10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

Posted on April 2, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Oh the lovely scent of mandarin could make anyone happy! I rate all the citrus oils as happiness oils as they’re so fresh and light and zingy and sparkly.

Mandarin essential oil is different to orange oil, just as the fruit is different. It is a deeper, more red colour than orange oil, which can vary from light orange to yellow. The deepness of the colour adds to the unique properties of mandarin oil as red connects us with the base chakra, which is all about survival and all the necessities to live. When taking in this information and combining it with the mouth watering scent of the fruit, mandarin essential oil can open our minds to the big concepts of the universe.

In aromatherapy mandarin oil does not have a lot of therapeutic uses but can be used for –

* improving digestion (by using externally not internally, or drinking tea made with the rind)

* alleviating stress and improving relaxation

* counteracting stretch marks in pregnancy

I use it to connect us to the simple – yet huge – concepts of how the universe works.

Let’s get into some recipes –

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

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”

yum!

**** the basic rule when using citrus oils in an oil blend all over your body is not to go out and sun bake or expose yourself to massive amounts of sunlight as these oils may cause a photo toxic reaction.

“Love and Happiness”

Explains itself really –

Mandarin 3 drops

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

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

“Tra La La”

Get some happiness in your body –

Mandarin 3 drops

Rose geranium 2 drops

Palmarosa 2 drops

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

“64 Tetrahedron Grid”

Slip into the magic of the universe –

Mandarin 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Release the Day”

Let go of all things from the day –

Mandarin 10 drops

Cypress 8 drops

Lemongrass 6 drops

Sage 1 drop

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

“Fun Kids Party”

Mandarin 12 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Peru Balsam 7 drops

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

“Meditation and Contemplation”

Scented relaxation –

Mandarin 8 drops

Frankincense 12 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

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!

“Life is Easy”

Flow –

Mandarin 1 drop

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

Spikenard 1 drop

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

“Joy”

Appreciate the little things in life –

Mandarin 1 drop

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

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

Mandarin lips! pic via www.beautezine.com

Mandarin lips! pic via http://www.beautezine.com

“Smile and Laugh”

Even if you have to force yourself, smile at someone and the rewards will be great –

Mandarin 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

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

“Chill”

Mandarin 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 1 drop

Clove 1 drop

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

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

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender

Posted on March 31, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

There are many subtleties in in Aromatherapy and while quite a few essential oils share similar properties, it’s the little nuances that separate them. Scent, of course, is one of them and then there’s the complex arrangement of molecules that we never really see or feel but that represent information that we absorb. We then translate that information into meaningful data that our brain and body can use on a physical level. Then there is all the energetic and metaphysical changes we can experience when using essential oils.

Lavender is unassuming yet powerful – pic via fanpop.com

I love lavender and would use it in any circumstance. Really, how can you go wrong with a drop of lavender? According to it’s properties it probably isn’t good for someone with low blood pressure – but if someone fainted in front of me due to low blood pressure, and all I had was a bottle of lavender I would not hesitate to wave the open bottle under their nose. It would not do any harm. It may help greatly!

Lavender cupcakes! -pic via jessienextdoor.com

I have written about lavender before (see my article Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe) and in the next few weeks I intend to go into more detail about the different kinds of lavender oil you can buy, but today I feel like I need the colour as much as the scent so this is my pictorial ode to the most magnificent of healing plants, lavender.

Lavender in my neighbourhood. Loves the sun and grows all over the world

Open the bottle of lavender oil and have a huge whiff to help feel grounded and emotionally supported by life.

Lavender has been revered for thousands of years as a healing plant

A drop on your pillow may help with getting to sleep.

Lavender will always be stylish!

A drop or two on a steam inhalation can help a headache and help you de-stress!

French lavender fields create a colourful landscape with their colour AND scent!

A drop on a bandaid can help cuts, grazes and burns heal faster and reduce swelling and pain.

Even the colour of lavender is healing!

If you are in doubt about what essential oil to use, you should be ok with a little lavender

Equinox Ahoy! And an Essential Oil Treatment

Posted on March 19, 2014 by suzannerbanks

The seasons, equinoxes and solstices - pic via www.universetoday.com

The seasons, equinoxes and solstices – pic via http://www.universetoday.com

It’s that time of year again when we slowly make our way into a different season. For me in the southern hemisphere I get a bit upset and try to hold onto summer for dear life. Fortunately in Sydney the weather is great for the beach for at least another month. The sea water temperature is wonderful too. Enough about me! All you lovely people in the north are getting excited for summer around the corner and your world is giving you little signs of spring.

“Simply put, an equinox occurs twice a year – spring and autumn – when the Sun crosses the plane of the Earth’s equator. Derived from a Latin term meaning “equal night”, an equinox is not actually an entire day, but happens at two specific moments each year when the centre of the Sun is observed directly above a certain location on the Earth’s equator. But science aside, in folklore equinoxes are mystical moments whose magical power still touches the Earth today.” urbanghostsmedia.com

So whether you are about to experience the Vernal Equinox (spring) or the Autumnal Equinox (autumn), it seems there is a little it of magic going on that gives us a glimpse into the universe at large, and traditions here on earth. Many Celtic festivals are held on these days, and in Japan they are national holidays. In some parts of the world that hail from Persia the sun and the moon are said to have equal power.

Stonehenge – pic via guiddoo.com

In stone circles (particularly found in the UK) the sun and the moon are very important in the way their visual levels interact with the structures. Although there is still much intrigue around these amazing structures, it is clear that the ones who built these circles had wonderful knowledge of the seasons and the stars.

Essential oils can help you move into the season and it’s very important to use your intention when you are making your oil blend and using it on your body. This is a great time for prayer/asking, and a wonderful time for giving thanks too.

Vernal Equinox (Spring)

Spring

Of course depending on your location to the equator, the beginning of Spring could be mild or still bloody freezing and snowing! However the general vibe of Spring is to shake off the stagnating energy of winter, come out from under the blankets and jump into life. It is a time of baby animals and flowers, newness and renewed vigour.

The essential oils for you will be those that get your energy going both physically and mentally.

As a treatment try using this blend for 1 week after the equinox to bring yourself up to speed with the earth –

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”

“Speed Up”

Lemongrass 2 drops

Pink Grapefruit 3 drops

Cypress 2 drops

Cardamom 1 drop

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

Autumnal Equinox (Autumn)

Autumn

Once again if you live quite close to the equator the seasons are mild and the temperatures are quite even throughout the year. The further you get from the middle, the more extreme the weather patterns. For those about to receive Autumn, the energy is about coming closer to the earth and settling down. It is giving thanks for a wonderful summer and sewing the seeds of intention (and food), that will come to fruition next summer.

The essential oils best for us, will be those which calm us down, and that are soft and gentle.

As a treatment try using this blend for 1 week after the equinox to bring yourself closer to the earth –

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”

“Slow Down”

Mandarin 3 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Fennel 1 drop

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

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

Cedarwood Virginiana Has a Secret!

Posted on February 24, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Cedarwood virginiana – pic via botany.csdl.tamu.edu

Cedarwood Virginiana has a secret – it’s a juniper tree! It’s botanical name is Juniperus virginiana but in Aromatherapy today it’s referred to as a cedarwood. I’ve always seen this tree and oil referred to as cedarwood and perhaps it’s because this native to North America is commonly called Red Cedar and/or Aromatic cedar, and a few other names too! It is from the Cupressacae family and the Juniperus genus whereas Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), for example, is from the Pinacae family and the Cedrus genus. Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodora) is from the Pinacae family and the Cedrus genus too.

So back to our Cedarwood Virginiana. You can see by the pic above it has berries like a juniper tree, and leaves like a cypress, but the oil is very different from juniper essential oil and cypress essential oil. This essential oil is thick and creamy and smells like it could easily come from a wood, but also carries a very cleansing energy about it like juniper. I think in my very early days of aromatherapy I blended this oil like it was a basey wood and was never disappointed with the results. I’ve even read a description of the scent of this oil as “pencil- like” and it is also referred to as a pencil cedar , as the heartwood has been used to make lead pencils.

Eastern Red Cedar pic via www.realchristmastrees.org

Eastern Red Cedar pic via http://www.realchristmastrees.org

In Native American medicine this common tree has been used for respiratory infections and other ailments including arthritis and rheumatism, skin disorders and as a treatments for venereal infections (according to Salvatore Battaglia).

In Aromatherapy today Cedarwood Virginiana is used –

* as a treatment for oily and acne skin

* as a treatment for other skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis

* as a soothing treatment for coughs and colds and as an expectorant

* to induce more spiritual connectedness

* as a space/energy cleanser

I’ve always loved using this oil so check out some simple recipes –

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

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Psychic Awareness”

Open your upper chakras –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Mandarin 1 drop

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

“A New Start”

Cleanse and refresh you attitude –

Cedarwood Virginiana 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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

“And… Breathe!”

Take a quite moment for yourself –

Cedarwood Virginiana 1 drop

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

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

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”

“Classic”

This is my go-to classic body oil blend –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“Give Me Strength”

A warming blend for courage and physical strength –

Cedarwood Virginiana 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

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

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

10 Recipes with Bergamot Essential Oil – Citrus bergamia

Posted on February 19, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Bergamot – pic via globalhealingcenter.com

I just wrote an article about the wonderful oil of bergamot, so click here if you’d like to check it out. I received a great response to my story on this bittersweet citrus oil and that’s because it’s a universally adored oil and has been used extensively in perfume for hundreds (if not more) years. It’s sparkly, light, refreshing and I always categorise the citrus oils as oils of happiness. It’s also fab for using in love blends as it negates mild feelings of anxiety.

Bergamot is used in aromatherapy to help with feelings of sadness and depression and to generally improve moods. It can be used as a tonic for oily skin, and is wonderful for all kinds of skincare. There is a warning with bergamot oil though – there is a constituent in its makeup called bergaptene, and this renders the oil slightly phototoxic. This means don’t smother yourself with it then sunbake for 8 hours – you could burn baby!

Les check out some recipes –

Pink clay – pic via qrbiz.com

1. Face Mask

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

“Teenage Dream Skin”

For oily and acne skin try a face mask twice weekly with PINK clay –

2 teaspoons pink clay

Bergamot 1 drop will be enough here

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

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

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!)

“Ugh”

When you need bit of a boost –

Bergamot 15 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

Lemon Myrtle 3 drops

Myrrh 2 drops

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

“I’m Lovely”

Yes you are ….

Bergamot 10 drops

Palmarosa 6 drops

Black Spruce 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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

“I Wonder What Good Fortune is Coming my Way?”

Get in the vibration to accept good things –

Bergamot 12 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

May Chang 3 drops

Nutmeg 3 drops

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

“From Negative to Positive”

Change!

Bergamot 16 drops

Rosewood 9 drops

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

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

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”

“Soft Skin”

For beautiful feeling and smelling skin –

Beragmot 3 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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

“Don’t Dilly-Dally”

Make a fresh start in the morning to get moving –

Bergamot 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Eucalyptus 1 drop

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

“You Will Be Mine”

Become absolutely irrisistable –

Bergamot 3 drops

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

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

Scent your space

4. Scent Your Space

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

“I Love My Little Space in the World”

Bergamot 15 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 6 drops

Geranium 4 drops

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

“Let’s Dance”

Yeah!

Bergamot 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Spearmint 5 drops

Lime 5 drops

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

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

10 Recipes with Peru Balsam Essential Oil- Myroxylon balsamum

Posted on February 5, 2014 by suzannerbanks

10!

It’s 10 recipes time! Today we will feature the absolutely beautiful oil called Peru Balsam or Tolu Balsam.

This beautiful oil, is like a combination of benzoin and vanilla.

Peru Balsam is sweet and soft and has warming stimulating properties reportedly to be a great treatment for skin conditions. I suppose over-use of the oil can lead to the opposite effect – skin irritations. I have never seen any negative results from using this oil and actually love to use it as a perfume. It’s fantastic for vapourising to act as a soothing agent to stress, and add some sweetness and healing energy into the room. It is like a balm for the soul and when you take a deep whiff, it’s almost like you can smell a protective honeycomb, multi-dimensional energy field.

Peru balsam - pic via www.fragrantica.com

Peru balsam – pic via http://www.fragrantica.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”

“Sweet, Soft Skin”

A beautiful oil to nourish your skin –

Peru balsam 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Geranium 2 drops

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

“I Feel So Lovely”

Simply love your skin –

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Myrrh 1 drop

Rose 3% 9 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

Classic oil burner with a twist pic via top3.com.au

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Loving Myself Especially Well Today”

Be kind to yourself –

Peru Balsam 12 drops

Lemon Myrtle 5 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

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

“Calm Down Kids!”

Explains itself really –

Peru Balsam 13 drops

Orange 10 drops

Vetiver 2 drops

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

Anoint your third eye and breathe! pic via buelahman.wordpress.com

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Angels Protect Me”

Know that you ARE protected –

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Clove 1 drop

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

“Get Me to The Church on Time”

A calming blend on a nervous kind of day –

Peru balsam 1 drop

Bergamot 2 drops

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

“Soothing Balm for the Soul”

Relax –

Peru Balsam 1 drop

Frankincense 2 drops

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

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

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Spritz Away the Stress”

A quick mist can make all the difference

Peru Balsam 8 drops

Petitgrain 8 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

“Amethyst”

When you feel you need a layer of protection –

Peru Balsam 10 drops

Nutmeg 3 drops

Orange 10 drops

Sandalwood (Indian) 2 drops

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

“Yes I’m SIngle”

Be vulnerable yet powerful –

Peru Balsam 8 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Lemon 11 drops

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

Lunar Year of the Horse 2014, with Essential Oils to Match

Posted on February 3, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Year of the HORSE 2014 – pic via photo.elsoar.com

By the time you read this we have now moved from the Water Snake year (2013) into the Wood (or Green) Horse year of 2014. I think we are suddenly in the future – how did that happen?

Anyway I’m not an expert on Chinese astrology but I love it. Last year was a time for planning and this year is a time to GO FOR IT! Apparently it’s a year to make quick decisions and if it all goes to pieces we have the Wood Goat next year to settle down and “get cozy” according to Astrologer Susan Levitt.

I’ve read the Hong Kong newspaper with its “in detail” Feng Shui, along with lots of other bits and pieces on this year, including a great book by Neil Somerville, and here’s the deal – strap yourselves in its gonna be a bumpy ride!

Strap yourselves in … pic via saferbychoice.com

The horse will encourage us to be free and to seize the moment, day by day. The horse year will give us opportunities that must be grasped immediately. These situations and snap decisions may work out, or come crashing down on us. It seems like there will be continuing conflicts all over the world (ugh!) and big ups and downs in the financial institutions of various countries – some will rally, others will not.

Travel! pic via asmithblog.com

Travel, romance? Yes for some, but the key is to know in your gut 100% that it’s right or forget about it! Don’t miss any opportunity this year because it’s all about embracing the wild ride. There is caution about spending too much money while you’re caught up on this roller coaster but if the goat year (2015) is going to save us, I say forge on!

Let’s get into some oils;

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

It doesn’t get much easier than this, so to embody the spirit of the horse try –

Rosemary – awaken, remember, get clarity

Black pepper – go out into the world without fear

Cinnamon – warming, enjoy the sweetness of life

Melissa – release anxiety and tension

Myrrh – abundance, experience your true spirit

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

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!)

“Oh Come With Us and Gallop”

Have fun this year –

Lemongrass 10 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 5 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

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

“Get Ready…”

Warm up for the big race this year –

Basil 5 drops

Orange 10 drops

Rosewood 10 drops

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

“I’m Going to Patagonia”

Be adventurous –

Black Pepper 5 drops

Sandalwood Australian 5 drops

Frankincense 8 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

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

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

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 2

Posted on December 18, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Amazon AU Amazon UK

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 2

The 12 Days of Christmas folk song – pic via wikipedia.org

We’ve covered the first 6 days of Christmas so strap yourself in for the last 6 days! And I’ve just realised that I haven’t used the classic Christmas oils of frankincense and myrrh. As with part one I’ve taken each verse and created an oil blend for you to scent your home. To scent you own space I recommend 25 drops of essential oil, and you can use a traditional oil burner with a candle, an electric vapouriser, or for a quick and easy result put 25 drops of oil into a bowl and pour boiling water over it and leave it to stand – instant aromatherapy!

The song continues …..

7 Swans swimming by Tracy Watt - pic via www.redbubble.com

7 Swans swimming by Tracy Watt – pic via http://www.redbubble.com

7. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans-a-swimming serenely in a lake. I’ve always imagined the swans to be black, regal, beautiful.

“Seven Swans a-Swimming”

Inspiration – serenity, flow, calm

Frankincense 12 drops

Lavender 6 drops

Clary Sage 3 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

8 maids milking – pic via staceyreid.com

8. Then on day eight the maids finally got some fresh milk so we could all have coffee and hot chocolate and make cakes and Christmassy things. These gifts from my true love just keep getting better!

“8 Maids-a-Milking”

Inspiration – nurturing, warmth, sustenance, compassion for our animal friends

Fennel 7 drops

Myrrh 4 drops

Nutmeg 4 drops

Rosewood 10 drops

Ok this is where it gets tricky. Some versions say its 9 drummers drumming, others say its 9 ladies dancing so I’m going to go with the majority of all the English versions and say it’s the drummers. Most of the American versions seem to have the drummers up last but it makes sense because the drummers are starting to call the tribe to dance. From verses 9 – 12 it’s all quite different. My Mum also thought it was 9 drummers drumming but my Dad didn’t know. As Janet Jackson says in Nasty Boys – “Give me a beat”. The party has started!

Wikipedia says

The gifts associated with the final four days are often reordered. Most often, this involves placing the ladies and lords earlier (on days nine and ten), and the musicians later (on days eleven and twelve).

So I reckon the music must come first!

The Drummer - was there 9 or 12? pic via www.krinklesonline.com

The Drummer – was there 9 or 12? pic via http://www.krinklesonline.com

9. Clearly my true love wanted to dance because the drummers came along to start the party

“9 Drummers Drumming”

Inspiration – rhythm of life, coming together as one

Tea Tree 6 drops

Clove 6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

Pipers are piping – pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

10. And now that the drummers have given us a beat, come in pipers! (Even though the American version says it’s 11 pipers piping, I’m sticking with the English version).

“10 Pipers Piping”

Inspiration – harmony, party, fun

Lemon 15 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Peppermint 4 drops

11 ladies dancing - pic via www.ffmcontheweb.com

11 ladies dancing – pic via http://www.ffmcontheweb.com

11. Ok it’s all gone haywire now. The ladies have hit the dance floor (or is it the drummers or the pipers or the lords?)

“11 Ladies Dancing”

Inspiration – femininity, celebrating the sisterhood, release of the old

Petitgrain 15 drops

Spikenard 4 drops

Thyme 2 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Lords are leaping -but how many? pic via www.neatoshop.com

Lords are leaping – but how many? pic via http://www.neatoshop.com

12. And once again it could be 10 lords that are leaping, but I’m going with 12 this time around. At any rate – let them leap! Let’s all leap into a wonderful end of year celebration, so whether you’re into Christmas or not, please be thankful for this interesting life. Bring on 2014 (sounds SO futuristic).

“12 Lords-a-leaping”

Inspiration – carefreeness, freedom, comradeship

Basil 8 drops

Citronella 8 drops

Lime 9 drops

Get your essential oils working for you this festive season, they will bring charm and kindness into your life. They will allow you to open to the infinite wisdom of the universe and help others to do the same.

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

Buy Handmade this Christmas and Pop Down to The Pop Up Shop (If You’re in Sydney)

Posted on December 9, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Support locals – pic via bluechairfruit.com

So many people in Sydney are really into local growers markets which I think is fantastic. A couple of my friends even have stalls and sell quality handmade and locally sourced foods.

It’s all about knowing where your food comes from and even being able to ask questions about it too. It’s a good feeling when you know those radishes were picked yesterday or that the apples from a farm a couple of hours away don’t have any pesticides and have not been stored for a year in a massive fridge.

Organic apple – pic via esmmweighless.com

(oh by the way apple does not make an essential oil so if you have an apple scented something your fragrance comes from a lab)

But I’ve found when it comes to skincare and natural scent most of these amazing people who buy organic and local, will only use name brand skincare. Or synthetically fragranced candles. Or toxic mass-produced perfumes. I just don’t get it. The same rules apply to mass-produced perfumes and cream as apply to food. If you are health conscious and are making an effort to eat well, why would you then spend money on a cream that is full of toxins, made in big vats in a huge production facility somewhere?

And then there’s the fact that when you buy a perfume, for example (according to master perfumer Luca Turin), only 5% of the price of a perfume represents the cost of the actual liquid stuff. The rest is marketing, packaging and other bullshit. And of course there’s the issue that many (a generalisation) luxury brand companies are all owned by a few, who serve to deliver the best profit to their shareholders and owners. Many big companies just absorb little companies (in all types of business) and we are finding out we are being ruled by these huge companies who are driven by one thing – money. Even war is a business.

Money! Why not use your dollar to suport a local?

Money! Why not use your dollar to support a local?

So why wouldn’t you buy a cream or an oil blend or a natural perfume from a local specialist at your local market? They will be able to tell you where all their ingredients are sourced from and other info about health and toxicity in our world. You will be directly helping them pay their rent, buy food and live! Go on, have a look around, you may be surprised at what you can find. Be brave and go beyond a handmade soap. If you are willing to buy artisan with your bread and hand-reared pigs, then be willing to do the same with your skincare and even cleaning products too.

I make fantastic body washes!

So having had my little say on the state of the world, if you’re in Sydney why not visit The Co-Op Pop Up shop which is open until Christmas eve and possibly the week after Christmas. There are about 8 artists and we are selling handmade items which include –

– framed original photography

– handmade cards

– swimwear and resort fashion

– framed original stitch art

– light sculptures

even little frogs, and much, much more!

Cute little Australian citrus oils

I am selling

– organic linseed and lavender eye bags made with vintage scarves and washable covers $30 ea

– all natural body washes ( 2 different scents “Pink Marshmallows in the Morning” and “Into the Woods”) $30 ea or 3 for $70

– Face Mask Kits (limited edition be quick) $30

– Essential oil blends (3 scents “Vivify!”, “Persuasion” and “Cinnamon Twist”) $25 ea

– Hydrating Aura Cleansing Mists (rosewater, jasmine water and orange blossom water with added Australian Bush Flower Essences) $20 ea or 3 for $60

– Organic herbal teas (“Ginger +” and “Minty 2”) $15 and $10

and a few essential oils.

Come and visit from Tuesday to Sunday 11am – 7pm at the corner of Golburn St and Crown St Surry Hills (next to Route 66).

Eyebags made with vintage scarves with washable covers too

Justice – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on December 4, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Justice – XI from the Rider-Waite deck

Justice is number 11 in the major arcana and speaks for itself really. It looks a lot like the Hierophant and also The Emperor. This is the last article about essential oils and the major arcana so be on the lookout next year for a free e-book to download!

The Emperor – IV from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The Hierophant – V in the Rider-Waite Deck

It’s a card about balance and justice for all, and if this card shows up in a reading it could mean many things. This could be a time for you to be making a decision that involves others and you are called upon to be fair and just. It’s important here to use your life experience, your mind (the double-edged sword) and your intuition (the scales). Use all the tools at your disposal to bring about the right outcome.

It could mean that you are one of the people having to accept a decision that has been made that affects you directly. Are you in the midst of a court case, a challenge or a dispute that requires mediation? You must accept this decision and carry on with your life.

A decision has been made

Perhaps this card is letting you know that you are in this place in your life because you have made good decisions throughout your journey. Maybe you are rising to a position of authority and this card is telling you to always remain fair, just and kind.

Anyway you get the drift! Kindness, fairness, good decisions, use your mind and your heart in all you do.

What essential oils could we use to embody this card?

? pic via biodagar.com

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Rosewood – flow of love in the heart chakra

Rosemary – stimulate your mind and memory

Basil – open your crown chakra to the wisdom of the universe

Ylang Ylang – release frustration and anger toward others and yourself

Classic oil burner with a twist pic via top3.com.au

2. Scent Your Space

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

What better way to help you make big decisions than to vapourise oils in your space?

“Heart and Mind”

Blend these two areas of power –

Rosemary 8 drops

Palmarosa 8 drops

Orange 9 drops

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

“Empathy”

Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes –

Lime 10 drops

Petitgrain 10 drops

Geranium 5 drops

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

“Flow of Energy”

Ask the universe to help you get the right flow going –

Cardamom 5 drops

Pink Grapefruit 20 drops

Lemongrass 5 drops

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

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”

“Ok Concentrate….”

Be clear in your mind by waking up your body too –

Ginger 3 drops

Lemon 4 drops

Basil 1 drop

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

“Made with Love”

Use your heart’s intelligence –

Rose 3% 6 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Cedarwood Atlas 3 drops

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

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

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: natural health

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