10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

Posted on April 2, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Oh the lovely scent of mandarin could make anyone happy! I rate all the citrus oils as happiness oils as they’re so fresh and light and zingy and sparkly.

Mandarin essential oil is different to orange oil, just as the fruit is different. It is a deeper, more red colour than orange oil, which can vary from light orange to yellow. The deepness of the colour adds to the unique properties of mandarin oil as red connects us with the base chakra, which is all about survival and all the necessities to live. When taking in this information and combining it with the mouth watering scent of the fruit, mandarin essential oil can open our minds to the big concepts of the universe.

In aromatherapy mandarin oil does not have a lot of therapeutic uses but can be used for –

* improving digestion (by using externally not internally, or drinking tea made with the rind)

* alleviating stress and improving relaxation

* counteracting stretch marks in pregnancy

I use it to connect us to the simple – yet huge – concepts of how the universe works.

Let’s get into some recipes –

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

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”

yum!

**** the basic rule when using citrus oils in an oil blend all over your body is not to go out and sun bake or expose yourself to massive amounts of sunlight as these oils may cause a photo toxic reaction.

“Love and Happiness”

Explains itself really –

Mandarin 3 drops

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

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“Tra La La”

Get some happiness in your body –

Mandarin 3 drops

Rose geranium 2 drops

Palmarosa 2 drops

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“64 Tetrahedron Grid”

Slip into the magic of the universe –

Mandarin 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Release the Day”

Let go of all things from the day –

Mandarin 10 drops

Cypress 8 drops

Lemongrass 6 drops

Sage 1 drop

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“Fun Kids Party”

Mandarin 12 drops

Cinnamon 6 drops

Peru Balsam 7 drops

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

“Meditation and Contemplation”

Scented relaxation –

Mandarin 8 drops

Frankincense 12 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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!

“Life is Easy”

Flow –

Mandarin 1 drop

Melissa 3% 2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Spikenard 1 drop

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“Joy”

Appreciate the little things in life –

Mandarin 1 drop

Jasmine 3% 2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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Mandarin lips! pic via www.beautezine.com

Mandarin lips! pic via http://www.beautezine.com

“Smile and Laugh”

Even if you have to force yourself, smile at someone and the rewards will be great –

Mandarin 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

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“Chill”

Mandarin 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 1 drop

Clove 1 drop

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

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

Lagging Energy? Use These Essential Oils

Posted on March 10, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Sometimes it just feels hard to do anything! pic via www.katimorton.com

Sometimes it just feels hard to do anything! pic via http://www.katimorton.com

Feeling listless, not enough energy to get through the day? Sometimes it’s not even about being tired because you can definitely have trouble getting to sleep during these low times too.

It. Feels. Like. You. Just. Can’t. Do. Stuff.

I’ve been feeling a bit like that lately as our late summer in Sydney has been a hot, wet, heavy earth summer. Not much sun, but loads of humidity. Some of my friends have been complaining about having no energy, and I suppose as we count down to the equinox (Autumn equinox for the southern hemisphere and spring equinox for the north), we can take time to adjust.

bounce on trampoline – pic via herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com

All the obvious regimes apply here like making sure you have good nutrition, good sleep and make yourself get out and exercise. A daily routine can help get you back on track and by this I mean waking at the same time, eating dinner and breakfast at the same time, going to bed at the same time. Use your alarm and plan ahead. It may only take you a week to reclaim your energy. But what if you are doing all that and still feel blah? Cutting down on stress in all forms will help but sometimes we need a bit of nature’s medicine. Cue essential oils.

Try these oils and recipes –

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This is the easiest and fastest way to wake up your brain which can be enough to then stimulate your body into action. The oils with strong aromas will automatically wake you up.

Rosemary – stimulates your mind, particular to helping you remember

Basil – energetically open upper chakras to the universe and is stimulating to your brain

Eucalyptus – wake up, deconstruct over thinking

Lemongrass – gently helps your mind fall into action

Tea Tree – release negative thinking

A drop of oil can be essential

2. 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 have an essential oil steam.

Use any of the oils above plus –

Palmarosa – gentle hint at being more flexible in your daily life

Lime – a zesty zingy way to wake up

Thyme – could blow your head off with its strength but great for a complete mind cleanse

Cypress, Pine, Black Spruce, Juniper – like waking up in a beautiful forest, clean, fresh, inspiring

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

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”

If you’ve got a couple of extra minutes up your sleeve THE BEST way to wake you body up and get energy flow going is to make an oil blend for your body. By massaging the oil into your skin you are physically creating warmth and energy directly, then the oils will go to work silently and softly. Get up, shower, oil yourself, put on a robe for 5 minutes to let the oil soak in. Get dressed. Go!

“I am A Robot”

When you need to get gong and do loads of things without having to think about it –

Rosemary 2 drops

Lavender 1 drop

Cardamom 1 drop

Lemon 4 drops

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“Ok That’s It I’m Going For a Walk”

Get vibed up for some exercise –

Orange 4 drops

Black pepper 2 drops

Juniper 2 drops

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“Anything is Possible”

The universe rewards action –

Tea Tree 3 drops

Mandarin 3 drops

Ginger 2 drops

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

Sage – An Essential Oil of Wisdom and Abundance

Posted on March 3, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Sage - pic via www.renaissanceherbs.com.au

Sage – pic via http://www.renaissanceherbs.com.au

Sage is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Salvia. Its soft, furry leaves pack a powerful punch when it is steam distilled into an essential oil. I did touch on the herb oils in this earlier article “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular!”, but they are so important in Aromatherapy I thought I must elaborate!

Sage.

Interestingly this is also the name we give to someone who is wise, shares wisdom and perhaps weaves some magic too. A sage would be someone we hold in great esteem and who holds the wisdom of the universe in their healing hands. So does the essential oil of sage also contain these properties within its molecules?

Yes! Of course. I’ve always used sage as an oil of abundance and as the perfect treatment for a sore throat, sage encourages us to speak truthfully and wisely and opens the throat chakra. When we speak kindly and feel compassion we are able to feel the abundant intelligence of the universe move within us.

Sage – illustration from Köhler’s Medizinal Pflanzen

Sage is one of the ancient herbs that has been used for healing for centuries and the Romans named it salvia after “salvare” meaning to heal. According to Patricia Davis the Latin name also indicates the word “salvation” as this plant was seen to save people from disease. During the centuries since then, sage has mainly been used in women’s health to normalise menses and as a stimulant for childbirth.

It is high in camphor and thujone – which has a few contra-indications including the warning not to be used in pregnancy or with epileptics, or kids. I use this oil sparingly and with great respect. Just because something is natural does not mean it is totally safe. Having said that please do your homework and use your intuition when using natural remedies.

In aromatherapy today sage is used –

* to stop milk production in lactating women

* as a diuretic

* to ease sore throats

* to ease rheumatic pain

* to help regulate periods

and sometimes to stimulate digestion and remove catarrh.

Sage sticks for energetic cleansing of a space – pic via liveinart.com

Sage also gives another form of healing in the way of “sage sticks”. They are used for smoking, purging and cleansing ceremonies but are usually made from white sage (Salvia apiana) which is mostly found in north America. It does feel fantastic when you smoke a premises to renew the energy of the space!

Anyway lets check out a few recipes –

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

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“New Start”

When you actually move into a new home or office or to renew your space –

Sage 5 drops

Orange 15 drops

Geranium 5 drops

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“Begone Bad Stuff”

Get your witchy-poo magic happening –

Sage 6 drops

Lemon 12 drops

Peru Balsam 7 drops

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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!

“Wise ol Owl”

Tap into the wisdom of the universe –

Sage 1 drop

Vanilla CO2 1 drop * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

Lime 1 drop

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“It’s a New Day”

Seize your chance to have another go –

Sage 1 drop

Cardamom 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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10 Recipes with Patchouli Essential Oil – Pogostemon cablin

Posted on February 26, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Patchouli leaf - pic via www.vanaroma.com

Patchouli leaf – pic via http://www.vanaroma.com

Patchouli is a herb from the Lamiacae family (along with lavender, peppermint, marjoram and may other herbs), and the genus Pogostemon. It is a beautiful oil, and the scent is quite deep, earthy and dark, and perhaps an oil that you wouldn’t necessarily use on its own. It is great oil to blend with others, but you do need to get the proportions right.

I was stimulated to write this as one of my blog followers has started getting into oils and was quite surprised when she opened her first bottle of patchouli. She described it as musty which I think is quite apt – but don’t let that put you off. Patchouli’s strength is in its ability to bring a blend together as it is regarded as a base oil. If you have made a very light blend with essential oils of a simple molecular structure (like citrus oils), you may notice they evaporate quite quickly and “fly away”. A few drops of patchouli will round-out the blend and keep it closer to the earth.

Patchouli is a grounding herb which relates to the base and second chakra, and it is connected to the hippie movement of the sixties. Please see my article “World Peace, Hippies, Patchouli Oil and The Evolution of Human Consciousness” for more on patchouli and how it relates to the world in general.

It is an oil that is often used for skin disorders such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. It also has skin regenerating properties so it’s great for use in face and body products too.

So let’s check out some recipes –

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

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 Connected”

When your head is in the clouds and you need to feel belonging –

Patchouli 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Lemongrass 1 drop

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“Compassion”

The world needs your kindness and compassion –

Patchouli 1 drop

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

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

“(I’m Gonna Get) Get Sexy On Ya”

yep ……

Patchouli 1 drop

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

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

“Deep Sleep”

Sometimes you need a little help –

Patchouli 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Marjoram 1 drop

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“A Quiet Night with A Good Book”

Take some time out –

Patchouli 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Party, Dance”

Set the mood for a dance-off –

Rosewood 8 drops

Geranium 6 drops

Mandarin 7 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

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“Meeting of the Minds”

When you’re a bit nervous about meeting someone –

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Lemon 12 drops

Lime 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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“Need.To.Stop.Procrastinating”

Bergamot 10 drops

Rosemary 4 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Patchouli 5 drops

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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 articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Lovin Myself Sick Today”

You are wonderful –

Patchouli 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

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“Soft Supple Skin”

Peru Balsam 3 drops

Palmarosa 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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

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

10 Recipes with Bergamot Essential Oil – Citrus bergamia

Posted on February 19, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Bergamot – pic via globalhealingcenter.com

I just wrote an article about the wonderful oil of bergamot, so click here if you’d like to check it out. I received a great response to my story on this bittersweet citrus oil and that’s because it’s a universally adored oil and has been used extensively in perfume for hundreds (if not more) years. It’s sparkly, light, refreshing and I always categorise the citrus oils as oils of happiness. It’s also fab for using in love blends as it negates mild feelings of anxiety.

Bergamot is used in aromatherapy to help with feelings of sadness and depression and to generally improve moods. It can be used as a tonic for oily skin, and is wonderful for all kinds of skincare. There is a warning with bergamot oil though – there is a constituent in its makeup called bergaptene, and this renders the oil slightly phototoxic. This means don’t smother yourself with it then sunbake for 8 hours – you could burn baby!

Les check out some recipes –

Pink clay – pic via qrbiz.com

1. Face Mask

Usually add 2 or 3 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol.

“Teenage Dream Skin”

For oily and acne skin try a face mask twice weekly with PINK clay –

2 teaspoons pink clay

Bergamot 1 drop will be enough here

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

2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“Ugh”

When you need bit of a boost –

Bergamot 15 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

Lemon Myrtle 3 drops

Myrrh 2 drops

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“I’m Lovely”

Yes you are ….

Bergamot 10 drops

Palmarosa 6 drops

Black Spruce 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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“I Wonder What Good Fortune is Coming my Way?”

Get in the vibration to accept good things –

Bergamot 12 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

May Chang 3 drops

Nutmeg 3 drops

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“From Negative to Positive”

Change!

Bergamot 16 drops

Rosewood 9 drops

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

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”

“Soft Skin”

For beautiful feeling and smelling skin –

Beragmot 3 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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

“Don’t Dilly-Dally”

Make a fresh start in the morning to get moving –

Bergamot 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Eucalyptus 1 drop

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

“You Will Be Mine”

Become absolutely irrisistable –

Bergamot 3 drops

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

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

Scent your space

4. Scent Your Space

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

“I Love My Little Space in the World”

Bergamot 15 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 6 drops

Geranium 4 drops

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

“Let’s Dance”

Yeah!

Bergamot 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Spearmint 5 drops

Lime 5 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

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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

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

“Untangle”

When you have pain and can’t relax –

Clary Sage 2 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

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

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.

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

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

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

“I Can Dream”

Dream big – it pays off –

Clary Sage 5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 8 drops

Petitgrain 12 drops

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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.

Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil – Lemony Goodness from Australia

Posted on January 29, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Lovely lemon myrtle an Australian native – pic via essentiallyaustralia.com.au

The lovely lemon myrtle tree (Backhousia citriodora) is a native to Australia and the leaves are used for food flavourings, as a tea, and are processed as an essential oil for our pleasure. If you’ve never smelt this powerful oil just imagine a crisp lemon scent with a deep twist of the Australian bush – a magical blend of lemon and other Aussie leaves like eucalyptus and tea tree. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, and the genus Backhousia. This is not to be confused with Myrtle which is also a part of the Myrtaceae family but has the genus Myrtus which is native to Europe. If you read about myrtle, it is likely to refer to this Myrtus communis.

This essential oil has a high citral content. Citral is the active ingredient which gives this and other oils their lemon scent, and it’s very interesting to note the amount of citral in a few essential oils:

Citral is present in the oils of several plants, including lemon myrtle (90-98%),

Litsea citrata (90%),

Litsea cubeba (70-85%),

lemongrass (65-85%),

lemon tea-tree (70-80%),

Ocimum gratissimum (66.5%),

Lindera citriodora (about 65%),

Calypranthes parriculata (about 62%),

petitgrain (36%),

lemon verbena (30-35%),

lemon ironbark (26%),

lemon balm (11%),

lime (6-9%),

lemon (2-5%), and orange.

Wikipedia

So isn’t it interesting that lemon only contains about 5% and this amazing lemon myrtle contains almost 100% citral! Wowsa!

So what does that mean?

In addition to the lemon scent, citral has been reported to have extremely high anti-microbial qualities and compared to tea tree seems to be much higher. The oil today is used just for this purpose and is particularly noted for it’s tested use on MCV which is a skin virus. Lemon myrtle essential oil is also used on cold sores, which are also a virus (herpes) so it stands to reason that this oil is very potent.

You could also use lemon myrtle oil as an inhalation for colds and flu and as a treatment for anxiety and depression (as many other lemon scented oils can be used for similar issues). It’s also great for cleaning because of it’s strong anti-bacterial action.

Dried lemon myrtle leaves - pic via www.abc.net.au

Dried lemon myrtle leaves – pic via http://www.abc.net.au

The lemon myrtle leaves have a history with the indigenous people of Australia, as the plant has been used as a flavouring and a medicine for many, many years. Today the leaves are also just dried and crushed to be used in foods and as a tea, and represent a particular group of foods and flavours only found in Australia.

I use this oil sparingly in my practice and it seems to jump out when someone is plagued by stress and really needs to detoxify their emotions. It works well in a perfume but you need to be careful about using too much in a body oil blend as it can be sensitising.

Check out a couple of simple recipes:

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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!

“Start Anew”

Get rid of all the old stale emotions and energy –

Lemon Myrtle 1 drop

Juniper 1 drop

Orange 1 drop

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

5. Scent Your Space

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

“Dark Energy Be Gone!”

Lemon Myrtle 10 drops

Patchouli 5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 5 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

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

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

Digital Scent vs Analog Scent

Posted on January 20, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Analog clock – great for planning ahead

Well I’m not sure if I can use the analog/digital signal to describe scent but I’m gong to anyway. It is usually applied to sound recording and clocks at a very basic level so check out this description:

“The difference between analog and digital technologies is that in analog technology, information is translated into electric pulses of varying amplitude. In digital technology, translation of information is into binary format (zero or one) where each bit is representative of two distinct amplitudes.” diffen.com

Something stuck in my mind a while ago when I was talking to someone about my need to use an analog clock while I was doing treatments so I could plan as I was working. For example I always look up at the clock to note in my mind how long I’ve been massaging the right leg and how much time I need to spend on the back, or do I need to leave more time for the face and head, and so on. He said analog is great for planning ahead whereas digital is about right now. I loved that description!

Digital clock – the time is now!

So with analog we can quickly see what has gone before and what is to come. It shows us a range of past, present and future (but of course that is an incorrect description because we know in quantum physics all those possibilities exist at once).

With digital we see only now! That’s cool because in quantum physics that’s all we have.

Smelling an essential oil could be an analog experience – pic via plantlifeworld.com

Ok so here’s my application of signal to scent:

Essential oils come from a natural source even though they undergo a process of some sort. They are made up of molecules that have been present in a living organism and carry an energetic force. This magic that they hold can be used a tool to access higher consciousness via the brain and can also effect the body this way too. Scent is a powerful mechanism that can transform our physicality and our spirit and sub conscious too, and with essential oils we are treated to the divine scent of mother nature.

When I first started using essential oils after a weekend workshop with two amazing Australian aromatherapists, I was shocked to hear that neither of them could use perfume anymore, after using essential oils. This was 20 years ago now and of course I am exactly the same. This is because essential oils carry this invisible life force and they are undeniably powerful. They give us a range of scent from the first whiff to the lingering notes on our bodies. They connect us to past experiences and allow us to see potential for the future. They give a complexity of scent that only exists in nature and that can never be replicated, even by the masters of chemistry (according to Luca Turin a master Perfumer).

To me essential oils are ANALOG. They have range and are complex. They are old school.

Perfume is digital - pic via bubblews.com

Perfume seems to be digital to me – pic via bubblews.com

Perfume is still absorbed through the nasal cavity into the brain and can also connect us to experiences of the past, present and future – as can any smell. Perfumes that are available today will be mostly made up of molecules that have been created in a lab, and that are quite precise in their scent. So you may have hundreds of different molecules that go into a perfume and it’s the master perfumers who will conduct this symphony of scent.

People all over the world love perfume but I don’t. I don’t like the alcohol as a base. I don’t like cold feeling it gives me and the way there seems to be too many conflicting ideas in one spritz. There are, of course, some perfumes that are way better than the dross out there. With perfume there are many precise notes blended to create the scent – but usually it’s too many.

To me perfumes are a DIGITAL scent. They are precise and do not have complex ranges, as they have many digital signals mixed together. There doesn’t seem to be any expansiveness or invitation to connect with the universe.

Hey, but if it’s digital it must be about NOW, which can only be a good thing. They are modern and contemporary, and fall in line with our digital era.

There’s a place for both in our world – let’s never lose the analog!

5 Essential Oils to Get You Started with Vigour in 2014

Posted on January 8, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Happy shiny people - pic via www.breathezy.com

Happy shiny people – pic via http://www.breathezy.com

Christmas is over.

New Year celebrations are over. (Except we’ll be having another party for Chinese New year when we celebrate the year of the horse).

The year has started.

I’m lagging a bit behind and found it hard to drag myself out of bed this morning so looked to my trusty friends (my essential oils), to get me vibed up.

My last article 2014! The Universal Number of 7! was all about this year and its intrinsic number of truth. To seek the truth of your existence here on earth, you will need a bit of curiosity and of course some energy to keep you going. Some essential oils will open your mind and stimulate the frontal cortex, and other essential oils will give you body a bit of a kick start.

Flowering rosemary

1. Rosemary

Stimulate your mind with rosemary. Remember with rosemary. Study with rosemary, warm your body up and help sore muscles release tightness. It is an easily accessible and inexpensive oil with a long history of medicinal uses.

2. Lavender

Lavender will always be on every list of oils I create. It is a relaxing oil but also an oil of solidarity and bringing your energy together. It’s the stalwart – loyal, reliable and hard working.

Lavender can ground your energy, help induce a state of calm, help with pain relief and generally be a medicinal oil of great standing.

Black pepper

Black pepper

Forward ho! Black pepper is the spice that can warm your heart, open your mind and also be a warming tonic to your body. It is a great oil for finding your dharma and taking your unique brand of evolutionary energy into the world. Even though the spice itself is quite piquant, the essential oil of black pepper has a magical sweetness about it.

Lemongrass

I think this oil may be one of the most loved oils in the world. It has so many uses but I’ll always use this oil for a client who is lacking energy. It’s lemon scented goodness is backed up with a deep grassy green scent that represents freedom to me.

Need physical energy? Use lemongrass!

Basil

Basil

Oh you just can’t keep a good herb down! The herbs are so wonderful for healing and have been used for centuries. Basil is an oil for opening your mind and stimulating your brain. It is expansive and great for maintaining fluid thought and allowing universal intelligence to come through your crown chakra. Basil is for clarity and can be used on your body like lavender, as it has a high content of linalool which is an active ingredient in lavender.

How can you use these oils to stimulate your energy?

* try taking a whiff straight from the bottle

* put a few drops in the bottom of the shower (cover the drain for a minute with your foot or a cloth) and inhale

* make an oil blend for your body – for a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

* it will be best to use a combination of oils rather than just 7 drops of the one oil as, for example, black pepper is slightly sensitising and could be too strong for some people

* as a hint, use lavender and a citrus oil to one of the oils above to make a lovely blend

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

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: scent

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Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil – Lemony Goodness from Australia

Digital Scent vs Analog Scent

5 Essential Oils to Get You Started with Vigour in 2014

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