Marjoram – A Must-Have Essential Oil for the Scent Enthusiast

Posted on November 25, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Marjoram is a dainty herb with a big scent – pic via thelastrevelation.com

Ah marjoram. I’m not sure if I’m addicted to this very strong, herbaceous, hardy oil but rarely a week goes by that I wont use this with clients, friends or myself.

I have written an article generally on the herbs “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular”, but I think we may need to go deeper into each one.

We’ll start with marjoram because I just felt like talking about it. Often when I go to have my treatment, my aromatherapist also uses this oil frequently with me as it has some great indications for the body and spirit too (of course)!

Marjoram (Oreganum marjorana) belongs to the herb family called Lamiacae, and the genus of Oreganum. It may now be more obvious why marjoram and oregano (Oreganum vulgare) look very similar and sometimes it’s hard to tell the fresh herbs apart from each other.

Great pic comparing oregano and marjoram – pic via cookthink.com

Herbs are the ancient medicinal healers of our world and when I make a blend for a client that has a few herbs in it I always say to myself silently “ah the herbs’ and feel like I’ve created a very traditional therapeutic blend. This herb was used by the ancient Greeks and according to Salvatore Battaglia, the name marjoram means “joy of the mountains”. Aw lovely!

In aromatherapy marjoram is used for:

* aching and sore muscles

* general body pain

* as a warming tonic

* to help someone deal with grief

* to help with falling asleep

* to counteract stress

* as a sedative for distraught emotions

* generally for calming and soothing

* to reduce coughing

I use marjoram for all these things too, and particularly love the way it blends so well with all the other oils. I like marjoram and use it a lot along with lavender because they are so beautifully calming. Who doesn’t want to chill out when they have a massage? We all need a little help de-stressing from the ups and downs of daily life so in this respect it’s a great oil.

A client’s oil formulation with marjoram

Here are a few 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”

“Release the Day”

Release the stress of the day by putting this all over your body after a shower –

Marjoram 3 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

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

“Oh My Aching Legs”

Apply to aching legs and rest with your feet elevated –

Marjoram 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

(ah the herbs)!

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils in a little carrier oil

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!

“I’m Ready for You Now Sleep”

Induce relaxation –

Marjoram 2 drops

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

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

“Phew I’m Glad That’s Over”

Marjoram 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Lemongrass 1 drop

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

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

The Perfect Aromatherapy Skincare Regime

Posted on November 4, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful skin is easy with natural products – pic via nuimage.ca

I know its sounds corny but people always comment on how good my skin looks. When asked how I do it, I usually say there’s no quick answer but essential oils help. I’ve been using essential oils in my own handmade products on my skin for almost 20 years and would never use anything else. Apart from the natural simplicity of oils, it’s the scent of most skincare products detest. Even if I couldn’t access essential oils, I’d still use plain cold pressed oils on my face and body, and for sensitive skins this could be the best thing to use. I like to mix it up a bit and not use essential oils everyday.

Here’s an outline of my easy, natural aromatherapy regime:

Daily

Morning

1. Shower

* No soap or other foaming agents on my face just water, with a face cloth if I want a deeper cleanse

* No soap or other foaming agents on most of my body – maybe some natural soap on the underarms and nether regions

2. Moisturise

Moisturising with oil on your face can have fantastic benefits

* Face – spritz first with a rose or neroli hydrosol or floral water to really boost hydration (see my article “Hydrosols vs Floral Waters – What’s the Diff?”) then use rosehip oil with rose essential oil

or plain rosehip oil

or a cream I have made myself containing essential oils

If you are buying a small bottle of rosehip oil you could add the drops of rose oil into the bottle or just add the rose on a daily basis. For quantities to add to your bottle please check the 3% article below or the article above about the basics.

For example, for small squirt of rosehip oil onto your fingers, add a drop or two or rose oil 3% (see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?”) and spread liberally all over your face. The only downside is that it’s a bit fiddly. Practice makes perfect though.

nourish your skin with oil blends

* Body – a nourishing body oil containing essential oils all over my body (see my article “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics”)

or a rich cream I’ve made myself containing essential oils

or just a plain cold pressed oil like almond, grapeseed, sunflower, olive, coconut

Remove makeup with the best makeup remover in the world – oil!

Evening

* Remove makeup (if applicable) with a damp cotton pad, with oil on it. This is the best makeup remover n the world! You can use sunflower, almond, olive etc and any cold pressed oil really

* Wipe with a warm, damp face cloth and only moisturise if you feel you need it. Often there is enough oil remaining on your skin to leave it feeling hydrated and soft

or shower and repeat the morning’s step

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 clarifying mask. pic via chiclooking.com

Occasionally

And occasionally I’ll give myself a body scrub, face scrub and face mask to remove old skin and tone and refine the top layer.

Face Scrub

Try some almond meal mixed with a little water. Stand over the basin so falling almonds can be caught and gently scrub. It’s wonderful how your skin feels with the oils of the almond infused into your skin. Then either apply a face mask or add a little extra moisture if needed.

↓

Face Mask

Mix a little clay (any colour – for more info see my article “The Wonderful World of Clay”) with water or a hydrosol. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you like just stay with lavender, geranium, chamomile, neroli and the softer oils. Apply. Rest for 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Moisturise.

↓

A salt scrub is easy to make! pic via cambridgenaturals.com

Body Scrub

The easiest body scrub is a salt scrub. Use fine sea salt, add some water and a little oil and mix to a slurry. Scrub all over your body standing in the shower or bath. If you are in a bath, then take the opportunity to soak for another 15 minutes.

Add 5 – 10 drops of essential oil to your liking to create an aromatherapy treatment at the same time. Or get creative and add things from your cupboard or fridge like fresh lemon rind and juice, cinnamon or fresh herbs. For more info see my article “It’s Easy to Make Your Own Body Scrub”.

Moisturise with an oil blend or cream.

↓

Body Mask

Same for face mask but you’ll need about a cup and a half of clay. Add water slowly and mix well. Add 20 drops of essential oil if you like, and then wrap yourself in towels and a blanket as the clay will make you COLD! Rest. Shower off and moisturise with an oil blend.

Everlasting Essential Oil Connects us to Our Immortality

Posted on October 28, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Helichrysum italicum “everlasting”. pic via calphotos.berkeley.edu

Aw this cute little daisy comes from the Asteraceae family along with the chamomiles, sunlfowers, safflower, marigold, globe artichoke, echinacea and chrysanthemum among many others. Also referred to as “immortelle”, can you guess what this essential oil is good for ? Immortality and the fountain of youth spring to mind when I think of everlasting, it’s great for skin and has many other benefits.

I was very excited to get a new bottle delivered the other day. It has a sweet, honey-like aroma with undertones of spice. Sometimes called the “curry plant”, everlasting does have a complex scent, maybe with a hint of curry – but don’t let that put you off. A few drops of this beautiful oil may be all you need to electrify and bend and add depth and sweetness to the scent. You may find everlasting n a 3% blend (see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba) or on it’s own but it will be more expensive this way.

Helichrysum bracteatum – essential oil does not come from this Helichrysum but you may recognise this flower from your local florist

In aromatherapy today everlasting is used for:

– formulations in skincare to promote cell growth and act as an anti-inflammatory agent

– as a stimulant to the lymphatic system to aid lymphatic drainage and therefore allow the skin to expel toxins more efficiently

– aiding the symptoms of dermatitis and excema

– diminishing scar tissue

– healing wounds

– coughs, coughing and asthma

– according to Salvatore Battaglia (The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy) everlasting is great for liver inflammation and the organs of the gall bladder, spleen and kidneys – all the organs helping in detoxification of the body. We can see how this relates to lymphatic drainage too.

infinity = immortality

I use everlasting energetically as a way to connect us to our immortality. The Fountain of Youth lives within us if we are able to see we are simply a manifestation of the energy of our spirits. Our souls will return to the oneness of the universe when our mortal bodies fade away. It’s seems so poetic to use the french word ‘immortelle’ for this beautiful oil, and I encourage you to use it with this thought in mind.

The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder. pic via en.wikipedia.com

The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder c 1546 pic via en.wikipedia.com

Here a a few recipes for our sweet immortelle:

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”

“Sophia Loren”

Be as beautiful as this amazing lady who has said the Fountain of Youth lies in your creativity-

Everlasting 3% 12 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

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

“Immortality”

Enjoy life in this moment for it will change form soon –

Everlasting 3% 9 drops

Sage 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 4 drops

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

“50 is the New 30”

Be young through the expression of your unique qualities, and youthful looking skin –

Everlasting 9 drops

Palmarosa 3 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

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

The High Priestess – A Tarot Card reading with Essential Oils

Posted on October 16, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The High Priestess – II from the Rider-Waite Deck

Listen to your inner voice.

Trust your intuition.

Allow the thin veil of illusion (maya) to fall away between your conscious and subconscious mind.

The High Priestess is the bold feminine, intuitive energy of the major arcana in the tarot. She is a the one who is connected to her emotions and the power of the moon and the invisible cycles. She is calm, contained, and her deep wisdom shines through. She is supported by the twin pillars of Boaz and Jachin, from Solomons Temple (a very long and interesting story there). The pomegranates also appeared on the twin pillars and are adorning the curtain behind the priestess. They represent possibility, sexuality and according to Biddy Tarot, duty.

The High Priestess is about the dark feminine knowledge, the witch, the power of psychic forces and the wisdom of the ages. She is the gateway to the underworld. She is the all-knowing feminine power.

Feminine power - pic via www.beliefnet.com - by Julie Loar

Feminine power – pic via http://www.beliefnet.com –
by Julie Loar

When The High Priestess shows up in a reading she may be asking you to recall ancient wisdom to help you on your present journey. You may need to take a break from the madness of everyday life, be calm and meditate.

You are wise, but at this time you may need to pay attention to your inner world more than your external world. It’s time to develop your intuition and rely on yourself.

Are you looking for a deeper meaning in your life? Maybe you have a new interest in philosophy and metaphysics? The High Priestess will help you with her knowledge of the collective unconscious.

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

What essential oils could help you look within?

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Sacred Space”

Create a beautiful space to meditate in –

Frankincense 10 drops

Rose Geranium 8 drops

Lime 6 drops

Spikenard 1 drop

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

“Retreat”

Have a break from the outside world –

Juniper 10 drops

Fennel 6 drops

Mandarin 9 drops

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

“Dreams”

Allow your dreams to point the way –

Clary Sage 5 drops

Peru Balsam 10 drops

Nutmeg 5 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with essential oils

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!

“Psychic River”

Open your psychic channels – anoint your third eye chakra

Basil 1 drop

Frankincense 1 drop

Bergamot 1 drop

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

“Speak the Truth”

Let your knowledge flow – anoint your throat chakra –

Sage 1 drop

Myrrh 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

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

“The Heart Knows”

Rely on your intuition which may speak through your heart –

Rosewood 1 drop

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

Patchouli 1 drop

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

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

Death – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on October 9, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Death – XIII in from the Rider-Waite deck

DEATH! Don’t freak out. This card is a little gruesome but in the end the messages are positive. The design and imagery are confronting but it doesn’t mean you are going to die (right now), however we will all die from our mortal lives at some time.

What do you think it means? It’s about a cycle, a situation or an emotional state ending. It’s a BIG ending, a purge, and it is not without difficulty. Notice that Death is riding a white horse which shows there is positivity and movement – movement toward something new. The sun is also rising showing there is light at the end of this death. The images on this card are similar to The Sun card too, which is a much happier and brighter card – perhaps it could even be construed as the opposite to death.

what’s next?

So if you are wondering “what’s next?”, perhaps you need to look at patterns and old ways that need to be removed from your life. By detoxing from the old, you will have space to create the new. Many tarot cards carry similar messages but of course it also depends what other cards come up in the reading too. The Death card asks you to make BIG changes, clear the slate and start again.

clear road ahead pic via alatlatequator.wordpress.com

You may need to initiate this change yourself because you are feeling stagnant, or this may be thrust upon you like The Tower card. What essential oils could help you transition?

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Juniper – detox, release the unwanted

Rosemary – stimulate your mind to consciously change

Cinnamon – add some sweetness and find what you love in life – follow your dharma

Lavender – garner strength and energy to help you through this change

nourish your skin and create change with oil blends

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”

This is a great way to nurture yourself and cover your self with the protective energy of essential oils.

“Change Change Change”

When you need to almost force yourself to make changes –

Cardamom 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

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

The sun is always shining somewhere pic via wallpaperswide.com

“Even Though It’s Cloudy, I know the Sun is There”

Try and see the positive side of this big shock –

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Mandarin 3 drops

Rose Geranium 2 drops

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

“Remain Calm”

Stay calm and soothe out of control emotions while going through the Death energy –

Marjoram 2 drops

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

Lime 2 drops

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

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

Temperance – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on October 2, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Temperance – XIV from the Rider-Waite deck

My tarot card and essential oil series continues with the lovely card called Temperance. This card is a bit like the Hierophant card for me – gentle, mild and sometimes it just doesn’t jump out at me with gusto. Depending on what other cards are in the reading, I find it hard to translate.

A beautiful Angel appears before us in a calm scene in nature. This card has a feeling of peacefulness and happiness. In the tarot the water represents emotions and also the subconscious mind. In this card the water is supposed to be flowing upward – from the bottom cup to the top cup. The overall meaning of the water symbols in this card, is balance between the subconscious and the conscious mind. It also represents the balance we need to find between humanity and spirituality. The angels toe in the water also reflects the interconnectedness between humanity and the divine.

It's all about balance - pic via www.homelifesimplified.com.au

It’s all about balance – pic via http://www.homelifesimplified.com.au

You may need to consciously work on balance after a big change in your life, or simply be more mindful of taking care of yourself as much as you do with others. This card could be asking you integrate your spiritual side with your human side to become whole and to find a deep richness in your life.

This is not a time to rush and achieve but to be calm and stress less. Leave all your anxiety and tension behind you as this is the first day of the rest of your life – a life of peace and serenity.

Flow with nature and reap the benefits - pic via www.southernwilderness.com

Flow with nature and reap the benefits – pic via http://www.southernwilderness.com

The flow of the water is asking you to become harmonious with nature, and with yourself. It’s a message to acknowledge how far you’ve come and instills an energy of beauty to help you carry on.

There are many essential oils that can help inspire peace, beauty and wholeness:

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Rose – nurture and love yourself

Fennel – be gentle with yourself too

Orange – inspire sweetness and innocence

Rosewood – enhance the flow of love in your heart

Frankincense – breathe deeply and relax

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“Peace”

Allow a sense of peace to fall all around you –

Patchouli 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

Frankincense 1 drop

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

“Gratitude Gives”

By being grateful you will open up to more beauty and gentility –

Geranium 1 drop

Australian Sandalwood 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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

“Bubbling Brook”

Flow like a little stream –

Cardamom 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

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

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

Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness

Posted on September 16, 2013 by suzannerbanks

palmarosa pic via choicehealthmag.com

I’ve used this lovely oil with clients a few times in the past couple of weeks. It blends well with so many oils and adds a green, fresh and slightly rosey scent to a formula. This is a relative newcomer to aromatherapy and doesn’t really have a rich colourful history like the spice oils, but is a wonderful addition to a collection. This gorgeous grass originally hails from India and is sometimes known as East Indian geranium. It’s also grown in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Although I can’t really find out a lot about this lovely oil I assume, like lemongrass, it has been used in India as a part of their Ayurvedic lifestyle and natural way of treating disorders in the body.

Palamarosa (Cymbopogon martini) is a grass like lemongrass and citronella, and belongs to the same family – Graminae (or Poaceae). This is the family of ‘true grasses”. There’s also a gingergrass plant that creates an essential too, and that is quite close to palmarosa as it is a variation of the plant – Cymbopogon martini var. sofia. One of my suppliers offers gingergrass oil and although I don’t use it therapeutically is has a beautiful soft scent. Maybe I’ll do a story on that oil soon.

Palmarosa pic via www.essentialoilsindia.in

Palmarosa pic via http://www.essentialoilsindia.in

Back to palmarosa – which is an oil often used in cosmetics and soaps to enhance the scent and add an inexpensive rose scent to the product.

Rosa centifolia

I’ve always used palmarosa as a skin conditioning oil and one of it’s main components is geraniol so that may give you a hint too, as geranium is a great oil for the skin. However it’s interesting to note that geranium only contains about a third of the amount of geraniol than palmarosa! And while we are on the geraniol track, lemongrass has a high content of geranial – a different molecule with slightly different carbon bonds (with a similar function).

In aromatherapy today palmarosa is used for

* hydrating the skin and hair

* as a stimulant for skin cell growth therefore working well on scar tissue and the uneven appearance of skin

* as a tonic to the digestive system

* as an insect repellent – just like lemongrass and citronella

* I use it as an oil for happiness and for flexibility in the emotions and thoughts

Try these combo’s –

Scent your space

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Aperitif”

Get your house in the mood for a lovely dinner

Palmarosa 10 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Juniper 7 drops

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

“I’m Going to be Flexible on this Issue”

Palmarosa 8 drops

Rosemary 5 drops

Geranium 5 drops

Siberian Fir 7 drops

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

peru balper nourish your skin with oil blends

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”

“Sweet and Soft”

Soften up your skin and add a little sweetness –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“Gettin’ Vibed Up”

An oil blend to refresh and send you into the day with gusto –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Cinnamon 2 drops

Lemon 2 drops

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

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

Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

Posted on September 2, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

Dear Clary sage, I’m sorry I haven’t called on you in a while but I promise to consider you for my next client.

It’s not that I don’t like you, your scent is very heady and strong, and so much more sweet than sage. I realise you are very closely related and come from the same family – but I don’t favour sage over you – in fact it could be the other way around.

I like the fact that you are an expansive oil and for this I like to consider you as a very spiritual oil, as you relate to the crown and third eye chakras. You have the ability to open my mind, and that of my client too, and I suppose looking back over the centuries you have often been employed to help people over come depression and melancholy. You inspire, and can be considered an oil of euphoria – thank you. You are wonderful in allowing us to connect to the creativity of the universe too!

The essential oil is made from the flowering tops and the foliage

I love the way you work on excess oil on the skin and in the hair!

Another thing I am grateful for is that you are so powerful as an analgesic particularly in regards to period pain. I have used you on pregnant clients in preparation for labour and even in oil blends in a birthing suite. You are also great for older women during menopause to calm many of the very boring symptoms. Not only are you a very spiritual and creative oil you also help with pain.

I’ve even read you could help with lung spasm in bronchitis and asthma because of your relaxing effect on the muscles and bronchii via the hypothalamus and thalamus. You contain some similar functional groups to lavender and that’s why you are great for relaxation.

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

You inspire us to connect to the dream dimension – day dreaming and night dreaming – which can help shape our lives.

Here are some formulas for people to try so they can also experience your magnificence –

2. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay add 3 drops of oil

Clary sage 1 drop

Orange 2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“Come In Please Creativity”

A blend to help release fears and invite in creativity to your life or a project –

Clary sage 1 drop

Lemongrass 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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

“Cool Calm and Collected”

Keep cool when you are hot flushing like crazy –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Oh Lord Help Me”

For period pain –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“Even Stevens”

To clarify and tone oily skin –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Sandalwood Australian 2 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

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

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

The Jasmines – A Love Story Full of Promises

Posted on August 5, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Jasmines – grandiflorum and sambac

It’s hard to tell by the pic above but these jasmine plants that make stunning essential oils, are slightly different in the look of the petal, but definitely different in the scent.

They do share qualities of being so absolutely divine that one sniff could take you to a new dimension. The oils are concentrated versions of the sweet scent of the blossoms, and are deep and alluring.

There’s lots of jasmine planted around Sydney and today I got a little excited when I saw the deep pink tinged buds, promising flowers very soon. That means Spring to me and the first step out of winter.

Hooray!

Jasmine in Sydney – the sweet promise of spring!

Jasminum grandiflorum

This is the classic jasmine we have come to know and love. It is the most common jasmine, but has an uncommon scent.

Sexy

Deep

Alluring

Mouth watering

Floral

Love

Seduction

A promise of things to come………..

Jasmine blooms in the spring – a time to shed the old energy of winter and gather new strength from the sun and warmth. Spring promises a wonderful time taking us into summer. Spring asks us to give everything, and in return promises newness, happiness and love.

The word “promise” always reminds me of K.D. Lang in 1985, when she won a JUNO Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year and rushed up to claim her award in a wedding gown. She said “no one makes more promises than a bride”.

KD Lang making promise

It’s a perfect flower and oil for weddings as it creates a stunning scented environment of love, romance and (the promise of) sex. It is often used throughout Asia for this very purpose.

Jasmine is a base oil and has always been considered an aphrodisiac as it connects to our lower chakras and inspires kundalini energy. I call jasmine an oil of love and it’s definitely and oil of sexiness too. There’s nothing more promising than a wink, a smile, a kiss.

In Hindu and Muslim traditions it has been known as the oil of romance and the flowers are used in times of seduction and love. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to tonify the liver and to treat stress and anxiety. Hey why not have a cup of jasmine green tea?

You will mostly find jasmine oil in a 3% blend which is ready to use as a perfume straight from the bottle! See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

A jasmine blossom in Sydney

Jasminum sambac

Oh my if you’ve ever smelt this oil you are the lucky one!

This jasmine is native to Asia and is sometimes known as Arabian jasmine or Indian jasmine. In the Philippines it is called sampaguita, in Indonesia it’s called melati putih, in Sri Lanka Pichcha or Geta pichcha and in Hawaii pikake.

This flower is certainly revered and I remember traveling in India and smelling it everywhere. It is used in Ayurveda for stimulating sexual drive and treating anxiety – can you see how these 2 things are related?

It is intoxicating! It has all the same amazing scent qualities of Jasminum grandiflorum but has a more intriguing, tropical scent. This flower is often used in spiritual ceremonies and used in adorning and beautifying children on their birthdays and women on special occasions.

This is the oil of exotic tales of the “far east” and it promises surprise and delight. It’s heady aroma can hypnotise you in a second and once you have smelt the sweet aroma of the oil or the flower I promise you, you will never be the same again!

Jasminum sambac promises to hypnotise you

If you find this oil it will also be in 3% blend, and once again it’s ready to use straight from the bottle.

When you need some new energy in your life use the jasmines.

When you need to get your sexy on use the jasmines.

When you make a promise to yourself to fulfill your destiny, use the jasmines.

What is your destiny?

Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Posted on July 29, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

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Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Colds and flu come with winter (pic via thepaintedskin.com)

Ah yes the dreaded lurgy has got me.

First – not feeling so great.

Then – a congested throat.

Then – a sore throat and headache.

Then – can’t move a muscle lying in bed.

Then – coughing and a couple more days in bed.

I confess I used some cold and flu tablets to ease the symptoms one day, but it’s the use of essential oils that can make you feel a bit better too.

My top 4 are Lavender, Marjoram, Fennel, and Eucalyptus

Try these simple and effective ways to help with the symptoms of a cold.

Lavender

lovely lavender

By now you’ll know I use Lavender for lots of things and we all know through the traditional uses for lavender over the centuries are those for soothing and relieving pain.

1. A few drops on a cold compress on the forehead can give some relief for general sickness and of course a headache and head tension due to coughing.

compress on forehead – easy and effective

2. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a sore throat (breathe through your mouth) and headaches.

steam inhalation

3. A few drops in a bath to relieve muscle tension.

4. A drop on the temples to bring a sense of relief.

5. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower.

6. A couple of drops externally on the throat to help with symptoms of a sore throat and sore muscle from coughing.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

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

Marjoram

Marjoram – another great herb from the same family as lavender

Marjoram is also an age-old remedy for many ailments. It’s particularly good for muscle pain and easing a cough.

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a cough (breathe through your mouth). This will not stop the cough if your lungs are infected as the cough’s purpose will be to rid the lungs of mucous. This works better for a dry cough and ticklish throat.

2. A few drops in a bath to relieve muscle tension.

3. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower.

4. 4 drops marjoram and 3 drops lavender in 3 teaspoons of carrier oil specifically to use externally on your throat as a pain reliever.

Mix lavender and marjoram for a synergistic formula to help with aches and pains either in a bath or oil blend. They work well together for coughs too.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

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

Fennel

fennel flower

I recently wrote about fennel as it’s a great oil for winter. It’s warming and soothing and helps nurture you in the cold.

Fennel works best as a decongestant for the lungs so if you have a weird taste in your mouth when you cough, chances are sometime soon you may be coughing up green stuff. Fennel is the oil to get it moving and also works well with marjoram and lavender.

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a congested chest (breathe through your mouth).

2. A couple of drops externally on the throat to help with symptoms of a cough and to move the mucous.

3. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower. Mix fennel with lavender in this case to help your chest – 4 drops of fennel and 3 drops of lavender.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

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

Eucalyptus

eucalyptus globulus

THE oil for breaking down mucous!

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a congested chest (breathe through your mouth) and congested sinuses (breathe through your nose).

steam inhalation

2. As a treatment for you in your space – simply add about 15 drops to a large bowl of boiling water (like you would with a steam inhalation) and bring it into your bedroom while you rest in bed. Or in the lounge room while you’re on the couch. This is an easy one if you are by yourself as it doesn’t take too much effort.

You can use all the oils above in this way and of course put them in a vapouriser – eucalyptus oil working particularly well as a decongestant. Plus it’s refreshing and you can almost feel it doing you good. Some bush healing never goes astray.

I could talk about other oils too but if in doubt, or if you only have one oil, use lavender.

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

REST and lots of fluids too will help move the infection through your body and check out these articles for blending ratios too – “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: natural health

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Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness

Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

The Jasmines – A Love Story Full of Promises

Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

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