Scents Of Peace

Our philosophy : " If you wouldn't put it on yourself, why put it on your pet ? "

For many of us, we care more about our pet than our own well-being. However; we somehow in our ignorance, subject our beloved pets to well-intended rituals that are neither good for them, the environment, our children or ourselves.

We apply products to our pets with warnings we not handle them for a period of time and caution they cannot lick their fur (and in turn, ingest the product), all due to possible exposure of toxic chemicals. Many people fail to realize that we can still be exposed to these hazards when the pet rolls around on the carpet to rid themselves of what you just applied to the back of their neck. This is the same carpet we walk barefoot across and your toddler takes his first step ! Well-loved pets and children (and adults) are magnetically drawn to each other. Kisses are shared, hands go into mouths and eyes are rubbed - you get the idea.

But we mean well . . . so what is an owner to do ?

The first thing is to educate yourself (and the mere fact you are reading this is an excellent start); so read your labels. Whatever you expose your pet to, you also expose yourself and your family. Your skin is a nine pound organ capable of absorbing toxins. Think of transdermal skin patches used for smoking cessation, birth control, weight loss and pain management. So when you bathe your pet in a toxic chemical cocktail; you are absorbing it also.

A word about "natural" . . .

Just because it is natural does not mean it is completely safe. For example, take pennyroyal, a member of the mint family commonly found in many natural flea products. Many people do not realize that this plant concentrate in high doses can cause miscarraige. Many a dog breeder would benefit from this knowledge if they're having fertility issues or unsucessful stud services. Let alone a dog breeder (or groomer) who may herself be pregnant !

Remember the craze a few years back with garlic ? Although there are many pet owners who still use it as a natural wormer, please use care when administering garlic. In high doses it can cause hemolytic anemia and kill your pet ! Please educate yourself before using any natural remedy - even those on this site.

Within this site you will find simple recipes that are from simple ingredients. Nothing is more frustrating than reading a recommendation for a natural remedy that requires a second mortgage -IF - you can find the required ingredients. Feel free to contact me directly if you need clarification on any of these recipes, need assistance locating ingredients, or would like me to formulate a "concoction" for you. Most recipes are intended for dogs, but some have been used on farm animals - and even a few "two-leggeds" ! But before you adapt any of these home remedies for your feline companion, please read all cautions listed. Most importantly - do your own research before using !

On that note, we need to address a very important issue and warning to cat owner's. Please heed the following information !

Cats are sensitive creatures and toxicology studies show that the feline liver usually needs 48 hours to process and excrete toxins. Safe for a dog does not mean safe for a cat in all scenarios. Their liver is more delicate; and because they lack the necessary enzyme to break down toxins, do not eliminate them as quickly. As an essential oil therapist, with few exception and rare circumstances, I do NOT advise cat owners to use essential oils. The reason is that many essential oils have trace amounts of phenols, which build up in the liver. Interestingly, phenols are contained in many household cleaning products - just another reason to "go green" when cleaning. When diffusing oils, try not to use excessive amounts of essential oil, and make sure your cat can get to 'undiffused' air if it is not to their liking. Remember cats have many more olfactory receptors than we do !

If a situation arises, only a few essential oils are safe enough and must be highly diluted before use. Please consult with a knowledgeable cat practitioner and educate yourself on proper usage. Generally, never use oils on your pets that would not be appropriate on an infant. The previous statement was more a caution than an endorsement of comparison ! Simply stated, a cat and a human infant do not have the same liver function. Comparing the healing benefits of essential oils for you, and applying them to your pet is not wise due to metabolic differences.

And to make another point . . .

Although Tina’s great-grandfather was the local country “vet” and we run a small farm ourselves, we are herbalist, not trained veterinary staff. The commentary and recipes found in the site are in no way to be interpreted as medical or veterinary advice. It is simply a composite of personal experiences and information we are freely sharing with you to read and research. Everything contained is anecdotal and it is your responsibility to evaluate your situation. We assume no responsibility if you are unable to use common sense.

Now let's get started !

Here are a few tried and true remedies for your pets . . .

Dedication to Miss Sable and Miss Rock

Your loyal and devoted patience while enduring years of "humiliation" while being oiled, sprayed, spritzed, and lathered will be forever remembered. Know that while you romp in the Everlasting; many devoted pet owners are greatful for the remedies we created together - and through them you live on.

Miss Sable left us February 2008 and Miss Rock a month later in March, at the respectable ages of 12 and 14 years.

We will miss you . . .

Mind . . . Body . . . Spirit

"The best recipe for health is to apply sweet scents to the brain."
Anacreon (c.570 B.C. - c.485 B.C.)

Check Out This Month's Recipe !

Welcome to Scents Of Peace !
Your resource for natural skin care and handcrafted Old World soaps made from the purest ingredients available.

When available, we use food-grade and organic materials in our products.
We NEVER use petroleum-based synthetics and ONLY use natural renewable resources.

~ SAVE MONEY and YOUR SKIN ~

Reduce your dependence on petroleum and look younger !
How you ask ???

If you use a product labeled as a "beauty bar", it's not soap, but a petroleum-based detergent instead. Read more . . .

Take a holistic approach to wellness. Start with your skin !