Perfume Causes Harm to the Thyroid, Reproductive Toxicity, Allergies, and more....

Perfume ingredients may smell great to some people, but may be giving headaches to anyone sensitive to the fumes around them.  A  2010 study suggests popular brands reek of long-term health problems for all of us.

Researchers have found that labels of popular perfumes don't list harmful perfume ingredients linked to sperm damage, hormone disruption (which is linked to some cancers, thyroid disease, obesity, diabetes, and other serious health problems), reproductive toxicity, and allergy problems.

I am a sensory gal myself -so formulating "Grounded" Pure Essense was PURE JOY.  Who would have thought you can have therapeutic benefits while scenting for your day!

Thyroid + Skin + Perfume

Most women apply their perfumes around the neck area where the thyroid is.  The skin then sends components of the perfume to all sensors in the brain and lungs.

Thyroid  and Perfume

Another recent study found several chemicals in the top selling perfumes that can cause damage to the thyroid gland.

The thyroid regulates several important metabolic processes in the body. Thyroid disorders can cause obesity, problems losing or maintaining a healthy weight, serious hair loss, mood disorders and feelings of lethargy.

Chemicals that interfere with healthy thyroid activity may also promote cancer of this important gland. Since it is the largest of the endocrine glands, it has some very important processes to control and therefore, it is utterly important that we keep this gland healthy and in top operating condition.

The thyroid is responsible for controlling how fast our body goes through our energy stores. It also plays an important role in producing much-needed proteins and controls how sensitive our bodies are to the plethora of other hormones that are present at any given time.

Many of the chemicals in perfumes present a dual problem for the thyroid in that they can add more synthetic hormones (in the form of synthetic and harmful estrogens) to our system. In addition, they often can cause damage to the very gland that helps control our sensitivity to these excessive hormones which only compounds the problem.

Informed Beauty Tip - "What to do!"

Fortunately, if you read labels, you can easily avoid synthetic fragrances. Follow these tips, and choose brands that employ natural methods for creating scent in their products. By the way, Kasia Natural Skin Care is FREE of synthetic fragrances—only natural scents from pure essential oils.

• Look at the labels. Personal-care products must list ingredients on the label, although there is a trade secrets loophole for fragrance blends. Manufacturers can use the blanket term of "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label, but thousands of different chemicals—many petrochemical and volatile organic compounds—can hide under that description. Your best bet is to avoid any personal-care product listing these ingredients: fragrance, perfume, parfum, linalool, and limonene.
• Shop at whole foods/co-op stores, natural boutiques on the internet for brands that are more conscious about the fragrances they’re using.
• Look for scents that are naturally derived or plant-based
• Certified Organic products do not have synthetic fragrances
• Customize your own blends of pure essential oils and carrier oils.

Grounded Pure Essence

An aura of pure, aromatic essentials oils frame this captivating and mysterious scent called, Grounded Pure-Essence.  Brighten your mood and de-stress with its true, delicate harmony—simply roll a small amount onto the nape of the neck and inner wrists.

Made from the purest plant-based ingredients with no chemicals, synthetic scents or man-made additives, our Pure-Essence allows you to say “grounded” naturally. Free from alcohol, artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabans, and other chemicals, all Kasia Pure-Essence scent blends are handcrafted in small batches using therapeutic-grade essential oils.

When you love your fragrance it should go with you! Pure-Essence Botanical Blends are the perfect size for your handbag or travel. Or, give it as a beautiful artisan and distinctive gift.

• Patchouli: Alleviates anxiety and brings focus
• Sandalwood: Relieves agitated emotional states and gives strength
• Frankincense: Calms and improves concentration
• Bergamot: Relieves nervous energy and encourages contentment
• Cedarwood: Combats nervous tension and boosts positivity

Reference:

http://www.kasiaorganicsalon.com/products/grounded-pure-essence-2/

http://www.naturalnews.com/037602_perfumes_artificial_fragrance_synthetic_chemicals.html#ixzz2Jx2kt210

Create Love With Aromatherapy!

February is not only a concentration on "beautiful health" and American Heart Month - but it's also prized as the "month of love" ......

The “heart” is home to the most complex emotions – both positive and negative.  When we lack love for ourselves, we can never have any love to give others, while a heart filled with jealousy and anger  can never create a positive trust with others.

Therefore, the two secret ingredients for fulfilling romantic relationships are a selfless and pure heart to loving others, that always starts with a growing self-love.

Nature has gifted us with essential oils that help in this journey.

Let us now look at the three categories of essential oils that will help rekindle the love in your life and bring out the sensual romantic in you

 

Romance: Bright and happy citrus scents to cleanse your heart

Even cleaning products contain extracts of citrus, don’t they?

• Lemon: Like a ray of sunshine, lemon essential oil brightens up your life and washes away all impurities and negative feelings.
• Sweet Orange: The scent of Sweet Orange is warming, comforting and “fodder for the heart”. It encourages you take things in good humor and absolves emotional confusion.
• Grapefruit: The refreshing properties of Grapefruit instill positivity, joy and cheer, which are essential components of a healthy relationship.

Aromatherapy that makes you feel sexy:

Without confidence, feeling sexy is lost – no matter what you wear, how much you weigh or how your hair looks. A myriad of factors such as depression, anxiety, societal pressures or even a break-up can affect the way we feel about ourselves. Floral essential oils soothe our hearts and allow us to celebrate our unique beauty.

• Clary Sage: Profound and seductive, Clary Sage negates melancholy and stimulates sexuality.
• Ylang Ylang: A sweet aroma that soothes away bitterness, Ylang Ylang enhances libido and dispels feelings of jealousy and envy. Its exotic scent helps reunite our emotional and sensual natures.
• Jasmine: Jasmine’s intense and seductive aroma is the perfect antidote for   performance anxiety, impotence and frigidity that result from depressive thoughts of inadequacy and undesirability.
• Rose: The luxurious and erotic scent of rose fuels passion and self-assurance. It helps you discover and revel in your own sensuality.
• Lavender:  With the healing qualities of Mother Nature, Lavender washes away emotional conflict and fills you with newfound confidence.
• Helichrysum:  Calming and uplifting, Helichrysum instills courage and heals deep-seated emotional wounds.

Spicy and powerful scents to fire up your desire:

There is no specific category for aphrodisiac essential oils, but those derived from spices are very helpful as they have strong, powerful aromas that fuel passion and make you realize how sexy you are!

• Cardamom: This spicy scent encourages clarity of thought and warms even the coldest hearts.
• Black Pepper: A tonic for stamina and strength, Black Pepper stimulates your mind and body, and urges you to take initiative in relationships.
• Ginger: Arousing and inviting, the warm scent of ginger stimulates your appetite for love.
• Patchouli: Patchouli has a voluptuous and suggestive aroma that delves deep into your emotions and instills a sense of freedom.
• Vetiver: This earthy and positive scent helps shed inhibitions, self-consciousness and fears of intimacy.  Its  profound nature makes you bold and fearless in love.

Kasia Organics sources and offers Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils applicable for diffusion as Apothecary Single Note oils and Apothecary Essential Oil Blends. “Apothecary,” meaning healing and highly therapeutic, and can be used in hair, skin, body, and other healing modalities.

Happy Valentines Day!  Love - the Kasia Team!

Reference:  thearomablog.com

Fragrance! Are You Building Up Chemical Sensitivities?

  People are becoming more familiar with the term, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity but many don't understand what it really is or realize that we are all at risk of developing it. In essence, MCS is the body's natural, allergic reaction following exposure to a variety of chemicals and toxins. This exposure can be from inhalation, ingestion and/or the topical application of chemicals commonly found in the products we use every day.

MCS can develop slowly over time as chemicals accumulate in your body, or develop suddenly from a single harsh exposure to chemicals like new carpeting in your home, a freshly painted wall or the use of pesticides in your yard. Toxic chemicals are also ingested in the form of food colors, preservatives and various food additives. Chemicals, (especially petroleum based ingredients) present in personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, soaps, facial creams, sunscreens and cosmetics, are absorbed into the skin which carries them into the blood stream.

The more than 48 million men, women, and children with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experience allergy-like symptoms ranging from minor annoyances to life-threatening reactions. MCS can manifest as skin rashes, burning eyes, nausea, light headedness, headaches, sleeping problems, and digestive system disorders. The long-term effects include neurological problems and peripheral nerve damage, diabetes, arthritis, vascular disorders, including life threatening blood clotting; nutritional deficiencies, asthma, and sometimes even cancer.

Let's explore fragrance as just one common Chemical Sensitivity trigger:

• Fragrances enter the body through inhalation, the mouth by ingestion and the skin by absorption. 
• There are more than 5,000 different fragrances in the products we use on a daily basis, yet only about 1,300 of them have been tested for safety. Those tests did not include respiratory, neurological, or systemic effects. 
• "Fragrance" on a product label is considered a trade secret, meaning the manufacturer is not required to identify the chemical makeup of the fragrance. 
• Six hundred or more chemical ingredients may be used to create a single fragrance. 
• Approximately 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. 
• The vast majority of the chemicals in fragrances consist of volatile organic compounds that are known to be respiratory irritants. 
• Inhaling fragrances can cause circulatory changes and electrical activity in the brain, triggering migraine headaches, the inability to concentrate, dizziness and fatigue. 
• A recent Environmental Working Group study found two synthetic musks in the cord blood of newborn babies. These musks have been associated with toxicity to the endocrine system. 
• A pregnant woman's use of some fragrances may expose her growing fetus to diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common perfume solvent linked to abnormal development of reproductive organs in baby boys and sperm damage in adult men. 
• Children may be more susceptible to the effects of fragrances because of their smaller size, their higher respiratory rate, and their thinner skin.

Fragrances have been used throughout history so why are people only recently suffering from their ill affects? Until the 20th century, perfumes were made from natural ingredients derived directly from spices, flowers, plants, herbs and animals. The Egyptian's were the first to use scents of cinnamon and honey with which to anoint their bodies.

During the 1900's, advancements in chemical technology along with a rapidly growing population and a rising demand for perfumes and fragrance, led manufacturers to turn to inexpensive synthetic ingredients in lieu of natural plant and flower extracts that were far more costly and time consuming. In 1989, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recognized 884 poisonous substances (chemicals) used in the fragrance industry. Yet, to this day, when you see the word fragrance on a product label, the chemicals used to create it are considered a "trade secret."

When you use perfume, body lotion or soap made with synthetic fragrances, you are exposing yourself and others to powerful, harmful chemicals. The fragrances you wear may not adversely affect you, but they may cause those around you instant reactions including headaches, migraines, runny nose and eyes, breathing difficulty and sinus problems. Even people who aren't particularly chemically sensitive report discomfort when exposed to perfumes. As a result, many businesses across the United States and Canada, at the request of their employees, are voluntarily creating fragrance-free policies.

Kasia  products are 100% free of synthetic fragrance! All Kasia products integrate and offer  Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.   “Apothecary,” meaning healing and highly therapeutic, and are what complete our  hair, skin, body products in the most beautiful way. 

Get Grounded!

Grounded Pure Essence

Made from the purest plant-based ingredients with no chemicals, synthetic scents or man-made additives, our Pure-Essence allows you to say “grounded” naturally. Free from alcohol, artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabans, and other chemicals, all Kasia Pure-Essence scent blends are handcrafted in small batches using therapeutic-grade essential oils.

When you love your fragrance it should go with you! Pure-Essence Botanical Blends are the perfect size for your handbag or travel. Or, give it as a beautiful artisan and distinctive gift.

• Patchouli:  Alleviates anxiety and brings focus
• Sandalwood: Relieves agitated emotional states and gives strength
• Frankincense: Calms and improves concentration
• Bergamot: Relieves nervous energy and encourages contentment
• Cedarwood: Combats nervous tension and boosts positivity

The Underlying Cause of Dandruff

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is a doozy.  Dandfruff is due to excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It is quite normal for the skin cells of the scalp to die and flake off. A normal quantity of skin flaking is quite natural, but when the flaking becomes excessive due to some irritation or some skin allergy then it needs attention.

There is no convincing reason yet whether some foods like sugar or yeast or excessive perspiration can cause or increase dandruff. If you have some fungal infection, that can cause dandruff or flaking of the skin. Another cause of dandruff could be cold weather, cold weather makes the skin dry and causes it to flake and shed which in turn causes dandruff. Some kind of food allergy can also be a cause of dandruff. Even nutritional deficiency can be one of the major causes of dandruff. Deficiency of B-complex vitamins or omega 3 fatty acids and other such vitamins can also cause flaking of the skin. Excessive use of hair gels, hair sprays or other chemicals such as hair coloring chemicals can also cause roughness of the scalp and cause it to shed skin.

Dandruff Prevention

It is difficult to find a 100% dandruff cure. But we can definitely prevent dandruff. It is basically a natural process of skin drying and flaking but when it gets excessive it becomes a cause of concern. Eat healthy nutritious food. Avoid oily and fried food items. These increase the problem of dandruff. Do not expose your skin to too much sun because its rays could harm the skin and the hair texture. Also, too much cold is not good for the skin as it has the chance of drying up and in turn causing dandruff. Extreme climatic conditions should be avoided.

Wash your hair at least twice a week. Always keep your scalp clean. Use a fine toothed comb. A balanced diet in food and proper intake of liquids keeps the skin and hair healthy hence avoiding drying and dandruff. Then even relaxing techniques such as meditation reduces stress and therefore helps as a dandruff treatment. Using proper shampoos and not exposing hair to too many chemicals will help hair and scalp to remain in a natural state. So by taking a little care of health and skin we can definitely help prevent dandruff.

Kasia Scalp Benefit Products

Keep your scalp clean and stimulated with Kasia Spicy Citrus Shampoo. With a healthy PH for your hair and scalp and  essential oils lime, lemon, and ginger help exfoliate the scalp, add body....but does not strip your hair!

Essential oils can be very effective in minimizing or halting the problem. The best carrier oil is jojoba oil.  Mix your jojoba oil oil for treating dandruff with the the following oils and work them into the scalp.

Here are some beneficial oils for your scalp:

• Rosemary Essential Oil

• Lemon Scented Tea Tree Essential Oil  and Diffusion Blend with Lemon Myrtle

• Lavender Essential Oil   and Lavender-based Diffusion Blend

• Cedarwood Essential Oil

Negate is a new product and is remarkable for hard water, scalp build up, medication buildup, and over-all health of the hair.  We recommend this product 1x week if you are experiencing build up, scalp sensitivities, dandruff, or are swimming.

Contact Kasia Organic Salon today for your healthy hair and scalp questions!  www.kasiaorganicsalon.com   612.824.7611

Sensitive Skin? How You Can Minimize Skin Irritants and Harmful Ingredients.

Q.  How Can I Lessen the Amount of Chemicals I Use On My Sensitive Skin?

Truth: Consumers are growing more concerned about what they put on their skin and what they put in their body.

Truth: According to scientific definition ALL of nature is made of chemicals.

 I believe …

-It’s important to educate yourself on product ingredients to minimize or eliminate the use of irritants and harmful ingredients that are used in skin care products.

-Get the best of both worlds!  We now have the ability to extract the best benefits that nature AND science offer. There are skin benefits to using both naturally derived ingredients and ingredients added scientifically.

- Get results that are consistent, nourishing to your skin’s health, and a routine to stay the course for fabulous skin.

-When choosing products for your skin, you should choose by your own personal belief system of how you want to care for yourself. We want what’s best for you.

-Most people would prefer to avoid taking prescription medication for their skin.  There are great effective skin care products and professional skin treatments available to achieve this.  Dedication is key!

- Many women claim to have sensitive skin.  Much of the time it’s because skin irritation occurs with their (harsh) products.

What we use in Kasia Beautiful Health Skin Care products

-Effective, lightweight, non-pore clogging -Pure essential oils, herbal and botanical plant extracts -Pure, cold processed plant carrier oils -Performance ingredients through peptides, botanicals, and more for effective results -Special delivery vehicles (Ex: Liposomes and Phospholipids to enhance penetration and absorption) -Anti-inflammatory ingredients

What we avoid in Kasia Beautiful Health Skin Care products

-Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (Pore-clogging and suffocating to the skin) -SD Alcohol 40 and Denatured Alcohol (The “bad” alcohols commonly found in toners. They are extremely drying) -Isopropyl Myristate & Isopropyl Palmitate (Can cause blackheads) -Synthetic dyes (Can be a skin irritant) -Synthetic fragrances in our skin care products (The main cause of allergic reactions to products. Avoid products with “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient listing) -Heavy oils (Suffocates the skin and leave it feeling greasy) -Sodium or Ammonium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate (Extremely drying and irritating to the skin) -Parabens: Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives, and that’s why they are found in so many products. They are used to fight bacteria and fungus, are widely available, and cost very little to manufacture and use. Nearly all of the parabens used as preservatives are man-made and not naturally occurring.

**The TRICK to reading natural and organic ingredient claims.  Looking at a deeper level, be AWARE of ingredient names claiming its toxic.

It is important to put the big picture into view when reading ingredients. The key to any study or claim is to know at what percentage of ingredients were used in the testing.

For example, an ingredient used at 5% or higher may claim to be harmful but if an ingredient is under 5% then it could very well be safe. It all boils down to percentages used in a product and unfortunately, the consumer doesn’t have access to this by looking at a list of ingredients.

Skin care ingredients are just not black or white and can be very complicated. I do believe that the above list of ingredients that I listed you to avoid are generally not beneficial to the skin–in any percentage. In addition, there are certain impure forms of certain contaminant ingredients that may contain carcinogens but when you only use the pure forms, these do not contain carcinogens whatsoever. So even though  you hear an ingredient is bad, doesn’t necessarily mean this is the case in all products.

Seven Chakras And Their Corresponding Essential Oils

Methods of Balancing the Chakras

Using Essential Oils: Massage, reflection, meditation and energy work using essential oils is thought to help restore specific balance to each of the chakras Below are individual Chakras listed  for information on the essential oils associated with each chakra.

CHAKRA	COLORS	ESSENTIAL OILS
# 7 Crown Chakra	Violet	Frankincense, Rosewood, Jasmine, Rose, Neroli
# 6 Third Eye Chakra	Indigo	Rosemary, Juniper, Lemon, Pine, Helichrysum, Thyme, Clary Sage
# 5 Throat Chakra	Blue	Blue Chamomile, Myrrh, Cypress, Basil, Hyssop, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood
# 4 Heart Chakra	Green	Geranium, Rose, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin, Jasmine, Lavender
# 3 Solar Plexus Chakra	Yellow	Juniper, Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Hyssop, Marjoram, Cardamom,  Lemon, Grapefruit, Vetiver,
#2 Sacral Chakra	Orange	Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Ginger, Clary Sage, Fennel, Cardamom
# 1 Base Chakra	Red	Myrrh, Patchouli,Vetiver, Rosewood, Thyme,  Frankincense, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang

The Seven Primary Chakras

The Root Chakra

The Root Chakra centers upon our core needs for survival, security and livelihood. When the Root Chakra is unbalanced, you will feel ungrounded, confused and lack the ability to move forward. Without a balanced Root Chakra, it is impossible to fully balance the other chakras.

The Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra influences personal creativity ranging from artistic expression to creative problem solving. Healthy sexual desire and expression is also controlled by the Sacral Chakra, though communicating sexual desires is also directly affected by the Throat Chakra.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra strongly influences your identity and sense of self worth. Imbalances can take on polar opposites ranging from low self-esteem all the way to arrogant, selfish behavior.

The Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra strongly influences the ability to give and receive love in a healthy way. The Heart Chakra also influences our ability to cope with the sadness of betrayals of a loved one or losing a loved one due to breakup, abandonment or death.

The Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra strongly influences our ability to effectively communicate our thoughts, opinions, desires and feelings - and just as importantly, our ability to hear, listen and understand those in our daily lives. The Throat Chakra not only influences what we hear and say through verbal communication, but it also influences body language and written communication methods.

The Third Eye (Brow) Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra influences the areas of our mind that control our common sense, wisdom, intelligence, memory retention, dreams, spirituality and intuition.

The Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra influences our deeper understanding of ourselves beyond the physical or material.

Get GROUNDED with Kasia *NEW* Pure-Essence "Plant-fume"

A 'Beautiful Health' evolution is a constant at Kasia. Take note! 

What's NEW!

We are anxious to share our new Pure-Essence "Grounded" scented roll-on! Read about the Beautiful Health benefits!

Now Available!!

Natural and Non-toxic PEDICURES   

*NEW*  Pure-Essence "Grounded"  An aura of pure aromatic essential oils frame Kasia's captivating and mysterious scent "Grounded" Pure-Essence. Made from the purest plant-based ingredients with no chemicals, synthetic scents or man-made additives, our Pure Essence allows you to stay "grounded" naturally. Free from alcohol, artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabans, and other chemicals, all Kasia Pure-Essence scent blends are handcrafted in small batches using therapeutic-grade essential oils. Properties: Patchouli: alleviates anxiety and brings focus Sandalwood: relieves agitated emotional states and gives strength Frankincense: calms and improves concentration Bergamot: relieves nervous energy and encourages contentment Cedarwood: combats nervous tension and boosts positivity  Kassandra's Tip: Did you know that traditional fragrances are made with about 884 toxic substances? Toluene is a neurotoxin, and according to recent EPA fragrance testing, every single fragrance tested was found to contain toluene. Fragrances are not just perfumes; they are included in most personal care products on the market. And because the formulas are proprietary, the manufacturers are not required to divulge their ingredients. Avoiding perfumes and products with added fragrances will help you eliminate an additional hundreds of unknown toxins. INGREDIENTS: Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Santalum album (sandalwood), Boswellia frereana (frankincense), Citrus bergamia (bergamot), Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood)

Top 5 Mineral Makeup Tips .... every Informed Beaute' should know! Kasia Salon recently hosted Jennifer Honeycutt, an international makeup artist and La Bella Donna Regional educator. We want to thank everyone who came out for their mini-makeover.  Lovin' La Bella I have not found a competitor that comes close to La Bella Donna. With just four ingredients, their formulas are actually healthy for the skin because they are made from natural elements: mineral-based pigments for natural-looking color and micronized Titanium Dioxide, a non-chemical sun block (SPF 20), for environmental protection. Iron Oxides provide the source of color, while Bismuth Oxychloride and Zinc Oxide act as anti-inflammatories.  TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS from recent training. 1. La Bella Donna mineral powders contain only four ingredients. They are anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-aging, and non-clogging - ideal for all skin types, as well as allergy-prone skin. 2. ALL products within the line can be used interchangeably on the lips, eyes or cheeks, giving you more bang for your buck. 3. If you still have older makeup that you don't want to go to waste, simply apply La Bella's loose mineral products to protect your skin from synthetics and dyes! 4. Always apply loose minerals first, followed by your liquid base and concealer (especially under the eye). The concealer/liquid melts right into the skin, evening out the skin tone. 5. We LOVE the Baci-Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer. Developed as a vitamin C and organic lip treatment, these lip sheers contain antioxidants and sodium hyaluronate, which plumps the lips and creates a moisture barrier. BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN   WELLNESS AND BEAUTY La Bella Donna Loose Minerals provide a natural alternative to chemical makeup in order to ensure the health of the skin, as well as the body. Our skin is our largest organ, and everything we put on it is filtered through the liver, just like with the food we eat. The goal is to avoid absorbing chemicals into our bodies. Because La Bella Donna Minerals are made from rock and are not diluted with fillers, they provide many benefits to the skin that other products cannot provide. Book your mini-mineral-makeup makeover TODAY! # 612.824.7611

Natural - Non-toxic Pedicures   Our pedicure stations offer a brush of Acquarella, a high-quality water-based line of polish in a gorgeous array of colors. Choose from three luxurious and indulgent pedicure options. Acquarella's non-toxic polishes are odor free and formulated without formaldehyde, phthalates, petrochemicals, or solvents of any kind. Save money! No pre-coat or top-coat needed. Our polish is specifically designed to hydrate the nails with an innovative fast-dry formula. Book Today! The Organic Treatment Relax in a vibration chair with a cup of Kasia Fair Trade Tea and heated foot jets while we pamper your feet with a scrub, massage, nail-shaping and polish, using natural, non-toxic and organic products. 45 minutes - $45 (choice of polish or massage) 60 minutes - $65 (includes massage and polish) 90 minutes - $75 (includes paraffin wrap for hands) Rejuvenating Foot Ritual: Take your pedicure (without the polish) to the next level with an invigorating treatment designed to revitalize your skin and stimulate your senses. A warm whirlpool foot bath is prepared using aromatic oils and is followed by a signature foot massage incorporating a touch of reflexology to melt away stress. 40 minutes - $45   Book your pedicure today!  612.824.7611

The Latest and Greatest

"Informed Beauty" Blog

The Effects of Sun Inflammation and your Beautiful Health

The Wheat-free Movement to Beautiful Health

Does Chronic Exfoliation Age the Skin? A Paradigm Shift.

Natural "Bug-Off" DIY Home Blend

 

We are in the middle of summer, and we all  love spending time outdoors, but mosquitoes and other flying/biting insects can ruin the best of outdoor occasions. Synthetic insect repellents smell awful and are known to cause irritation and sensitivity in some people. They are also known to be toxic and can be harmful to the environment.

Below is a gentle insect repellent only requires a few Kasia pure essential oils and other ingredients.   Enjoy a more  pleasant aroma in keeping the bothersome itchy critters away. Keep in mind, your usage and body chemistry potentially affects your resulted scent.

 Bug-Off Repellent

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
• 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not). Alternatively, you may omit the alcohol and increase the amount of distilled water to 3 ounces.
• 15 drops  Lemon Tea Tree
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 3 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add the essential oils.

To Use: Shake the bottle before each use. Essential oils do not fully dissolve in water and alcohol and will settle. If you do not shake the bottle, you risk having concentrated droplets of essential oil irritate your skin.

Mist onto your skin and clothing and reapply as necessary. Discontinue use if you feel sensitivity from the repellent. Be careful not to mist delicate fabrics or surrounding furniture that may be harmed by the ingredients in the repellent. 

There is no guarantee that this recipe will prevent you or other users from being bitten by insects and it hasn't been scientifically tested for effectiveness.

Relief

For mosquito or other insect bites that don’t demand much attention, a simple dab of essential oil of lavender or tea tree provides relief from itching.  Lavender essential oils reduce swelling and inflammation, and diminish itching or other allergic response. Bentonite clay (available at your natural food store) poultices are of great help for more painful stings or bites. As the clay dries, it pulls toxins to the skin’s surface to keep them from spreading, and it pulls out pus or stingers imbedded in the skin. Adding essential oil to clay keeps the clay reconstituted, preserved, and ready for an emergency.

Essential oils for bites and stings: lavender, tea tree, chamomile, peppermint (stops itching)

Other essential oils that are insect repellents: birch, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass (or citronella), orange, patchouli, peppermint (repels ants), pine, sandalwood

Learn more about Kasia Organics - Pure Essential Oils HERE