10 Recipes with Lavender Essential Oil – Lavandula angustifolia

Posted on April 9, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Lavender – you can find it in many gardens around the world

Continuing on the lavender theme over the past couple of weeks I thought we may as well have a look at some recipes too. Sometimes people often underestimate the versatility of this magnificent oil, along with the common understanding that lavender is an old ladies’ oil! Let’s debunk that by checking out some recipes.

Before we go ahead please have a look at these articles on lavender if you’d like some more info on this wonderful oil –

Lavender – Simple and Complicated All at the Same Time

Lavender is the “Little Black Dress” of the Oil Wardrobe (more recipes here)

In Case of Indecision – Use Lavender

I really do feel we could lavender oil for most cases. In Aromatherapy we learn that lavender would not be good for people with low blood pressure, so if that’s you, just don’t over use the oil by making body oils for yourself everyday. Lavender is a relaxing oil, but remember too much of good thing is exactly that – too much of a good thing!

For example when adding a drop of lavender to your pillow to go to sleep, don’t add 20 drops to help you get to sleep 20 times faster because it will probably work in the opposite way.

Ah lovely lavender

Use essential oils sparingly as you learn and then you will instinctively know how much, when and with what to mix them with.

Lavender is a herb of old being coined by the Romans using the latin word “lavare” meaning to wash. This makes perfect sense to me – wash away bacteria from cuts and wounds with lavander oil; wash lavender with clothes for a beautiful scent; wash away stress and tension, wash away pain.

My recipes will start with the best of all body moisturisers – the body oil!

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Daily Do-Good”

A basic recipe for any day –

Lavender 3 drops

Geranium 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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“Oh My Aching Legs”

After a long day rub this oil on your legs and elevate, and rest –

Lavender 3 drops

Marjoram 3 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

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“I’m Nervous About Today”

Calm your nerves with lavender –

Lavender 3 drops

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

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A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic via chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

Usually add 1 or 2 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

Lavender 2 drops

Take the time to relax for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm or cool water and moisturise

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oil burner

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Thank Goodness That Day is O-Vah!”

Lavender 9 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Lime 5 drops

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“Just Chillin”

When you have nothing much to do except potter around the house and maybe do a few little chores –

Lavender 5 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

Cedarwood Virginiana 5 drops

Petitgrain 5 drops

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

4. 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!)

“Bottle o’ Courage”

Lavender 8 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Peru Balsam 8 drops

Cinnamon 3 drops

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“Afternoon Energetic Refresh”

A spritz in the afternoon can do wonders for your fatigue –

Lavender 6 drops

Lemongrass 10 drops

Pink grapefruit 9 drops

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Fields of lavender never cease to amaze me!

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!

“Next Thing”

When you’ve got lots to do –

Lavender 1 drop

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

Lemon 1 drop

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“Fortify”

Reveal your inner strength –

Lavender 1 drop

Cardamom 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

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

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

Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

Posted on March 17, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

Black Pepper – A Strong Essential Oil with a Soft Scent

Black pepper - pic via www.seriouseats.com

Black pepper – pic via http://www.seriouseats.com

Many moons ago my first guest post on Australian Perfume Junkies was about black pepper. Black pepper is one of those oils that I may not use frequently, but when I do use it, I am always intrigued as if I am smelling it for the first time. And I seem to be surprised at its soft, warm scent. When you taste black pepper it can be sharp, pungent and spicy but when you smell the essential oil it is gentle and sweet with a hint of spice.

From my APJ story;

“The essential oil of black pepper is a lot softer and sweeter than the taste, and is used in Aromatherapy for symptoms such as poor circulation, muscle and joint aches and pains, as treatment for bad digestion and as a general warming tonic. It has been used as an aphrodisiac, and an anti-dote to depression. Taking in all these properties, what can the divine scent tell us? Like many spice oils, it carries the energetic resonance of the evolution of humanity – really. Each drop, each whiff can link us to the past. It’s an oil of warmth, expansion and action. It’s a stimulating scent to the brain and can certainly be employed to open your mind. When I smell black pepper straight from the bottle (the best way to experience an essential oil is to take off the lid and take a huge sniff) I am inspired to carry on. To me it’s an oil of searching for your purpose in life, and giving inspiration to go forward and seize the day.”

Wow I just quoted myself hehehehehehe. To read the full story click here.

Black pepper in its dried and undried forms - pic via kampot-pepper.us

Black pepper in its dried and natural forms – pic via kampot-pepper.us

Black pepper is considered as slightly sensitising, which means it may cause a reaction on the skin. This is why I say to “patch test first”, even though I know not many of you do. Putting a couple of drops neat on your skin would not be advisable but putting a couple of drops in an oil blend may work quite well.

Here’s a couple of recipes –

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

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

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff 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.

Black pepper – will gently warm up your brain and body in the morning, creating space for you to shine!

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Oh My Aching Legs!”

Rub this blend on, and then put your feet up –

Black pepper 2 drops

Lavender 4 drops

Peppermint 1 drop

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“Hike”

When you need to warm up your muscles before you conquer your day –

Black pepper 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

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

“God Give Me Strength”

When you need to summon some courage –

Black pepper 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

Petitgrain 4 drops

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

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

Posted on March 5, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful aromatic basil

Basil is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum, and has been flavouring our foods and healing us for centuries. It is a scent you won’t forget – green, herbabceous sweet and pungent. As an essential oil basil (sometimes referred to as sweet basil) is stimulating to the mind opening the upper chakras and giving the brain a cleansing, refreshing scent.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used –

* as a cephalic which means it stimulates the head in general so if used in small amounts it could help a headache. Some basil oils can be high in linalool oil which is present in large amounts in lavender.

* to ease stress and tension and calm mild anxiety (you may notice lots of essential oils are attributed to this use which shows that they can be easily used to help you relax – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes)

* as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

There are many types of culinary basil but so far the winner in terms of essential oil production is this basil – sweet basil. When using this oil it can be tricky to get the proportions right because it’s so strong. Sometimes a drop is all you’ll need.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This “recipe” is one for those who need to –

* wake up

* open to universal intelligence

* chill out and stop freaking out

* have a headache or have mental fatigue?

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There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now - pic via www.aliexpress.com

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now – pic via http://www.aliexpress.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Can’t.Wake.Up”

When your brain needs a boost –

Basil 8 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Peppermint 4 drops

Orange 9 drops

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“Summer Evening”

Add some basil to your gin and tonic too –

Basil 10 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Petitgrain 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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“Oh Man What a Day!”

When you need to relax after a challenging day –

Basil 8 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Lemongrass 5 drops

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“Living the Dreams”

For a slumber full of dreams –

Basil 4 drops

Lavender 12 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Spikenard 1 drop

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Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

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!

“Ascended Masters”

Tap into this great wisdom –

Basil 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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“Big Day Ahead”

Basil 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

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

“Bon Courage”

Basil 1 drop

Black Pepper 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

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

“I Invite Understanding”

When you need a nudge to gain understanding –

Basil 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 1 drop

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Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

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.

***** 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”

“Bring it On!”

For a kickstart to the day –

Basil 2 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Orange 4 drops

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

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

10 Recipes with Clary Sage Essential Oil – Salvia sclarea

Posted on February 12, 2014 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

10 Recipes with Clary Sage Essential Oil – Salvia sclarea

10!

I tend not to use Clary sage very often but maybe that’s just a phase I’m going through – I used it frequently when I was first introduced to essential oils. It belongs to the Lamiacae family and the genus Salvia. It is a strong sweet, heady oil with an herbaceous note. Clary sage is an expansive oil I consider it to be a very spiritual oil, as it relates well to the crown and third eye chakras. It seems to have the ability to open our conscious minds, and stimulate the subconscious to stir. I use Clary sage as a stimulus for the dream dimension – daydreams and night-time dreams, which can help shape our lives.

Looking back over the centuries it has been employed to help people over come depression and melancholy. Clary sage is an inspiring oil and has been to referred to as an oil of euphoria. We can connect to the creativity of the universe too when we encounter Clary sage.

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

It is also powerful as an analgesic particularly in regards to period pain and I’ve used this oil with pregnant clients in preparation for labour and even in oil blends in a birthing suite. It also works well for symptoms of menopause.

Let’s check out some recipes –

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I’m Ready for You Baby”

For the birthing suite or getting prepared for labour –

Clary Sage 3 drops

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

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“Untangle”

When you have pain and can’t relax –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

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Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Take a GENTLE whiff of this oil to open your consciousness or when you can’t see past the little nitty-gritty parts of your day.

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

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist

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

“Universal Consciousness”

Expand beyond your self-imposed limitations –

Clary sage 6 drops

Mandarin 12 drops

Rose Geranium 6 drops

Cinnamon 3 drops

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

“I Just Love Everything Right Now”

To help convince yourself life isn’t so bad when you are having a challenging day –

Clary Sage 7 drops

Frankincense 10 drops

Orange 8 drops

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“I Can Dream”

Dream big – it pays off –

Clary Sage 5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 8 drops

Petitgrain 12 drops

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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!

“Oh Wow I Created That”

Feel supported by the universe –

Clary Sage 1 drop

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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“It’s Been A Long Day”

Anoint yourself after a long day at work to settle in and relax –

Clary Sage 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Marjoram 1 drop

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

“I’m Over These Hot Flushes”

Clary works well for menopause symptoms too –

Clary sage 1 drop

Fennel 1 drop

Palmarosa 1 drop

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

“Infinite”

You are……..

Clary Sage 1 drop

Myrrh 1 drop

Bergamot 1 drop

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

Peppermint Oil! An Oldie but a Goodie!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Ah lovely peppermint – pic via thebodyhut.com.au

Peppermint essential oil is usually Mentha piperita and comes from the family Lamiacae, and the genus Mentha. A supplier of mine also offers Mentha arvensis, but really when it comes down to it the variations won’t make a huge difference to the therapeutic value for most users of oils.This family also holds many herbs like lavender, sage, marjoram, patchouli, oregano, thyme and many others. It seems as though this family of plants has been around for thousands of years going back to, at least, the Romans, the Greeks, and it is even recorded in Egyptian records. These are hardy herbs and have wonderful medicinal properties.

Please see my article Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular for a more comprehensive list of healing herbs. I’ll be concentrating on these herbs over the next few weeks so stay tuned.

Peppermint lollies – pic via health.com

Peppermint essential oil is one of the most used oils in the world and this is because it’s use in food flavourings. Peppermint lollies are sweet, cute and fun and for all these reasons I also see peppermint essential oil as an oil of happiness. It appeals to many people, both young and old and is an easily accessible and inexpensive oil.

A typical analysis of peppermint oil shows it is high in menthol and menthane, and these constituents are the ones that give peppermint its heat. Funnily enough this warmth or heat actually translates to a cool feeling, and peppermint could be considered and anti-inflammatory oil.

Peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy today –

* as an antidote for nausea and travel sickness

* to help calm symptoms of irritable bowel (via products that contain peppermint oil)

* as a pain relief for muscles and nerve pains

* as a decongestant for the sinuses

Most people love peppermint - pic via www.milkandhoneyherbs.com

Most people love peppermint – pic via http://www.milkandhoneyherbs.com

I use peppermint oil –

* in a steam inhalation to relieve a headache (it really works well) and sinus headaches and pain

* and in any blend of oils to relieve pain – menstrual pain, muscle pain, aching limbs, arthritis pain

I would not use peppermint oil in many body oils, but I have added it to a blend for a client with psoriasis and eczema and it seems to cool her itchy skin.

Peppermint is good for pain!

It’s also great to clear your mind, wake you up and to make you feel refreshed. It will even do that when you have a good quality mint in your mouth.

Try these recipes –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Peppermint will help with a headache, sinus congestion and a tired mind.

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Calm Down”

For itchy skin or even an irritable feeling –

Peppermint 1 drop

Lavender 4 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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5. Scent Your Space

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

“Happy la la”

Clear the air and make room for some happy vibes –

Peppermint 8 drops

Orange 17 drops

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

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

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

Posted on December 18, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Amazon AU Amazon UK

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

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

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

The song continues …..

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

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

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

“Seven Swans a-Swimming”

Inspiration – serenity, flow, calm

Frankincense 12 drops

Lavender 6 drops

Clary Sage 3 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

8 maids milking – pic via staceyreid.com

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

“8 Maids-a-Milking”

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

Fennel 7 drops

Myrrh 4 drops

Nutmeg 4 drops

Rosewood 10 drops

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

Wikipedia says

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

So I reckon the music must come first!

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

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

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

“9 Drummers Drumming”

Inspiration – rhythm of life, coming together as one

Tea Tree 6 drops

Clove 6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

Pipers are piping – pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

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

“10 Pipers Piping”

Inspiration – harmony, party, fun

Lemon 15 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Peppermint 4 drops

11 ladies dancing - pic via www.ffmcontheweb.com

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

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

“11 Ladies Dancing”

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

Petitgrain 15 drops

Spikenard 4 drops

Thyme 2 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

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

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

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

“12 Lords-a-leaping”

Inspiration – carefreeness, freedom, comradeship

Basil 8 drops

Citronella 8 drops

Lime 9 drops

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

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

The Chariot – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on September 18, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Chariot – #7 in the Rider-Waite tarot deck

I. Love. This. Card.

Power!

Strength!

Will!

Destiny!

And sphinxes!

I love it when this card comes up in a reading because it’s about going out into the big wide world and creating your life. It could be about getting a new job and diving into it wholeheartedly. The card could be asking you to make decisions about how you want to be in the world – how do you see yourself functioning? Do you want to be successful (whatever that means to you), do you want to use your creative genius to drive you life or maybe you need

to garner the energy to move forward in your life?

The Sphinx – pic via toptravellists.com

The twin sphinxes – I’m not sure about them but I interpret this very strong image as being a representation of polarities – positive and negative, black and white. To go out into the world and be confident and successful we do need a good sense of ourselves and be able to balance our positive and negative sides.

This is a card about action and desire. Dream it. Do it! Use your mind and brainpower to create your life the way you’ve always imagined it to be. If this is a new way of doing things for you then it requires an unwavering confidence in yourself – and sometimes that’s hard. Fake it til you make it! With the energy of the Chariot card you will make it by acknowledging all the different sides of yourself and moving forward anyway.

Black pepper – a great oil to represent The Chariot

I have formed a strong connection with black pepper oil and The Chariot. It’s hard for me to think of one without the other. Here are some recipes to invoke the energy of The Chariot:

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Black pepper – warmth and courage

Ylang Ylang – love yourself and release resentment

Lavender – strength and solidarity

Rosemary – activate your mind

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

get any cute little dish to mix your oils in

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!

“Forward, Ho!”

Have the courage to do it –

Black pepper 2 drops

Petitgrain 1 drop

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

“Run Don’t Walk”

Get cracking NOW –

Basil 1 drop

Lemon 2 drops

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

“Clear the Path”

Inhale and make way for new things –

Peppermint 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Warm Up”

Get limber for your journey –

Black Pepper 3 drops

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

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

“Release”

Allow nervousness to float away –

Neroli 3% 15 – 20 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.

Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

Posted on September 2, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

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

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

2. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay add 3 drops of oil

Clary sage 1 drop

Orange 2 drops

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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!

“Come In Please Creativity”

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

Clary sage 1 drop

Lemongrass 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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“Cool Calm and Collected”

Keep cool when you are hot flushing like crazy –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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nourish your skin with oil blends

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

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

“Oh Lord Help Me”

For period pain –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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“Even Stevens”

To clarify and tone oily skin –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Sandalwood Australian 2 drops

Bergamot 4 drops

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

Fennel Oil – Licorice Love

Posted on July 22, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

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

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

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

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“Finally A Moment to Myself!”

Fennel 6 drops

Juniper 10 drops

Lavender 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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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

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“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

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

Softly and Gently with the Chamomiles

Posted on April 10, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Roman chamomile Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

What a pretty flower! I always loved daisies as a child, and the chamomiles belong to this species called Asteraceae or Compositae. Chamomile is famous for it’s soothing nature and tranquil effects, and is used in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy alike. I’ve always thought of Aromatherapy as a specialist part of herbal medicine, powerful because it insists we use our sense of smell for healing and interacting with the world.

1. Roman Chamomile

Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

This chamomile has a sweet honey like aroma, and appeals to many people because of this softness. Roman chamomile is usually found in a 3% jojoba blend because of its price. It is often overlooked in favour of German chamomile but please give it a try. It is one of those oils that gives an immediate reaction of bliss.

In aromatherapy Roman chamomile is the one used as an anti-spasmodic treatment, an tonic for unclenching, that may also help the smooth muscle of the gut relax. Also great for muscle spasm and tension and general fatigue and stress.

Best of all, I like to use Roman chamomile as a perfume straight from the bottle. No doubt people will be attracted to you when you wear this oil as you will smell divine and will be radiating a sense of calm and knowingness. Try these recipes

“Floatin’ on a Cloud”

For release of gripping tension and pain in the body make an oil blend with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil and add:

Roman Chamomile 3% 8 drops

Marjoram 2 drops

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“Venus”

As a pulse point perfume mix these drops together and anoint your chosen spot – for attracting and resonating with a goddess-like energy

Roman Chamomile 3 % 3 drops

Rosewood 2 drops

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German chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita)

2. German Chamomile

This tiny little flower is a different genus to Roman chamomile and what sets it apart from most oils is its blue colour. During the distillation process, one of the consituents – chamazulene – is changed to give a deep blue hue to the oil. This oil is best used as an anti-inflammatory and works well with lavender in this sense. It is great for stress, anxiety, and any tension in the body. It is a strongly scented herbaceous oil and I would not say this is an oil to use as a perfume. Think BLUE – think COOLING! A good oil for joints and muscles as well as an over thinking mind. German chamomile is more readily found then Roman chamomile and will also be in a 3% jojoba blend. Try these remedies:

“Release”

For a treatment of painful joints make an oil blend with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil, rub over the joint and cover with a bandage. Rest. Add these essential oils to create your treatment:

German chamomile 3% 8 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Peppermint 1 drop

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“Cocoon”

After a stressful day stop your mind from over-processing by mixing the following into a little container and rubbing on your temples and third eye. Remember to put a little of the oil residue inside your nose to gain maximum benefit, and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil.

German Chamomile 2 drops

Orange 2 drops

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The chamomiles are your ancient tool for stress release.

Remember to use your intention when you make your blends to give extra power and personality to the formula. For more information on intention see my article What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”?

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: peppermint essential oil

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Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

Fennel Oil – Licorice Love

Softly and Gently with the Chamomiles

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