The World – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The World XXI - from the Rider-Waite deck

The World XXI – from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah this is a lovely card and you don’t have to be a genius to know it has a good vibe about it. It is the last card – 21- in the Major Arcana which signifies completion, success and happiness. The journey through all the other cards has been up and down and you have come a long way through all those trials to a happy ending.

If The World card comes to you and you don’t resonate with success then maybe you need to look back at where you were last year and celebrate the little achievements along the way. It could mean that you are about to finally see success manifested in your life.

The World may also mean an era coming to an end with new beginnings in sight, or just over the horizon. It is a happy card and our lady is surrounded by a never-ending wreath which could also indicate winning. The wreath is tied at the top and the bottom with a lemniscate which is the infinite flow of life. This is a time to rejoice and acknowledge yourself.

Infinity - also called the Holy Lemniscate

Infinity – also called the Holy Lemniscate

It is not a time of reflection or change, it is a time of celebration. Maybe you are actually going out into the world to travel, or launch yourself into the world with new skills that you have acquired.

Rejoice, be confident have a party.

What oils could embody the feeling of The World card? Maybe you want to invoke this feeling or you could be in this moment right now. Here are some oils and recipes to try along side this powerful card –

sniffing bottle of oil

sniffing a bottle of oil

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cedarwood Virginian – you are living your dharma

Cedarwood Atlas – connect to the abundance of success all around you

Lime – woo hoo you are happy – acknowledge your efforts

Petitgrain – if you are not feeling outwardly successful this will help connect to the potential of manifestation

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“I’ve got the Power”

Success!

Black pepper  1 drop

Mandarin        1 drop

Melissa 3%    3 drops

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

“The Little Engine that Could”

You’re almost there – you can do it!

Sandalwood Australian  1 drop

Geranium                       1 drop

Peru balsam                   1 drop

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

essential oil diffuser

essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Thank you, Me”

Give yourself praise for all the little things you’ve achieved –

Lavender         8 drops

Bergamot       12 drops

Palmarosa       5 drops

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

“Let’s Have a Kiki”

Celebrate with a party vibe in your home –

Orange             10 drops

Ylang Ylang       5 drops

Pine                   5 drops

Rose geranium  5 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Devil – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Devil - XV from the Rider-Waite deck

The Devil – XV from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah yes the Devil! Number 15 in the Major Arcana of a tarot deck.

As INXS sings “devil inside, devil inside, every single one of us the devil inside”.

We have good and bad within us. We have “God” and “The Devil” inside us. As we move through life and experiences we align ourselves with certain feelings and emotions – even archetypes. So what would it mean if The Devil showed up in a reading?

At first it’s a little scary. As with many of the tarot cards we need to look further into the symbols and art to see what the card is trying to tell us. This card could easily represent your addictions which could include drugs, smoking, being addicted to a type of person or relationship that is not good for us. It’s about the addictions we know are not good for us, but we allow them to rule our life because of the short term gratification. In the card to people stand with the half man-half goat (the devil) with chains around their neck. The chains are loose, and they could actually remove the chains themselves and walk away. But they don’t. They have lost their own power to the devil (or addiction).

Are you addicted to something? via perthnow.com.au

Are you addicted to something?
via perthnow.com.au

It’s a card about exercising your free will and choice. When the devil comes to you it could mirror your addiction, or be the message that makes you see you need to let go of the toxic things in your life.

A general feeling of unhappiness and helplessness could surround you, as you feel you have lost your way and have no idea how to create positive change in your life. Once again it’s about empowering yourself to be able to make the changes you want and to stop blaming things or people “out there”, and start a detox regime to let go of toxins. Add some self-love into the mix and you will be able gain the momentum you need to realise you have ultimately had the power all along.

You have the power to release addictions and choose via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

You have the power to release addictions and choose via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

Like The Hanged Man this card is also trying to tell you to look for where you are stagnating in your life. be assured you can overcome this feeling of being stuck but you must exercise your will!

Try these essential oils recipes to release addictions and unhappiness –

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Happy Happy Happy”

Get some good vibes going –

Orange                10 drops

Rose Geranium      7 drops

Lemongrass          8 dropsspiken

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

“I CAN Do It”

Have a little faith in yourself –

Spikenard             5 drops

Peru Balsam       10 drops

Mandarin             10 drops

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

“Start New”

Tomorrow is a new day so start it with some good intentions –

Petitgrain          10 drops

Black Pepper      8 drops

May Chang        7 drops

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

sniffing bottle of oil

sniffing bottle of oil

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Basil – open your mind to a new you without addictions or pessimism

Rose – nurture yourself

Ylang Ylang – release resentment and anger

Cedarwood Virginian – allow the flow of harmony in your life

Remember The Devil is about choice – you have this – so don’t be afraid to use it!

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Empress – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Empress - III The Rider-Waite Tarot

The Empress – III from the Rider-Waite deck

Awww beautiful! This card makes me feel good. It’s about youth, potential and being connected to nature.

This young Empress is surrounded by the bounty of nature with the pattern of pomegranates on her robe. When I was learning the tarot I was told the Empress is pregnant and is the archetypal earth mother. Some translations don’t necessarily see her as pregnant but when you look at her quite closely she does seem to be with child. It could also indicate a new idea or birth of a business too.

The card is number 3 of the major arcana and is placed there because she carries an important message. She is the High Priestess personified – the actual mother figure that nurtures everything and everyone around her.

The Empress asks us to explore our feminine side – even if you are a man! When she shows up it may mean you need to pay more attention to nurturing yourself, or simply experience the joys of nature. Maybe you need to get out of the city and allow the energy of mother earth to balance you?

Mother Earth - NY street art

Mother Earth – NY street art

It’s a card of the abundance of nature and the feminine power that drives birth. This card is governed by Venus which is the planet that involves love, beauty, enjoyment and the joys of living in this amazing world. It’s about the good stuff! The Empress will come to you if you need to remind yourself of the beauty of life.

It’s time to awaken to the world around you and to experience what life has to offer you. Use all your senses and express your creativity. There’s nothing more creative than making a baby, starting a new business or simply making art. Do it now!

Abundance is a state of being

Woo hoo live it up

Scent is part of the beauty we have at our fingertips so let’s have a look at what oils could help you embody The Empress energy:

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Goddess of Love”

Bring Venus and The Empress into your aura and personify love –

Geranium       6 drops

Patchouli        3 drops

Rosewood     8 drops

Bergamot      8 drops

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

“Balance”

Bring the outdoors to you –

Siberian Fir            10 drops

Orange                  10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    5 drops

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

“Sensuality”

Allow yourself to be sensual  –

Ylang Ylang    8 drops

Sandalwood   6 drops

Mandarin      11 drops

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

 

sneakily borrowed from informedfarmers.com

sneakily borrowed from informedfarmers.com

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I Wanna Create!”

Get your creative juices flowing –

Basil                  1 drop

Rosemary          2 drops

Lemon               3 drops

Rose Geranium  1 drop

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

“Sensory Stimulation”

Remind yourself you are here to experience –

Peru Balsam      2 drops

Lavender           2 drops

Petitgrain           3 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Moon - XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

The Moon – XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

Have you been howling at the moon recently? We have had 3 super moons this year, the last one, just last week. Pretty amazing. We all know how the moon phases – especially the full moon – can make us feel a little crazy and emotional. We are connected to our universe in all respects and the moon represents our subconscious. What’s beneath our sunny side?

I was always a little freaked out by the lobster coming out of the water to bite me. This could represent dark and hidden fears emerging, or even needing to be revealed. Either way it’s a bit prickly. There is lots of water in the card and in tarot that speaks about our emotions, as does the moon.

The dog and the wolf show the balance of tame/wild. The moon is also reflected in the sun which also indicates balance is needed with our conscious and subconscious. If The Moon comes to you in a reading it could represent a willingness or absolute need to release deep fears and emotions from the past, to be able to move on.

It is the middle of the night so perhaps you’ve lost your way or have been blinded by your dark side of your fears? Maybe you just can’t see things clearly?

oooooooooooo

oooooooooooo

This could be a time when you are having incredible, wacky dreams. What is your subconscious trying to tell you?

The Moon could appear if it’s a time when you need to rely on your intuition or develop it. Follow your instincts like the wild wolf! Have courage.

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

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

Anyway I’m sure you get the vibe of this card so let’s look at what essential oils could help you acknowledge your fears and release past hurts.

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

“I am Light and Dark”

Acknowledge your deep fears –

Geranium      3 drops

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

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

“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper     2 drops

Lemongrass       2 drops

Patchouli            3 drops

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

“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel             2 drops

May Chang     2 drops

Peru Balsam   3 drops

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

essential oil diffuser

essential oil diffuser

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I Get So Emotional Baby”

Everything will be ok –

Spearmint        6 drops

Lemon            10 drops

Siberian Fir      9 drops

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

“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper               8 drops

Pink Grapefruit  15 drops

Lavender            2 drops

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

“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress           12 drops

Orange              8 drops

Ylang Ylang      5 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Star – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

The Star #17 Rider-Waite deck

The Star – XVII from the Rider-Waite deck

This card is so pretty and is appealing when it pops out in a card reading. It would be hard not feel relieved and excited when The Star comes to you. Our lovely maiden is out there in the night, naked and bathed in starlight. On a very basic level you could interpret this card as indicating that you are “the star” of your life.

Perhaps you’ve overcome bad times and now you are feeling supported by the universe. Or maybe you are in a process of renewal and have a new perspective on the true meaning of your dharma and destiny. There is lots of love and hope in this card and it is soft and gentle. You are now connected to your emotions and are in the flow of life. You are a part of all the elements of nature and give back to the world with your love and kindness.

The wonderful flow of nature (australia.com)

The wonderful flow of nature (australia.com)

This card could also represent your desire to cleanse and detox your life, not only from within your body, but all your thoughts and surroundings too.

Maybe it’s time to let go of situations that no longer serve your greater purpose. You may have more confidence and self-esteem than before and you have gained this through your spiritual journey. You are open to receiving the wisdom of the universe because all your chakras and channels are clear.

It’s time to shine and let the world know you are here!

shine like a star

shine like a star

What essential oils could reflect the energy of the star and also bring that energy into your life?

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!

“I Am The Star of My Own Life”

To help you remember who you really are –

Sandalwood Indian    1 drop

May Chang                1 drop

Spearmint                  1 drop

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

“The Universe is Within Me”

To move from ego to spirit –

Cypress        2 drops

Cardamom   2 drop

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

“I’m Naked”

Allow your heart to be open to everything –

Fennel          1 drop

Nutmeg        1 drop

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

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

Scent your space

Scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Oh Happy Day”

Rejoice in the wonders of life –

Geranium         8 drops

Mandarin         8 drops

Patchouli         4 drops

Lavender         5 drops

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

“Purpose in Life”

To keep you on the path –

Black Pepper   7 drops

Cinnamon        8 drops

Orange           10 drops

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

“Welcome”

For a warm, happy atmosphere and to inspire great self-esteem in your guests –

Lime               10 drops

Ylang Ylang     8 drops

Peru Balsam    6 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Fennel Oil – Licorice Love

Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is a great oil and the plant itself has many medicinal uses. Back through history there are many references to the plant as being useful for improving eyesight, aiding digestion and also calming hunger, improving the flow of breast milk, helping to breakdown uric acid in the body and stimulating fluid loss through urinating.

Poets and herbalists have praised this wonderful plant, as did the Romans and the Greeks.

In “Paradise Lost” (a poem first published in ten books in 1667) Milton the English poet, refers the aroma of fennel:

A savoury odour blown,

Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense

Than smell of sweetest Fennel.

A 17th Century herbalist, William Cole, notes in his 1650 book “Nature’s Paradise”:

‘both the seeds, leaves and root of our Garden Fennel are much used in drinks and broths for those that are grown fat, to abate their unwieldiness and cause them to grow more gaunt and lank.’

Illustration of a Roman army

Illustration of a Roman army

It’s interesting that both these English references are around the same time which indicates that fennel was well used in the 17th century in England. But before that there are tales of Roman soldiers chewing on fennel seeds on the march when there was no time for resting, or perhaps not much food available. They also regarded it as a medicine to improve eyesight.

It is claimed that the Greeks used fennel as a slimming agent and it even appears in their mythology with Prometheus using a stalk of fennel to steal fire from the Gods.
In India you may often find these delicious little treats to aid digestion – sugar-coated fennel seeds.
sugar coated fennel seeds

sugar coated fennel seeds

Today in aromatherapy we use the essential oil of fennel which is steam distilled from the seeds in much the same way as our predecessors did. Fennel oil is used for:
* stimulating regularity of menses
* helping digestion
* acting as a diuretic for fluid retention and bloating
* stimulating flow of mother’s milk
* relieving coughs by breaking down mucous and by acting as an expectorant
fennel flower

fennel flower

I use fennel oil for all these things and also for nurturing. It is a soft, rounded sweet oil and it blends well with many others. I call it “licorice love” which describes its energetic action of softness, of self-care and sweetness.
Try these recipes:
1. Scent Your SpaceIn a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Be Kind”

Fennel        10 drops

Orange       10 drops

Geranium     5 drops

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

“Finally A Moment to Myself!”

Fennel        6 drops

Juniper      10 drops

Lavender    6 drops

Patchouli    3 drops

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

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

“Oh The Pain”

to help relieve menstrual pain –

Fennel          3 drops

Peppermint  2 drops

Lavender      3 drops

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

“The Silence of Licorice”

To soften your tension and nerves –

Fennel                            2 drops

Bergamot                       3 drops

Roman Chamomile 3%  9 drops *

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

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Strength – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Strength - a Major Arcana Card #7

Strength – VIII – from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

I’ve always loved this card.

As a learner many years ago I was scared of the lion until we ventured further into the meaning of the card. Our lady is “taming the lion” with her soft yet powerful feminine energy. She is also gaining strength from the lion too. They make a great pair and the lion is very happy to be at her side. She is not using physical, external strength, but an inner compassion and knowing. The lady and the lion are spiritually connected and honour each other.

Infinity - also called the Holy Lemniscate

Infinity – also called the Lemniscate

Our lovely young maiden also has the infinity symbol over her head, indicating she is connected to the flow of life. Her awareness of the never-ending circle of existence gives her even more strength to connect with everything around her and appreciate the beauty of life.

The card may also indicate it is a time for you to look within and gain your own personal strength from the knowledge of the universe rather than pressing forward with your intellect. You will attain more by using subtlety than by outer force.

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? (sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com)

So what essential oils and essential oil blends could represent this card, and it’s meanings for you in your day? Try these 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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Subtle and Sweet”

To align with your inner sweetness –

Peru Balsam        4 drops

Palmarosa           2 drops

Rose Geranium   2 drops

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

“Lemniscate”

Open your crown chakra to allow the flow of knowledge from the universe –

Clary Sage       2 drops

Petitgrain         4 drops

Lavender         2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils – but test first!

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!

“Lioness”

Be brave – you can do it –

Black pepper   1 drop

Cardamom      1 drop

Orange            1 drop

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

“Feminine Wiles”

Get what you want without anyone even realising it –

Ylang Ylang   2 drops

Nutmeg         1 drop

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

cinnamon

cinnamon

3. Scent Your Space

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

“All is Well”

To emit calm and purpose in your environment –

Marjoram     8 drops

Lemon        12 drops

Geranium     5 drops

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Remind yourself you are the creator of your own life –

Fennel          6 drops

Cinnamon   10 drops

Rosewood    9 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Nutmeg – A Spice Oil of Mysticism and Intrigue!

Nutmeg - Myristica fragrans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oils for Hair Care

Lovely long hair in great condition

Lovely long hair in great condition

If essential oils can be used on your skin then they can be used on your hair too.

By now you know I dislike any kind of synthetic fragrance so you can imagine how much I really dislike most shampoos and conditioners. Hair styling products often have strong scent as well but those products are harder to replace with natural ingredients.

Shampoo

My advice is to find a natural unscented shampoo (they do exist) and add some essential oils. You could add essential oils to the whole bottle if you feel confident you have a lovely blend, or pick new oils each time you shampoo. Even though that sounds a bit harder it’s like aromatic dressing – making a new nourishing body oil blend each day. It allows for spontaneity and creativity, and each day you’ll feel emotionally and physically different from the day before.  As essential oils have individual purposes, you will be treating yourself for the day, according to your needs.

You’ll just need a little dish to squeeze some shampoo into, then add oils.

a cute little dish

a cute little dish

I’m going to estimate you’ll need 2 tablespoons of shampoo (but of course this will differ depending on the length and thickness of your hair). This equates to about  40 mls of shampoo so we will add 15 drops. If you are sensitive to essential oils reduce the amount to 10 drops or less. This ratio is lower than what I recommend for body oils for 2 reasons –

1. It’s close to your eyes and nose

2. You will wash it down the sink anyway

For more info on body oil ratios see this article.

You will be washing your hair AND having an aromatherapy treatment at the same time! YAY!

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

I don’t necessarily agree with using different oils for different coloured hair, and as always, some oils are better than others for this purpose.

Try these combo’s

1. “Lovin Myself”

For all hair types

Lavender     5 drops

Rosewood   5 drops

Orange        5 drops

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

2. “Just Stepped Out of A Salon”

For hair that’s a little oily

Spearmint                    6 drops

Lemon                        6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian   3 drops

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

condtioning hair - add essential oils

conditioning hair – add essential oils

Conditioner

The same ratios apply as for shampoo but at least by leaving the conditioner on your hair for a while will allow more benefits to soak in. Find an unscented conditioner and blend away.

1.”Rapunzel”

For drier hair types

Peru Balsam      6 drops

Mandarin           6 drops

Patchouli           3 drops

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

2. “Smooooooth”

For all hair types

Geranium         4 drops

Marjoram         4 drops

Bergamot        7 drops

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

They are the basics, so I think I may have to do a Part 2, to include hair conditioning treatments with oils and natural hair masks using natural ingredients from the cupboard.

Stay tuned!

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Just Think PINK!

I love Pink!

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

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

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

“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

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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

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

“Wink”

Turn on your charm

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

Rose Geranium   1 drop

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

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

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

“Sunrise”

To get yourself out of a funk into the fun house

Cinnamon            8 drops

Rose Geranium   4 drops

Pink Grapefruit    12 drops

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

So think PINK!

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013