Is Your Dog a Red Dog or Blue Dog? Lavender Wins at the Polling Booth

Its true.  Just like dogs begin to look like their human parents, they have begun to identify with them politically.  Once liberal minded mixed breeds are crossing party lines to bark down collective bargaining, as economic cuts are biting into thier little luxuries.  Taking a contrarian position are AKC purebreds.  They are looking down their snoots at their mongrel brethern as uneducated red state rednecks.

While pundits in the dog world have been predicting this state of affairs for sometime,  no one was prepared for red dogs going snout to snout over the new tea party initiatives. Some red dogs are howling that red dog politicans are going too far while other red dogs are licking their chops over the new legislation regarding unions 

With an interesting take on the Ohio union's slogan, "We are Ohio,"  delicate breeds from minature dobermans to hardy mountain dogs have devised a slogan of their own  "One Woof for Ohio."  Conservative dogs view the slogan as another distressing move toward socialism.  The leader of the conservative tea party pack, a mixed breed part shelty part mystery dog pictured below sporting a blue harness, perhaps as a respectful nod to the opposition, has sniffed at accusations that all red dogs care about is their own territory.

The end result is dogs unleashing their fury at one and other, leaving dog parents wondering how they can get their best friends to keep their opinons under their collars. Fortunately there is an answer:  Lavender essential oil.  

Lavender has sedating effects on both dogs and humans.  Lavender oils can comprise around 40% of a chemical called Linalool. This chemical has been shown to have a potent sedative effect when the vapors inhaled.
It is thought lavender supports relaxation by increasing the activity of alpha waves within the back of the brain. Alpha waves the expand awareness and slow the brains activity to a more relaxed state.  Experts say a dog's brain functions similarly to human's without a human's intellectual capacity.


Lavender, which should not be used internally can have a very calming effect on dogs when they are anxious or frightened.  Dogs have thin skins and also a highly developed sense of smell.  Subtle aromatherapy is an excellent way to deliver the relaxing benefits of lavender to your dog without overwhelming him or her with the aroma of an essential oil. 


OmBones(tm) are small, artisan made white clay "bones" which easily absorb essential oils.  They are adhered to a charm listing all of a dog's wonderful characteristics which can be customized with your dog's name and phone number. Add the included drop of lavender essential oil to the "bone" and help your dog find peace.  Aroma can last up to two weeks and can be refreshed when needed.  OmBones can be washed gently with soap and water. Only $10.00 at http://www.omstonearomas.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

Ten Seconds to Younger Looking Skin. Added Bonus This Oil Has a Great Aroma

Yes, ten seconds is all it takes to get on your way to younger, smoother skin for spring.  This miracle essential oil is palmarosa. Its a fragrant straw colored grass with a sweet aroma spiked with notes of rose. 

Gentle and excellent for all skin types, palmarosa is used in formulations designed to address mature and aging skin.  As a skin rejuvenator it smooths wrinkles, and works on red capillaries that "decorate" the areas around the nose and somtimes can be found on the skin. It also is recommended for adult acne, especially for sensitive skin. 

At OmStone Aromas we specialize in creating high quality, customized products with essential oils to work with your specific skintype.  A lovely therapuetic blend to consider would be palmarosa and frankincese.  Visit us at http://www.omstonearomas.com/ and see how lovely skincare can be.

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.

This Valentine's Day Romance Him with Aromatic Bath. If you Do This After... You'll Really Take His Breath Away!

Why venture out into the snow and ice when an aromatic bath warms up even the coldest of winter's nights.   The right essential oils combined with a knowing lover's touch will earn you much more gratitude than that chocolate torte ever could.

Remember its not what your bathtub looks like its what you put in it.  Be careful, not all men enjoy floral scents.  In order for your romantic night to work, you'll need to do a little footwork, in anticipation of playing footsie.  Stock your aroma dispensary with the essential oils of  sandalwood, ylang ylang and and ginger.  Create a synergy of 1 drop gin ginger, 2 drops ylang ylang and 7 drops sandalwood.  Add to one ounce of unscented, all natural bath gel or bubble bath.
Then add 2 drops of ylang ylang  and 7 drops sandalwood and 6 drops lavender to unscented all natural massage cream.  Do you see where we are going with this?  Make sure you have large, soft towels, a fresh bathrobe and pretty unscented candels. Dim the lights for ambiance.

Sandalwood is the most sensual of all essential oils. Ylang Ylang is a most powerful aphrodisiac, ginger opens the body to intimacy and lavender breaks down any barriers to touch.  What a night! Ginger is quite pungent, so use it sparingly! 

Disperse your synergy of ylang ylang, sandalwood and ginger into your bath and enjoy.  Later blend the lavender, sandalwood and ylang ylang synergy with your unscented massage cream and give him a massage he'll never forget.  The oils with both calm and stimulate him.  Who needs chocolate?  Contact http://www.omstonearomas.com/ to create a blend he won't be able to resist.

Aromatherapy for your Lifestyle

No matter where you live these days life is hectic and stressful.  There is the faltering economy, fewer jobs, fewer contacts with people and electronics all the time anytime.  Kids are attached to little Ninetendo computers they carry around. After school its Wii. 

We are bombarded by information and it seems like none of it is good.  Lots of "must do's" fill the airwaves.  Must have breakfast, must have less than 6 ounces of protein, must work out like 10 times a week -- where on earth are we supposed to get the time, let alone the money?  The expectations are high. 

Can't even get away from it all at work -- that is for those of us who have work.  Many employed people are performing jobs that used to be done by two or three people.  No complaining allowed.  There's no time or money for a vacation.  Not to mention college tuition, and parents who may not be well. 

It all takes it toll on diet, exercise, outlook and emotions.  UrbanOm (http://www.omstonearomas.com/)  was created to help urban and suburban dwellers find relief.  These edgy products address stress, insomnia, focus and our environment.  They are preblended with the finest essential oils sourced from reliable markets.  Like OmStone Products, they are insured.   The collection includes five products:

Clean - Environmental, concentrated, all natural mutlipurpose house cleaner.  Antibacterial and antimicrobia.

Shape (Up) - a silky body lotion infused with  lemon and sweet orange wedded to spearmint,  revives flagging energy, promotes an interest in exercise and curtails appetitie.

Sleep - Melissa (lemon balm) hydrosol, a potent essential oil which relaxes the nervous system, and  leads sandalwood and lavender in the battle against insomnia.  It is thought that Melissa mimics the actions of benzodiazopenes - commonly used sleeping pills.  This mister scents your bedroom, pillow, pajamas and body.  Evening use only.

Focus- Restless?  racing thoughts?  focus can calm your racing thoughts and stimulate your mind.  Key ingredeient is grapefruit which is a nervine as well uplifting.  Simply apply gel to bottom of feet or temples or wear as a personal scent.

Focus 4 Kids - Ages seven years and older.  Our aromatherapist earned a Master of Arts degree in Education.  Mandarin, is the pivital oil, which is used to calm hyperactivity in kids.

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/

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/