Hello natural beauties living in this crazy world! Are you having a cold Christmas or a super hot one like me? I love summer in Australia and I always feel so much better with the warmth and sun on my skin, but due to climate change our country is on fire! Lets hope we can move towards a new society where we put our earth first.
Wherever you are, here are 10 essential oil recipes for your diffuser, for a hot, or a cold Chrissy.
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Hello natural beauties I hope you’re all well and happy. I’ve only just recently made a few essential oil inhalers and I quite like them. I’ve given some away and have others stashed in various bags. They are great for a quick burst of essential oil healing magic.
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When you get your inhalers, which you can buy from many sources including ebay, it will usually come in a few parts: the outer cover, the inhaler (which sits inside the cover), a cotton wad on which you drop your essential oilsand the screw lid to keep the cotton inside your inhaler.
I tried using 20 drops of oil but found that it was too strong, so dropped it to 15. You can re-use the cotton wad if you are topping up with the same essential oils. I think you could probably make your own inserts when you run out too.
The cotton insert
Ensure you have a clean workspace, and then just drop the essential oils onto the cotton insert.I usually place a towel down when I’m working.
MMM delicious look at the beautiful green bergamot!
Hello natural beauties I hope you’re all well and happy. I had a fabulous weekend on the Gold Coast in Australia at the Aromatica Australia 2019 conference. Here’s my little movie so you get an idea of how energetic it was.
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I barely had time to do any filming as I needed to shop (of course), chat and eat. The day’s agendas were jam packed, so stay tuned next time I’ll tell you about each presenter and their talk.
Please forgive all my “fantastics” and “amazings”.I was feeling inspiredand excited and tired and busy.
There is a bright future for aromatherapy and essential oils but we must look at sustainability and absolutely be more aware of where our money goes. Plant medicine and nutrition will always connect us to the earth. We must look after our planet.
Hello natural beauties I hope you’re all well and happy. Spring has sprung in Australia and there’s no better way to appreciate the weather than with a bush walk, talking to the flowers, hugging the trees, listening to the cockatoos and kookaburras overhead and breathing the wild bush air.
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The Kuringai WIldflower garden in St Ives, a northern suburb of Sydney, boasts a few walking tracks, lots of protected bush, a fern garden, a playground with a tame swamp wallaby and a very beautiful lace monitor (big lizard) in its midst. It borders Kuringai National Parkand the lovely Kuringai creek. We walked the Mueller track which takes about 1.45 mins and listened to whipbirds, admired angophras and delighted in the bright wild flower colours.
Acacia (wattle) in the Kuringai Wildflower Garden
Last week i wrote about Japanese Forest bathing, well this is Australian bush bathing at its best.Here’s a little snippet of what we experienced.Being in the bush helps me relax and expand my awareness, and appreciate life in the simple and bold colours and scents of nature.
Grevillea …I loved the bright orange flashes of fungi
The visitors centre has a display of “what’s flowering now”and sells some natives in pots too.
I loved this little soft pink flower that seemed to be everywhere
Enjoying nature in the the lovely weather is a true gift.
Hello natural beauties! Following on from the last post about Sal Battaglia’s AROMATREE book, I’d like to share 2 other lovely experiences from that day in Sydney: Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing) and the very powerful yakusugi oil.
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Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, was created in Japan in the 1980’s as a way to invite people into the beautiful forests to simply experience the serenity, power and positive energy they provide. This was spearheaded by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency to help people destress. He had himself been inspired by 17th century haiku poets, and the notion was to simply commune with nature. Not walking or running, not listening to a podcast, just being in the beauty of nature.
In this little guidebook we are invited to dip our hands and fingers in a stream, feel the trunk of an ancient tree, smell the fragrances of the forest and use all our senses to drink in the delights ofnature.
The benefits include, reduced muscle tension and stress in general, improved cognitive function and help with anxiety and other emotional disorders. I walk in the Australian bush all the time and I know it makes me happyas I get a kick from the beautiful eucalyptus oil and smells of the bush.The phytoncides (including essential oils) from trees and shrubs give us the immense connection to the divine while having our entire physical and emotional senses enlivened.
Of course I bought the little collection of Japanese oils and have bathed with them many times. Not only that, I also received a free gift …
And now to the very interesting and extremely limited edition of Yakusugi essential oil which would have already sold out by now.When I realised this oil was in short supply I did buy it and then opened it straight away. I said to the lady sitting next to me that I thought it had a moist fungal-like scent to it. Since then I also get a slight hint of Palo Santo.
Sal describes the scent:“a delicate, woody note with a sweet-resiny woody undertone”, and recommends the oil could be used as an enhancement to spirituality, and a stress reliever. The oil is high in sesquiterpenes but has had little research into its qualities. So if you get a chance to experience the oil, just enjoy!
This oil is also called Japanese cedar, and hails from the island of Yakushima. The oil is steam distilled from ancient fallen trees (deadwood) from Cryptomeria japonica, by a local producer. If you’re interested in this oil I’d sign up to the Perfect Potion email list in the exciting event that Sal is able to buy more of this precious oil.
I feel very fortunate to have this subtle yet powerful oil in my collection.
Hello natural beauties! Its been a while since we’ve seen each other but I am helping my elderly parents navigate their 90’s! I managed to escape the other day to a wonderful masterclass and an introduction to his new book, Aromatree, by the wonderful Sal Battaglia of Perfect Potion.
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It’s not often I actually attend a specific aromatherapy workshop, and couldn’t even tell you the last time I did. I managed to see this event one night and thought “yep”, I’ll do that”. As I arrived at the Swissotel in Sydney I was surprised to see over 100 bubbly excited people jostling for good spots in the lecture room, was given information by lovely Perfect Potion staff, and took a seat. I have never heard Sal speak or present, and as the day wore on I realised I was in the minority.
The gorgeous AROMATREE book with illustration (and original painting) by Japanese artist
My neighbours to my left and right, gave each other knowing looks as Sal burst onto centre stage.
He’s wonderful isn’t he?
“I love his infectious enthusiasm.”
“He’s so knowledgeable.”
“I do all his masterclasses.”
And so it continues all day,, as I too get caught in the wave of his gentility, enthusiasm and brilliance. Where have I been the past 25 years? I suppose just working, and writing.
Aromatree, the book has been in the making for 30 years as Sal has gathered information and created hypotheses about essential oils and how they fall into categories:
roots and rhizomes
wood
resin
fruit
seeds
leaves
flowers
Sal looks at the oils in each category and invites us to experience the oil first, before we try and make judgements about what we think it should do. However the oils within the categories have some common properties.
Sal’s amazing text book – the original which I’ve had for 20 years and the 3rd Edition which is the latest
In each section we are taken on a journey: what oils belong to the section, what are the plant families and aromas, the botany, chemistry and symbolism, the properties of the oils in each category and how they work with our body and mind. There’s so much more but you get the drift. At the end of the book there are some more technical terms explained with loads of great references too.
It really is a gorgeous book, easy to read with lots of colourful illustrations. The cover artwork was created as a beautiful original painting by Japanese artist Tomoko Ichikawa. I highly recommend AROMATREE by Salvatore Battaglia, the true Svengali of aromatherapy.
Me and Sal with the colourful Aromatree book, personally signed by Sal with an inspirational message
I’ve got a brilliant idea. Make dinner and have an aromatherapy treatment all at the same time. My choice for today is pesto, vegan of course. This classic Italian dish with a vegan twist is made with fresh sweet basil. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the kind most used for pesto and other European dishes, and the most common basil essential oil.
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Basil takes its name from the latin ’Basileum’ meaning royal.There are many types of basil, which belong to the herb family that includes lavender, mint, thyme, patchouli, marjoram and many others.
Holy Basil, also known as tulsi is from India (Ocimum tenuiflorum), and also makes a great essential oil and is used in Ayurvedic medicine.This holy plant and is dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.
Thai basil used across South East Asian has the botanical name (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) but I’ve never used it as an essential oil. It’s used in Vietnamese cooking too and tops a lovely pho.
Thai Basil from bonappetit.com
So what can basil, and essential oil of basil do for you? Sharp and spicy, basil helps clear the head and open avenues of expression. It is a very powerful clearing oil, particularly effective when used in a vapouriser as an inhalation, or when you are cooking. It is used for mental and physical fatigue and its anti-spasmodic properties make it ideal for treating menstrual problems and digestive disorders. It is also used for
* Sinus congestion, asthma and bronchitis are all soothed by basil.
* Fever can be treated effectively with basil.
* In the middle ages it was prescribed for melancholy and depression.
Vegan pesto from taste.com.au
I love the fact that this modest little herb with a big presence has been around for ages. Literally ages. The old herbs of healers and witches alike are still here because they work. Food is medicine, and always has been.Fantastic. Get cooking. Click here for a really easy and authentic pesto recipe.
Remember, treat yourself first, than everyone else benefits!
Hello natural beauties! Are you an aromatherapist at heart? Do you love making lotions and potions? Would you like great tips and knowledge from over 50 international essential oil experts? Woo hoo! This summit is for you! I’ll be speaking on November 19th.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
“Unleash your inner aromatherapist with two whole weeks of free essential oil masterclasses. Learn from therapists, distillers, scientists, essential oil researchers, naturopaths, quality, product formulation, perfumery and environmental and sustainability experts.”
Over 50 audio visual recordings delivered into your inbox from Nov 19th – Dec 2nd 2018. But they’re only available for one week each.
You will have the option to buy the early bird special which will save you 300 USD! If you are an essential oil enthusiast I highly recommend this option as you’ll have a whole year to download to recordings and accompanying notes.
Sign up now to find out more how to get the FREE advice you’ve been looking for to learn new skills and become your own therapist!
The summit is due to start on November 19th and the early bird discount will soon disappear. This fantastic online summit will appeal to all essential oil enthusiasts. Whether you are a dabbler or a seasoned pro I highly recommend you sign up for a full years access so you can listen to all the wonderful talks at your leisure. This summit has a few Australian speakers, and I’m happy to introduce more of them here today …
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GREG TREVENA Australian essential oil specialist (and grower)
Greg Trevena’s journey with Australian essential oils, started back in 1990 when the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) television channel aired a documentary series called the ‘Bush Tucker Man’. This television series featured a retired Australian soldier who through the shared knowledge of Australian aboriginal people told European Australians about wild Australian plants people could use to survive in the remote and isolated ‘Australian Outback’.
So commenced a journey where Greg learned all he could about Australian native plants and their useful potential.
He started ‘Rainforest Foods’ in 1998, which then introduced him to Lemon Myrtle essential oil (now an approved essential oil in food flavoring). Greg started ‘Refreshed Lemon Myrtle’ in 2000, this brand became established in Australia and then in the USA. Greg sold both brands by late 2009. In 2012 he started ‘Essentially Australia’ a company which has developed the largest range of Australian essential oils in the world.
The most important part of this business, however, is the new Australian essential oil-bearing plants he has rediscovered and which he grows in his own plantation, just out of Byron Bay, an iconic coastal tourist town, which happens to be Australia’s most easterly point.
DEBY ATTERBY Aromatic Medicine Clinician, Clinical Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Iridologist, Remedial Massage Therapist, Beauty Therapist and Lecturer
In 2002 Deby founded the Aromatic Aromathology Therapies business (AAT) with the express view of providing a forum for Aromatherapists, passionate about their profession and designed to give the opportunity for Aromatherapists on the Gold Coast and in the Northern Rivers district to attend designer workshops in order to maintain their CPE levels in the industry.
Deby is also the owner, editor, and publisher of the Aromatherapy Today International Journal. The journal is distributed worldwide 3 times a year in which she edits/researches and writes/publishes articles on aromatherapy and other aromatic modalities. In each journal, Deby prepares an in-depth profile on an Essential Oil.
During the Aromatica 2017 conference, she launched her new book, HEALTH, Vitality, and Wellbeing – Aromatic Detox & Elimination, now in its second edition. As a result of this publication, she travels interstate and abroad delivering workshops relative to the subjects in her book.
Deby is the Director and Principal of the Aminya Natural Therapies Academy. Her College was the first in Australia to submit and have Government approved, the Advanced Diploma of Aromatic Medicine.
KIM MORRISON Aromatherapist, Holistic Therapist, Founder of Twenty8 Essentials
Kim Morrison set a world record as the youngest female to run 100miles in less than 24 hours. Cliff Young was her mentor throughout and still to this day lives by his ethos that success is 90% mental and 10% physical. She has used her running story as a direct metaphor for life – riding the highs, hitting the walls, pushing through the pain barriers, crossing the line and never, ever giving up! She believes combining your inner power and passion, applying your commitment and having truckloads of self-belief is what distinguishes you as an achiever. It’s about visualizing your dream and going for it – regardless of the feedback you receive or the challenges you face.
As a 5 times best-selling author, aromatherapist of nearly three decades, founder of Twenty8 Essentials, podcast show co-host on Up For A Chat, and a multi-tasking mum and wife, Kim shares the essential tools for self-care, discipline, leadership and teamwork and most of all the art of self-love.
ROBBI ZECK Author, Naturopath, Kinesiologist, Counsellor and Trainer
A naturopath for 38 years and with a background in aromatherapy, kinesiology, and counseling, Robbi is the founder/creator of Aromatic Kinesiology® and author of The Blossoming Heart-Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. The Blossoming Heart card deck has recently been published as a companion to this beautiful book.
Robbi’s pioneering work on the psychological benefits of essential oils, using metaphor and the power of smell to integrate emotional experiences is powerfully represented in her beautiful series of workshops.
Established in 1992 Aromatic Kinesiology offers a unique training perspective, exploring aromatherapy from an emotional perspective while focusing on the development of beliefs, skills and emotional openness that lead to a successful, loving and joyful life.
Aromatic Kinesiology® has grown to be nationally and internationally recognized for its emphasis on gentle yet powerful heart-work and personal development. In combining kinesiology and aromatherapy with an inspirational teaching style, this beautiful work has assisted many to step into their dreams and live a life purposefully on track.
atural organic extension of the work Robbi loves was the creation of Aroma Tours with her husband Jim Llewellyn in 1994. Their boutique tour company escorts people to beautiful places where perfumery, aromatic plants, essential oils, wonderful wines, glorious cuisine, fascinating history, and culture can be experienced in exquisite locations. Since its inception, they have shared their journeys with people from all walks of life, from over 30 countries.
Hello natural beauties I hope you’re all well and happy. Today I’d like to share a lovely mini movie series by the fragrance and flavour company called Firmenich. We get a little insight into growing different raw ingredients, each mini movie being about 5 minutes long. It’s definitely worth a look.
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