Cedarwood Atlas – An Ancient Wood with a Modern Scent

Cedarwood atlas - Cedrus atlantica

Cedarwood atlas – Cedrus atlantica

In Aromatherapy we use a few cedarwoods –

Cedrus atlantica           = Cedarwood Atlas

Juniperus virginiana     = Cedarwood Virginian

Cedrus deodora           = Cedarwood Himalyan

When I first started practicing I didn’t really use this oil a lot – I preferred Cedarwood Virginian. Years ago when I was creating a range for a new clinic in Sydney, I was inspired to incorporate this oil by the Herbalist and sales manager. She encouraged me to use Cedarwood atlas and described the scent to me as being reminiscent of sandalwood. She also suggested I could use it in place of sandalwood as the Sandalwood industry was under pressure and prices had tripled within years.

So embraced Cedarwood atlas and while I don’t necessarily use it as s replacement for sandalwood I certainly love to use it frequently. It is a true cedarwood and has an interesting history.

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco, map originally created by Daniel Feher of Free World Maps. Original map can by found here http://www.freeworldmaps.net/africa/morocco/map.html

It is part of the Pinaceae family of trees and is still considered to be a viable tree with no concern for its life here on earth. It hails from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is also farmed for its wood and oil in other regions.

The rich history of cedarwood most probably relates to Lebanon cedarwood which is Cedrus libani and found in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Cypress and surrounding areas. It is also from the Pinaceae family and I would assume that the two are quite similar and they both would have been used for ancient rituals and traditions; in Egyptian times, in building the Temples of Jersualem and all the ancient majesty and mystery that comes with them. Phoenicaians and Egytians built their boats with this wood, and the resin was used to treat illness and mummify Phaoroahs. There are also other cedars in these areas that belong to the Cupressaceae family (the cypresses), and have also been used over thousands of years in spiritual practice.

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of oil can be essential

The oil is steam distilled using the wood and twigs and currently in Aromatherapy Cedarwood atlas is used for-

* respiratory ailments – coughs, colds, bronchitis as it is a great expectorant

* in a sitz bath to address kidney and bladder including cystitis – it’s an astringent oil

* as a tonic for stress and anxiety (yes we say this about many oils so it goes to prove a few drops of distilled nature really can change your focus and make you feel better)

* as an astringent for oily skin and on the flip side to also treat dry and flaky conditions like dry scalp, dandruff and also to ease symptoms of psoriasis

Abundance is a state of being

Abundance is a state of being

I love to use this oil to stimulate connection to spirit and to inspire acknowledgement of the abundance all around us. If the resins of this tree were used in the mummification process  to help souls live for ever after death, I see it as a sign that our abundance is ever flowing in all states of existence.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Nurture Yourself NOW!

Dear natural scent lovers, nurture yourself NOW! It’s a practice in compassion – compassion towards your deserving self. I’m talking to you.

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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love and nurture yourself now!

love and nurture yourself now!

 

 

If you’ve ever flown in a plane you will have watched the flight attendants demonstrate how to put a life jacket on and how to fit an oxygen mask on your face. They say it’s very important to fit the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first before you attend to your children and anyone else.

Why?

Are you more important than your child or another person on the plane?

No.

It’s because YOU are required to be breathing and functioning so that you CAN attend to your children and others. If you aren’t taking control of your own needs first, the results could be worse.

 

Take care of yourself firdt

Take care of yourself firdt

 

Nurture yourself. That’s the message. Leon Nacson from Hay House, an author of dream books has mentioned this a few times at Hay House events in Australia. It has always stuck with me, and the more clients I treat the more I realise (generally speaking) we don’t nurture ourselves very well at all.

How are we to evolve into a kind, peaceful, loving society if we rarely treat ourselves with peace and kindness?

Please take time to have a massage, an aromatherapy treatment, some acupuncture, a facial, a pedicure or anything else you can think of.

Take time to explore why you have come to earth at this particular time. We need everyone here, now, to make a positive contribution to the oneness we are a part of. To contribute more to your family, your neighbourhood, your country, your planet you need to be feeling GOOD. You need to be feeling alive, vital, relaxed and stress free.

 

be peaceful in your everyday life

be peaceful in your everyday life

 

Your contribution may not be anything physical, but could simply mean being more kind to an elderly neighbour, or smile and look people in the eye walking down the street. It could mean meditating and radiating your energy into everything you do in your day. The benefits will expand exponentially, and you will be an important part of the evolution of human consciousness.

aaahhhhh essential oils

aaahhhhh essential oils

 

Using essential oils is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and enliven your mind and spirit. One drop could make the difference between a day, and a wonderful day.

Chuck a bottle of something in your bag and when you need to feel and be nurtured, take the cap off the top and have a huge whiff. Just start there. Practice nurturing yourself everyday and watch the amazing results.

We need you to be paying attention.

I often end my articles with this statement…..

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

cardamom

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 prana flow

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

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

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

“I’m Bringing Sexy Back”

To get in the mood.

Cardamom          2 drops

Ylang Ylang         2 drops

Bergamot             3 drops

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

“Tai Chi”

To get your energy going.

Cardamom      3 drops

Rosemary        1 drop

Rosewood       3 drops

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

anoint with a drop of ol

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

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

“My Heart is Open”

Speaks for itself really.

Cardamom  1 drop

Rose 3%      6 drops

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

“Yum”

Increase appetite and joy in eating.

Cardamom  1 drop

Grapefruit    2 drops

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

steam inhalation

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.

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

My Top 5 Oils for Brides – Part 2

a beautiful Indian bride

a beautiful bride

In my article My Top 5 Oils for Brides, I talk about what oils are best for the pending nuptials. Here’s a recap –

Neroli

Rose

Lavender

Geranium

Frankincense

But how do you use the oils?

We all know every wedding is different and each bride and groom are unique, but the one thing they all have in common is that they all want a memorable experience for them and their guests. Whether it be a simple beach wedding or a lavish affair at a glamourous venue with hundreds of guests, the bride will have some organising to do.

Unfortunately the oils won’t do everything but they will support you on your journey from fiancé to wife.

a happy beach wedding

a happy beach wedding

Essential oils will give emotional support and a scented burst of clarity and calm during the process. You could either use lots of different kinds of oils or pick a couple and make a combination that becomes your signature scent. So let’s look at the best 2 ways to use your oils.

1. Nourishing Body Oil

I recommend making a bottle of your chosen oil blend to use daily as a moisturiser, and more importantly as a connection to your spirit and a tonic to your mind. You will start your day off by paying attention to yourself, centering your mind and preparing for what is to come. And – your skin will look and feel totally amazing! I use oil on my skin every day and it works – my skin feels wonderful and looks good too! When your bottle is finished you can make another combo or stay with the same blend.

For ratios and quantities see my article Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3. Here is an example of a blend in a 50 ml bottle –

“Heart”

To keep the flow of energy in your heart chakra while planning your wedding –

Rosewood    10 drops

Lavender       5 drops

Neroli 3%      30 drops *

Alternatively you could make a blend every day but this often takes up time and is the first thing to be put on hold when you are juggling work, your private life and creating your perfect wedding. If you do want to do this 3 teaspoons of oil should be enough and to that you can add 7 or 8 drops of oil.

“Cool, Calm and Collected”

To breathe deeply and keep anxiety at bay –

Frankincense 3 drops

Cardamom    1 drop

Neroli 3%       9 drops *

* 3% oils need to be used in different ratios as they are already split into a blend with jojoba oil that can be used straight away. See Essential Oils 3% What Are They and Why? for more info on how to use them when making a blend.

a more formal church wedding

a more formal church wedding

2. Mist

This is a great portable way to keep an aromatherapy treatment with you. It is simply essential oils in an atomiser bottle filled with water. There is no need to use any emulsification agents,just shake before you mist. It can be used to refresh your face, cleanse and protect your aura, give your brain a boost and will make you smell like a natural goddess.

50ml mist bottle

50ml mist bottle from essenceofwellbeing.com.au

 

In a 50ml atomizer bottle add 25 drops of essential oil – use the same ratios of essential oils to water as you would a body oil blend.

“Mother Earth Energy”

To keep a sense of worldliness and compassion on those crazy days –

Rose 3%     50 – 75 drops *

* 3% oils tend not to work so well in a mist as the jojoba may shorten the lifespan of the mist due to oxidisation. I’d still give it a go if you want to use rose, neroli or jasmine; and then use the mist quickly.

It seems like a lot of drops, but once again this is an oil that you will probably buy in a 3% blend (you can buy it pure but it’s quite expensive) and I recommend you use 3 times the amount that you would a pure essential oil.

“I’ve Got the Power”

When you need strength and fortitude, with a smile –

Geranium                 10 drops

Mandarin                  10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  5 drops

Remember to treat your self first then everyone will benefit.

Stay tuned for how to make beautiful handmade aromatherapy gifts for your wedding guests.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Neroli Neroli Neroli

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

Neroli, neroli, neroli. I love it, I love it, I love it.

The oil is produced from the blossom of Citrus aurantia ssp amara or bigarade. It is a powerful, beautifully enchanting blossom fragrance with a little spice and bitter-sweet citrus.

It is an oil that is precious and expensive to make and therefore is mostly sold in a 3% blend. (see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?” for more information on 3% blends).

Anne-Marie-de-La-Tremoille_Dss-Bracciano via wikipedia.com

Anne Marie de La Tremoille Duchess of Bracciano via wikipedia.com

In the world of essential oils and plant-based medicine it is a relative newcomer. While some herbs and oils have been used for thousands of years (lavender, myrrh, frankincense, cypress for example), this scent was made popular in Italy in the 1700’s. The story goes that

“by the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, Italy, introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the term “neroli” has been used to describe this essence.”

The principality of Nerola is close to Rome where the Princess really worked the diplomacy angle in the Italian capital, securing her future in the courts of France, Spain and Rome. The essence was used particularly in Venice to ward off water born viruses and nasties.

She later changed her name and title (when the duke of Bracciano died) to Marie Anne de La Trémoille, princesse des Ursins. Apparently the title was created by herself and had no real credit, but her influence in politics remained until her death.

orange blossom

orange blossom

Thank goodness she was a scented visionary and left us with a love of this beautiful flower and perfume.

In aromatherapy neroli is therapeutically used for –

* relieving tension and anxiety, depression and melancholy

* sleeplessness

* improving the look and feel of facial skin by reducing the look of small capillaries

* some claims say it can be beneficial in treating muscle spasms and is also used in heart patients – massaged over the heart

Neroli is best used therapeutically as a sedating agent and for a treatment against anxiety and depression. Perhaps the small white flower allows one to open to the simple beauty of life.

the bitter orange tree

the bitter orange tree

Try these recipes:

1. Facial Oil

Use Neroli 3% straight from the bottle as a moisturiser or an overnight treatment. The scent will be heavenly and will soothe and calm your skin.

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Once again use this oil straight from the bottle as a perfume. I always get comments when I wear Neroli as it appeals to men and women.

3. Nourishing Body Oil

Add these oils to 3 teaspoons of carrier oil for an all-over body moisturiser –

“Princess”

Neroli 3%     21 drops

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

“Feminine Power”

Neroli 3%     9 drops

Cardamon    1 drop

Rosewood    3 drops

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

“Influence”

Neroli 3%      9 drops

Fennel           1 drop

Patchouli       1 drop

Orange          2 drops

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

Remember to use your intention when making a blend or using an essential oils as a perfume. You will be creating your life!

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

“I’ll Have a Juniper and Tonic, thanks”

juniper berries

juniper berries

“I’ll have a juniper and tonic, thanks” – I really did say this to a barman once.  I had juniper on my mind and really needed it. Obviously what I wanted was a gin and tonic, with the smooth, styling flavour of juniper berries. Gin was originally made in the Netherlands where it is called “jenever”, and was first made as a medicine in the 16th century. Looking at the historical uses of plants and oils gives us a very clear indication of what they are good for (even without the modern scientific techniques of gas chromatography, which breaks down the oils into components). Juniper was also used against cholera and typhoid in this time by herbalists and common people –  the plants were the medicine!

young unripe juniper berries

young unripe juniper berries

Juniper is an oil I often have cravings for and will spend months at a time obsessed with it. It’s a clean, crisp oil I refer to as having the “scent of sophistication”. It is a lightly scented oil produced from steam distillation of the ripe dark berries. l will use it for clients for anything from stress to lethargy.

It belongs to the Cupressaceae family which also holds Cypress, Cedarwood Virginian, Cade and Savin. Have a look at the leaves on the top pic – you can see how it would be related to a cypress tree.

sprawling juniper bush

sprawling juniper bush

Traditionally juniper is used for:

* a diuretic and detoxifier for the body eliminating excess fluid and also acidic build up in the blood

* this may then lead to help with issues such as gout and rheumatism

* and also cellulite (wouldn’t that be great) – I have never stuck with any one treatment long enough to know if anything helps with that …….

* cystitis – where a sitz bath or douche is used – be cautious when using essential oils in a douche and a very low ratio would be recommended

* oily skin

I use juniper for:

* energetic cleansing whether it be in your home or your personal aura

* to help release build up of emotions especially weepy and watery emotions

* to relieve someone of heavy self-deprecating feelings

* and generally when I feel ‘release’ is needed

energy vortex

energy vortex

Try these recipes:

unlike this lady I recommend putting the mask on all over your face!

unlike this lady I recommend putting the mask on all over your face!

1. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay

Juniper       2 drops

Lavender    1 drop

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

2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist

To release negativity and invite sweetness and protection, in a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add –

“Ah That’s Better”

Juniper           12 drops

Orange             8 drops

Peru Balsam     5 drops

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

3. Body Oil

For a detox treatment, in 3 teaspoons of oil add –

“Light as a Feather”

Juniper            4 drops

Fennel             2 drops

Ginger             1 drop

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

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!

“Crisp Like Linen (that’s been ironed)”

Juniper      2 drops

Petitgrain   1 drop

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

I also found this :

juniper plant will keep away witches; as such it was commonly planted near front doors.
(The witch could still enter, but only if she correctly counted needles on the tree).

Love that one!

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

May Chang – Shiny, Happy and a Little Bit Effervescent

May Chang flower

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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………………………………..

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Tussy Mussies, Nosegays and the Victorian Language of Flowers

white rose tussy mussy in a Victorian silver tussy mussy holder

white rose tussy mussy in a Victorian silver tussy mussy holder

Tussy mussy.

I’ve always thought it was very camp but until now I don’t think I ever had the proper understanding of what it really was. I thought that herbs and flowers were gathered in posies and carried by ladies in the 16 and 1700’s to drown out the stench of sewerage, rotting rats and other smelly things. It was also before daily bathing was common and I suppose the tussy mussy would have come in handy regularly. I’ve imagined lavender, rosemary, thyme and all things herbal, dotted with sweet smelling flowers where possible. These were called originally called “nosegays”, and if that isn’t camp – what is?

herb tussy mussy

herb tussy mussy/nosegay

Upon further research it seems they were around in the 1500’s too for the same reasons. It isn’t quite clear if the word “tus” refers to a cluster of flowers or comes from a similar word meaning tuft or clump.

So I’m right.

But it’s more than that!

Gentlemen callers sent posies to the one they admired whereby the flowers chosen had secret meanings! How devilish and exciting.

And….. there are special tussy mussy holders made from gold, silver and even glass that hold the posy in place as you gad about the town – taking whiffs whenever needed. You could then rest the posie on your table when finally at home.

Victorian tussy mussy holders

Victorian tussy mussy holders

I imagine beautiful violets in a traditional tussy mussy. I wonder what that means? Here are a few from about.com/gardening

Strands of ivy signified fidelity and friendship, gardenias conveyed a secret love, forsythia… anticipation. Shakespeare used them to enhance the story, as in Hamlet, when poor Ophelia laments “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember: and there is pansies, that’s for thoughts.”

Baby’s Breath: Everlasting Love

Calla Lily: Magnificent Beauty

Camellia: Perfected Loveliness

Daffodil: Unrequited Love

Daisy: Innocence

Forget-me-not: Memories

Gardenia: Secret Love

Gladioli: Sincerity

Jasmine: Cheerful & Graceful

Lilac: First sign of love

Lily: Purity of Heart

Orange Blossom: Marriage and Fruitfulness

Orchid: Beauty

Red Rose: Passionate Rose

Sweet Pea: Good by

Violet: Modesty

My client and amazing angel lady Doreen Virtue has written a book with an Australian Naturopath, Robert Reeves, about the language of flowers.  It’s a beautiful book and of course differs from the list above. It’s worth a read if you LOVE flowers and the healing energy of mother nature. Check it out “Flower Therapy: Welcome the Angels of Nature into Your Life”.

red roses

red roses

Today I think it’s pretty simple. Flowers are always a beautiful gift and if you send red roses it probably does still signify love and passion. If you send anything else, it’s simply stunning. How could a flower have a negative connotation? And of course my choice would be scented flowers. Especially roses. I think if you are sending roses, ask for scented stems.

So next time you are on the holo-deck having a virtual Victorian experience, remember your nosegay or tussy mussy to get you through.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: A Must-Have for the Scent Lover

orange -  it's a great food AND oil!

orange – it’s a great food AND oil!

How can you NOT be captured by the beautiful colour, taste and scent of an orange?

Well, actually, I have a client who really can’t bare the smell of orange essential oils because it gives her a headache. Fair enough. But let’s all love it together – because we can!

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it is light, fresh, sweet and blends well with ALL essential oils.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it is a simple representation of the beauty of life.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it lends itself to become the body of an aromatherapy blend, easily and effortlessly.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it appeals to most people by connecting to the inner child, or the innocence and happiness of children.

* I use a lot of orange essential oil because it always allows my client to completely relax and enjoy the experience of the treatment

orange

orange

Traditionally orange oil as been used for:

* helping with digestion and gut issues including symptoms of IBS

* as a tonic for depression and anxiety

* as a soothing agent to the skin, and in inflammatory skin conditions like acne

* as a mild stimulant to the lymphatic system

I would say most therapists use orange oil because of it’s scent and it’s intrinsic nature of joy and happiness.

orange = happiness

orange = happiness

Handy Hints

+ If you squeeze oranges for fresh juice keep the rind and rub it over the kitchen benches to act as a disinfectant and make your place smell great.

+ Use the rind in a bath to have a de-stress unwind moment of peace – no need for a bottle of oil go straight to the source.

+ Make a cake with whole boiled oranges and almond meal to have an aromatherapy treatment and a dessert at the same time.

+ Kids LOVE this oil so it’s good have around in case they need a little help to re-focus and chill out

And try these recipes:

Scent Your Space

1. “Good Morning Darling (Get out of Bed on the Wrong Side Did Ya?)”

To infuse your space with some soft happiness add these oils to a classic oil burner:

Orange          15 drops

Rosewood     5 drops

Cinnamon      5 drops

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

2. “I’ve Got a Headache”

To relieve tension and relax:

Orange                     10 drops

Lavender                  10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  5 drops

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

Skin Scrub

To a cup of fine sea salt add a good splash of oil (almond, olive, sunflower) and either 5 drops of orange oil OR grate the rind of 2 oranges into the mix.

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

Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Anoint your chakras, or pulse points with the pure essential oil. Use the energy of the oil and the scent for transformation and energy protection. Always place a tiny residue under your nose for the scent to go to work on your mind.

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!

1. “Serendipity”

To invite openness into your life:

Orange         2 drops

Geranium     1 drop

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

2. “I’m Lovin Myself Sick Tonight”

To help you connect with your inner sexy goddess:

Orange       2 drops

Nutmeg      1 drop

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

Orange oil is an oil of happiness so…….

Remember to treat your self first and then everyone will benefit!

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Ask the Angels about the Right Essential Oils for YOU!

Do angels really have wings?

Do angels really have wings?

Ever since my first workshop with Doreen Virtue, the angel channel/conduit, I’ve loved all things angelic. Doreen has written many books on the subject and has lots of beautifully illustrated card decks too. The basic teachings of Doreen and the angles are soft, kind and loving, and if the only thing you ever get out of it is feeling a little better about things, then that’s perfect.

I’m not an expert on the angels and archangels but what I do know, and what Doreen reminds us of frequently, is that you must ask the angels for help. You have free will and no one can enter your domain without consent. Interesting isn’t it? It mirrors life and how we can take on angst and negative emotions from others, when really, we have allowed it to enter us all along.

It’s irrelevant whether you “believe” in angels or not. If you don’t acknowledge magic, energy and quantum physics (all the same to me), then you need not be effected by anything here, nor will it bother you either way. It goes beyond belief and Deepak Chopra calls it “knowingness” – a deep seeded feeling in your entire being that allows you to resonate with the universe without your conscious mind ever needing to be called upon.

we are here

we are here

When you ask the angels for help with something, they will point you in the right direction. I ask the angels ALL the time to help me find something in the house that I’ve misplaced. Every time I get in the car I say “angels please surround and protect me and everyone else on the road today”.

So if you are unsure about what oils may the right ones for you today, why not ask the angels? This will also include your guides and deceased loved ones that may be around you at the time. The answer will come to you, silently placed in your mind or body. It may be a feeling you get, a flash across the screen of your mind or your hand may be guided toward a particular bottle of oil.

an angel comes to help

an angel comes to help

Trust this message.

This process is also a practice in strengthening your intuition. Could asking the angels be the same as asking your higher self for the answer? YES! It’s about developing a connection to the energetic universe around us and will look and feel differently to everyone.

energy vortex

energy vortex

We need YOU to open yourself to higher energies!

We need YOU to practice developing your intuition.

We need YOU to be the guiding light of compassion in your life to inspire those around you.

We need YOU to ask yourself, the angels and your guides for help on the earthly plane so we can evolve NOW. The time is now.

Remember to ask the angels for help!

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013