Spring Break is Here and Teens are in More Danger than Ever. Whats a Parent to do? Throw them a lemon life saver

Marketing Students' Study Finds Teens Ignoring Risks of Tanning

 

Teens continue to visit tanning salons despite being aware of the dangers, a study released today reveals. The study was conducted by Beachwood High School marketing students on behalf of the office of Bryan J. Michelow, MD FACS, a Beachwood, Ohio-based, board-certified plastic surgeon.

The results of the study regarding teenage attitudes toward tanning beds reveal that 33 percent of the 55 teenagers interviewed admitted to being aware of the dangers of ultra violet light in tanning salons, yet they continued to visit them.

 

“The results of these focus groups reveal that kids are hearing the message about the link between skin cancer and tanning beds but choosing not to listen,” says Dr. Michelow, who commissioned this study after he had seen a leap in the number of deadly melanomas and basal cell cancers in young adults. “Young people don’t realize that the foundation for healthy skin is laid down early in life. Melanomas can appear in adults as early as their mid-20s. Melanoma can be fatal and basal cell cancers can be disfiguring, requiring a great deal of reconstruction,” adds Dr. Michelow, who repairs the damage to the face, skin and limbs following excision of cancerous lesions.

 

Dr. Michelow hopes to use the results of the study and the marketing strategies recommended by the Beachwood High School seniors to inform teenagers and their parents about the importance of maintaining skin health.

 

The Beachwood High School students recommended a tipping point approach to educating teens about healthy skin. Their research suggested that teenagers are highly influenced by their peer group and long to fit in to these groups. They recommended a marketing and advertising campaign based on teenagers desire to be accepted and been seen as cool.

 

Beachwood High School’s marketing class is taught by Mrs. Jean Getz. Her college-level class, is part of the Mayfield Excel TECC Consortium, a unique collaborative educational effort among six east-side school districts. Each year, students present a client with a complete marketing package that includes market research, a SWOT analysis, and recommendations for an integrated marketing plan to promote the product or service.

 

Dr. Michelow’s practice engaged Mrs. Getz’s marketing class at Beachwood High School to explore extending preventative skincare services to teenagers.

 

“The students did a wonderful job,” said Dr. Michelow.  “We learned that teens are hearing the message about healthy skin but they are not necessarily listening.  Mrs. Getz and her class helped us understand the teen thought process when it comes to skincare and what was important to them in product and services."

This collaboration was mutually beneficial. Jason Edwards, company and class president said, “The opportunity to work with Contemporary Cosmetic Surgery was a great experience.  We were able to not only work with a paying client but also to apply what was learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, by generating focus groups, conducting primary and secondary research and creating ads.”

 

Solly Popish, another senior, agreed. “I had a lot of fun working with Contemporary Cosmetic Surgery," she said. " I learned how to gather information, perform focus groups and design advertising.”

The study’s findings are of particular relevance as Ohio State Representative Lorraine Fende (D) District 62 (Willowick) and Representative Courtney Combs co-sponsored Ohio State House Bill 119, requiring a physician’s prescription for teenagers under the age of 18 who would like to use tanning booths.  Currently a teenager less than 18 years old must present a parent or guardian’s signature to the tanning salon prior to being allowed to use the Ultra Violet (UV) beds.

 

The number of skin cancer cases in the United States has increased from 500,000 in 1991 to 3.5 million per year.  Experts say that 20 minutes in a tanning bed is the equivalent of basking in two-three hours of midday sun. Eighty percent of the damage to the skin is caused prior to age 18.

 

Should House Bill 119 pass and become law, it will be the most stringent in the nation. Lobbyists such as the Indoor Tanning Association are vigorously opposing the bill.  Teenagers under the age of 18 comprise 10 percent of tanning salon customers. Barring them from using the tanning beds would take a big bite out of tanning salon earnings, which are already lean. A similar bill, regulating teen use of tanning booths by young teenagers was defeated in 2009. The Bill was supported by Miss Ohio 2009.

 

Companies marketing to teenagers face a dual challenge; raising awareness of their product, service or message among teens, while earning the approval of the parent who still guides their child’s purchasing decisions. Last year’s marketing class worked with Doner Advertising, the world’s largest private advertising agency, to perform market research for Doner’s clients, Things Remembered and Arby’s Restaurant.

 

Lemon essential oil help in that it is excellent in a carrier oil to soak up sebum from teen skin.  However, lemon is highly photo toxic and can cause sun burn. Teens using products with lemon essential oils must always wear sun screen even on cloudy days. They also cannot use tanning beds during this time.  No one wants to risk a burn on their face.  

 

Lemon is highly energizing and uplifting.  Its an excellent way to steer young people to activities other than lying prone on a sun bed!  Please go to http://www.omstonearomas.com/  or http://www.drmichelow.com/ for more information. 

Yes, Certain People Should Not Use Lavender

Lavender is an essential oil that can be used safely by many people to relax, for skincare, for burns and to add a pleasant aroma.  However women who have had estrogenic based cancers should refrain from using lavender.  Lavender is a highly estrogenic oil.  

There are other essential oils that are estrogenic such as clary sage.  Stay tuned and a we will post more. 

What is a Hormone and What Does it Have to Do with Essential Oils?

Nearly everyday we hear someone complain of a hormonal imbalance.  When we do we nod our heads sagely and tsk tsk in sympathy.  How many of us have actually stopped to wonder what a hormone is and how hormones are impacted by essential oils? 


A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by the endocrine gland.  A hormone will impact the function of another part of the body. Growth hormone impacts the long bones.  Sex hormones impact sexual development and stress will cause the body to secret cortisol.


This article is not meant to be used in lieu of medical treatment. If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance seek out a doctor to address your concerns. 


So essential oils will mimic the effects of estrogen and in some people throw off the homostasis of the body.  Lavender should not be used by women who have had estrogen based cancers.  Other essential oils that can imitate estrogen include clary sage and geranium.  


You can reduce stress and the production of cortisol by using oils such as sweet orange, bergamot and spearmint which are uplifting.  Other oils to relieve stress and induce sleep include rose essential oils and melissa. 


For more information contact us at Rmichelow@aol.com

Aromatherapy and Infertility

For many women infertility is a devastating condition.  After all, isn't having children a natural right?  Women in this situation look for answers in both traditional medicine and alternative therapies.  Sometimes women abandon hope altogether as treatment is expensive, frustrating and very uncomfortable.  Adoption remains an alternative but it too can be expensive, frustrating and uncomfortable. 

As a certified aromatherapist, master degreed educator and a woman who battled infertility and won! (I adopted two children!), I believe that aromatherapy cannot assist in helping a woman conceive.  In fact I would argue that the use of aromatherapy during the time of month when a woman is undergoing treatment could be counter productive.  The reason I say this is because if a woman tries to conceive and fail, she may blame it on the rose, lavender or clary sage all estrogenic oils she might have been give to inhale, soak in or apply. 

Infertility caused by hormonal imbalance should be addressed by a professional.  Time is of essence when it comes to treatment, so I think that it is not a good idea to use essential oils to shrink fibroids.   With that said, I think there is a place for aromatherapy for the couple or woman relying on assistance. 

It is important to avoid many drugs and herbal remedies when trying to conceive, so anyone considering the use of essential oils should consult with their physician. But the weeks prior to beginning hormones, it might be nice to diffuse essential oils of rose and sweet orange in your home to help relax and bring down tension levels.  Infertility treatment is stressful as it is, this is an excellent way to lower anxiety. 

This posting is not intended to be used in lieu of medical advise.  However if you have any questions please contact us at omstonearomas@yahoo.com

Ghandi Root Essential Oil - Warming, Calming, Grounding Om-ilicious!

I have found an om-ilicious essential oil that has been adding a new dimension to my blends both for relaxation, sleep and for those seeking a spirtitual depth.  Ghandi Root. 
Its aroma is deep and slightly sweet.  It opens with a syrupy top note ending with an earthy base note, perfect for meditation and energy work.  It is also excellent for those struggling with sleeplessness.  I have been combining Ghandi root together with frankincense, sandalwood and lavender holds well in a rich body cream.  Of course, I always like to cheer things up with a touch of rose hydrosol or perhaps a citric oil.

Can you get rid of your wrinkles forever?

Can you get rid of yor wrinkles forever?  The answer is no. Even a facelift will eventually begin to fall, because aging progresses.  So what's a wrinkle fraidy cat to do?  Prevent and Correct.

Prevention is the ultimate way to control wrinkling and contain the damage. This means, staying out of the sun, no smoking and keeping your skin well hydrated because dry, tight skin leads to wrinkles!
Essential oils and carrier oils can help hydrate your skin.  Carrier oils known to deflake dry skin include borage oil, evening of primrose oil and grapeseed oil.  Jojoba oil is an excellent choice for acnetic and oil skin.  Essential oil of frankincense is an excellent oil to rejuvenate the skin along with rose geranium and sandalwood.  Toss in a drop or two of lemon essential oil and you skin will brighten up. 

Correction of wrinkles is possible of couse (and its all temporary!) with Botox and other neurotoxins.  Not everyone wants to go this route. You can try exfoliation techniques to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with microdermabrasion and mild chemical peels.  At home you can make yourself a sugar scrub using the absolute of orchid oil.  Contact us at Omstonearomas@yahoo.com and we can blend specifically for you!

Threes Secrets to Younger Looking Skin with Three Secret Essential Oils

Skin ages.  It blotches, it browns, it scabs, it reddens.  Lots of things happen to skin over the years.   We wear our hearts on our sleeves and our years on our face. 

There are three secrets to keeping your skin younger looking longer.  They don't involve alot of money or time or sophisticated equipment. 

Secret number 1:  Don't smoke.  If you do quit.  Right now. Get a patch, get hypnotized get anything that will help you. Try inhaling an essential oil - esspecially bergamot to help contain the compulsion to smoke.  Add a bit of chamomile to resist the urge to smoke and cypress to stregnthen your purpose.  Smoking does awful things to the skin.  Smoker's lips develop little fine lines, and lipstick gets caught in them.  Dehydrates the skin.  It deepens the dreaded marionette lines around the mouth.  


Damage control: If you continue to smoke don't bother doing anything to correct or repair your skin as smoking
can either hinder healing or shorten the length of time temporary correction can last. Once you have given up
up your cigarettes you might think about Botox, dermal fillers or peptide products. Deep chemical peels and
mild chemical peels can brighten fatigued looking skin and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Secret number 2:  The sun.  The sun can cause photoaging and unattractive brown spots on your hands and face.  Use sunscreen every day, even when it is overcast and don't forget your hands.

Damage control: Of course, sun screen to prevent further aging. Mild chemical peels combined with microderm
abrasion conducted in a series gets nice results. There are natural fading lotions and of course hydroquinone
which is somewhat controversial -- and available without a perscription up to 2%. It is not recommended for more
than a few weeks use. Hydrorejuvenation, again a series is recommended to help rejuvenate the skin and at home
care can help refresh and brighten your face.
Secret number 3:  Facials and professional exfoliation on  regular basis and orchid extract.  Add 7 drops of orchid oil, 2 drops rose geranium and 6 drops of frankincense to unscented organic or natural hydrating cream and use day and night prior to your sunscreen.  Frankincense and rose are great oils to use to hydrate and restore and youthful glow to the skin.

Another Glowing Day

Ice still clings to the bare tree branches despite the warming temperatures and slight thaw.  The display of sunlight continues to break into coloful prisms as melting drops of ice glisten as they fall.  The tips of tree tops shine in the fading daylight and everything is dusted with a snow that trims the icey landscape like a fresh dollop of whipped cream.  

It is a perfect day to explore the countryside.  To pull on a lined pair of wellington boots, take the dog and begin tramping through the nature centers to admire nature's spectacular display.   Icicles glisten like so many white diamonds. There is perfect silence.  How wonderful the world is!  How magical!

The fire is crackling in my fireplace and  I am diffusing a warm heady combination  of the essential oils of  mandarin, cinnamon and sandalwood throughout my house.  My children play quietly, unconcerned,  about homework or the next day to come.  The dog snoozes soundlessly beside me on the floor - out for the count.   This is the time to contemplate, to explore the inner landscape.  What have I done today?  What can I do better? 

You can enjoy the same synergy of mandarin, sandalwood and cinnamon I have blended for myself.  Please contact me at Omstonearomas. com

Check out our new UrbanOm Collection.

A Hot Cocktail for a Cold Night-Mix These Oils with This Beat and you Won't Be Chilly for Long

Here's  a sure fire antidote better - hotter than a hot toddy to heat up a cold winter night.  Add 2 drops of essential oil of jasmine, 2 drops rose absolute, 1 drop patchouli, 4 drops sandalwood to distilled water. Shake and mist.  Play this clip and wow! Better set the alarm for late next morning.

Because its My Face Stupid!

For many years there has been a nationwide movement advocating for educated aestheticians who actually know what they are doing. Some schools just train aestheticians to pass the state boards and then they are on their own. This means they need to become self-educated.

Ounce out and about and in the salon or spa, the aesthetician is given acid and crystal powder to apply to the face. They may or may not be trained, but what the hell? they can try and experience is after all the best teacher. Also since some of the newbie aestheticians are so green they may not be aware of state laws which dictate what they can and cannot use on someone's face.

So if your aesthetician wants to apply a peel or some preparation that just doesn't feel right, just say "no". If they ask why, just answer "because it is my face." You can leave out the stupid because she's the one with the acid in her hand!

Aestheticians that want to be successful take their jobs very seriously. They are educated on the products they sell and understand when and how and why to use something. A seasoned aesthetician or not so seasoned aesthetician who is ambitious and well educated will approach you cautiously and make sure you are not overly sensitive.

Visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/ for gorgeous bespoke products you won't forget.

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.

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

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.