Fragrant Oils vs Essential Oils – What’s the Diff?

Posted on July 3, 2013 by suzannerbanks

bubblegum scent can come in a fragrant oil but not an essential oil

Oils ain’t oils!

Fragrant oils are completely synthetic and are made in a lab.

They do not come from any real plant.

They are not distilled from anything natural.

They do not have any therapeutic benefit on the body but they may trigger memories and emotions like any scent can do.

They shouldn’t really be used in massage and in skincare. (NB. All perfume is synthetic and any skincare that mentions “fragrance” or “parfum” probably has synthetic scent. Essential oils can be listed as “parfum” too so companies can protect their recipes).

They should be labelled “Fragrant Oil” or “Fragrance”.

They do not have any life force or energy.

You can find the scent of popcorn in a fragrant oil.

Fragrant oils that you may find – and that you think could be essential oils are not –

Coconut

Gardenia

Magnolia

Fig

Musk

and there are loads more.

flowering rosemary – a real essential oil

Essential oils come from a natural plant source and are distilled with water and steam (mostly). They have therapeutic benefits and can be used on the body in massage and skincare.

They emit energy or vibration, and this is an added benefit when used in the healing modalities.

They are part of our history, and along with the actual plant materials, were the original medicines thousands of years ago.

They effect the body and the brain (which in turn effects the body) and can produce positive feelings and trigger emotional responses. (NB. All kinds of scent can trigger these responses).

Essential oils are beautiful to smell and have a “roundness” and “warmth”, unlike fragrant oils which seem to me to be “thin” and “cold” (like perfume).

They have been written and talked about for many years because of their amazing power!

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower is a real essential oil

I love essential oils.

I dislike fragrant oils and perfume.

I’m biased.

You are free to use whatever you like, however if you are practicing being more mindful in your daily life perhaps reconsider buying a Fig and Green Tea scented candle (probably using parafin wax), and buy a natural beeswax candle which has a natural, mild honey-like scent, and vapourise REAL essential oils.

You WILL notice the difference. You will be inspired, and connected to the earth and natural medicine.

pink grapefruit – it is a real essential oil

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

Posted on May 22, 2013 by suzannerbanks

cardamom

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

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

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

vital flow of prana

When should I use cardamom oil as a treatment?

* low energy

* feeling stuck emotionally and mentally

* to improve digestion and stimulate appetite

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

* feeling cold physically and emotionally

* feeling emotionally shut down/closed heart

* wanting to move on from a relationship break-up

* improving libido and bringing a feeling of sensuality

* for family harmony and for a party

a client’s oil formulation

Try these recipes:

1. Nourishing Body Oil

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

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

“Bon Appetite”

To help with digestion and improve appetite.

Cardamom 2 drops

Fennel 2 drops

Orange 3 drops

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“I’m Bringing Sexy Back”

To get in the mood.

Cardamom 2 drops

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

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“Tai Chi”

To get your energy going.

Cardamom 3 drops

Rosemary 1 drop

Rosewood 3 drops

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anoint with a drop of ol

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Smouldering”

Open your lower chakras.

Cardamom 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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“My Heart is Open”

Speaks for itself really.

Cardamom 1 drop

Rose 3% 6 drops

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“Yum”

Increase appetite and joy in eating.

Cardamom 1 drop

Grapefruit 2 drops

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steam inhalation

3. Steam

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

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

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Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

May Chang – Shiny, Happy and a Little Bit Effervescent

Posted on May 6, 2013 by suzannerbanks

May Chang flower

I looked into my oils today and it jumped out at me and I thought “what a lovely oil”. That’s what I’ll write about today.

So here goes…….

May Chang Listea cubeba

May chang berries – sometimes called mountain pepper

This gorgeous, sparkly essential oil is made from the berries of the tree which is native to China and south-east Asia. I was first introduced to it when a friend brought some back from her holiday in Thailand about 15 years ago. It’s part of the Lauraceae family which also holds cinnamon and rosewood. May chang, and these oils too, have a subtle peppery note about them too.

It is a lemon scented oil and is high in neral and geranial which is are monoterpenoid structures within the oil. It is however, more than that. It smells like bubbly lemonade. It has a 3D effervescence about it, and that’s probably not possible – can you smell effervescence?. Well I reckon you can in this lovely oil.

Mainly used for fragrance in soaps, May chang does have some therapeutic properties too. In traditional Chinese medicine according to Salvatore Battaglia:

“….May chang is used to treat dysmenorrhoea that is relieved with heat or pressure, stomach aches, lower back pain, chills headaches and muscular aches from external conditions.”

So from this we can see that is has a warming quality to it, which you would expect from the local name of ‘mountain pepper”.

Also described as a great oil for respiratory issues like asthma is it also being used in heart research in China.

AND

I call it a happiness oil.

Like all the other citrus oils it is uplifting, fun, sweet and sparkly. (Once again I suppose you can’t really use the word “sparkly” to describe a scent, but hey, I’m going to anyway).

Try these recipes:

1. Scent Your Space

In a classic oil burner or a diffuser add these oils:

“Secret May Chang Business”

To introduce a fun, easy atmosphere in your home –

May Change 15 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Geranium 5 drops

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“I’ve Got The Power”

To give you a lift if you need energy to carry on –

May Change 10 drops

Cardamom 5 drops

Rosemary 5 drops

Orange 5 drops

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2. Skin Scrub

Add these oils to a cup of fine sea salt, a splash of your favourite carrier oil and some water to make a slurry –

“ZING!”

May Chang 3 drops

Roman Chamomile 3% 3 drops

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3. Space Cleansing Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle add these oils:

“Anime Alchemist”

For an uplifting aura cleanse –

May Chang 15 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

Juniper 5 drops

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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’m Effervescent”

To help inspire feelings of vitality

May Change 2 drops

Cinnamon 1 drop

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

Princess May Chang

And just for fun May Chang, also refers to this gregarious little anime character who seeks the secrets and tools of alchemy to restore her family’s name. She travels with her pet panda too. CUTE!

I also made a few interesting, repetitive typo’s while writing…….. May change ……… May change ………… May change………………………………..

Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

Posted on March 6, 2013 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

Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

wake up your mind with a whiff of oil

There are lots of fantastic essential oils to use to help stimulate your mind, clear your mind, help retain facts and generally work towards greater focus.

Who would need these oils?

A student studying for an exam or writing an essay, an executive working on a quote or proposal, a team leader implementing training or even a mother needed a bit of clarity before putting the kids in the car and driving to the shops.

How do oils help?

Some essential oils are classified as being “cephalic” meaning relating to the head. Most oils however, when you breathe them in through your nose, will always have a direct effect on the brain and other flow on effects throughout the body, for example, stimulating hormones to be produced, or working on the nervous system.

How to use oils for focus and clarity

The best way to employ essential oils to stimulate your mind is to smell them. You can do that by

opening the bottle of an oil and taking a huge whiff
putting a few drops of your oil onto a makeup pad or handkerchief and, once again, take a huge whiff
make a mist with water and mist around you – then breathe in through your nose
place oils in a classic oil burner with a candle or an electric vapouriser and keep it going while you require the help
boil the kettle, put a few drops of oil into a cup, pour on boiling water and breathe in through your nose – this is a mini steam usually used for sinus congestion but it doesn’t have to be limited to this

Do you see now, the most important thing is to SMELL the oil?

a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist

What oils are the best?

1. Rosemary

This is the oil of remembering. Rosemary for remembering, that’s all you need to remember about this oil – hehehehe- (also see my article on rosemary and remembering)

2. Basil

Basil is a very strong oil and will really wake you up if you sniff it straight from the bottle. This is a classic cephalic oil to awaken your mind. Next time you make a pesto (see my article) notice how refreshed you feel after smelling all the beautiful leaves.

Take a deep whiff of a lemon (pic via marieclaire.com)

3. Lemon

Lemon is an oil that can be used for so many things. If you don’t have any you could just use some lemon peel, squeeze it onto your fingers and place the oils around the base of your nose. Delicious, sweet and refreshing. For all things lemon read this.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is great for a headache – (see my story on hangovers), as it’s very cooling. You could always have a strong mint instead and see how that works. Ensure it’s a natural as possible with real peppermint oil in it. Breathe in through your nose while the mint is in your mouth!

5. Tea Tree

This wonderful oil is not only for cuts and cleaning! Its therapeutic properties lend it to clearing and releasing toxicity. So if you are weighed down with heavy thoughts or there are too many things going on in your mind, try tea tree for cleansing negativity and allowing space for the important things- (also see my article on tea tree oils)

So when you need clarity and focus – take a big whiff of a stimulating essential oil.

Essential Oil Recipes to PARTY With!

Posted on February 25, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Sydney Mardi Gras

It’s late summer in Sydney and it’s party time in the Gay and Lesbian Community. Mardi Gras is a queer cultural festival filled with music, art and parties. Here are a few recipes intended to help you get your party vibe going, and to stay on the dance floor as long as possible.

“Here We Are Again”

This is my magic formula for and outdoor dance-off – dedicated to the Sydney Harbour Party which was held this weekend. It rained. We danced in the rain with our friends. Life is grand!

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 2 drops

The Harbour Party – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

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“3am Eternal”

To be prepared for an all-nighter, smooth this formula all over your body to give you a great scent and energy to continue!

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Petitgrain 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Nutmeg 2 drops

dance floor at Sydney Mardi Gras 2007

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“I’m a Free Agent”

When you decide to leave the party Gods in charge, and you go solo – opening to chance meetings and serendipitous events.

Sandalwood Australian – smooth a few drops of this stunning oil on your wrists, your heart, and your third eye to be at one with your party universe.

feel free to be you – on your own

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“Dance Dance Dance”

This is a warming blend for your muscles. When you want to dance, help out your body with this powerful blend.

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Rosemary 2 drops

Ginger 1 drop

Lemon 4 drops

Dance!

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“Buzz!”

To wake yourself up, clear your mind, and get ready to party – do a steam inhalation with an essential oil.

To a bowl of steaming water add

Peppermint 2 drops

stand over the bowl and inhale the steam and oil with a towel over your head. This is a very quick way to use essential oil and is also great for colds, sinus congestion and headaches.

Steam inhalation with oils

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

“OMG I’m so Tired”

When you need a recovery blend for your body try this.

To make a nourishing body oil blend -in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Lavender 2 drops

Pink Grapefruit 6 drops

oh yeah I’m tired

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

“What time is Beer-o’clock?”

To get yourself out of the house for a recovery drink with your friends, try adding a few drops of oil into the bottom of the shower (covering the drain with your foot or a cloth), and breathe deeply.

Awaken your mind – Basil 3 drops

Move your body – Lemongrass 3 drops

mmmmm beer

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

When it’s party time essential oils can always help. They can get you vibed up, give you stamina, make you smell great and even help you recover!

Essential oils are powerful!

Remember to treat your self first and everyone will benefit.

Oil Blends for ELLEN!

Posted on February 20, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The fabulous Ellen

I’m watching Ellen. She’s talking about multi-tasking while watching TV. So I thought I’d write this article about Ellen, while I’m watching her show. I’m going to create some beautiful oil blends for Ellen and energetically send them through the ether. When you are doing a few things at once maybe these blends could help you too.

She’s dancing now.

“Dance-a-rama”

A sparkly oil blend to garner some energy to dance.

In 3 teaspoons of oil add the following:

Lemongrass 1

Pink Grapefruit 5

Cinnamon 1

Massage into your body, Ellen, to get your dancing vibe going.

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

Now she’s got a guest who is about 10 years old, and he’s not really paying attention to her.

“Back to Me”

A formulation to be the star of your show at all times.

Jasmine in jojoba a few drops on your wrists, and any other pulse points you fancy. Jasmine is a sexy, gorgeous oil and even if no one else notices, you will be the star of your own show.

be the star of your life

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

And now Dennis Quaid is on and Ellen’s telling him what to do via his in ear microphones. He’s funny and a great sport. I always feel really bad for the person who gets punked!

“Resistance is Futile”

Here’s an oil blend for Ellen to vapourise in the guests dressing room so they will be entranced and do whatever she says.

In an oil burner with water add

Frankincense 10 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

Black pepper 5 drops

Nutmeg 3 drops

Dennis Quaid

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

And now Ellen is talking with a double lung transplant survivor. They have already danced.

“I’m in the Slipstream of Thankfulness”

This blend is to deeply connect with your spirit, and always be thankful for life, and keep a circle of philanthropy ever-moving. Thanks Ellen, you really are fabulous and very kind to people. And the guest is starting a foundation to help other transplant patients! Awesome.

In a 50ml mist bottle with water add

Cardamom 5 drops

Orange 15 drops

Sandalwood 5 drops

Mist all around to connect with the oneness of the universe.

our little spot in the big universe

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

Snooki and JWoww. Ok. I know they were in that show Jersey Shore but that’s all I know. Ellen is giving them gifts (as usual) and chatting about their lives. Here is a blend for Ellen to maintain her mental alertness towards the end of her show.

“Focus Focus Focus”

On a tissue, or makeup pad add the following drops and have a huge sniff when you start to vague out.

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 2 drops

Basil 2 drops

Snooki & JWoww

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

So there you have it. Real time recipes for Ellen DeGeneres. Why not try them out?

Thanks Ellen, great show.

Christmas Essential Oil Blends

Posted on December 24, 2012 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

Christmas Essential Oil Blends

The North and the South

Christmas may be famous for snowflakes and reindeer, but believe it or not people it’s a HOT Christmas for some. And oh how we love to go to the beach and do summery things at Christmas in Australia. I’ve created a few blends for you according to your place in the world

Here are some great essential oil recipes for scenting your space on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Southern Hemisphere

sneakily borrowed from silver-mg.com

I’m thinking citrus and a little spice. Maybe even some indigenous trees.

All blends are for a vapouriser or “oil burner”.

Buzz Off – a blend for an outdoor celebration, to keep away the little biters

Lemongrass 10 drops

Lavender 10 drops

Peppermint 5 drops

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

Chill – a cooling and relaxing blend

Lemon 10 drops

Tea Tree 5 drops

Petitgrain 10 drops

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

Aaahhhhh Summer! – sparkly and fun

Lime 10 drops

Orange 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Northern Hemisphere

All I Want for Christmas …..

I’m thinking herbs and spice.

All blends are for a vapouriser or “oil burner”.

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

White Christmas – a classic Christmas scene

Rosemary 5 drops

Orange 12 drops

Nutmeg 5 drops

Myrrh 3 drops

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All I want for Christmas is Mariah Carey – a fun, uplifting blend

Cinnamon 10 drops

Peru Balsam 10 drops

Mandarin 5 drops

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

Mulled Wine – warm and lovely

Marjoram 5 drops

Clove 5 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Bergamot 10 drops

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

Get scenting! I’d love to hear what blends you are making for Christmas. And if you don’t celebrate Christmas, what blends are you creating right now?

Remember to use your intention when you are placing the oils in your vapouriser. What mood do you want to create? How do you want yourself and your guests to feel? See my article about intention.

Remember with Rosemary – Lest We Forget

Posted on November 20, 2012 by suzannerbanks

We remember Ken with rosemary

I was at the funeral of my ex-partner’s Dad the other day. He was a war veteran and the service was in the chapel of a beautiful retirement village for old soldiers. The service was a simple family affair with tears and laughter.

As people were arriving the chaplain said to my friend, “there’s a rosemary bush out there. would you like me to pull some off the tree, and then all the family can have a sprig to lay on the coffin?” I piped up and said yes.

At that moment I took the picture above, and silently said to myself “remember with rosemary”. I’m not sure if it happens in any other country but we celebrate our soldiers, war veterans and give thanks to those who have given themselves selflessly. We do it with with rosemary.

I’ve always loved the way such on old herb has made it through to modern times. I’ve always loved that it’s made it through the ages with it divine purpose intact. Rosemary is used to stimulate the brain. Always recommended for study, rosemary can help you remember things.

So when the ANZACs (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) and other soldiers from Australia who have fought in wars, commemorate the fallen in marches and ceremonies, it is common to wear a sprig of rosemary on the lapel. To remember. To stimulate the mind and create an anchor to the scent. So the next time rosemary is smelt, the memories of those who have gone before us, will bring them right back into our minds again.

I just loved that we were given a sprig of Rosemary for Ken’s farewell. The Last Post was played and the beautiful stanza from Laurence Binyon’s poem “For The Fallen” was read. It is synonymous with Australian and New Zealand Remembrance days:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

So to connect with a love one who has passed, remember a person or animal that has lived before you, or to connect with a time in history or your own past life…….

flowering rosemary

Use rosemary.

Remember with rosemary.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: rosemary essential oil

Fragrant Oils vs Essential Oils – What’s the Diff?

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

May Chang – Shiny, Happy and a Little Bit Effervescent

Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

Essential Oil Recipes to PARTY With!

Oil Blends for ELLEN!

Christmas Essential Oil Blends

Remember with Rosemary – Lest We Forget

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