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/

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.

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.

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/