, and I suppose as we count down to the equinox (Autumn equinox for the southern hemisphere and spring equinox for the north), we can take time to adjust.

bounce on trampoline - pic via herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com

bounce on trampoline – pic via herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com

All the obvious regimes apply here like making sure you have good nutrition, good sleep and make yourself get out and exercise. A daily routine can help get you back on track and by this I mean waking at the same time, eating dinner and breakfast at the same time, going to bed at the same time. Use your alarm and plan ahead. It may only take you a week to reclaim your energy. But what if you are doing all that and still feel blah? Cutting down on stress in all forms will help but sometimes we need a bit of nature’s medicine. Cue essential oils.

Try these oils and recipes –

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This is the easiest and fastest way to wake up your brain which can be enough to then stimulate your body into action. The oils with strong aromas will automatically wake you up.

Rosemary – stimulates your mind, particular to helping you remember

Basil – energetically open upper chakras to the universe and is stimulating to your brain

Eucalyptus – wake up, deconstruct over thinking

Lemongrass – gently helps your mind fall into action

Tea Tree – release negative thinking

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of oil can be essential

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

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will have an essential oil steam.

Use any of the oils above plus –

Palmarosa – gentle hint at being more flexible in your daily life

Lime – a zesty zingy way to wake up

Thyme – could blow your head off with its strength but great for a complete mind cleanse

Cypress, Pine, Black Spruce, Juniper – like waking up in a beautiful forest, clean, fresh, inspiring

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

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

If you’ve got a couple of extra minutes up your sleeve THE BEST way to wake you body up and get energy flow going is to make an oil blend for your body. By massaging the oil into your skin you are physically creating warmth and energy directly, then the oils will go to work silently and softly. Get up, shower, oil yourself, put on a robe for 5 minutes to let the oil soak in. Get dressed. Go!

“I am A Robot”

When you need to get gong and do loads of things without  having to think about it –

Rosemary   2 drops

Lavender     1 drop

Cardamom   1 drop

Lemon        4 drops

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

“Ok That’s It I’m Going For a Walk”

Get vibed up for some exercise –

Orange           4 drops

Black pepper  2 drops

Juniper           2 drops

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

“Anything is Possible”

The universe rewards action –

Tea Tree     3 drops

Mandarin    3 drops

Ginger       2 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

 

Beautiful aromatic basil

Beautiful aromatic basil

Basil is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum, and has been flavouring our foods and healing us for centuries. It is a scent you won’t forget – green, herbabceous sweet and pungent. As an essential oil basil (sometimes referred to as sweet basil) is stimulating to the mind opening the upper chakras and giving the brain a cleansing, refreshing scent.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used –

* as a cephalic which means it stimulates the head in general so if used in small amounts it could help a headache. Some basil oils can be high in linalool oil which is present in large amounts in lavender.

* to ease stress and tension and calm mild anxiety (you may notice lots of essential oils are attributed to this use which shows that they can be easily used to help you relax – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes)

* as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain

 

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

There are many types of culinary basil but so far the winner in terms of essential oil production is this basil – sweet basil. When using this oil it can be tricky to get the proportions right because it’s so strong. Sometimes a drop is all you’ll need.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This “recipe” is one for those who need to –

* wake up

* open to universal intelligence

* chill out and stop freaking out

* have a headache or have mental fatigue?

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

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now - pic via www.aliexpress.com

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now – pic via http://www.aliexpress.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Can’t.Wake.Up”

When your brain needs a boost –

Basil              8 drops

Rosemary      4 drops

Peppermint    4 drops

Orange           9 drops

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

“Summer Evening”

Add some basil to your gin and tonic too –

Basil          10 drops

Geranium    6 drops

Petitgrain    8 drops

Vetiver         1 drop

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

“Oh Man What a Day!”

When you need to relax after a challenging day –

Basil               8 drops

Bergamot     12 drops

Lemongrass    5 drops

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

“Living the Dreams”

For a slumber full of dreams –

Basil           4 drops

Lavender   12 drops

Mandarin    8 drops

Spikenard   1 drop

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

Chinese tea cup - perfect for a little perfume magic

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

3. 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!

“Ascended Masters”

Tap into this great wisdom –

Basil      1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime      1 drop

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

“Big Day Ahead”

Basil            1 drop

Palmarosa  1 drop

Lavender      1 drop

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

“Bon Courage”

Basil                1 drop

Black Pepper   1 drop

Peru Balsam    1 drop

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

“I Invite Understanding”

When you need a nudge to gain understanding –

Basil                  1 drop

Ylang Ylang       1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   1 drop

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

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

4. 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”

“Bring it On!”

For a kickstart to the day –

Basil          2 drops

Rosemary  2 drops

Orange      4 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

Sage – An Essential Oil of Wisdom and Abundance

Sage is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Salvia. Its soft, furry leaves pack a powerful punch when it is steam distilled into an essential oil. I did touch on the herb oils in this earlier article “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular!”, but they are so important in Aromatherapy I thought I must elaborate!

Sage.

Interestingly this is also the name we give to someone who is wise, shares wisdom and perhaps weaves some magic too. A sage would be someone we hold in great esteem and who holds the wisdom of the universe in their healing hands. So does the essential oil of sage also contain these properties within its molecules?

Yes! Of course. I’ve always used sage as an oil of abundance and as the perfect treatment for a sore throat, sage encourages us to speak truthfully and wisely and opens the throat chakra. When we speak kindly and feel compassion we are able to feel the abundant intelligence of the universe move within us.

Sage -  illustration from Köhler's Medizinal Pflanzen

Sage – illustration from Köhler’s Medizinal Pflanzen

Sage is one of the ancient herbs that has been used for healing for centuries and the Romans named it salvia after “salvare” meaning to heal. According to Patricia Davis the Latin name also indicates the word “salvation” as this plant was seen to save people from disease. During the centuries since then, sage has mainly been used in women’s health to normalise menses and as a stimulant for childbirth.

It is high in camphor and thujone – which has a few contra-indications including the warning not to be used in pregnancy or with epileptics, or kids. I use this oil sparingly and with great respect. Just because something is natural does not mean it is totally safe. Having said that please do your homework and use your intuition when using natural remedies.

In aromatherapy today sage is used –

* to stop milk production in lactating women

* as a diuretic

* to ease sore throats

* to ease rheumatic pain

* to help regulate periods

and sometimes to stimulate digestion and remove catarrh.

sage sticks for energetic cleansing of a space - pic via liveinart.com

Sage sticks for energetic cleansing of a space – pic via liveinart.com

Sage also gives another form of healing in the way of “sage sticks”. They are used for smoking, purging and cleansing ceremonies but are usually made from white sage (Salvia apiana) which is mostly found in north America. It does feel fantastic when you smoke a premises to renew the energy of the space!

Anyway lets check out a few recipes –

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

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“New Start”

When you actually move into a new home or office or to renew your space –

Sage          5 drops

Orange     15 drops

Geranium   5 drops

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

“Begone Bad Stuff”

Get your witchy-poo magic happening –

Sage              6 drops

Lemon         12 drops

Peru Balsam  7 drops

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

get any cute little dish to mix your oils in

get any cute little dish to mix your oils 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!

“Wise ol Owl”

Tap into the wisdom of the universe –

Sage           1 drop

Vanilla CO2  1 drop * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

Lime            1 drop

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

“It’s a New Day”

Seize your chance to have another go –

Sage             1 drop

Cardamom    1 drop

Mandarin       1 drop

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

 

 

copryright SR Banks 2014