One Girl's Phyte Against Sagging Skin (Yeah, Essential Oils!)

This girl has been waging a one person battle against sagging skin.  You don't even have to be older to have it... no fair. Sometimes at 20 the skin around the knee begins to sag somewhat.wrecking the eye view between the thigh and the calf.  Thankfully there are leggings that can be worn all year round, which give a glimpse of the shape of the leg if not the skin itself.

There are those who believe that phytodyanmic and botanical products can lift sagging skin on the body and face so it could be worth a try.  Won't happen over night.  On another disappointing note, excerise just can't tighten these little flaws. So what exactly is sagging, when its sagging?

The answer is elastin.  Elastin is a protein which gives skin its elasticity, or its  "bounce back," after being stretched or maniuplated.  It tends to diminish as the body ages.  Sadly there really isn't anything that can reliably restore elastin.  Aromatherapists though believe that oil of primrose can help address or at least slow the deterioration of elastin with evening primrose oil.

Evening primrose oil is express from the seeds of evening primrose and is high in GLA or gamma-linoleic acid which improves cell structure and stregnthens the elasticity of the skin. It also contracts blood vessels. 

A mix of essential oils such as cypress and lemon and blended with evening primrose oil, might be a good combination to try to see if it impedes further elastin loss and rebuilds the skin.  Visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/ to view products and blends.

Hidden Hazards of Aromatherapy: Never give this oil to a baby!

Not all essential oils are created equal.  Not all people are created equal either.  Internet sources, books and health food store personnel  can give you general information regarding essential oils, it makes good sense to consult with an educated, certified professional member of NAHA (National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (http://www.naha.org/) before purchasing your essential oils and products. NAHA sets the gold standard for education.

Clinical or master aromatherapists who have earned certification through a NAHA approved curriculum complete a level one class of 30 -40 hours.  Voting members of NAHA have completed approximately 300 hours of training including case studies, oil analysis and a white paper.  This training includes contraindications to the use specific oils that are generally agreed upon.

Peppermint Mentha x piperita  is a very popular essential oil.  It is used to reduce nausea and tension  headache.  It is refreshing and stimulating and recommended for Raynaud's disease, travel sickness and stomach upsets. It can also be used in combination with grapefruit and eucalyptus in a rub for sore muscles.  In high concentrations it can burn and should not be applied to open wounds. It is used for colds and flus and in over the counter preparations.

Peppermint, should  never given to an infant or small child, or used around the child's facial region or nose due to the risk of spasms and respiratory arrest.   Avoid use in children eight years old and younger and for children older than eight follow recommended usage amounts.

The information provided here has not be reviewed or approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).  It is not intended as an alternative to medical advice, or the advice of a medical professional.

Phyting Fat with Aromatherapy

Think it can't be done?  Well it can.  Get those boxing gloves out and get ready to "phyte" fat by using aromatherapy to suppress your appetite.

Just let us know and we can create an inhaler which features spearmint as its main ingredient. Inhale and feel the craving slip away.  Its truly magic.  However, there's always a little trick to magic.  In this case you must use use the inhaler when you begin to feel a craving.

The way this works is simple.  It is thought that the chemical constituents of the essences can travel through the olefactory bulb directly to the hypothalamus which is our body's "controller." The hypothalamus tries to maintain equilibrium all day. The chemicals in spearmint will reach the part of the brain which is responsible for appetite and hunger.  The spearmint will signal to the brain, that everything is under control.  You don't really need that ice cream cone.
For a personalized, customized and individulized Fat (phat? ) phyting aromatic product please visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/

W**f My Dog Says! and Lavender Quiets Her Down.

Our coddled dog children deserve to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.  After all, we do why shouldn't they?  Well, there are plenty of reasons why direct application of essential oils on dogs is not in their best interest.   

Dogs have thin skin that may not absorb oils well. They can also be allergic to oils and if they are pregnant it is advisable not to use any oils on them.  Sort of unfortunate news especially when one's canine baby is anxious, doesn't like thunder storms and chews the furniture and anything else when left alone and uncrated. 

So what's a devoted dog mommy or daddy to do when their precious hairy son or daughter is woofing for relief?  Yes, there are anti-anxiety drugs for parents who believe their dogs may need them, however there are still efficient ways for canines to relax with aromatherapy. 

The answer is lavender and the method of use is diffusion.  Lavender is generally considered safe for dogs (if you have any questions, check with your vet).  You may diffuse lavender during the day or evening. Lavender's fresh smell will also disguise some doggy odors as well.  The drawback to this diffusion is that you constantly need to be on top of that diffuser ensuring it has it enough lavender.  We suggest using an OmBone from http://www.omstonearomas.com/  or email omstonearomas@yahoo.com for special orders. This terra cotta inexpensive "bone" is actually a personal diffuser that is designed to be attached to your dog's collar. Simply infuse it with a drop or two of lavender and your dog will stay calm for days.  The "bone" can be personalized with your dog's name, breed, astrological sign, mantra or a cool symbol.  Your choice.  It can also be washed when needed.  

So not only will your canine child feel cool, calm and collected, he or she will also look cool when they show off their their attractive OmBone personal diffuser. 

By Rmichelow for Omstonearomas.com

Facial Rejuvenation with Essential Oils Part 3

The texture of the skin can be a key give away to age.  Youthful skin is smooth with tight pores, even if it is dotted by acne.  Mature skin is characterized by the beginning of wrinkles, crows feet around the eyes and scar tissue.  The appearance of texture of the skin can also be improved upon by brightening the skin tone.  

Any topical application alone (including essential oils) are not enough to tighten sagging skin, however with continued use, they may be able to improve the way it looks. 

Old scars, even minor scars can be aging.  Here is a formula designed to address scar tissue:

1 ounce rose hip oil 
3 drops vitamin e
4 drops helichrysum (addresses scars)
6 drops Neroli (addresses scars and wrinkles)
5 drops Patchouli (aging skin, scars, wrinkles and sagging).

Apply at night after cleansing and toning.  Follow with moisturizer

Facial Rejuvenation with Essential Oils Part II

This three part series focuses on rejuvenating the face with essential oils.  Lets face it girls and boys the very best way to get younger looking skin is a face lift, but barring that the right products and services can help rejuvenate on a topical level. 

Tone, texture and hydration are three contributing factors to older looking skin.  In the first article in this series we looked at improving the tone of the skin with essential oils.  In part II of this series, we will explore how hyrdration can help improve the appearance of the skin.

As we get older the skin gets dryer.  Guess what happens as the skin gets dryer?  that's right wrinkles and flakiness. That is why it is so important to keep the skin moist and well hydrated.  Even if your skin is oily, it still needs hydration.  To add moisture to oily skin, it is important to add a carrier oil to to a cleanser or moisturizer.  For oily skin I like jojoba, a rapidly absorbing liquid wax and for extremely dry skin, avocado oil. For inbetween skin opt for rose hip oil. 

Essential oils that work well on dry skin include rose, rose geranium, frankincense, orchid extract, palmrosa. Orchid extract has no scent and is very hydrating.

This cleanser  may also be used for skin that is being treated with heavy duty Retin A for acne. This gentle cleanser can be alternated with your perscription to keep the skin from becomming too uncomfortable dry. 

2 ounces organic or natural gel cleanser (ensure there are no essential oils included in the cleanser)
1/4 teaspoon avocado oil or 1/2 teaspoon jojoba or rose hip oil.

10 drops orchid extract
9 drops frankincense
4 drops geranium (to brighten)
3 drops ylang ylang
4 drops palmarosa

Facial Rejuvenation with Essential Oils- Younger Brighter Skin Part 1

A facelift will immediately tighten saggy, baggy skin, eliminate jowels and restore youthful contours to your face.  Neurotoxins and dermal fillers will tighten and add volume, but total facial rejuvenation depends on repairing the tone and texture as well as rehydrating the skin.

Improving your skin tone can go along way to taking years off your face.  Aging skin can be sluggish, dull and gray with black circles under the eyes creating hollows.  Age spots and sun damage and tiny capillaries around the nose can also add years to your face.  Essential oils can be important weapons in the battle to polish the surface of your skin.  Products must be used consistently for results.   Here's how to make an anti-aging serum:

1 ounce of aloe vera gel
1/2 ounce distilled water
3 drops sweet fennel
4 drops frankincense
4 drops palmarosa
2 drops lemon
2 drops helichrysum

Blend oils with aloe vera and distilled water and funnel into a amber or blue pet or glass bottle with dropper top.   Tap onto face before bedtime after cleansing, toning and hydrating.

Eye Cream to reduce appearance of dark circles under and smoothe wrinkles around eyes

1 ounce organic or natural unscented light facial cream
50 drops rose hip oil
2 drops cypress 
6 drops geranium
2 drops lemon
5 drops sandalwood
 


Essential oils are already found in many treatment products you are currently using.  Some may work for your skin and other's may not.  At http://www.omstonearomas.com/ you have the opportunity to select the oils and the carrier (base oils that will work for you).  Or you can ask the professional aromatherapist to pick the products she thinks will work best for you based on a detailed description of your complexion.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - Pass the Essential Oils!

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurobehavioral development disorder found in 3-5% of American children. It is characterized by a child's inability to sit still for a length of time, impulse control (touching things, behaving inappropriately) and an inability to concentrate. 

There are thought to be many causes to ADHD.  Children with ADHD may also have a second diagnosis.  Once kept hush, hush, ADHD is emerging from the closet, not only as a badge of honor, entitling kids to special priveleges because they learn differently, but also because children labeled with this condition are granted additional minutes and hours on timed tests such as the SAT or PSAT.  I have observed children as young as 8 comparing the benefits of the patch to long acting ADHD drugs.  There seems to be a new comaradry among children afflicted with this disorder.

I do not use the word afflicted lightly, ADHD is manageable but it is difficult. The inability to concentrate has a huge impact on a child's abilty to learn to read, process and spit back information and behave appropriatly.  It can affect a child's ability to write, construct sentences and answer simple math questions.  Despite this, some parents are reluctant to place their children on medications.

While essential oils cannot treat ADHD, it can provide a supportive, calm atmosphere, that in turn can calm a child. There are certain oils when applied to the sole of a child's foot (the most porous part of the body) can possibly make a strong difference.

There are four ways to offer your child some relief from the constant distractions of ADHD:

1. Diffuse - use during homework time to diffuse essential oils that encourage concentration. 
   Recommended oils are mandarin, chamomile, rosemary, neroli, and grapefruit. Grapefruit has the
   chemical composition to stimulate the brain (ADHD brains need to be stimulated to relax) and
   relax the nervous system.  Neroli, while an expensive oil can create a soothing environment.
   You can substitute clove for rosemary once in awhile to combat fatigue.

2. Topical Application - Mandarin and chamomile are gentle oils that can be applied to the bottom
    of a child's feet -- to one ounce of aloe vera add 4 drops mandarin and 2 drops chamomile. 
    Add 3 drops of vitamin E to prevent oxidation. Patch test your child first for ragweed allergies
    --apply one drop to a child's wrist, observe for
    15 minutes and cover then cover with a band aid for 24 hours. Check for reaction. Suggest
    using this combination for children 7 and older.  PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR PRIOR TO
    USING TOPICALLY ON CHILDREN.  Use prior to leaving for school and at bedtime

3. Aromatic spritzer- This is excellent way to provide a supportive environment for your child and 
    at the same time signal to him or her that it is homework time.  Can also be sprayed on 
    sheets. In a two ounce bottle add distilled water and 3 drops vitamin e. Then add 2 drops 
    chamomile, 2 drops neroli, 2 drops clove, 9 drops frankincense, 15 drops grapefruit. 

4. OmStone terra cotta personal diffuser- doesn't get much easier than this:  order a personalize
      Omstone from Omstone aromas - can have your childs, name on it or symbol, skull, baseball   
    team  Comes with a  chain can be worn around the neck or wrist or tucked into a pocket for   
    subtle diffusion. Add a drop or two of mandarin or one drop of mandarin or drop of grapefruit.

Mandarin and chamomile are thought to be very effective in dealing with hyperactivity and challenging behavior.  Try it and see what you think.
   

Baby Blog -- Aromatherapy for pain recieves "blessing " from Dr. Oz

Dr. Oz, one of the most highly recognized medical professionals in the United States has been touting the benefit of Aromatherapy.  Dr. Oz has been discussing the application and benefits of oils in a variety of contexts.   It is great to see our field gaining traction!  Dr. Oz's thoughts are mentioned here: http://www.arthritistoday.org/treatments/alternative-therapies/aromatherapy-pain-relief.php .  For personalized aromatherapy products to address your arthritis in an oh so elegant fashion, visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/.  Tell us about your pain and we'll blend something soothing for you.

Hot Flashes? No Sweat. Try Cypress

Faqs.org reports that 52 million American women entered menopause in 2010.  Let's tip our hats to those women celebrating their release from tampax, kotex, cramps, PMS and birth control.  This calls for a collective hot flash in their honor.

Hot flashes are the second most reported symptom by women entering menopause, which marks the end of their fertile years and monthly periods.  For many women this is a time of celebration.  For others, hot flashes, minor memory loss, insomnia and other issues make menopause a very difficult time.  

Hot flashes are not only uncomfortable they can be very embarassing. Hot flashes are caused by hormonal fluctuations and can be brief or last up to an hour, they can cause a mild heat or a sheet soaking sweat.  Fortunately, cypress, Cuppressus semprervirens  an under appreciated oil can help.  

Cypress is a woody green tree that  grows to 60 feet tall.  It has been recommended for sweating as far back as Hipppcrates. Cypress is a vasoconstrictor and should be avoided by women with high blood pressure. 

Cypress is rich in monoterpenes, particularly a-pinene with comprises 40% of its chemical makeup.  The chemical structure of essential oils are important as that is how aromatherapists catergorize their therapuetic actions.  Oils that have high monterpene content are refreshing and have a drying effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Cypress also contains 5% of the alcohol cedrol which has relaxing effect. 

On a psychological level, cypress is effective for times of transition.  This is one great oil for menopausal women.  Cypress could be quite effective when used together with cooling aloe vera, rose absolute essential oil or rose geranium, or clary sage.   A discreet roll-on comprised of aloe vera, cypress and rose geranium could slipped into a woman's purse and dabbed on the temples, behind the knees or anywhere that was needed to cool down a hot flash and calm sweating.

At home a synergy of oils that could dispersed in a basin of cool water to soak a soft cotton towel to create a heat relieving compress. Inhalation of cypress may also help to calm the mind and lower the panic levels when experiencing a hot flash.  Visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/ to find the perfect product to blend with cypress.

Relaxation is Hard Work

Its hard work to relax.  In this fast paced, competitive and economically stressed times, relaxation isn't something that comes naturally.  How many times have you taken your laptop, blackberry or netbook on vacation with you?  probably more times than you can remember.

Its amazing though how many people will still say "will you just relax?"  as if it something you can just do... well duh... its not.  It is arguable that relaxation actually needs to be learned, like riding a bike.  Further more, it takes practice, so that when you are really stressed, relaxation techniques can quickly kick in. 

There are relaxation techniques that do not need to be perscribed -- there's yoga, there's meditation and there's a deep cleansing breath.  There are also essential oils.  Due to their small molecular structure essential oils are capable of penetrating the blood brain barrier and reaching into the limbic system to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls our reactions.  For some just the pleasant aroma of sweet orange, neroli, lemon, or sandlewood is enough to trigger a relaxation response. 

A few drops of mandarin or lavender sprinkled on a cotton ball and inhaled can lower stress.  The highly floral oils of ylang ylang and jasmine are very calming.  Oils can be dropped on on omstones --terra cotta stones used as subtle personal diffusers and worn as necklaces and bracelets to keep you calm. 

You can use aromatic spritzers and hydrosols in your personal space to recieve their beneficia effects.  You can also use oils to enhance energy healing or your yoga practice.  Speaking of practice, practice is key to success.  Relaxation is a learned response.

A certified aromatherapist is most qualified to help you select appropriate oils and can also help you choose oils that you may not be aware of.  Aromatherapists can design appropriate products taking into account your lifestyle and any contraindications of the oils.

For customized, effective and beautifully packaged aromatherapy products designed by a certified master aromatherapist visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/

When They're Hot and You're Not

Its happened us all. This horrible feeling.  You think: They look great, they are poised and polished, or they are professional  or down right sexy.  You feel insecure. Left out. Overlooked and insignificant. Doesn't matter if you are married, single, alone and want to be alone, straight or gay, tall or short, heavy or thin. Although you have tried your best, you still feel you are missing the elusive "it."   

The "it" is the thing that makes people tick around you. The "it" is confidence.   The "it" comes down to how you feel about yourself, not how others feel about you.  People who radiate confidence, happiness and security are the sexiest people alive.  Self-confidence is a gift.  Confident people are secure in their abilities to win jobs, friends and success in life.  Some lucky people are fortunate to be born with it, others need to develop it.  Essential oils can help. 

Whoa, baby , don't laugh! essential oils have been shown to work on the brain.  The tiny molecules of essential oils reach way back into the deepest recesses of our thinking parts- the limbic system through our olefactory system.   So if you are feeling down and out and lack self-esteem, try the following oils:  basil, neroli and some lime to for happiness. If you would like to boost your sex appeal think about jasmine or ylang ylang.  While these oils can impact the mind, they can also react on the skin and need to be blended with carrier oils, waxes or butters.

Seek the guidance of a professional, certified and might we add-insured- aromtherapist.  An aromatherpist can make you just the product to fit your lifestyle.  For those insecure moments on the go an inhaler or roll-on might be just the thing.  Or an Omstone personal inhaler, a charming customized terra cotta stone embraced in copper and worn as a necklace or braclet can deliver the benefits of the aromas all day long.  At night you might soak in the pleasures of essential oils in a bubble or epsome salt bath.  Other options include a room mister, creams and gels.  Get customized, chic aromatherapy products including Omstones for yourself and your home at www.omstonearomas.com 

(This article is not intended to provide medical information.)

Building an Aroma Wardrobe

Oh there is definitely a glam side to the selection of essential oils. There are "essential" essential oils like eucalyptus and there are the precious, expensive oils, like rose absolute. The "essential" essential oils are your basics, like your white shirt, black pants, black skirt, jacket and pullover in a neutral color. Precious oils are your designer, or signature piece.

Precious oil are your statement oils, just like an Hermes purse or Jimmy Choo shoes. They are the icing on the cake. You don't own alot but you have a few pieces or oils that you pull out for emphasis, such as neroli or melissa.

I have found that sometimes I need some help finding just the right statement piece when I have an important event, so I will turn to the help of a personal shopper in a department store, who somehow manages to find the exactly right thing. Let me be your personal essential oil shopper and offer you some solid advice. When you are first starting out, all the oils are so exciting. It is hard to resist buying everything and seeing how they blend together. It is thrilling to apply the oils or to diffuse them. You will also discover the oils are very expensive, so it pays to take sometime and to think about how you will be using your oils.

As you are aware there is overlap between many oils. It is truly modality where there are alot of options. Rose geranium and rose absolute can both help with hormonal imbalances but the price difference is astronomical. So my advice is to start building your essential oil wardrobe with the basics; these oils are the black skirt, white shirt and black pants, black jacket and neutral pullovers in the essential oils closet. I recommend beginning with extremely versatile oil and then amping up the ante with one precious oil. This is want I recommend, the combinations are endless:

Frankincense, Boswellia carteri Gentle but excellent for all skin types especially mature. Soothing, calms the nervous system, works on the lymph system, reduces pains and swelling. Excellent for depression and respiratory issues. Scent is mild. Blends well with nearly all oils.

Geranium Pelagornium graveolens: Great hormal balancer. Excellent for the skin, can be used neat on acne, relieves muscle spasms, address jet lag, insomnia agitation, fatigue and frustion. Sweetly floral.

Euclyptus Radiata: Stimulating, addresses muscular aches and pains, head ache, antibacterial, antiviral, kills airborne bacteria, works on bronchitis and colds, antiseptic, use on chicken pox, shingles, measles, acne, uplifting, relievesrespiratory problems. Helps with focus and concentration. Smells fresh.

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia: Antidepressent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral. Relieves anxiety and insomnia, sooths nervous system, helps address PMS, muscular aches and pains, abdominal cramps, nervous stomach, bursitis, hyperactivity, hysterial, encourages self-appreciation. Should not be used by those with estrogenic cancers. Fresh, pleasant, summery

Lemon Citrus Limon: Uplifiting, detoxing, astingent, anti-depressant, joint pain, oily and dull skin, broken capillaries, rejuvenating, helps dislike of exercise. Lemony, citrusy, sunny.

These five oils represent a virtual pharmacopia of oils and many different combinations to address different concerns. I would recommend on basic carrier oil and that would be jojoba oil- its excellent for all skin types and does not leave a greasy film.

Now for our statement pieces --- oils rather. If you suffer from insomnia you may want to consider True Melissa or Melissa Officinalis. This precious oil is the go to oil for insomnia. Sandalwood is also an excellent choice if you are restless, anxious and not sleeping. Or if you are female and you are feeling hormonal, rose absolute with its heady, deep, velvety scent may be just what the doctor ordered. Can't see spending the money? Think about floral infused hydrolats. Hydrolats are the essential oils which were run off during distillation. These oils are all very expensive. You might opt for two - like a designer purse and shoes.

If you don't have the time or desire to blend your own aromas, you might consider selecting a a personal shopper for your oils, blends, body lotions, face creams and gels, http://www.omstonearomas.com/ is just the place for you. Featuring lux creams and lush lotions as well as gel roll-ons, you can pick your product then select your oils, which OmStone will precisely blend. Or just let OmStone know what you are seeking to address, any allergies you may have and they will custom design a product designed just for you. All products are freshly crafted. OmStone products are unique and effective.

Exhausted Nation: Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Sleep, like an elusive lover escapes the embrace of 40 million Americans  a year.  Americans' lack of sleep runs up $16 billion dollars in medical costs per annum.   If you are among those tossing and turning at night, it may be some small consolation to know that you are not alone.


There are many reasons for insomnia. Depression and stress are key culprits and medical evaluation and psychotherapy may be called for. However there are times when we experience disturbed sleep due to life situations.   Aromatherapy can help.


Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis is an essential oils dispensed by aromatherapists that mimics the action of a benzodiazapene which is a category of sleeping pills that stimulate the neurotransmitter gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and the central nervous system.  It has the effect of reducing excessive brain activity and promoting a state of calm leading to sleep.  GABA produces endorphins the feel good hormones which are secreted during exercise.

So next time you find yourself tossing and turning, don't panic.  Aromatherapy offers many you many options for potential relief. 

A qualified aromatherapist can expertly blend an aromatic sleeping potion including Melissa along with other essential oils such as sandalwood, frankincense and neroli.  If you are allergic to Melissa let your aromatherapist know.  There are many other oils which can work very effectively on insomnia.  Your essential oil synergy for sleep may serve double duty and be blended into your face or body cream or lotion.  You can also choose to diffuse the oils in an electric diffuser, or you can spritz your room and linen with your customized blend.  Your aromatherapist may decide to create a roll-on for you or recommend a cool compress steeped in water infused with essential oils. Visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/ for professionally custom blended essential oils to promote sleep.

This article is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose or treat.

There's What in My Face Cream?

There's What in my face cream?  That's what I would like to know.  Today there seems to be an abundance of exotic ingredients that don't make alot of sense to me. 

I am not referring to modern break throughs such as peptides (you can actually feel those working) but it would be nice to understand the difference between pentapeptides and hexapeptides and other peptides?   Other categories of ingredients such as anti-oxidants are critical for skin health but is a goji berry really better than a blue berry?  If so who says and why?  There is also Retin A, Retinal, Retinol, Retinolic acid, Retinaldhydes and vitamin A derived from natural products.  So what's the difference? A good place to start looking for answers is http://www.skinactives.com/.  Not only can you find out the answers to these questions but you can purchase these actives as well.  

But what I find so alarming are some of the more unique ingredients found in todays creams and body lotions.  I  wonder what is the exact purpose and how are they really working.   Check out http://www.beautybrains.com/ for a detailed explaination of how and why snail oil is supposed to work.  Then there are those who swear by Emu oil and animal growth factors.  I'll take essential oils any day.  They are fresh, vegtarian and they smell great and a little goes a long way. 

I think many manufacturers of skincare products and skin professionals who are out to make a name for themselves are looking for a hook - a way to depart from the accepted practice of  breaking down the skin by exfoliating to bring out brighter, new skin. I for one am not convinced that galvanic and electrical treatments to the face are anymore effective than a good 30% peel.  I am open to changing my mind so feel free to post your comments.

Lavender Fatigue

Oops!  I've gone ahead and said it. Lavender Fatigue.  Do you have it?  I certainally do.  It is probably the most over used oil I've come across.

Yes, its chemical properties make it a popular oil.  Its calming and disinfecting and nice for linen closets and your unmentionable drawer.  Its good for the skin.  Its got a gentle aroma.  Yet not only is it over used,  it is used for people who really don't understand this oil and think it smells good with mint or that it is excellent and calming for babies.

Lavender is not good for everyone.  Those with estrogenic based cancers should not use lavender products. My thoughts are that pregnant women and nursing women should not use essential oils and I would not use them on babies.  I am always surprised when people who say they would never, never vaccinate their kids, start plying them with oils and herbs from a very early ages. Vaccinations are at least regulated.  Essential oils are not.

In any case, although I myself like lavender combined with oils such as eucalyptus radiata for massage or bath salts, or even with peppermint, I think it would be nice for those of us in the aromatic world to venture out and try other oils that may offer up some new scentsations! 

How about palmarosa?  This gentle oil has a rosy, slightly grassy scent, which is calming and excellent for skincare.  The oil is well priced and offers up a whole new world of blending possiblities. There's also grapefruit, which is calming and gently stimulating and it can add a devine scent to your laundry.  There's sexy patchouli the scent of the 70's. For other floral scents there is ylang ylang, heady but seductive.

So next time you are thinking up mixing up an interesting synergy leave out the lavender and explore new options.

For fine customized lotions, skincare visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/

The Rise of the Yogalebrity: Why Aromatherapists are Advised to Pay Homage

Yogalebrity:  A yoga instructor with a large, adoring following.  Someone with 200 or 500 hours of education who has the ability to  sway the purchasing decisions, buying patterns  and lifestyles of a great  number of people, simply by giving them the gift of relaxation and toned bodies.

Lululemon, the giant Canadian manufacturer of yoga wear was onto something big when they decided to look at alternative modes of marketing.  In a brillant move,  they turned to an army of "Ambassadors," yoga instructors, with rock star status, who attract the shapely and misshappen to their studios. The Lululemon Ambassadors concept  encourages yoga instructors to  wear Lululemon yoga clothes during class and to sell them in their boutiques.    

Lululemon's approach worked, giving the Company  incredible visibility to their target market and the opportunity to tap into a potential sales force which in the year 2005, (the most recent statistics available) numbered 70,000 yoga instructors.   Lululemon saw its sales soar 69.3% in first quarter 2010 to $138.3 million, an amazing statistic in an disasterous economic scenario. Of course, Lululemon makes a quality product that goes from yoga studio to street with out bagging or sagging.  It retains its shape after many washings.  It minimizes the appearances of a sagging belly and cellulite. There are cute little details, such as pockets to hide your credit cards and keys during workouts.   All this and comfortable to boot.  The company was helped along by the fact that people with longest, leanest, sexiest bodies were wearing Lululemon all day and exposing the product to possibly 20 or more yoga devotees at a shot,  mostly women, who wanting, to emulate their yogi, by looking great asked where did you get those pants?

Lululemon's success illustrates in the incredible amount of influence generated by the culture of yogalebrity, or the celebrity yoga instructor. The reason is simple; yogalebrities earn the trust of their devotees by offering peace and escape from the daily grind. Yogalebrities help chisle flab into fab. They offer advice and comfort in the form  cool down prose. It could be argued that yoga instructors are the new clergy and the yoga studio the new chapel and visualization the new sermon.   There are more yoga instructors in the United States than there are rabbis.  Perhaps because in rough times such as these and americans demand for instant gratification, yogalebrity instructors can immediately deliver an hour of relaxation or clear headedness.  God sometimes takes a bit longer to respond to our requests.

Since you are a savvy aromatherapist can take advantage of the corrallation between yoga and the use of essential oil and develop a strong following by connecting with the yogalebrity in your own city or town. 

First you need to understand the role that aromatherapy can play in yoga.  Here are just a few ideas:

Helps support or unblock chakras.
Helps with focus and concentration.
Helps with dislike of excercise.
Helps create an ambiance.
Helps develop a spiritual connection.
Helps provide comfort and support during and following a yoga session.

Many yoga instructors are interested in aromatherapy but need guidance as to developing an effective yoga dispensary.  You may suggest working privately with your local yogalebrity  or offer a session during yoga teacher training or even a class for their students.

Once you gain the yogalebrity's trust, don't be surprised if they in turn make you the aromatherapalebrity!

Taking the Cottage out of Cottage Industry Aromatherapy products.

The term cottage industry conjures up quaint images of country lanes, white washed houses and charming barns. Photographs of products festooned with gingham ribbons, hand written labels and distressed bottles reinforce the back road country image.

Cottage industry aromatherapy products can also be packaged in sleek, high tech packaging, boosting therapuetic quality oils and the latest and greatest in lotions.

Both scenarios sound great, one cozy, the other glitzy, but how much do you really know about who is making those products?

I'm going to puncture your bubble with some cold, hard facts about cottage industry aromatherapy. Don't forget we are in uncharted territory. Aromatherapy and essential oils are largely unregulated. There are many claims made about the efficacy of the oils and products and some products are blended by folks that enjoy the scents but really don't understand how oils work and work together.

In the first place there is no such thing as therapuetic grade oils. There are good quality oils, and not so good quality oils. There are precious oils and jojoba oils that are seeped with precious oils.

And then there is process. The cute country kitchen may actually be a cute little kitchen, and the sleek lab may also be a sleek lab, however are the country crafter or the laboratory formulator steralizing their bottles before filling them with lotions, creams and gels?

As far as the recipes our country hobbiest and our laboratory researcher are using do they make sense? Are they safe? are these formulators educated to understand that there can be side effects to use of essential oils. Do they know what essential oils do?

How about labeling? are ingredient decks listed on the labels? Something you might want to consider

Finally, are our friendly, cottage formulators insured? do they carry product liability insurance? We do.

Do the little country crafter and the laboratory formulator know and understand the skin? We do. We have years of experience educating estheticians, cosmetic therapists, doctors, nurses and even dentists about the skin and how it acts, ages and repairs itself.

While there is not governing board, or licensure for aromatherapists, the next best thing is the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (NAHA). NAHA sets standards which to practice by. Members have agreed to abide by NAHS's rules As a member of NAHA, we and our products are accountable to someone.

Sure those products look cute or sleek but other than to smell nice was there an intent behind their production?

Why not find out?

It is easy to be seduced by romantic images we see on the web. So think carefully prior to ordering hand crafted aromatherapy products. Ask if the formulator is insured, ask if they are members of NAHA and ask about their knowledge and education. This way you will get the best value for your money.

For luxurious, customized aromatherapy products visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/