10 Essential Oil Recipes to Help Deal with Road Rage and Traffic

Posted on July 9, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Traffic!

When looking for inspiration for articles one of my readers suggested I apply the 10 Recipes series to minimising road rage and dealing with traffic. Great idea so here goes.

If you are someone that has to deal with traffic congestion on a daily basis, and gets frustrated by it, then these oils may be for you.

Or, are you someone that just can’t handle what others do on the road and then completely freak out about it? Road rage? It seems sad that we now have a widely accepted term for this anger on the roads and that’s not good at all. This is just a reflection of how angry we are as a society, and how we are not coping with modern day life. You definitely need some oils.

Look people, just calm down ok? Release anger, and have a more “go with the flow” attitude when driving. If you can’t do that then stop driving. If you really hate the traffic on your way to work try and find solutions that put you in a less stressful situation (public transport, car pooling).

If you must drive and tend to get a bit stressed then try these 10 recipes to start your day;

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

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

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff straight from the bottle, but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

Peppermint – clarity, happiness

Tea Tree – cleanse your aura and energy

Mandarin – happiness, allowing

Lemongrass – stimulating and refreshing, happiness

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Rub oil into your body – it’s good!

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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

By doing this in the morning, while using your good intention, you will start your day with scented positivity. Allow this feeling to infuse good vibes all day long.

“Patience is a Virtue”

Sure is –

Lemon 3 drops

Frankincense 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

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“I Wonder What Good Things Are Coming My Way?”

Open up to possibility –

Lavender 4 drops

Petitgrain 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

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“I Heart You Even Though You Didn’t Let Me Merge”

Ylang Ylang 3 drops

Orange 2 drops

Rosewood 2 drops

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“Repeat the Happy Mantra”

Lemongrass 3 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Spearmint 2 drops

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

3. 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!)

“Smile and Wave, Smile and Wave”

Let others drive the way they drive, practice being kind anyway –

Basil 6 drops

Mandarin 12 drops

Lemon Myrtle 7 drops

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“1, 2, 3”

Count to 3 and then breathe deeply, release anger –

Juniper 8 drops

Lime 10 drops

Vanilla CO2 6 drops

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

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“Bubble of Love”

You’re in control of your little space (and headspace) –

Bergamot 10 drops

Black Spruce 7 drops

Marjoram 6 drops

Clary Sage 2 drops

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Sniff and Go”

A quick natural perfume for your wrists to sniff in the middle of traffic to help release anxiety –

Neroli 3% a few drops straight from the bottle

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

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“Sniff and Go Too”

You are the benevolent Queen –

Rose 3% a few drops straight from the bottle

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

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10 Recipes with Palmarosa Essential Oil – Cymbopogon martinii

Posted on March 12, 2014 by suzannerbanks

Palmarosa - pic via www.les-medecines-douces.fr

Palmarosa – pic via http://www.les-medecines-douces.fr

Palmarosa is a scented grass that belongs to the Poaceae family (grasses) and the genus Cymbopgon. It is closely related to lemongrass and citronella and when looking at a picture it’s hard to tell them apart. The essential oil has been known as Indian geranium oil and also Turkish geranium oil “because it was imported into Europe via Turkey and Bulgaria as an adulterant to Otto of Roses” – according to botanical.com “A Modern Herbal”.

It has a green rosey/geranium scent and in Aromatherapy today it is used –

* as a skin moisturiser, with cell regenerating properties. See my article Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness for more info on this gorgeous oil

* to help improve mood (like many essential oils)

* and Salvatore Battaglia claims it may stimulate digestion

Palmarosa is more often used in perfumery and body products as cheaper additional rose/geranium scent.

Palmarosa for oil production pic via www.grammeproducts.com

Palmarosa for oil production pic via http://www.grammeproducts.com

I love using this oil in many kinds of 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”

“Flexibilty”

Flow with the universe –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Orange 3 drops

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

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“Buzz Off”

An oil blend for outdoors to fend off little biters –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Citronella 2 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

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“Lunar”

Look to the sky for inspiration –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Mandarin 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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“Tra-la-la”

Invite happiness in –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

Black Spruce 3 drops

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Wrap it up! pic via hellobeautiful.com

2. Hair Mask

Warm 3 teaspoons of oil (either olive or jojoba) and add 7 to 8 drops of essential oil. Massage into your hair from the ends up. Wrap your hair in a towel (or some plastic wrap then a towel). Leave for 1 hour, or overnight, then wash and condition as usual. This is the same ratio for a body oil blend and for more info see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Flower Girl”

A moisturising mask for dry hair –

Palmarosa 3 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Peru Balsam 2 drops

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“Balance”

For oilier hair –

Palmarosa 2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 2 drops

Lemon 4 drops

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

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Resistance is Futile”

The Borg were right – don’t resist, go with the flow

Palmarosa 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Marjoram 5 drops

Lime 5 drops

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“Attention!”

Wake up, pay attention to the signs –

Palmarosa 9 drops

Lemon Myrtle 8 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

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“Gastronomique”

Stimulate your appetite –

Palmarosa 6 drops

Juniper 6 drops

Orange 12 drops

Cardamom 3 drops

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“Swish”

Get ya swish on –

Palmarosa 7 drops

Spearmint 10 drops

Fennel 3 drops

Rose Geranium 5 drops

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

10 Recipes with 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

“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

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“Don’t Dilly-Dally”

Make a fresh start in the morning to get moving –

Bergamot 4 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Eucalyptus 1 drop

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“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

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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

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“Let’s Dance”

Yeah!

Bergamot 10 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Spearmint 5 drops

Lime 5 drops

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

10 Recipes with Indian Sandalwood Essential Oil – Santalum album

Posted on January 27, 2014 by suzannerbanks

10!

Following my recent article on Sandalwood, with links to a great series on Indian sandalwood being grown in Australia, I thought I might start a series called “10 Recipes”. I’ll feature a different oil each week with recipes for body oils, face and hair treatments, room scenting, space and aura cleansing and natural perfumes.

Sandalwood and oil - pic via www.fengshuidana.com

Sandalwood and oil – pic via http://www.fengshuidana.com

The traditional sandalwood that we’ve all come to know and love is often referred to as Indian or Mysore Sandalwood as it hails from the subcontinent of India. It is the rich, creamy, deep wood scent that has captivated the world. It is expensive because we have managed to strip India of it’s entire forests (we are very bad), so now it’s being grown in Australia (very good). This new oil grown and produced in Australia is Santalum album, so don’t get it mixed up with Santalum spicatum which is called Australian Sandalwood. Got it?

nourish your skin with oil blends

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”

“Snake”

Feel lithe and grounded –

Sandalwood 2 drops

Orange 3 drops

Rose Geranium 2 drops

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“Date Night”

Feel a little bit sexier –

Sandalwood 2 drops

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Bergamot 4 drops

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

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

2. Face Mask

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

For any skin type use white or pink clay –

Sandalwood 1 drop and leave it at that, sandalwood is strong enough

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essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Buddha Breeze”

Connect to your spiritual energy –

Sandalwood 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Palmarosa 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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“Boudoir Baby”

Sandalwood 6 drops

Ylang Ylang 4 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Lemon Myrtle 3 drops

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“Why Not?”

Garner some courage –

Sandalwood 8 drops

Lemongrass 10 drops

Black Pepper 8 drops

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Anoint your third eye and breathe! pic via buelahman.wordpress.com

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!

“YEAH!”

Rejoice in life –

Sandalwood 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Black Spruce 1 drop

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“Yep I’m Awesome”

Get vibing on yourself –

Sandalwood 1 drop

Petitgrain 2 drops

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

5. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Alpha Brainwaves”

A meditative energy –

Sandalwood 6 drops

Lemon 12 drops

Lavender 7 drops

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“Settle Down Kids”

Mist around the kids to help them chill –

Sandalwood 4 drops

Orange 14 drops

Spearmint 7 drops

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

The Magician – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on September 4, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Magician - I in the major aracna from the Rider-Waite deck

The Magician – I in the major arcana from the Rider-Waite deck

This card is great! You can feel the power just by looking at him. He’s an alchemist in the most natural, original state. He is number 1 in the major arcana of the tarot which signifies he is the first energy of physical manifestation we see. The Magician will come to you in a reading if you either greatly need his energy, you need to hear his message or you are experiencing this at the present time. And of course, this is true for all the cards.

He is using all the elements of the tarot – swords (air, mental), cups (water, emotional), pentacles (physical, earth) and wands (fire, spirituality). He is also calling on the energy of heaven and earth (the universe) to bring everything together to create instant manifestation. So this card is acknowledging your power to use the resources at hand to change your life, create a new business venture and/or see the fruition of your hard work towards a project.This card is telling you you can do it! You have everything at your fingertips to create what you want and the time is now!

You have the power to create via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

You have hopefully come through challenges previously so this is not a time for delay. This is not a time for study or gathering information, it is a time for action. Add your intention into your resources and will and you will have no option but to succeed. The flow of energy around you can be harnessed as you are in the flow of life and connected to everything around you.

Lets look at some oils and formulas you could use to support your quest for manifestation –

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cypress – a quick cleanse and connection to your spiritual self

Rosewood – open your heart chakra to allow the flow of love of the universe

May Chang – you are the alchemist of your own life

Palmarosa – be flexible too

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scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“The Time is Now”

This is the right time to go for it –

Black pepper 8 drops

Pine 6 drops

Orange 11 drops

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“Finally”

Congratulate yourself for doing the hard work and seeing the results –

Spearmint 8 drops

Palmarosa 8 drops

Petitgrain 9 drops

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3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“More Please”

Allow yourself to create what you want –

Myrrh 5 drops

Clary Sage 5 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Lime 10 drops

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“Thanks”

Give praise for all the great things you have created –

Bergamot 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 8 drops

Geranium 7 drops

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

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 7, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Moon – XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

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

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

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

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

oooooooooooo

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

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

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

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

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

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

“I am Light and Dark”

Acknowledge your deep fears –

Geranium 3 drops

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

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“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper 2 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel 2 drops

May Chang 2 drops

Peru Balsam 3 drops

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essential oil diffuser

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I Get So Emotional Baby”

Everything will be ok –

Spearmint 6 drops

Lemon 10 drops

Siberian Fir 9 drops

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“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper 8 drops

Pink Grapefruit 15 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress 12 drops

Orange 8 drops

Ylang Ylang 5 drops

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

The Star – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Posted on July 24, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Star – XVII from the Rider-Waite deck

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

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

The wonderful flow of nature (australia.com)

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

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

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

shine like a star

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

Try these recipes:

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“I Am The Star of My Own Life”

To help you remember who you really are –

Sandalwood Indian 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

Spearmint 1 drop

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“The Universe is Within Me”

To move from ego to spirit –

Cypress 2 drops

Cardamom 2 drop

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

“I’m Naked”

Allow your heart to be open to everything –

Fennel 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

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

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

Scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Oh Happy Day”

Rejoice in the wonders of life –

Geranium 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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“Purpose in Life”

To keep you on the path –

Black Pepper 7 drops

Cinnamon 8 drops

Orange 10 drops

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

“Welcome”

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

Lime 10 drops

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Peru Balsam 6 drops

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

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

Essential Oils for Hair Care

Posted on June 19, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Lovely long hair in great condition

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

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

Shampoo

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

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

a cute little dish

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

1. It’s close to your eyes and nose

2. You will wash it down the sink anyway

For more info on body oil ratios see this article.

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

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

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

Try these combo’s

1. “Lovin Myself”

For all hair types

Lavender 5 drops

Rosewood 5 drops

Orange 5 drops

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2. “Just Stepped Out of A Salon”

For hair that’s a little oily

Spearmint 6 drops

Lemon 6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 3 drops

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conditioning hair – add essential oils

Conditioner

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

1.”Rapunzel”

For drier hair types

Peru Balsam 6 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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2. “Smooooooth”

For all hair types

Geranium 4 drops

Marjoram 4 drops

Bergamot 7 drops

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

Stay tuned!

Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular!

Posted on February 6, 2013 by suzannerbanks

oh lovely peppermint!

The Lamiacae family of plants groups together lots of great herbs we know and use frequently. It used to be called the Labiatae family (and sometimes still is), but I’m glad we’ve upgraded the name!

You may never have guessed it but these plants, that make wonderful aromatic oils, belong together:

Basil

Clary Sage

Hyssop

Lavender

Melissa (lemon balm)

Marjoram

Oregano

Peppermint

Patchouli

Sage

Spearmint

Thyme

So when you smell lavender, even though the flowering tops are used in the distillation process (as well as other parts of the plant), it really is a herb. Try smelling hints of marjoram in the oil and it can give you a very different opinion of it.

thyme

Thyme and oregano also have those marjoram notes too, even though they are very strong oils and less user-friendly than marjoram in massage and skincare.

Hyssop has a spicy scent, and once again very herbaceous. It smells similar to sage, lavender and marjoram.

Basil is quite distinct, but two or three seconds into a good long whiff, you will also detect hints of the other herbs.

Clary Sage is a very heady oil and quite different to Sage – but you can almost smell a little hyssop in there.

patchouli – looks a bit like mint

Patchouli is another oil that tends to stand out in this group as it has very individual notes. The earthiness however, connects a little bit to the sages, and even thyme.

melissa – can you see the similarity in the leaves of all these herbs?

Melissa is a premium oil and is the only lemon scented herb of the group. It is a lot more subtle than other lemon scented oils like lemongrass, may chang and lemon scented tea tree. I would definitely consider it to be quite special and very talented.

The mints are very different and spearmint often gets a bad wrap because of its use in toothpaste and gums. Some people find it hard to relate to as an essential oil but I love it in mists and use it in skincare too. It’s great to use when peppermint is too strong for an oil blend for the body, and when you want a herb that’s sweet and light.

This lovely Lamiacae family deserves our praise and thanks for serving us for thousands of years. And now we have the beautiful aromatic oils they provide, yay for us!

We live in a scented paradise!

Electrifying Essential Oil Body Blends – for the Ladies

Posted on January 16, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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Electrifying Essential Oil Body Blends – for the Ladies

The classic bottle for aromatherapy “Boston Round Amber”

Get Ready!

What you will need:

1. Oils! Hehehehe.

You will need some carrier oils which could be any of the following – almond, grapeseed, sunflower, jojoba, apricot, avocado (this is a bit thick and dark so it’s good to mix with another lighter oil), coconut, camelia, olive and maybe some macadamia (good to mix this with another oil too).

All your essential oils.

2. Bottles (see pic above) or a glass dish to mix enough for one moisturising treatment.

3. A good intention – this will play an important part in how the oil blend will come together in the end. It could mean the difference between an absolutely beautiful formula or an ordinary one.

4. A clear space around you – simplify your area, and make sure it’s clean.

Let’s go!

I will give you quantities for a 50ml oil blend which is 25 drops of essential oil in 50mls of carrier oil.

For a quick coat of your body you can use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil and 8 drops of essential oil.

one drop of oil at a time

***** 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.

1. Look Out Here I Come

Black pepper 5 drops

Orange 15 drops

Geranium 5 drops

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2. Red Hot Mamma

Ylang Ylang 5 drops

Mandarin 15 drops

Cardamom 2 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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3. Sugar and Spice

Cinnamon 8 drops

Rose Geranium 8 drops

Rosewood 9 drops

Wonder Woman IS Cool

4. Wonder Woman is COOL

Cedarwood Atlas 5 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Fennel 2 drops

Lime 6 drops

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

5. Chillax-arama

Marjoram 6 drops

Petitgrain 12 drops

Lavender 7 drops

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6. Brilliant Idea

Basil 5 drops

Rosemary 8 drops

Lemon 12 drops

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7. Pink Bubble of Love

Peru balsam 8 drops

Orange 10 drops

Frankincense 6 drops

aaahhhh the beautiful rose

8. Rosey Posey

Rose in jojoba 30 drops (this is an oil that usually comes diluted in jojoba because of the cost)

Rosewood 5 drops

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

9. Oh Happy Day!

Spearmint 8 drops

Rose geranium 8 drops

Lemongrass 9 drops

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10. I’m Willing to Be Flexible on That

Palmarosa 8 drops

Grapefruit 17 drops

I hope this gives you some ideas for blending and moisturising. Have fun, and ask me a question if you aren’t sure. You an also refer to my previous articles for further information “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

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

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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