10 Aussie Summer Christmas Recipes for the Diffuser

Ah yes nothing like the promise of a stinking hot summer, with Christmas and New Year thrown in too. For some of us in Oz (like me), the winter is a long cold lonely place. In the southern hemisphere we have all the holidays and fun things squished into summer, then have to wait it out all winter for the beach and the parties. So my scented friends, these are recipes for the diffuser for us – heat, mosquitoes, flies, the beach, the pool and Christmas in our own special way.

 

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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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Sahara diffuser

Sahara diffuser

I like this diffuser from New Directions as it’s space-age futuristic, and light and colourful to go with a hot Aussie summer. You can buy this here.

 

Scent Your Space

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

 

“Buzz Off”

Citronella           10 drops

Clove                   5 drops

Cinnamon            5 drops

Rose Geranium    5 drops

 


 

“The Humidity is Killing Me”

Lemon                 12 drops

Frankincense         8 drops

Peppermint            5 drops

 


 

“Beach Holiday Vibes”

Lime                    10 drops

Nutmeg                 5 drops

Bergamot              5 drops

Cedarwood Atlas   5 drops

 


 

Artsisan diffuser

Artisan diffuser

I just found this stylish diffuser from Aromixiama and you can buy it here.


 

“Bush Christmas”

Orange                             12 drops

Cypress                             5 drops

Australian sandalwood       8 drops

 


 

“Salad Days”

Bergamot        10 drops

Geranium           6 drops

Basil                   5 drops

Spearmint          4 drops

 


 

“Get Out of the Sun”

Mandarin          14 drops

Lavender          8 drops

Marjoram          6 drops

 


Lilly diffuser

Lilly diffuser

This website called Lively Living has a huge range of gorgeous diffusers – check it out here


 

“Gin and Tonics on the Balcony”

Juniper                   8 drops

Lemon                    8 drops

Indian rosewood     9 drops

 


 

“Midnight at the Oasis”

Petitgrain                  10 drops

Rosemary                    5 drops

Ylang Ylang                 5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    5 drops

 


 

“Lilo’s on the River”

Blood orange     12 drops

Black spruce        8 drops

Patchouli              5 drops

 


 

 

“Gratitude”

Orange                9 drops

Peru balsam        8 drops

Palmarosa           8 drops

 


 

Bamboo and glass diffuser

Bamboo and glass diffuser

This style is always super cute and I’ve found them here 


***** I don’t have any association with any of the websites I have listed above nor do I make any money from the recommendations. I just had a quick look on the net while I was writing.


 

I hope you enjoy these Chrissy recipes and let me know if you have any favourites of your own.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copyright 2016

10 Vapouriser Essential Oil Recipes for Exhaustion

Hi natural beauties and scent lovers everywhere, I’ve been wondering what to write about this week as I’ve felt so tired. Exhausted actually. So I realised I needed a boost of essential oils, and the easiest and best way to do it is to add the oils to a diffuser. A minimum amount of energy is required to throw a few oils into a diffuser and turn it on. Check out these recipes and oils:

 

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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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Flowerin rosemary in a client's garden

 

Oils Generally Great for Tiredness, Lack-lustre Energy and Exhaustion

Lemongrass

Black pepper

Rosemary

Cypress

Lemon

Basil

Pine

Cinnamon

Ginger

Wintergreen

Eucalyptus

 


 

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series - puzhen.com

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series – puzhen.com

 

Scent Your Space

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

 

“Cant. Get. Off. The. Couch”

Lemongrass       8

Geranium           8

Orange              8


 

“A Better Deeper Sleeper”

Lavender                          6

Marjoram                         6

Lemon                             8

Australian sandalwood    5


Lavandula stoechas, my own pic thanks yes it is wonderful

Lavandula stoechas, my own pic thanks yes it is wonderful

 

“Exercise Mantra”

Rosemary                    6

Ginger                         6

Mandarin                     9

Cedarwood Virginian   4


 

“Mind Blast”

Basil                   6

Juniper               6

Cypress              6

Peru Balsam      6


 

“Inspiration”

Pine                   5

Black Spruce      5

Patchouli            5

Lemon              10


Fresh clean inspiring pine

Fresh clean inspiring pine

 

“Warm Up Get Up”

Black pepper               10

Lime                             8

Himalayan cedarwood   7


 

“Sweet Talkin Myself”

Cinnamon              8

Rose geranium       6

Blood orange         6

Wintergreen          3


cinnamon - my own pic

cinnamon – my own pic

 

“Clarity”

Eucalyptus               8

Petitgrain                 8

Cedarwood Atlas      5

Nutmeg                    4


 

“Spice Up Your Life”

Cinnamon            6

Black Pepper       6

Palmarosa           6

Bergamot            6


 

“Crank It!”

Pine                8

Orange           8

Eucalyptus     4

Cypress         4


black pepper

black pepper

 

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copyright 2016

Essential Oils for Winter Wellness

Warm up in winter with essential oils

Warm up in winter with essential oils

It must seem strange to all my northern hemisphere readers that I’d be writing about this subject now. Well it is winter for us in the southern hemisphere, so next week I’ll do an article on essential oils for summer so you guys don’t miss out.

What essential oils to use for winter …… hmmm?

Flowering rosemary in my client's garden

Flowering rosemary in my client’s garden

1. Rosemary

Why?

* Stimulates blood circulation, good for those with cold hands and feet (used in a body oil)

* Works against catarrh and congestion (used in a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)

* Works a pain reliever for sore muscles and for aching rheumatic joints (used in a body oil)

* Stimulates the brain and memory so it can wake you up on a cold winter’s day (used in a steam inhalation or a shower steam)

Warming, spicy ginger

Warming, spicy ginger

2. Ginger

Why?

* Warming to the digestive fire and the body in general (used in a body oil)

* Alleviates catarrh (used in a body oil or steam inhalation)

* Soft and gentle to treat people who are very sick with a cold or flu and may help stimulate appetite (diffuse in the sick room or use as a body oil)

Lemon myrtle flower- pic via www.lemonmyrtle.com.au

Lemon myrtle flower- pic via http://www.lemonmyrtle.com.au

3. Lemon Myrtle

Why?

* highly anti-bacterial and anti-viral (diffuse this oil in the home or office to help prevent YOU from getting what THEY have)

* use lemongrass or lemon as a substitute if you can’t find lemon myrtle oil

 

 

Eucalyptus globulus is the most commonly produced essential oil although there are quite a few - pic via www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

Eucalyptus globulus is the most commonly produced essential oil although there are quite a few – pic via http://www.wildseedtasmania.com.au

4. Eucalyptus

Why?

* the number one oil to break down mucous in the sinuses and lungs (used in a steam inhalation and diffuse in the sick room)

* an expectorant (used in a steam inhalation)

* generally helps easier breathing (diffuse in the sick room) and may also help throat inflammation

 

Sage - use in small amounts

Sage – use in small amounts

5. Sage

* analgesic for a sore throat (used as a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)

* Clary sage can also be used for a sore throat (used as a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)

Ah lovely lavender

Ah lovely lavender

6. Lavender

Why?

* general aches and pains from the cold and/or sickness (used in a body oil or diffused in the sick room)

* analgesic for a sore throat  (a drop in a steam inhalation)

* analgesic in general for headaches and other inflammatory symptoms (diffuse in the sick room and in a body oil)

The fennel plant

The fennel plant

7. Fennel

Why?

* helps with catarrh and lung congestion acting as an expectorant (use in a body oil)

* acts as an analgesic in coughs and colds (used in a body oil)

* digestive tonic to calm an upset stomach (diffuse in the sick room or in a body oil)

 

As you can see these oils can help you feel a bit better if you get sick in winter, or warm you up when your feet are freezing, or help clear the air of unwanted germs.

If you have a few people in your home, especially if you have kids, I recommend you diffuse oils in your home at night during winter not only to create a lovely scented atmosphere, but to lend a little bit of anti-bacterial magic to the mix. Of course when using essential oils they will not necessarily cure an infection or disease, but they can help you feel a little better and more comfortable too.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

Essential Oils and Children – Do They Go Together?

Last week I wrote an article on babies and essential oils “Essential Oils and Babies – Do They Go Together?” and similar rules apply to kids too.

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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

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

 

“Babies – only use essential oils in their environment – not on them!

 

Can you use essential oils on babies?

 

Short answer = YES – but not on them directly.

 

Long Answer =  YES but you must use caution and follow these rules.”

suzannerbanks

 

So when it comes to kids, 3 years to about 12 years old, I would stick with similar recommendations. The ratio of essential oils for kids and in pregnancy, and on the face,lav is half than that of an adult. See my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3” for standard adult ratios.

It is better to use essential oils in the environment of children as they respond really well to the scent as it goes to work through their brain. As children get older you can use more variety of essential oils compared to babies, but in general I’d always stick with lavender and a few others.

Kids respond really well to essential oils used in their environment

Kids respond really well to essential oils used in their environment

I would apply these same rules to kids as I would to babies, paying particular attention to keeping them out of reach –

* do not use essential oils, diluted or neat, on your child unless you seek medical advice.

* do not put essential oils into the bath, diluted or neat.

* always wash you hands before you touch your child if you’ve been using essential oils

* keep bottles of essential oils away from reach, as even a couple of drops may hurt them

Essential oils can be poisonous if ingested so make sure kids cannot get to the bottles.

 

ouch!

ouch!

 

Cuts and Scrapes

I have always used this method with all my nieces and nephews – clean the wound with saline or warm water (or whatever you usually use), then put 1 drop of lavender onto the gauze/absorbent part of the band aid. You don’t have to worry about the oils going directly into the skin and stinging as it just provides a tiny source of anti-inflammatory action and some minor pain relief.

 

Kids Crying and Whingeing – Stress and Sleep Blends

I would put a drop of vetiver oil on myself and then cuddle my child, as it is a very powerful stress reliever and a grounding agent.

You could also make an aura cleansing mist, and mist around your child (avoid eye contact), or in the car before you put them in. This also works as as energetic space cleansing mist for their room and your house too.

 

Any mist bottle will do - although the heavier the plastic in the pump the longer it will last

Any mist bottle will do – although the heavier the plastic in the pump the longer it will last

 

Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 12 drops of oil (usually 25 drops of oil for an adult)

(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!)

“Anytime Chill Out”

Lavender      4 drops

Orange         4 drops

Petitgrain      3 drops

Vetiver          1 drop


“Close Your Eyes”

To help induce relaxation and sleep – try misting a little on the sheets –

Lavender      4 drops

Mandarin      4 drops

Marjoram      4 drops


 

Fun times - pic ia ksoo.com

Fun times – pic ia ksoo.com

 

Some oils suitable for children are the premium oils already presented in a 3% jojoba blend. For more info on these blends see my article on 3% blends in jojoba. You may use a little of these oils on them but also use your intuition.

Depending the age of your child I would probably use a few drops and then add the same amount, or more,  of carrier oil to get to a softer ratio.

You can –

* use on the temples, back of the neck and wrists to help your child feel better and cool the body in a fever

* use few drops of your blend on your own hands, then stroke the forehead, chest and whatever you think you need to do to calm them down

* apply a few drops of your blend to you hands an gently stroke the stomach chest and lower back for stomach pain and sorrow

Rose  – cool the body, nurture their spirit

Neroli – to help relieve stress and anxiety

Roman Chamomile – great for stomach cramps this oil has a beautiful scent and may even help with sleep and for generally relaxing

 

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series - puzhen.com

Puzhen diffuser from the 5 senses series – puzhen.com

 

Other oils for the diffuser or vapouriser could include –

bergamot – relieve tension, inspire happiness

orange, mandarin – kids love the smell of these oils, so they are already working on their attitude through their brains – but once again don’t use these oils on their bodies!

frankincense – great for asthmatics as it inspires deeper breathing and total relaxation

peppermint – to relieve nausea in the sick room and to freshen the energy

*******

I have used essential oils on all the kids in my family in some form or another for the past 20 years. Always use caution. Always use your intuition and always seek out more information if you are not sure.

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

The Magician – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

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 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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oil burner

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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


Clarity and Focus with Essential Oils

wake up your mind with a whiff of oil

wake up your mind with a whiff of oil

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

Who would need these oils?

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

How do oils help?

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

How to use oils for focus and clarity

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

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

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

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

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

What oils are the best?

1. Rosemary

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

2. Basil

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

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

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

3. Lemon

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

4. Peppermint

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

5. Tea Tree

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

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

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Help Your Hangover with Essential Oils

Oh no natural beauties, I hope you don’t have a hangover! The best cure for a hangover is time. Drink water, eat good food and rest too. Using essential oils can help speed up the process by acting as anti-inflammatory agents, tonics for the nervous system and antidotes for nausea. Here are some great oils for a hangover.

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Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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

 

 

A cup of peppermint tea could do the trick as well

 

Peppermint oil is THE best! It’s great for nausea and a headache too. It’s cooling and clearing.

How to use peppermint oil for a hangover:

Place a few drops in the bottom of the shower and cover the drain. This works as a peppermint steam and will make you feel better immediately!

Put a drop on your temples and the back of your skull for headaches.

Place a few drops in a teaspoon of oil and rub onto your stomach and lower back to lessen nausea.

 

Lavender is the most versatile essential oil we have and it can be used all through the year

 

Lavender oil is an all-rounder. It’s versatility makes it perfect to treat any type of discomfort in the body.

How to use lavender oil for a hangover:

Put 10 drops of lavender into an oil burner with 10 drops of peppermint. Chill on the couch or go back to bed.

You can use lavender like peppermint oil for a headache but the deep scent could have an opposite effect if you feel sick too. Stick to peppermint if you have an upset stomach.

 

Sunny lemons

 

Lemon is a refreshing, light, happy oil and is great for a hangover because it isn’t too heavy. It is an oil used for so many things, and I would use this for a hangover because it will lighten you up, and help your mind clear.

How to use lemon oil for a hangover:

Follow the same two methods for both lavender and peppermint AND,

in 3 teaspoons of oil add 8 drops of lemon and smooth all over your body.

This is a very nourishing moisturiser for your skin and entire body, and will help your nerves settle a little bit and give you a more clarity. It will refresh your energy too.

Wh!at a gorgeous flower

 

** It will be best to stay away from floral oils like geranium, ylang ylang and jasmine as they could make you feel a bit sicker than you already are.

However, rose oil could do the trick quite nicely and may help you go back to sleep – which will help you even more!

** Don’t use vetiver or patchouli as they are too deeply scented and are base notes – this could bring you down even further.

Stay with citrus oils – light, sparkly and fresh!

Time is the best thing for a hangover but these simple, beautiful essential oils will speed up the recovery process.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013