10 Recipes with Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens

Posted on October 8, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

10 Recipes with Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens

Cypress is a conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family

I love this oil!

Clean, crisp, light and green, the essential oil of Cypress takes us back to the time of stories in religious books – the Bible, The Torah and many others we have probably never seen. It is an old family of trees and shrubs and there are many species spanning the globe. These wonderful trees have been known to last thousands of years (the word sempervirens means “ever-living” says Aromatherapist Salvatore Battaglia), and according to Wikipedia this cypress is …

“also known as Italian, Tuscan, or Graveyard Cypress, or Pencil Pine) is a species of cypressnative to the eastern Mediterranean region, in northeast Libya, southern Albania, southeast Greece (Crete, Rhodes), southern Turkey, Cyprus, Northern Egypt, western Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Malta, Italy, western Jordan, and also a disjunct population in Iran.”

In Australia we have a cypress that is called Australian Blue Cypress, which has a deep blue hue to the essential oil. It is a different species to the classic cypress used in Aromatherapy, and you can read more about it here.

Ok so in Aromatherapy cypress is used

* to release excess water from the body

* to tonify veins

* help the symptoms of coughs and lung disorders like asthma and bronchitis

I like to use this oil to expand consciousness and help someone move from ego into spirit. It has a wonderful quality to help us move through overwhelming human situations, allowing us to see the truth.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Oils are nourishing for your body

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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

“Lovely Legs”

Help the noticeable veins be less noticeable –

Cypress 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

German Chamomle 3% 4 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

“Tone”

Feel a little more pulled-together –

Cypress 3 drops

Mandarin 3 drops

Juniper 2 drops

“I Need a Miracle”

Cypress 2 drops

Petitgrain 2 drops

Geranium 2 drops

Rosewood 2 drops

“Ancient Knowledge”

Cypress 2 drops

Sandalwood Indian 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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!)

“Renew My Vibe”

Cypress 12 drops

Lemongrass 6 drops

Lime 6 drops

Rosemary 3 drops

“I’m Expecting a Miracle Here”

Cypress 10 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

Marjoram 4 drops

Cinnamon 3 drops

“Get Outta My Way (Very Subtlely)”

Cypress 8 drops

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 4 drops

Palmarosa 4 drops

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

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!

“Crisp Day”

Cypress 2 drops

May chang 1 drop

“Cool Night”

Cypress 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

“Just for Me”

Cypress 1 drop

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

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

Dharma & Work

Posted on October 6, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Chapter 8

Dharma & Work

Another look in between the covers of my book

What we do every day has far-reaching energetic waves

Have you ever heard the word dharma before? It is a Sanskrit word and it denotes, not only our jobs and work, but where we fit in the world and how we achieve our spirit’s desires.

“It can include religion, social justice, jobs, awareness, thoughts and deeds, and relates to our true place in the cosmic process. It means more than what we do for work, it speaks to the more profound meaning of our souls”

Suzanne

To find your true place in the world start using essential oils. The practice of aromatherapy will help you open your upper chakras to divine intelligence, and allow you to fulfill your destiny (by giving you the confidence to move beyond your perceived limits).

If you are actually looking for a new job, add a few drops of essential oils to your job hunting exercises and allow your ego to step back. Add your intention and trust the perfect job is already there for you – just catch up to it!

Black pepper

Black pepper

This wonderful spice makes a beautiful essential oil, and although you may need to take care with the amounts you use (too much can harm the skin), don’t be afraid to take a whiff from the bottle, add it to your vapouriser, or put a couple of drops into an oil blend for your body.

Black pepper is all about taking action. it will help you gain courage to pursue your dreams!

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives”

Annie Dillard, Author

So how do you spend your days? In a job you hate, desperate for each holiday, but you’re hanging in there because the money is good?

Or are you throwing away the demands and expectations of western society and pursuing your dreams, so in turn you may inspire others to do the same? This may sound selfish but in doing this you are adding another extra surge of energy to our evolution.

Petitgrain is a green citrus with an uplifting scent

Petitgrain

Petitgrain is also an oil of happiness as it helps relieve anxiety and tension. To me it is the promise of good things to come.

“When you can be a bit more relaxed about the search for your purpose in this world, more opportunities will present themselves to you. Find new opportunities, new projects, new thoughts and feelings, new rituals and a new outlook with petitgrain”

Suzanne

Please spend your days, or at least some time each day, with your true desires to be revealed to you through your work. Sometimes it may just be the case of renewed passion for the job you currently have – and then its easy! By using essential oils daily, the scent will transform your soul and you will have no choice but to follow your dreams.

To find out what other oils can help you find your dharma, click on one of the links below.

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Thanks everyone.

Scents for the Spring/Autumn Equinox

Posted on October 1, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Scents for the Spring/Autumn Equinox

Sorry I’m a week too late for the equinox but it’s never too late to start using essential oils.

So for some of us its spring. Yay for us!

Beautiful spring blossoms

Which oils are our oils?

Jasmine

sweet syrupy floral, deep base scent, sensuality and sexuality, promise of good things to come

This is the perfect oil for spring as it bursts forth heralding the last of winter. When I see the jasmine starting to come alive on the streets of Sydney I get very, very excited. I’m happy because I know the scent will surround me, and I’m happy because winter has gone. Bye. See ya. Don’t come back for at least another year.

The great thing about jasmine oil is that you’ll usually find it in a 3% dilution (mainly due to the fact that is an expensive oil to make). This means use it straight from the bottle as a perfume and bewitch the world with your feminine wiles! See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

Lemongrass

sticky lemon scent with a grassy twist, energising, happiness, let’s go summer!

I love lemongrass as it’s inexpensive, can be found almost anywhere, and gives us a bit of extra energy. Perfect for shaking of the winter blahs.

The best way to use lemongrass to increase your energy level is to make a 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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”)

try

Lemongrass 3 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan 2 drops

Orange 2 drops

And for others it’s autumn. Yay for you!

The stunning rich tones of autumn

Which oils are your oils?

Fennel

liquorice type scent, be kind to yourself, self nourishment, warm and calming

Fennel is a beautiful oil to embrace in autumn when the vegetable is in season too. It is an oil that’s great for warming and helping digestion, and for deconstructing chest catarrh. It also has a very soft and calming feel to it and works well with so many different oils.

Try scenting your space by putting 25 drops of oil into a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser.

try

Fennel 8 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Geranium 5 drops

Frankincense

clear and crisp scent, induces deeper slower breathing, gently calm down after a lovely summer

Frankincense helps us look within and be calm. Take some deep breaths of the cooling autumn air to let your body know winter is coming. It is a time of being thankful for the lovely summer, and to plant spiritual seeds for the future. Invite meditation into your space with an aura cleansing mist containing frankincense.

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

try

Frankincense 14 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

Lavender is the most versatile essential oil we have and it can be used all through the year

And of course use lavender all year round!

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Love

Posted on September 29, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Chapter 7

Love

Another look in between the covers of my book

Heart is the symbol for all love

Essential oils for love could be any oil you like really. In my book I have listed some oils in the section for love that inspire and move me to feel more open and compassionate. Love is a small word for a big concept ….

“Any of the oils I relate to love, can be used on any level of intention – personal to universal, micro to macro. And you must remember to use your intention to invoke feelings through the essential oils. This also gives you more of choice when creating a potion. if you really love, love, love lemongrass oil, why not use it to inspire romance (even if its traditional use is quite different?). ”

That’s me quoting myself. Hehehehe

So here’s a couple of oils I associate with love.

A jasmine blossom in Sydney – pic by me

Jasmine

sensuality

Ah the sweet scent of jasmine rides on the promise of spring. The world opens up to us again after winter with this little white blossom that contains powerful data.

“One sniff, one drop, will bring to the surface your desires for love and intimate connection with another.”

Yep I’m quoting myself again …….

Jasmine is a very basey smelling oil, and this deep syrupy scent can stir your 2nd chakra – the energy centre for sexual desire. You will most likely find this oil in a 3% blend so it’s perfect to use straight from the bottle as a perfume. See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

Palmarosa is a grass similar to lemongrass

Palmarosa

new ideas about love

“If you desire a new romantic partner, but your methods to date are not really working, give palmarosa a go in a mist or moisturiser. Maybe you need some new ideas about love and romance? Perhaps you need to look at how you love yourself, so someone else can too?”

Another quote from my book

Palmarosa belongs to the Poaceae family that includes lemongrass and citronella. It is very interesting to note that the scents of lemon and rose are quite closely linked. So when you smell citronella you can detect the geraniol in it as well as the limonene. Palmarosa is more rosey scented, but still has a tart undercurrent of grass. When I think of palmarosa I think “flexibilty”.

Mmmmmm sweet love hearts

Love, love, love. It’s a big topic and includes so many aspects and angles. Maybe you are trying to express more love to those around you.

Maybe you need to love yourself more.

Maybe you just want a lover.

Wherever you stand in your life, essential oils will help you open to become a channel for the oneness of the universe.

To find out what other oils I include in the Love chapter of my book, click on one of these links.

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Thanks x

Palo Santo – I Tried to Like You But I Didn’t, Sorry

Posted on September 24, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Palo Santo – I Tried to Like You But I Didn’t, Sorry

The spindly tree Palo Santo

About this time last year, Palo Santo popped into my world. Within a week or two, a friend had asked about it and one of my readers here on the blog also mentioned it in one of her blends. I’d never used it nor had I really heard much about this oil. So my interest was sparked and I did a bit of research to find –

* it belongs to the Family “Burseraceae” of which frankincense and myrrh also belong, and it definitely shows in its form and the fact that it’s a desert dwelling tree and looks just like a frankincense or myrrh tree

* according to Wikipedia the Burseraceae family has also been called the incense tree family

* its sort of like the South American sandalwood, as the scented wood is used to make incense and of course essential oil

* it is used in the Americas more than in Europe or Asia

* it has been used for healing in communities in South American countries for many years and has a strong place in their folklore too

* spiritual and healing ceremonies often used the smoke of the burning wood to purify bad or stagnating energy (similar to indigenous Australians using tea tree branches, and Native American Indians using sage for smudging)

* my friend who studied in Thailand was told it was good for increasing sexual drive and raising kundalini

The dried wood can be burnt directly

“It is widely used in folk medicine for stomach ache, as sudorific, and as liniment for rheumatism. Aged heartwood is rich in terpenes such as limonene and α-terpineol.” Wikipedia

As it is very high in limonene one would expect a lemon scent (if only slightly), but the mix of molecules makes for a very deep, earthy, heady scent indeed!

I bought a couple of bottles from a small environmentally focused company in Ecuador and I was feeling very international and slightly self-important when I placed the order. I was excited to receive and smell this intriguing oil of history and healing in many South American cultures including Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, and on the Galapagos islands.

Then it arrived. It probably didn’t help that I was unwell at the time. I ripped open the bag to find a cute little wooden box. Opened the box, cracked the lid, took a huge whiff and almost vomited. It has an earthy, rich, almost truffle scent, which is pungent and warm.

I could end the story right there, but I put it away in the oil cupboard until my friend dropped in for a blend. A week or two later she came by to collect her bottle of oil (she had actually experienced this oil in a yoga teacher training place in Thailand!)

She was excited. I wasn’t.

50 ml bespoke body oil made by me

I made her oil blend and put 6 drops of Palo Santo in 150mls with a few other oils. Months later she reported that her body oil blend was beautiful, but now I’m scarred for life!

The weather is warming up and I’ve started to smell the Palo Santo wafting from my studio. It has managed to penetrate the triple bubble wrapping.

It is POWERFUL.

Use with caution!

Ay comments on this interesting oil are welcomed.

10 Recipes with Vetiver Essential Oil

Posted on September 10, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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10 Recipes with Vetiver Essential Oil

: Hairy vetiver root

Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides) is steam distilled from the root or “rhizome” of the plant. As you can see from the pic above the rhizome is hairy and fine, exposing as much surface area as possible to the surrounding soil. This scent of vetiver is similar to damp soil, although this is a simplification. It is an essential oil that is used extensively in perfume as a “fixative”; bringing all the scents together and binding or fixing them into a cohesive blend. It is used in many scents for men due it’s strong, deep, smoky aroma- but having said that it is also used in women’s perfumes too.

: less IS more via zazzle.com

In aromatherapy it is therapeutically used for many things, and is also used the bind a formula together. I would use 1 drop of vetiver in a formula to make this possible. The most important thing to remember about vetiver is that the scent is so strong, less is more!

One drop is enough in a small oil blend for your body.

Vetiver is sometimes referred to as “The Oil of Tranquility”, especially in India where it is commonly used, and produced. If you just remember this little phrase you will automatically know what to use vetiver oil for – relaxing, de-stressing and being tranquil. It can also be used in hair care and skincare as a moisturiser for dryness.

Let’s check out some recipes;

1. Nourishing Body Oil

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

“Crocodile Skin”

Remove the scaliness –

Lavender 3 drops

Palmarosa 3 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

“Softly, Gently”

Calm yourself down by oiling yourself up –

Lemon 3 drops

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

Vetiver 1 drop

“Head in the Clouds”

Bring yourself down to earth and get “grounded” –

Lemongrass 3 drops

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

Vetiver 1 drop

2. Hair Mask

Warm 3 teaspoons of oil (either olive or jojoba) and add 7 to 8 drops of essential oil. Massage into your hair from the ends up. Wrap your hair in a towel (or some plastic wrap then a towel). Leave for 1 hour, or overnight, then wash and condition as usual. This is the same ratio for a body oil blend and for more info see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

Rosemary 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Orange 2 drops

Vetiver 2 drops

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Slow it Down Sister”

Chill, be calm

Marjoram 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Spearmint 7 drops

Vetiver 2 drops

“Kids. Driving. Me. Nuts. Help”

Petitgrain 10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Peru Balsam 6 drops

Vetiver 3 drops

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Givin Myself Some Room”

Allow time to relax –

Rosewood 8 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

Ylang Ylang 4 drops

Cinnamon 4 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

“Serenity NOW!”

Orange 10 drops

Rose Geranium 8 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan 5 drops

Vetiver 2 drops

“Sweet Sleep”

Lavender 9 drops

Lime 8 drops

Marjoram 6 drops

Vetiver 2 drops

5. Soak in a bath

I don’t often recommend adding too many essential oils to a bath as they are difficult to disperse and can cause minor skin irritations when combined with the heat of the water. If you do like to use them in a bath, try 4 -6 drops in total and add the drops to another medium like sea salt, coconut milk, other milks or a water dispersible agent.

“Finally Me Time”

Frankincense 3 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Argan Oil – “Liquid Gold”

Posted on August 18, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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Argan Oil – “Liquid Gold”

The argan fruit - pic via theparakeetslounge.com

The argan fruit – pic via wsj.com Johnny Greig

Argan oil has become increasingly popular in the west in the past few years. The tree is native to south-western Morocco where it happily exits in drought conditions and is perfect for semi-arid soil. The native tree, Argania spinosa also helps prevent soil erosion and even provides the perfect resting spot for goats. In 2007 UNESCO added this wonderful tree to the endangered species act, but since then Morocco has planted many more argan trees to cope with demand. A body was established in 2002 specifically to regenerate the “Arganerie”, which refers to the native populations of trees in Morocco. At this stage I can’t seem to find if the UNESCO ruling has been altered, but the positive effects of new plantations of argan trees has already been felt, especially in regards to employing women.

These tree-dwelling goats love the argan tree

The oil comes from the kernels in the fruit which are split open by hand, mainly by local women. It is labour intensive which is one of the reasons the oil is more expensive than other oils such sunflower, grapeseed and almond, for example.

Sometimes referred to as liquid gold, the oil is high in oleic acid, similar to olive oil. The kernels are roasted if the oil is intended for culinary use (again, in similar ways to oilve oil in the Mediterranean region), but is left natural when the oil is to be sold for cosmetic uses.

Argan oil is used in many hair care products – pic via aloversanthology.com

Argan oil has really made an impact in hair care, but as with any cold pressed oil, it’s great for skincare too. I recently watched a YouTube instructional video by Aromatherapist Danielle Ryman. She makes her facial serum with almost all argan oil, only a few drops of rosehip oil and of course some essential oils. I also have a locally made face serum that contains, but is not limited to, argan oil. I haven’t used this oil straight on my face like I would with rosehip oil – but now I really want to!

You can almost see the oil in the flesh inside the kernel

We must ensure that our demand helps build Morocco and not rape it of its natural resources. Maybe we are so desperate for new things, driven by our consumer attitudes, that we are always looking for the next best thing. Argan oil seems to fit the bill perfectly and various websites claims many properties. We must not forget that many carrier oils do the same thing, so as long as it’s sustainable, embrace this wonderful oil and try it in your new formulas. You could use this oil for –

* warm oil hair masks

* warm oil facial treatments

* face and body oil blends

* cuticle and nail treatments

and just about anything else you can think of.

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

10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help You Be a Much Happier Person

Posted on August 13, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

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10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help You Be a Much Happier Person

Essential oils can make you happier

How can essential oils make you happier?

1. They smell deliciously like nature intended, no cheap alcohols, no additives, no synthetics therefore you can expect a more pure experience of bliss via mother earth

2. Essential oils effect different parts of the brain to positively enhance moods, and also effect hormone production leading to a body that matches good feelings

3. They can change your focus in 3 seconds – from ugh to ah

4. Essential oils are coded molecules of information, carried by natural scent, and with one whiff, your brain can be transformed by this data into a more cohesive mind

5. Their energy contains magic, and effects the subtle energies of the body, expanding your experience of self and leading to a happier you

Happy shiny people - pic via www.breathezy.com

Happy shiny people use essential oils- pic via http://www.breathezy.com

So let’s check out some easy-peasy recipes to help get your happy on!

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

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Let’s All Get Along….OK?”

Be nice to each other –

Palmarosa 10 drops

Orange 8 drops

Geranium 7 drops

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

“Get Yourself Happy First”

Mandarin 8 drops

Lemongrass 8 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Cedarwood Himalayan 3 drops

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

“Release the Day, Embrace Your Soul”

Let go of the blah –

Juniper 6 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

Rose Geranium 7 drops

Clary Sage 4 drops

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

A warm oil mask can work wonders for an unhappy camper – pic via anshayurveda.com

2. Facial Oil Treatment

Mix one or two drops of essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier oil. You can warm the oil slightly first if desired – it will be very relaxing! Massage your face and rest for 10 minutes. You can also place a cool or warm wet facecloth on your face as a compress over the oil mask. Remove excess oil with a tissue or cloth.

Olive oil 1 teaspoon

Geranium 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

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

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

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

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff straight from the bottle, but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

Petitgrain 3 drops

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

a client’s oil formulation

4. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

“Tra La La”

Get your body happy too –

Lemon 3 drops

Rosewood 4 drops

Basil 1 drop

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

“Smiles”

Smile and the world will be your oyster –

Pink Grapefruit 4 drops

Jasmine 3% in jojoba 8 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Grateful”

Be grateful and you WILL be happier –

Lavender 3 drops

Peru Balsam 4 drops

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

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

5. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Weeeeeeeeee”

A little squeal of delight never hurt anybody –

Lime 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

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

“Wowsa”

Be amazed –

Neroli 3% straight from the bottle * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

Posted on July 28, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Hello natural beauties and scent lovers everywhere! I’ve written this article just to remind you about general ratios when blending essential oil. Always err on the side of caution and use your intuition too.

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I love glass measuring equipment but you don’t need anything like this to make a blend

I have written about this before but I think we need a reminder of the correct ratios to employ when making aromatherapy skin care, baths, face masks, hair masks and anything else you can think of. I’ll also include the amounts to use in vapourisers and oil burners.

It is important to be exact and err on the side of caution when using essential oils on your skin.

It is not important to be exact when you are using essential oils in a vapouriser to scent a space.

Officially it is not recommended you use essential oils on your skin directly from the bottle!

Body oils make lovely legs

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil (approx 15 mls) in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. This is a standard ratio of 2.5% essential oils to carrier oil.

20 mls 10 drops

25 mls 12 drops

30 mls 15 drops

35 mls 17 drops

40 mls 20 drops

45 mls 22 drops

50 mls 25 drops

***** 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.

(Also see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3” for more info)

Any mist bottle will do – although the heavier the plastic in the pump the longer it will last

2. Mist – For a Room or as a Personal Aura Mist

The same quantities as above. You can add more if you like but remember not to spray near your eyes.

50 mls 25 drops

100 mls 50 drops

150 mls 75 drops

200 mls 100 drops

Almost fill the bottle with water then add your oils. Shake before you mist. I don’t use emulsifying agents as I like to keep it simple. You can even just buy a mist bottle from a supermarket but once a plastic atomiser top and bottle have been used for essential oils you can’t re-use them (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!)

Don’t fill up the bottle with water and mist your plants as the residue may kill them.

Any carrier oil will be a good base for an oil mask

3. An Oil Blend (or mask) for Your Face, Children and In Pregnancy

Use half the above ratio – 1.25% ratio of essential oils to carrier oil.

20 mls 5 drops

25 mls 6 drops

30 mls 7 drops

35 mls 8 drops

40 mls 10 drops

45 mls 11 drops

50 mls 12 drops

***** 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.

Pregnancy – Some oils are not recommended in pregnancy so it’s best to do some research if you are treating yourself, or ask the advice of an Aromatherapist. I have treated many women through multiple pregnancies and have had great results. The truth is that there are probably many more toxic chemicals in their home environments than essential oils but always use caution!

Children – Same for kids. They respond really well to essential oils but only use oils they like the smell of otherwise you may create a negative experience. You will have more positive results if you create a room/personal mist and gently mist around your child so they treatment is more fun and likely to work quickly. See my articles for more info on babies and kids – Essential Oils and Babies – Do They Go Together? and Essential Oils and Children – Do They Go Together?

Be careful when adding essential oils to your bath

4. In Baths

I would only use up to 6 drops of oil in a bath. I have tried many natural emulsification agents but none work 100%. I like to put the oils into mediums, then add them to the bath. Try adding your oils into –

Dead Sea Salt

Celtic Sea Salt

Coconut milk

Magnesium Salt (Epsom salts)

Bi-Carb Soda

A Natural Bodywash/liquid soap like Castille Soap

** I don’t recommend using essential oils in the bath with kids as it can sting their legs. The oils combined with the heat of the water can be too strong for their beautiful skin. (See me article “Aunty, something is biting my legs” – 10 things NOT to do when using Essential Oils” for more info).

Enjoy the process!

10 Recipes with Himalayan Cedarwood – Cedrus deodora

Posted on July 23, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Stunning pic of Himalayan cedarwood via www.efloras.org credit KK Shrestha

Stunning pic of Himalayan cedarwood via http://www.efloras.org credit KK Shrestha

Himalayan cedarwood has a deep history in Hindu traditions, as a tree that creates sacred forests, spurring a closer connection to Shiva through meditation. In Ayurveda the oil has been used to treat bronchial and lung disorders, urinary tract infections and to release fluid from the body. The oil is also considered a spiritual oil which helps to expand consciousness. In modern aromatherapy it is used for the same issues, and has a much softer, creamier scent than Atlas cedarwood or Virginian cedarwood (which is actually a juniper tree).

Let’s check out some recipes –

Face mask it!

1. Face Mask

Usually I add 1 or 2 drops of oil to 2 teaspoons of clay, and add water, floral water or hydrosol. Keep the mask on for 5 minutes then rinse off with cool water. Mist with a hydrosol or floral water and moisturise.

Great for oily or acne skin add 1 drop of Himalayan cedarwood to some pink clay for a clarifying and toning mask.

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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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

“I’m the One and Only”

Respect yourself –

Himalayan cedarwood 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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“Forest of Dreams”

Click into the vibes of the sacred Deodora forests –

Himalayan cedarwood 2 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

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“Energy Now!”

Himalayan cedarwood 3 drops

Lemongrass 4 drops

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

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Portable Sacred Space”

Himalayan cedarwood 8 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

May Chang 4 drops

Sage 3 drops

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“Meditation Anywhere”

Himalayan cedarwood 6 drops

Frankincense 12 drops

Lime 7 drops

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“Overthinking, 0: Feeling, 1”

Himalayan cedarwood 8 drops

Peru balsam 8 drops

Ginger 4 drops

Geranium 4 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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!

“Thankful”

Himalayan cedarwood 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

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“Changing my Epi-Genetic Markers”

Himalayan cedarwood 1 drop

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

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“Inter Stellar Travel”

Himalayan cedarwood 1 drop

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

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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: nourishing aromatherapy body oil

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Argan Oil – “Liquid Gold”

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