Hair and essential oils? Here's a quick guide!

Essential oils are gentle and natural and do not strip your skin or hair of it's natural protection. The condition of your hair is affected when you are under stress, tense or not eating properly. Essential oils are able to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft and follicle and aid the growth of healthy, shining hair. And there are even essential oils that encourage new hair growth as seen below.  One can add them to their shampoo, or do a scalp massage at night combined with Jojoba Oil.

Essential Oils for Hair Care:

Normal hair: Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Dry hair: Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Oily Hair: Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Scalp conditions (dandruff, sensitive skin, itchiness, inflammation, dermatitis): Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang.

Hair loss/thinning: Basil, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Find Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils HERE!

Herbs for Hair Care:

Normal hair: Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Horsetail, Lavender, Linden flowers, Nettle, Parsley leaf, Rosemary, Sage, Watercress.

Dry hair and scalp: Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey leaf, Elder flowers, Horsetail, Lavender, Marshmallow root, Nettle, Parsley leaf, Sage.

Oily hair and scalp: Bay leaf, Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Horsetail, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Lemon peel, Lemongrass, Nettle, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Witch Hazel bark, Yarrow leaf and flower.

Scalp conditions (dandruff, sensitive skin, inflammation, itchiness, dermatitis): Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey leaf, Eucalyptus, Horsetail, Lavender, Marshmallow root, Nettle, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Hair loss/thinning: Basil, Nettle, Rosemary, Sage.

Golden highlights: Calendula, Chamomile, Lemon, Sunflower petals.

Dark highlights: Black Tea, Black Walnut hulls (crushed or chopped), Comfrey root, Nettle, Rosemary, Sage.

Red highlights: Calendula, Henna, Hibiscus flowers, Red Clover flowers, Rose hips, Red Rose petals.

Reference:  Mountain Rose

Rosemary has Anti-Cancer Properties

The same rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) used by the Romans to improve memory is also under investigation as a potent anti-cancer therapy. These anti-cancer properties are probably associated with rosemary's anti-oxidant property, which is more effective than typical food additives such as BHT and BHA.

Additionally, rosemary has anti-inflammatory activity, an activity that researchers are now finding often correlates with anti-cancer activity. This was demonstrated in an experiment that showed that carnosol, a component of rosemary, was able to reduce the amount of nitric oxide production in mice cells.2 Nitric oxide, which is released during inflammation, is a free radical that can damage DNA. Because cancer is often associated with states of chronic inflammation, some physicians recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and sulindac for the prevention of colon cancer. Active constituents of rosemary include carnosol, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol and rosmanol, most of which are present in the essential oil fraction.

Several studies have indicated that rosemary can prevent the binding of cancer causing chemicals (carcinogens) to cellular DNA. Binding of a carcinogen to DNA, leads to mutations in the DNA, and is an early step in the development of cancer. In one report, researchers compared the effects of whole rosemary extracts with the purified rosemary components, carnosol and ursolic acid, on breast cancer in rats. They found that whole rosemary extract given in the diet prevented the binding of the known carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, (otherwise known as DMBA) to DNA in breast cells.4 Carnosol was also able to prevent binding, but to a lesser extent, whereas ursolic acid had little effect. Similar results were seen in the actual formation of breast tumors in these rats with both rosemary and carnosol decreasing tumor formation by 37%, while the groups receiving ursolic acid showed little reduction in the amount of tumors formed. These results are similar to previous results showing that rosemary extracts can decrease skin tumors in mice caused by certain carcinogens.

These results were confirmed by a later study also showing that rosemary could prevent breast cancer caused by administration of DMBA. Rats fed 1% rosemary in their diet for two weeks prior to the administration of DMBA had 76% less of the carcinogen bound to DNA compared to rats fed a control diet.5 This effect was also present when excess fat was added to the diet which increased the amount of carcinogen bound to DNA. High fat diets are known to be associated with a higher risk for breast cancer. Significant effects were also seen with only 0.5% rosemary in the diet. Similar results have been found using human bronchial cells and liver cells. In these experiments the DNA binding of the carcinogens aflatoxin and benzo(a)pyrene were also shown to be inhibited by rosemary extract. This indicates that the protective effect of rosemary is not just associated with DMBA and probably goes beyond just breast cancer.

Besides acting by preventing binding of carcinogens to the DNA, rosemary can also affect the metabolism of some carcinogens in a way that decreases their toxicity. Enzymes found in the liver, known as P450, glutathione S-transferases (GSH), and quinone reductases (QR) can affect the toxicity of some chemicals. Although the main role of the liver P450 enzymes is to detoxify compounds, the aromatic hydrocarbons such as DMBA are actually activated into much more potent carcinogens. Thus, DMBA, benzo[a]pyrene and aflatoxin are considered pro-carcinogens rather than direct acting carcinogens. The second group of enzymes, GSH and QR, act by detoxifying these active carcinogenic metabolites and thus protect against cancer. When rats were fed diets containing whole rosemary extract, the enzymes GST and QR were increased significantly compared to controls. 6 Animals fed carnosol in their diet did not exhibit an increase in these liver enzymes. These experiments show that rosemary has a protective effect by increasing the amount of enzymes that the liver uses for detoxification of cancer causing chemicals, and that the effect of whole rosemary is greater than that of its component, carnosol.

Similar experiments using human bronchial cells and liver cells in tissue culture have shown that rosemary extract, carnosol and carnosic acid were all able to reduce the levels of P450 enzymes after treatment with benzo(a)pyrene or aflatoxin B1.7 In bronchial cells, rosemary extract, carnosol and carnosic acid were able stimulate the QR and GST enzymes after treatment with benzo(a)pyrene. Therefore, by decreasing the enzymes that can convert procarcinogens to a more potent carcinogen and increasing enzymes that can inactivate carcinogens, rosemary components have a protective effect on cancers.

In summary, two separate mechanisms have been identified to explain the anti-carcinogenic properties of rosemary; blocking carcinogen binding to DNA, and modifying metabolic enzymes to decrease the toxicity of a carcinogen. Although the anti-cancer properties of rosemary have been clearly demonstrated in animal studies, these have not yet led to human trials. Since whole rosemary seems to be as beneficial or more beneficial than isolated components that have been examined to date, the addition of rosemary to one's diet may have more benefit than just as a food flavoring or preservative.

Learn more about ROSEMARY here.

Thank you:  Cindy L. A. Jones, Ph.D.  Published in Nutrition Science News, 1998.

1. Chan, M. M-Y. Ho C-T. And Huang, H-I. Effects of three dietary phytochemicals from tea, rosemary and turmeric on inflammation-induced nitrite production. Cancer Letters 96:23-29, 1995.

2. Offord, E.A., Mace, K., et al., Rosemary components inhibit benzo(a)pyrene-induced genotoxicity in human bronchial cells. Carcinogenesis 16:2057-2062.

3. Ho, C-H, Ferraro, T., et al, A Phytochemicals in tea and rosemary and their cancer-preventive properties,@ In Ho, C-T, Osawa, T., et al ed., Food Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention II:2-19. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1994.

4. Amagase, H., Sakamoto, K., et al, Dietary rosemary suppresses 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene binding to rat mammary cell DNA. J. Nutr. 126:1475-1480, 1996.

5. Singletary, K., MacDonald, C., and Wallig, M. Inhibition by rosemary and carnosol of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis and in vivo DMBA-DNA adduct formation. Cancer Letters 104:43-48, 1996.

6. Singletary, K.W., Rosemary extract and carnosol stimulate rat liver glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase activities. Cancer Letters 100:139-144, 1996.

7. Offord, E. A., Mace, K. Et al. Mechanisms involved in the chemoprotective effects of rosemary extract studied in human liver and bronchial cells. Cancer Letters 114:275-281, 1997.

DIY Facial Blend with Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils

Amongst the many great uses of Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils, renewing your facial complexion is one of them.  With simple blends done at home, you can  rejuvenate your skin,  reduce wrinkles, relax your facial muscles, dispel stagnant toxicity, improve circulation, tone  your skin. Kasia Skin Care offers our top selling enMoist Moisturizer and byNight serum, but used in a complimentary way a couple times a week, the following DIY formulations are a great way to love, moisturize and balance your skin.

For both dry or oily skin, use Jojoba oil as your carrier, jojoba oil (really a liquid wax that is quickly absorbed) leaves no residue.

Kasia Apothecary Single Note Oil DIY Formulations

Preferably use in the evening before you catch some quality “Zz’s.”

For Dry Skin:

1 oz Jojoba Oil

3 drops Geranium

3 drops Lavender

2 drops Ylang ylang (optional)

3 drops Cederwood

For Oily Skin:

1 oz Jojoba Oil

5 drops Lavender

5 drops Rosemary

1 drop Lemongrass

For Acne:

1 oz Jojoba Oil

5 drops Lavender

5 drops Bergamont

5 drops Lemon ScentedTea Tree

Usage:

Place a small amount of your oil/single notes onto your fingertips. Apply gently to face with press and release motion.  Enjoy your “Beautiful Health” results!

Essential Oils for SAD - plan ahead!

Diffuse your way to Treating SAD

Plan ahead for SAD!

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) seriously affects thousands during our long, dark, cold winters. The lack of sunlight can cause symptoms like fatigue, oversleeping, sadness, depression, irritation, decreased sex drive, and loss of pleasure and interest in life.

A holistic approach to treating SAD includes light therapy, dietary changes, nutrient supplementation, exercise, and the use of essential oils, which can bring some aromatic light into the dark of northern winters.

Essential oils stimulate the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose. These nerve endings stimulate a part of the brain called the limbic system, associated with our most primal instincts, emotions, and memories. Essential oils are particularly effective at stimulating the olfactory system because the molecules of the oils are so small that they enter the bloodstream rapidly and are carried to all parts of the body. This allows the aromatic essences of the oils to affect not just our sense of smell but our entire being.

Essential oils can act as a restorative to the spirit when used in an aromatherapy diffusor, bath, or in a massage oil.

Essential Oils for SAD

• Clary sage (mild depression, aggression, PMS) • Lemon & grapefruit (mild depression, water retention) • Rosemary, basil (fatigue, mental confusion, respiratory concerns) • Pettigrain & bergamot (balancing, uplifting) • Lavender (insomnia, tension headaches)

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has a fresh, sweet, fruity scent (it’s often described as being like sunshine in a bottle), and has an uplifting, cheerful effect. Bergamot can help with anxiety, stress, tension, agitation, depression, and insomnia. Bergamot can be used in a diffusor, bath, or on the skin with a carrier oil (do not apply directly to skin).

Lemon (Citrus limonum) has the unmistakable smell of fresh lemons. The oil can stimulate the white blood cells that defend the body against infection. Lemon is refreshing and cooling, brings clarity to mind and emotions, restores vitality, and encourages clear thinking. Its antimicrobial properties and fresh scent also make lemon a great household cleanser and air freshener. Use as an inhalant or with a diffuser, or on skin with a carrier oil in massage oil or bath.

Aromatic Inhalation  through Kasia Apothecary Diffusion Blends..... Lemonlift and Lavendaire!

Reference: Bev Gray, RA, CH, is a Yukoner, skilled herbalist, and registered aromatherapist who loves to share her passion for medicinal and aromatic plants. aromaborealis.com

Essential Oil Treatment for Hair Loss and Stimulation

The Study!

Patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One group received the following recipe: Lavender (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosemary (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cederwood (2 drops, 94 mg).

These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 ml, and grapeseed, 20 ml, oils ... The oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. Patients were taught to massage the oil into the bare areas of their scalp for two minutes each evening and then wrap a warm towel around their head to enhance absorption. The placebo group used just the carrier oils. The results were impressive. Of those who applied aromatherapeutic oils, 44 percent had improvement after seven months, compared to 15 percent in the control group. At the beginning of the study, and again after three and seven months, professional photographs were taken of each patient’s scalp. Changes as seen in the photographs served as the primary outcome measure. Mapping and measuring of the bald patches was also done to determine results.

An impressive 44 percent of the group using the essential oils significantly improved. The average area of hair regrowth with the essential oils was 104 square centimeters, compared with nearly zero for those using the placebo. According to one intriguing photograph provided by the researchers, considerable hair regrowth occurred with one male patient who had both alopecia areata and severe male pattern hair loss.

These results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. The researchers were proud to have successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy. Evidently, one or more of the essential oils is able to promote hair regrowth. And unlike standard medical therapies, the essential oils have a very low risk of side effects and are not nearly as costly.

How To Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss:

Add 2 drops of the essential oil either to the rinse water or to a good (Kasia Favorite) Jojoba  oil. Massage it well into the scalp. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap; place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Shampoo the hair as usual, using a mild shampoo (avoid medicated shampoo), so that you do not damage the sebum balance.

Essential Oils for Stimulating Circulation and Improving the Hair Health

A blend of bay and lavender essential oils stimulates the scalp and helps hair health. Add six drops of each oil to four ounces of a warm carrier oil such as almond, soybean or sesame oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp and allow it to absorb for 20 minutes. Add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you regularly uses and wash the hair with this shampoo.

Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth - As described above.

1 Atlas cedarwood essential oil - 2 drops

2 Lavender essential oil -3 drops

3 Rosemary essential oil -3 drops

4 Jojoba oil - 4 teaspoons

Directions:  Add the first four ingredients into a small glass jar. Mix well. Now add the remaining two ingredients. Mix thoroughly.

Massage this mixture into your scalp for at least two minutes every night or 3 times per week.   Wrap your head in a warm towel after treatment.   Sleep with this overnight, and/or sit with a half-one hour on the scalp.  Follow with  Shampoo / Conditioner.

Stop in at Kasia Organic Salon to purchase these therapeutic oils today!  Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils!

Kasia Essential Oil and Home Remedies for Hair Loss and Growth!

Hair loss is a common problem faced by both women AND men ....and one that we address   often at Kasia Salon. We do this by our partnership in home care, and also provide a referal list for advance hormone testing, etc.

In this short read, learn more of why this problem occurs and some effective natural home remedies you can use to overcome hair loss.

Main Reasons

There are multiple  factors which can contribute to hair fall but the main ones are generally hormone products (and lack there of),  depression, side effects of some medications, toxicity (build up)  uncleanness, stress and sometimes it is genetic in nature. Scientifically,  the problem occurs due to excess production of DHT  in the body.

STOP! If you notice your hair falling at a rapid pace then it is very important to start the healing process as soon as possible to limit any further damage. At Kasia all clients go home with a customized blend of oils with Jojoba Oil to start this process.

The following are some tested home remedies you can easily initiate!

1. Use Jojoba Oil and Essential Oil of choice to  massage your head scalp within the evening before going to bed.   This will help in strengthening of the hair follicles, stimulate cellular energy, and make your hair healthy.

2. Shampoo?  Keep your hair clean with non-surfactant, or conventional hair products.  Key is: Keep build up off the hair follicle!  By avoided these harsher products you also decrease harmful chemicals which make the hair thin and weak.  Our focus as Kasia Organic Salon is to build the hair and scalp back up in daily  nourishment.

3.  Supplementation for hair loss is also a large part of this process.  Omega/Essential Fatty Acids, B Vitamins, and Probiotics help imensely.  Kasia LOVES Immuno-viva CORE and Probiotic + for cellular metabolism, nourishment, and gut health. This will also help in lowering dht levels in the body thereby helping in combating hair loss.

4. Stress Less!  Be sure to receive self care and adequate sleep, drink plenty of water, helping flush out all harmful toxins from the body - hence giving you healthier skin and hair.

Recommended Hair Loss Essential GC/MC Certified Organic Oils at Kasia that.... WE LOVE LOVE LOVE:

Kasia Jojoba Oil and EO Quick Treatment Guide

Directions:  Mix 1oz with total of 10 drops of single/blend essential oils.

Dandruff:

Tea Tree, Chamomile, Rosemary, Ylang-ylang

Dandruff-prevention blend:

Lavender,  tea tree, rosemary, rops ylang ylang, 1/2 ounce jojoba oil.

Alopecia/Hair Loss

Lavender, Rosemary, Cedar Wood

Dry Hair

Lavender, Rosemary, Rosewood, Geranium, Sandalwood

Oily Hair Lemon, bergamot, juniper, rosemary, thyme, or ylang-ylang

Normal Hair Juniper, rosemary, lavender, geranium, clary sage

It could take at least 3 to 6 months or even longer for hair to grow back and scalp health improvements to be noticed.

Hormonal Balance with Essential Oils

Essential Oils and Hormonal Balance

When discussing hormones, it is critical to remember that each individual is unique.  There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. When looking at lab results, be cautious of the result of    "normal".  The real issue is, "How do you feel?"

Menopause mindset?

Contrary to the medical mindset, menopause is not a hormone deficiency disease.

The current problems associated with hormone havoc ad menopause are the result of industrialization and the chemicals (xeno-estrogens) in our environment, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, including changes in our diet associated with modern life.

Most of the symptoms associated with the result of estrogen dominance.  This imbalance of estrogen to progesterone can cause problems like:

• decreased sex drive
• irregular or abnormal periods
• mood swings or depression
• weight gain (since estrogen turns energy into fat)
• osteoporosis (because progesterone is needed for osteoclast formation)

Common phenomena today, and the result of xeno-estrogens in our environment. There are cases of women as young as their mid-30s entering menopause.  Internally, this is a primary toxicity-induced issue.  This same toxicity is progressing young girls   into womanhood as young of the age of 8.

Xeno-estrogens are synthetic estrogens or estrogen-like compounds

Caution to: Dairy products, chickens and meats, soy-based products and personal care products.  They leach from plastics we store our foods in, the Teflon we cook in and even the cans processed foods come in.  They are also plentiful in the chemicals we put on our lawns, those used in farming, which have contaminated our air, water and soil.

Avoiding these xeno-estrogens to balance hormones:

* Reduce stress

* Reduce chemical-laden personal care products

* Reduce toxicity from synthetic estrogens

* Increase progesterone levels

* Treat symptoms

* Lymphatic massage

Reduce Toxicity

There are two vital phases of this detoxification:

* Phase 1: Fat-soluble toxins are converted to water-soluble substances.  If this is process is not adequately accomplished, it leads to free radical production in the body.

* Phase 2: Conjugation is the combining of water-soluble substances with another compound to be released through the kidneys (as with chelation).  This must be accomplished quickly, and requires adequate fuel: antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Cleansing and Hormonal Support Nutritional Supplements

For a correct approach and program to detoxification, Medical Foods by Metagenics will give the body what it needs in a balanced source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will allow the body to ease through these two phases.

Break it down! Proper supplementation can be an enormous help.  For this, Meta I 3 C is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. Through its ability to promote the breakdown of estrogen to its beneficial, protective metabolite—2-hydroxyestrone—indole-3-carbinol may be safe and effective way to help achieve beneficial balance in estrogen metabolism.

Indole-3 Carbinol

(I3C) over Diindolylmethane (DIM)?

Both I3C and DIM do the exact same thing, converting estrogen into beneficial metabolites, with clinical evidence to support them. DIM, however, is poorly absorbed, making it necessary to use special forms available on the market that enhance its bioavailability.

Assistance with Protandim Raises Glutathione 300% which  is most powerful and a very simple molecule that is produced naturally all the time in your body.  It is a combination of three simple building blocks of protein

Normally glutathione is recycled in the body -- except when the toxic load becomes too great.  And that explains why we are in such trouble.

Glutathione is also the most critical and integral part of your detoxification system. All the toxins stick onto glutathione, which then carries them into the bile and the stool -- and out of your body.

Essential oils that help with detoxification:

Limonene is a compound found in particularly high levels in citrus oils; and limonene increases glutathione levels in the body, making citrus oils great detoxifiers, especially for petrochemicals (which are loaded with xeno-estrogens).

It has also been found that the aroma of citrus oils will balance hormones.  Their fragrance has a direct effect on the endocrine system, especially the hypothalamus (which has a role in governing hormone balance).

- EVB PURIFYING BLEND -

Therapeutic Benefits: A great detoxifying blend.

• Balances emotional and physical excesses such as resentment, jealousy, overeating, and alcohol and drug addictions.
• Cleanses the blood, lymph, and emotions of toxins.

Ingredients: Juniper, Grapefruit, Angelica Root, Lemongrass, Lemon, Rosemary, Cypress, and Fennel in a Jojoba oil base.

Essentials Oils to promote Progesterone

Thyme, as well as oregano oil will also support progesterone production.

Directions:   place 1-2 drops of the oil on the bottom of the feet.  Do not over-use oregano. Use 10 days, and then give your system a rest.

Managing Menopause Symptoms:

For hot flashes, peppermint oil can be massaged into the bottom of the feet or the back of the neck.  You can also mix it with water and spritz with it.

Other oils to consider are geranium, citrus oils, like wild orange, grapefruit and lemon, as well as clary sage.

Recipe:

Hot Flashes

Avoid coffee and alcohol

11 drops Geranium

7 drops Lemon

To Warm Bath Water

To 1oz Jojoba Oil to massage onto body

Night Sweats

Add 10 drops Grapefruit

10 drops Geranium

For fatigue, apply peppermint oil over the liver and adrenals

To improve libido, try ylang ylang, ginger, peppermint, clary sage.

Essential Oils associated with Menopause:

Geranium Rose

Chamomile   Grapefruit Rosewood    Orange

Clary Sage      Thyme       Lavender

Fennel         Peppermint

Massage therapy! Massage is not only relaxing and restorative; it allows your body to excrete toxins up to 200 times faster than on its own.

Receive $20 OFF A FIRST TIME MASSAGE AT KASIA ORGANIC SALON!

STOP INTO KASIA ORGANIC SALON AND

'SCENT AND SAMPLE' YOUR ESSENTIAL OIL THERAPEUTIC BLEND!

Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated "beautiful health" products, and experts in ammonia free hair color.  Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, chemical free, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services.

To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612 824 7611.