Nutmeg – A Spice Oil of Mysticism and Intrigue!

Posted on July 1, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Nutmeg – Myristica fragrans

Just look at this gorgeous pod of deliciousness!

The red, almost brain-like cover is what mace is made from. The nutmeg we know and love, and use in cooking is hidden underneath. Isn’t nature wonderful? The colours are divine and the nutmeg seed is protected by layers of cellular material. This seed is part of the whole pod which is actually the fruit of this evergreen tree.

The nutmeg tree

Like many spices and spice oils, nutmeg has a rich history spanning, in the very least hundreds of years, and probably even more. Originating from the Banda Islands, north of Timor and west of Papua New Guinea, the trade of this wonderful spice is traced as far back as the middle ages in Europe. You can imagine how long before this the islanders would have used this amazing plant.

In the 1600’s the Dutch East India Company ruled the spice trade and the beautiful islands. They staged a nasty takeover of the islands to absolutely rule and control the supply of nutmeg to the world. When the Brits took over they transplanted many of these nutmeg trees to other islands under British rule and because of this Grenada actually produces 20% of the world’s nutmeg supply. They even have an illustration of the nutmeg on their flag.

The flag of Grenada

Our modern history is quite brutal really. Thank goodness we are now in a time of rapid evolution – the best time to employ essential oils to get us all to the next level of peace and harmony.

The essential oil of nutmeg is steam distilled from the seed and it is high in a-pinene (alpha pinene, b-pinene (beta pinene) and sabinine (also in black pepper oil); with many other constituents including camphene. We know that camphene (and other types of camphor molecules) are warming and stimulating constituents – and so is the oil of nutmeg.

The traditional uses of nutmeg include:

* to ease the symptoms of colds and flu

* as a tonic to warm the body

* as a treatment for all things digestive – to stimulate appetite, to treat nausea and vomiting and to generally stimulate the digestive fire

* as an anti-inflammatory agent especially in the treatment of arthritis and swelling of the joints

* to warm aching muscles and joints

The nutmeg spice is known as an hallucinogen due to a chemical constituent called elemecin, which Wikipedia claims is similar to the properties of mescaline. According to Salvatore Battaglia (an aromatherapist and author of a great book called “The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy”), this is lost in the distillation process and is not present in the oil.

Isn’t it interesting that the red mace covering of the seed looks like a brain – and that the seed can effect the brain, inspiring whacky mind visions!

nutmeg

I use this oil as a connection to spirit – as an awakening oil of the mind and the higher chakras. I find nutmeg oil to be expansive on all levels of our existence – the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual. And just the fact that it’s called “myristica”, I always think of this oil as an agent of attaining our mystical existence, and accessing our mystical guides. I use this oil when I need to connect to universal intelligence.

Try these recipes:

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Sweet Release”

Allow divine guidance to enter your world

Nutmeg 2 drops * patch test first as nutmeg could be sensitising to the skin

Orange 1 drop

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2. Scent Your Space

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

“Intergalactic Love”

Reach out into the universe with love

Nutmeg 10 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

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Remember to use your intention when you are blending, it will add to the creation process and also be an exercise in using your intuition.

Amber – A Complicated Story

Posted on June 26, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Baltic Amber - from a few different species in the Mediteranean

Baltic Amber – from a few different tree species in the Mediterranean

The other day my client asked me about amber oil. I told her that I’d researched it years ago and that it didn’t seem to be straight forward – and that I’d forgotten everything too, and that I never used it. She had a little sample of resin and it did smell beautiful. So what is her sample, really?

It seems there’s a few stories floating around out there which include –

Ambergris – sperm whale vomit or poo

Liquidambar orientalis – the sap from the tree

Baltic amber or succinite – the hard crystals we know that are used for jewelly

and

Pinus succinefera fossil – fossilised sap

Here’s what I can gather about the truth of Amber oil.

Ambergris

ambergris – I think

Ah yes the lovely scent of sperm whale poo and vomit. The ambergris seems to be a secretion in the digestive system of the whale to protect it’s gut from spikey cuttlefish. It is excreted with fecal matter, or regurgitated if the amount is too large to pass.The story goes that this intriguing substance was found around the Atlantic Ocean along the shorelines of many countries including Australia and NZ, Japan, South Africa, The Maldives and other areas in the world. Apparently as it aged, the scent changed to a sweet balsamic, earthy odour and was therefore grabbed and distilled by perfumers to use as a fixative in scents. It can still be found today and is worth a lot of money! If you have a perfume with that listed it would be synthetic. All perfume is synthetic anyway, so don’t panic, there’s no vomit in your fragrance.

Liquidambar orientalis

This seems to have more credit in the ‘amber stakes’. The name also has “amber” in it so there’s a bit of a hint (or coincidence). This gorgeous tree is planted all over Sydney and I believe it originates from the Mediterranean region, particularly in Turkey. The trees are referred to generally as “sweet gum” and these forests in Turkey (according to wikipedia) are under threat due to dam building and clearing for agriculture. This oil is also produced in India, and the tree is also native to India.

In English, this oil is known under several names, shortly as Storax to include all sweetgum oils, or as Styrax Levant, Asiatic Storax, Balsam Storax, Liquid Storax, Oriental Sweetgum Oil, or Turkish Sweetgum Oil. …. it is used externally in traditional medicine for abrasions, anxiety, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, cuts, ringworm, scabies, stress-related conditions and wounds. It is a different product than the benzoin resin produced from tropical trees in the genus Styrax.

Wikipedia

I have never used this oil but now I’m a bit desperate for it. It sounds bloody gorgeous. We had a beautiful liquid amber tree in our backyard when I was growing up. I did a school project on it – if I’d only know it contained a medicinal, scented secret!

As with Frankincense and Myrrh, the tree is tapped and the sap collected. To produce the oil, the resin then undergoes steam distillation.

Baltic Amber

Baltic Amber with a fossilised insect

Baltic amber refers to fossilised tree resin from a variety of conifers living around the Scandinavian countires and the Baltic region. The Pinus succinefera is one of these trees and this stone is sometimes referred to as succinite (and also because it contains succinic acid).The Baltic region contains most of the world’s supply of amber which could be between 40 to 60 million years old! Oh dear should we really be digging this up?

So this leads us to the claims that this stone can produce a resin, then an oil.

Pinus succinefera – fossil

Pinus succinefera – the fossil – also possibly Baltic amber

This fossil relates to the Baltic Amber above. But can the stone produce this oil? How is it extracted? Dry distillation could be used, whereby a solid is heated to produce gasses and materials which are then condensed and collected. This is a fossilized resin so I’m wondering if the claims that the oil is Pinus succinefera – fossil, are false.

There are stories of this stone and resin/oil being used by the Romans and Greeks to use medicinally and in rituals. Did they have dry distillation techniques or were they collecting sap and distilling it?

It’s all very interesting and if anyone has anything to add or can clarify any of these claims I’d be grateful. Just leave a comment.

My money is on Liquidamber orientalis but none of my trusted suppliers sell this. Hmmmmm.

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

Posted on June 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

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

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

Don’t go under!

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

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

Pure Pulse Point Perfumes

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

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

Smelling the oils is the primary key.

Wearing the oils is the secondary key.

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

It’s easy.

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

Chinese tea cup

Away we go.

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

1. “Brainiac”

To stimulate your mind and help you wake up –

Rosemary 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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2. “Notice Me”

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

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 1 drop

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

3. “Deep Sleep”

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

Marjoram 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Vetiver 1 drop

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4. “Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!”

Stop freaking out –

Melissa 1 drop

Bergamot 2 drops

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5. “Re-Align”

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

Lemongrass 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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we are one

6. “I’m connected to the Stars”

When you are feeling completely alone unsupported –

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

Juniper 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

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7. “Superwoman”

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

Lavender 1 drop

Cedarwood Virginian 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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appreciate yourself now!

8. “I am the Queen of My Life”

Take time out to appreciate how magnificent you are –

Rose 3% 6 drops *info on 3% blends

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9. “Expansion is Inevitable”

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

Sandalwood 2 drops

Lemon 1 drop

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10. “You are Fabulous”

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

Rose Geranium 1 drop

Patchouli 1 drop

Neroli 3% 2 drops *info on 3% blends

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Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

The Start of How to be Completely Amazing

Posted on June 12, 2013 by suzannerbanks

colour and movement and essential oils

1. Use Essential Oils

Yep I know this is a bit obvious coming from me, but it’s true.

Use essential oils instead of perfume. It’s natural vs synthetic. In this case natural is much better than synthetic.

Use essential oils to clean instead of toxic products.

Use cold pressed carrier oils for moisturiser. Simplicity is back in fashion.

Do it!

How?

Lavender 1 drop on your wrists – it doesn’t need to be any more complicated than that!

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inspire someone today

2. Inspire Someone Today!

You’ll be amazed at how great you feel when you inspire someone else. It’s quite infectious and you’ll want to keep doing, it I promise. It sort-of gets you into an upward spiral of positivity.

There’s no better way to help yourself, cancel out your self-doubt and quash those little negative self talks. When you inspire someone else – you’ll be inspired 10 fold.

Do it today! And use essential oils.

Sage 1 drop on your throat chakra to speak the truth with others and share your abundance

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be kind to animals, always

3. Be kind to Animals

Always be kind to animals, it’s our duty to protect them. Let’s face it there are some totally fantastic animals out there.

Your kindness will send ripples into the universe. Hopefully some of those ripples will join up to more kindness waves and wash over us all! Maybe then we can all be kind to each other, but maybe that’s a bit too simple? Or not.

Be kind to an animal today. And use essential oils

Rosewood 1 drop on your heart chakra to allow the flow of love, inward and outward.

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Use your intention to create something new (via www.tribalharmonix.org)

Use your intention to create something new (via http://www.tribalharmonix.org)

4. Use Your Intention Everyday

Start each day with an intention. A good intention. Create the vibe of your day. You’ll automatically rise up to meet that intention.

Create your day…..your week….your life.

This is another duty we are bound to, if we want to evolve into a peaceful community. We are living in a time of great expansion. We need your help.

Use your intention today. And use essential oils

Basil open the bottle and take a huge whiff to open your mind to possibilities.

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This is just a start to the influence you can have in your world.

Make it a good influence and share your knowledge.

Talk about what you know and aspire to.

Connect with others.

But most of all use essential oils. You’ll smell great and you will be able to harness their healing power, absorb it, and give it back to your world with joy, times infinity.

infinity

Just Think PINK!

Posted on June 5, 2013 by suzannerbanks

I love Pink!

Australia is embedded in a love affair with PINK!

We simply can’t get enough of her.

She is a great singer, performer and writer, but best of all I think it’s her sense of humour that appeals to us. She’s fun, a little bit naughty and supercute too. We are awaiting her arrival for another sold out tour of Oz so let’s get this party started!

Lets get all PINK …………

There are quite a few oils I would consider that resonate with the colour pink – cute oils, fun oils and oils of happiness:

Geranium

Rose Geranium

Rose

Cinnamon

Patchouli

Orange (ok i know it’s orange but when it gets together with other oils it’s quite pink……)

Peru Balsam

Rosewood

Tuberose

Pink Grapefruit

pink

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blends

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.

“Kawaii”

For a bit of cute fun-

Rosewood 3

Orange 3

Patchouli 1

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“Aww That’s Sweet”

To see the innocence and sweetness within yourself and others-

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

Pink Grapefruit 3 drops

Cinnamon 1 drop

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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!

“Angels”

To surround yourself within angel energy or call on the angels for help

Geranium 2 drops

Peru Balsam 1 drop

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“Wink”

Turn on your charm

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

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Fun House”

Get a fun vibe going for a party make a mist and spritz away

Geranium 8 drops

Orange 8 drops

Pink Grapefruit 9 drops

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“Sunrise”

To get yourself out of a funk into the fun house

Cinnamon 8 drops

Rose Geranium 4 drops

Pink Grapefruit 12 drops

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So think PINK!

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

Cedarwood Atlas – An Ancient Wood with a Modern Scent

Posted on June 3, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Cedarwood atlas – Cedrus atlantica

In Aromatherapy we use a few cedarwoods –

Cedrus atlantica = Cedarwood Atlas

Juniperus virginiana = Cedarwood Virginian

Cedrus deodora = Cedarwood Himalyan

When I first started practicing I didn’t really use this oil a lot – I preferred Cedarwood Virginian. Years ago when I was creating a range for a new clinic in Sydney, I was inspired to incorporate this oil by the Herbalist and sales manager. She encouraged me to use Cedarwood atlas and described the scent to me as being reminiscent of sandalwood. She also suggested I could use it in place of sandalwood as the Sandalwood industry was under pressure and prices had tripled within years.

So embraced Cedarwood atlas and while I don’t necessarily use it as s replacement for sandalwood I certainly love to use it frequently. It is a true cedarwood and has an interesting history.

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco, map originally created by Daniel Feher of Free World Maps. Original map can by found here http://www.freeworldmaps.net/africa/morocco/map.html

It is part of the Pinaceae family of trees and is still considered to be a viable tree with no concern for its life here on earth. It hails from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is also farmed for its wood and oil in other regions.

The rich history of cedarwood most probably relates to Lebanon cedarwood which is Cedrus libani and found in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Cypress and surrounding areas. It is also from the Pinaceae family and I would assume that the two are quite similar and they both would have been used for ancient rituals and traditions; in Egyptian times, in building the Temples of Jersualem and all the ancient majesty and mystery that comes with them. Phoenicaians and Egytians built their boats with this wood, and the resin was used to treat illness and mummify Phaoroahs. There are also other cedars in these areas that belong to the Cupressaceae family (the cypresses), and have also been used over thousands of years in spiritual practice.

A drop of oil can be essential

The oil is steam distilled using the wood and twigs and currently in Aromatherapy Cedarwood atlas is used for-

* respiratory ailments – coughs, colds, bronchitis as it is a great expectorant

* in a sitz bath to address kidney and bladder including cystitis – it’s an astringent oil

* as a tonic for stress and anxiety (yes we say this about many oils so it goes to prove a few drops of distilled nature really can change your focus and make you feel better)

* as an astringent for oily skin and on the flip side to also treat dry and flaky conditions like dry scalp, dandruff and also to ease symptoms of psoriasis

Abundance is a state of being

I love to use this oil to stimulate connection to spirit and to inspire acknowledgement of the abundance all around us. If the resins of this tree were used in the mummification process to help souls live for ever after death, I see it as a sign that our abundance is ever flowing in all states of existence.

Nurture Yourself NOW!

Posted on May 29, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Dear natural scent lovers, nurture yourself NOW! It’s a practice in compassion – compassion towards your deserving self. I’m talking to you.

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

Barnes & Noble Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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

love and nurture yourself now!

If you’ve ever flown in a plane you will have watched the flight attendants demonstrate how to put a life jacket on and how to fit an oxygen mask on your face. They say it’s very important to fit the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first before you attend to your children and anyone else.

Why?

Are you more important than your child or another person on the plane?

No.

It’s because YOU are required to be breathing and functioning so that you CAN attend to your children and others. If you aren’t taking control of your own needs first, the results could be worse.

Take care of yourself firdt

Nurture yourself. That’s the message. Leon Nacson from Hay House, an author of dream books has mentioned this a few times at Hay House events in Australia. It has always stuck with me, and the more clients I treat the more I realise (generally speaking) we don’t nurture ourselves very well at all.

How are we to evolve into a kind, peaceful, loving society if we rarely treat ourselves with peace and kindness?

Please take time to have a massage, an aromatherapy treatment, some acupuncture, a facial, a pedicure or anything else you can think of.

Take time to explore why you have come to earth at this particular time. We need everyone here, now, to make a positive contribution to the oneness we are a part of. To contribute more to your family, your neighbourhood, your country, your planet you need to be feeling GOOD. You need to be feeling alive, vital, relaxed and stress free.

be peaceful in your everyday life

Your contribution may not be anything physical, but could simply mean being more kind to an elderly neighbour, or smile and look people in the eye walking down the street. It could mean meditating and radiating your energy into everything you do in your day. The benefits will expand exponentially, and you will be an important part of the evolution of human consciousness.

aaahhhhh essential oils

Using essential oils is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and enliven your mind and spirit. One drop could make the difference between a day, and a wonderful day.

Chuck a bottle of something in your bag and when you need to feel and be nurtured, take the cap off the top and have a huge whiff. Just start there. Practice nurturing yourself everyday and watch the amazing results.

We need you to be paying attention.

I often end my articles with this statement…..

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Essential Oils for Emotional Freak-outs

Posted on May 27, 2013 by suzannerbanks

It’s ok if you are freaking out – grab a bottle of essential oil

Sometimes we just have a meltdown. Freak out. Lose it. Feel completely overwhelmed, and wonder how we can go on. It times like these that essential oils really become ESSENTIAL!

But also, it’s times like these that we feel so weak the idea of getting an essential oil out and taking a big whiff is just too hard.

A drop of oil can be essential

Phone a friend. Seek some solace in a chat with someone and if that’s not possible then try to take some time out to gather yourself. Don’t be afraid to go home early from work if you aren’t coping – or don’t go to work at all. Close the bedroom door if the kids are driving you to distraction. It’s ok to have some time to yourself and remember

“this time too shall pass”

If you are the friend that is there to help, here are some essential oil tips to help someone consolidate their energy and regain strength. This also applies to kids having a raging tantrum too.

beautiful roses

Rose

The Queen of Oils will bring softness and nurturing to the emotions and is the perfect freak-out tonic. Also wonderful for grief, rose oil helps the body deal with heat and inflammation – including hot feelings and an internal meltdown.

A drop of rose oil on the temples will be soothing and calming but remember the most important thing is to SMELL the oil so it can go to work on the brain and nervous systems quickly. For more info please see my article “Stop and Smell the Roses”.

Rose oil could be used for prolonged periods of time to aid in recovery and to re-establish equilibrium.

Marjoram is a calming herb

Marjoram

Marjoram is sedating oil and perfect for some who’s crying and can’t stop. It is an oil I use to treat pain – muscle pain and emotional pain and is also another good oil for grief.

Combined with Lavender, Marjoram is the oil for acute pain and for stroking the energetic body into calm. This herb is a must have for anyone who’s into aromatherapy as its inexpensive and powerful. For more hints on herbal essential oils check out “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular!”

lovely lavender

Lavender

This is the all round everything oil. I actually would use this for ANYTHING. The only time I would consider not using this oil is if a client doesn’t like the scent.

Lavender is calming and soothing and is an oil for solidarity and strength too. Lavender is a herb and belongs to the same family as Marjoram so they work well together. For more info on Lavender see my article Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe

Hairy vetiver root

Vetiver

Oh yeah, one drop of this can bring a screaming child to calm quite quickly. It’s very heavy, cool scent can be a bit sickly so when it is used in aromatherapy it is used sparingly. A little goes a long way because of its power. Deep, Cool, Grounding Vetiver will give you some more hints on this amazing oil.

Vetiver helps align the meridians and bring focus where there was none. It “grounds” someone instantly when their head is up in the ether.

It’s important to look after yourself and your friends too.

Use your intention when you are using essential oils so they carry the energetic vibration of positivity.

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

Posted on May 22, 2013 by suzannerbanks

cardamom

I remember drinking cardamom chai in India, the scent and taste has never left me. It was sweet, spicy and warm. Warm in temperature of course but also warm in energy. I love using this spice oil in formulation for clients and also on myself.

In Ayurvedic medicine cardamom is considered to be “tridoshic” which means it helps balance all 3 doshas – Vata, Kapha and Pitta. It is used to aid digestion, help with bronchial disorders and generally cleanse the blood and the body. It is warming and helps the flow of energy around the body.

In Ayurvedic Aromatherapy the essential oil of cardamom is used for the same things and is wonderful for bringing joy and an open heart. Having an open heart allows us to engage with others on a genuine level and mirrors the flow of energy and prana when the spice itself is used as medicine.

vital flow of prana

When should I use cardamom oil as a treatment?

* low energy

* feeling stuck emotionally and mentally

* to improve digestion and stimulate appetite

* upset stomach or not being able to digest change and new ideas

* feeling cold physically and emotionally

* feeling emotionally shut down/closed heart

* wanting to move on from a relationship break-up

* improving libido and bringing a feeling of sensuality

* for family harmony and for a party

a client’s oil formulation

Try these recipes:

1. Nourishing Body Oil

For more detailed info read “Aromatherapy Body Oil – It’s as Easy as 1 2 3”.

To 3 teaspoons of carrier oil add these oils and smooth the blend all over your body:

“Bon Appetite”

To help with digestion and improve appetite.

Cardamom 2 drops

Fennel 2 drops

Orange 3 drops

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“I’m Bringing Sexy Back”

To get in the mood.

Cardamom 2 drops

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

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“Tai Chi”

To get your energy going.

Cardamom 3 drops

Rosemary 1 drop

Rosewood 3 drops

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anoint with a drop of ol

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!

“Smouldering”

Open your lower chakras.

Cardamom 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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“My Heart is Open”

Speaks for itself really.

Cardamom 1 drop

Rose 3% 6 drops

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“Yum”

Increase appetite and joy in eating.

Cardamom 1 drop

Grapefruit 2 drops

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steam inhalation

3. Steam

Add a few drops of cardamom to a bowl, add boiling water, then breathe through your mouth to relieve bronchial issues.

Add a few drops of cardamom to the bottom of your shower (cover the drain with your foot or a cloth) and allow the oils to embrace you and ignite your energy.

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Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Balneotherapy – Let’s Create Our Own Using Essential Oils!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Mystic Hot Springs Utah via thesoakinglife.com

Balneotherapy – what is it?

It encompasses many aspects of bathing including soaking in mineral enriched waters in natural springs (either hot or cold or both); it may also include massage while in a bath and may also have added extras like clays and essential oils. The water may be hot or cold or both.

While it is not hydrotherapy, the title balneotherapy is basically about bathing in water, and all its variations.

Rotorua hot pools enriched with sulphur

There are many amazing natural springs all over the world, including the incredible pools in Rotorua, New Zealand which have a very high sulphur content, and a very high sulphuric scent too. Nature is a wonderful thing, but if we can’t get to a hot spring once a week, I’ve decided that we can create our own balneotherapy treatment schedule. If you don’t have a bath use a bucket and soak your feet and legs instead. It wont be as fabulous but you’ll be amazed at how much difference it can make.

This regime will:

* relax your muscles

* help your body unwind

* soften and improve the look of your skin

* hydrate your body

* increase flow in your lymphatic system to help rid your body of a build up of toxins

* cleanse and balance your energetic body

* allow your mind to release stress

* allow space for change and creation

TIPS:

Don’t make the bath too hot. It’s better to add more hot water if necessary. Soak for 15 minutes minimum.

Sometimes essential oils can sting the skin when mixed with a hot bath. If you find you feel a bit prickly, then smooth a carrier oil like almond, all over your skin (when you get out of the bath) to disperse the essential oil.

3 Week Balneotherapy Course (In Your own Home)

sea salt

Week 1 “DETOX” – 2 baths

Try and have the baths a few days apart but if that wont work just do it whenever you can.

Bath 1

To a bath add 2 cups of sea salt either Dead Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt

with

Lavender 6 drops

Juniper 4 drops (add the oils to the salt first)

++++

To a foot bath add 3/4 cup of Dead Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt

with

Lavender 3 drop

Juniper 2 drop

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

Bath 2

To a bath add 2 cups of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts)

with

Eucalyptus 4 drops

Rosewood 6 drops (add the oils to the salt first)

++++

To a foot bath add 3/4 cup of magnesium sulphate

and

Eucalyptus 2 drop

Rosewood 3 drop

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

clay bath or a mud bath?

Week 2 “NURTURE” – 2 baths

Bath 1

To a bath add 1 cup of white clay

with

Rose 3 % 18 drops

Bergamot 4 drops (add the oils to the clay first)

++++

To a foot bath add 1/4 cup of white clay

with

Rose 3% 9 drops

Bergamot 2 drops

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

Bath 2

To a bath add 1 can of coconut milk (high fat)

with

Geranium 6 drops

Marjoram 4 drops (add the oils to the milk first)

++++

To a foot bath add 1/2 can coconut milk

with

Geranium 3 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

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

a petal bath – looks great but the cleaning -UGH!

Week 3 “CREATE” – 2 baths

Bath 1

To a bath add a bunch of fresh mixed herbs including coriander, basil, marjoram and thyme. You wont need any essential oils as the oils from the herbs will make an infusion.

To a foot bath add the same bunch, but just a bit less.

** This may be quite stimulating so try not to do it right before bed

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

Bath 2

To a bath add a 4 or 5 herbal tea bags. It could be plain chamomile, or a relaxing blended tea. If you have loose leaf tea that’s even better, just put it in a stocking, a piece of fine material or a larger infuser.

To a foot bath add the same as above, but just a bit less (2 teabags should be enough)

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

3 weeks of balneotherapy to nurture your body, open your mind and connect with your spirit.

I’m going to do this course and report on my findings. If you’d like to try it I’d love to hear from you.

Good Luck!

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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