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

Chinese Medicine transition support for springtime metabolism, hormones, and more!

It’s springtime and there are transformations happening all around us as life and the synergy beneath us is undergoing a process of awakening and renewal. Most of us identify spring as uplifting with freshness, but forget this is the season that has a considerable impact on our mind, body and emotions.   According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is represented by the wind element and it is that time of the year when our body is most susceptible to wind-cold imbalances that mostly affect the liver and gall bladder. Problems like depression, hepatitis and vernal catarrh (allergic conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’) are believed to stem from these imbalances.   The liver is the primary cleansing and detoxifying organ of the body that regulates blood circulation, hormones, metabolism, digestion and subsequently our emotions too. In women, it may affect the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. The function of the gall bladder is to secrete bile and assist the liver in all its functions to ensure the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. Experts believe that the health of the liver and gall bladder can affect our decision-making abilities and have an impact on the quality of life.   TCM also theorizes that anger and depression are the dominant emotions during spring that are increased by rapid changes in the weather, environment and length of the days. These changes interfere with the levels of the hormone melatonin in our body resulting in mood swings and temper problems. You may be suffering from an imbalance if you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms: Dry, watery or itchy eyes Inadequate sleep or disturbed sleep patterns Irregular bowel movement A feeling of fullness or bloating Chest congestion Menstrual irregularities or severe PMS symptoms Mild to severe depression Anger Frequent emotional outbursts and restlessness Aim in strengthening your immunity, purging the body of toxins and maintaining emotional balance. Essential oils can help achieve this goal. Here are some essential oils that are perfect for the season: DETOXING AND PURIFICATION: Massage Kasia Foritfy Body Oil all over your body once a day! Here is why this fantastic massage oil works: Lavender and Lemongrass Essential Oils promote lymphatic drainage, improve circulation and release excess fluids and toxins. This takes care of any water retention and you feel lighter and more energized. Add some Orange Essential Oil around the stomach region and  enhance the function of the liver, encourages the flow of bile and aids fat metabolism. HORMONAL IMBALANCES: Geranium Essential Oil supports the adrenal cortex and helps take care of hormonal imbalances. Clary Sage Essential Oil has a calming effect on the mind and alleviates depression and irritability during PMS. Lavender Essential Oil helps to maintain a positive state of mind and keep your mood cheerful and upbeat. Learn more about Kasia Essential Oils HERE

Favorite essential oils to cleanse and refresh your hair and scalp...

  Our team at Kasia Organic Salon LOVE essential oils.  We use them in hair and skin treatments, as well as infuse our air with our high powered differ for essential oils.  Clients rave about their purchased diffuser and oils .... Essential oils naturally help to balance the skin's oils, cleanse and refresh hair and scalp. They work like a tonic and promote shiny hair. All Kasia Hair Care products have an infusion of an apothecary and helpful essential oils for the hair.

Here are some great essential oils for hair care:

Bergamot Citrus bergamia is uplifting, refreshing, astringent and regulating. Use for most hair types.

Clary Sage Salvia sclarea is balancing (helps to balance sebum), calming and regulating. Use for most hair types especially dry and oily.

Lavender Lavendula angustifolia is calming, relaxing and regenerative. Use for most hair types.

Lemon Citrus limon is soothing and uplifting. Lemon is cleansing, astringent and a skin tonic. Use for most hair types especially oily and light color hair.

Litsea Cubeba litsea cubeba is cleansing and a skin tonic. Use for most hair types and oily hair.

Orange, Sweet Citrus sinensis is uplifting, soothing, calming, balancing (sebum) and regenerative. Use for most hair types.

Peppermint Mentha x piperita is stimulating and increases circulation of the scalp. Use for most hair types and prevention of hair loss and dull hair. Precaution: Keep away from eyes.

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis cineol is invigorating and stimulating. Use for most hair types and prevention of hair loss.

Tip Using Essential Oils For Hair Care 1. Apply 1-2 drops essential oil onto your brush and brush your hair. Not only will your hair smell nice, the essential oils will also promote smooth and shiny hair.

Visit Kasiaorganicsalon.com to learn more about essential oils.  Essential oils are available to purchase online.

Reference:  Joan Morais

Protect, shine, and get 'Off the Fritz" with our newest creation!

 Promoting good hair days and getting "Off the Fritz"

96%  Organic   *  Hair Sealer    *    Heat Protection

Enjoy Kasia's version of "Shea Spray"  --  As a #1 products suggestion for all of our  hair color beauties, we've gone the extra mile, got in the lab, and now promote "Off the Fritz" to all our Informed Beaute's healthy locks!

Protect your hair from heat damage, frizz, coloring, and environmental pollution.  Kasia's "Off the Fritz" Sealer is weightless while infusing individual strands with nutrients vital to healthy hair and prolonged color.

Antioxidants and Vitamin B5 protect hair and promote shine. And avocado, shea, and neem, a healing agent, promotes long-lasting hydration and helps seal the cuticle layer to prevent frizz and encourage healthier hair and scalp.

96% ORGANIC, free of petrochemicals, parabens, synthetics, and colors. Ideal for colored hair and suitable for all hair types.  We use simple “beautiful health” ingredients and 100% pure essential oils you can trust with your hair and body and safe for the whole family.

 Key Ingredients in-depth:

Kasia has raised the standard by using  organic Aloe Vera as our product base, most companies use water.  Aloe is rich in over 200 active minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.

Neem oil relieves dry and itchy scalp, dandruff, the symptoms psoriasis, as and gives you silky, shiny, stronger hair while encouraging growth.

Shea provides UV protection, is high in vitamins A & E, and soothes.

Avocado oil fortifies hair and infuses it with nutrients, resulting in stronger, longer hair. Avocados are high in vitamins A, B, C, E and K, protein, fatty acids and amino acids.

Essential Oils Used: Rosemary, Neem, and Rosewood.

Designed to protect, preserve and promote healthy color treated, damaged and every day hair.  Weightless shine, rich antioxidants, environmental and UV protection, anti-humidity, minimizes frizz, thermal protection, control and manageability, seals and protects the hair, and locks in moisture.

Directions: Pray onto clean, wet hair and blow-dry to eliminate frizz, or spray onto dry hair for a quick fix and extra shine.   Avoid eye contact.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ricinus communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, dl-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Oil, Persea americana (Avocado) Oil, Salix nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Ascophyllum nodosum (Kelp) Extract, Rosmarinus officnalis (Rosemary Oleoresin), Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Essential Oil

Is your expensive fragrance good for you?

Perfume must be the most ironic of gifts: Perfect pretty little bottles with perfect pretty little names, filled with sweet smelling petrochemicals(yes, you read right). Did you know that 95 percent of the chemicals used in perfume are derived from petroleum, many of them quite toxic? Great!

For 2010 you can give a gift that triggers delight, not rashes and asthma.

You’d think that perfume would be made from what it smells like. A scent that creates the beautiful image of lilies must be made from lilies, right? Wrong.

Modern perfumes are almost always made from synthetic fragrances that are most commonly synthesized from petroleum distillates.

In the late 19th century the first synthetic fragrance was created (from coal-tar) in a laboratory. Not only did this greatly expand the perfumer’s repertory of scents to work with, but it also democratized the availability of perfume by making it so much cheaper to produce. Very costly raw natural materials (like ambergris, musk and rare botanicals) that had been used to create luxury perfumes were now simply whipped up in the lab using dredged waste by-products of the industrial revolution.

It also allowed for the creation of scents that perfumers were unable to capture before–such as the smell of lilac and lily.

The science of fragrance is really rather mind-boggling.

The fact petrochemicals can be manipulated into rapturous scent is an illusion worthy of Houdini. But magic aside, a 1991 study performed by the EPA found that numerous potentially hazardous chemicals are commonly used in fragrance, including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride.

According to Material Data Safety Sheets, when inhaled these chemicals can cause central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, and lungs, kidney damage, headache, respiratory failure, ataxia, and fatigue, among other things.

Another study found two groups of hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals commonly used in perfumes: phthalates and synthetic musks.

Since perfumes are applied to the skin, repeated exposure of relatively concentrated doses may contribute substantially to our overall exposure to these chemicals. And because of the high-volume use of these chemicals, they have become widely distributed through both the natural and the urban environment-endangering natural ecosytems while also further increasing our exposure to them.

The FDA does little to regulate the cosmetics industry, and “fragrance” is considered a trade secret and thus ingredient disclosure is not required. Only a handful of ingredients are banned and personal care products and cosmetics do not require approval or testing before hitting the shelves.

Even so, according to the FDA fragrances are responsible for 30 percent of all allergic reactions. Many point to perfume as a very high-risk cosmetic product for those who suffer from asthma. And we always thought that perfume was supposed to make us feel good.

The good news is that there is an alternative–good old perfume made from natural materials.

You won’t find herbs, grasses, flowers and spice on any EPA lists. Not only are natural perfume ingredients more in harmony with the body, but they are, well, natural.

Kasia Organic Salon looks to offer pure and plant "fumes" into the new year.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/good-scents-natural-perfume.html

What can you do about Head Lice?

As we approach another school year, it's better to be safe than sorry  when  the school nurse calls you – your child  have been diagnosed with a case of head lice.Once lice are found your children may not be able to return to school until you have a treatment well at hand. Many parents don’t want to expose their children repeatedly to the toxic chemicals found in the over the counter treatments.   We have many mothers call the salon, and we'd like to post some help to find a option that can repel these intruders. One can use in the hair each time before they shampoo and also for something to apply to the hair in between.

The references for essential oils that work against lice both the live bugs and their eggs aka nits suggested using a blend that may include any of the following essential oils: Tea Tree, Lavender, Anise, Cinnamon Leaf, Oregano, Eucalyptus Globulus, Thyme, Cloves and Peppermint.

Other oils that may also work include: Bergamot, Spearmint, Naiouli, Marjoram, Petitgrain, Pennyroyal, Ravensara, Roman chamomile, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Clary sage, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Ylang-ylang.

Several recipes suggested the use of Tea Tree. As in studies it was found that Tea Tree was able to kill both the adults and penetrate the egg shell and kill the yet un-hatched eggs by itself at about 83-93%. Another essential oil Oregano showed 100% kill of both adults and eggs. Two other essential oils, Anise and Cinnamon leaf, had high kill rates too. Below is a Basic Lice Blend that can be used to help kill and repel these unwelcome hair and scalp guests. Follow the suggestions for a Pre-shampoo treatment, Post-Shampoo, and a Hair Spray to help repel and prevent future infestations.

Basic Lice Blend

Tea Tree – 10 drops Lavender – 10 drops Oregano – 5 drops Peppermint – 5 drops Cinnamon – 5 drops

Blend in an amber bottle. You may want to double or triple this basic recipe to make it easier for use.

Step one Mix 1 ounce of Jojoba with 7-8 drops of the above blend. Massage into and on the hair. Leave in the hair wrapped in a towel for 1-2 hours. Shampoo hair, do not dry.

Step two Mix ¼ cup water with ¼ cup vinegar, add 7-8 drops of the above Basic Lice blend. Shake well, then rinse the hair with this. Do NOT rinse with water. Comb the hair out thoroughly using a ‘nit’ comb (available at most pharmacy’s). Rinse or wipe the comb to remove debris, dead lice and nits between combing strokes. The vinegar helps to remove the glue that holds the eggs to the hair shafts. After combing thoroughly, let the hair dry.

Step three The day after the shampoo, rinse and combing - Spray on the following - To 8 ounces of our Body spray OR distilled water add 10 drops of the basic lice blend. Spray on the hair once daily between shampooing. If desired increase the Lavender to make the blend more pleasant for use as a hair spray. A light spray misting is all that is necessary.

If necessary repeat Steps One and Two every 5 – 7 days for up to 2 weeks. You can continue Step Three as long as desired as this should help to keep the lice away. If irritation develops discontinue use.

Lice biology

• The life cycle of the louse is about 4 weeks. Approximately 8 days are spent in the egg stage, which is the hardest stage to kill. The eggs then hatch into tiny lice (first instar nymphs), then into second and third instars and finally into adults. Female lice are larger than males.
• Lice eggs are opaque. If they are clear, it means the lice have already hatched out.
• Healthy lice and eggs are found only within 1 cm of the scalp. They are transmitted by head-to-head contact, not by combs, brushes or furniture, and neither do they live in school buildings or home carpets.
• Head lice are not a sign of bad hygiene. They prefer clean hair to dirty hair.

Control

• It may take several months for a person to become sensitised to the presence of lice, so when treating the affected person it is also important to check all people who have been in close contact with the person during that time. Look at the roots of the hair for lice, eggs, lice faeces (black specks) and cast skins. Faeces and skins may also be found on pillows of the affected person.
• Treat only those people who show signs of lice.
• Make sure that enough of the treatment product is used, and follow the instructions as to how long to keep it on the hair. Do not leave it on for less than the suggested time.
• Shampoos in general will not kill lice as the solution is too weak by the time the extra water needed for hair-washing has been added. This applies to both conventional lice shampoos and those containing essential oils. It is much better to use an aqueous or alcoholic lotion or a conditioner base.
• Comb the hair well afterwards to remove dead and dying lice.
• Repeat the treatment after a week, unless told otherwise.
• If the protocol states that the procedure should be repeated every 2 days, or even more often, this implies that the treatment is not effective on lice eggs.

Reference:   Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy, LLC

Healing Aromatherapy and your Shower.

A nice long shower after a active summer's day  with a hint of aromatherapy oils work beautifully together to bring deep relaxation and healing benefits to your mind and body. Enjoying a hot bath or steamy  shower is a soothing part of hydrotherapy that has been used for centuries in healing the body. By taking a steam bath or shower with selective essential oils, you can increase circulation bringing blood from deeper parts of the body to the skins surface thereby bringing toxins closer to the skin for sweating out impurities.

Improved circulation and sweating help to eliminate fatty deposits such as cellulite and middle skin layer fat cells. Circulation increases, the pores open and cleaned through perspiration with the combination of the steam that is infused with Kasia Apothecary  Essential oils.

Hydrated and refreshed skin makes our  face and body look younger and revitalized with a dewy glow.  All you need are your favorite essential oil blend of your choice and a clean washcloth.

Experience maximum benefits of essential oils while in the shower:

1) Before you get into the shower, think about the therapeutic properties and positive effects of the essential oil that you are going to use.

2) Put 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil on the washcloth.

3) While showering, place the washcloth on your chest and allow the heat of the shower to release the vapors of the essential oil. Breathe deeply, relax your mind and visualize the wonderful changes that the essential oils are bringing about in your mind and body.

4) Once you turn the shower off, use the same washcloth to rub your body, specially arms and legs, with movements pointing towards the heart. This helps stimulate circulation, lymph movement and your immune system.

Healing Therapeutic Oils

Eucalyptus Medicinal, fresh, earthy and woodyAnti-inflammatory, coughs, colds, asthma, relieve muscle tension

Geranium Floral, fruity, sweet and fresh Relaxing, uplifting, balancing the skin, astringent, antiseptic and diuretic

Lavender Fresh, floral, slightly fruity and herbaceous Aids sleep, tired muscles, relaxing, boosts immune system, antiseptic, soothe minor cuts and burns, soothe headaches, antifungal Peppermint Mint fragranceAntiviral, headaches, muscle aches and digestive problems Tea Tree Medicinal, fresh, woody and earthyAntiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antispasmotic, boost immune system

Lemon Uplifting and relaxingTreating wounds and infections, including flu and colds, anti-depressing, relaxing Rosemary Fresh, herbaceous, sweet and slightly medicinalAntibacterial, stimulating, uplifting, muscle aches, dull skin, gout, poor circulation, arthritis

Ylang Ylang Fresh, floral, sweet and slightly fruityRelaxation, anxiety, hypertension, depression, stress, aphrodisiac

Learn more about Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils HERE!

Reference Aroma Blog

15 Super Women Uses for Jojoba Oil

15 Super Women Uses for Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is by far one ne of my favorite body products of all time; it’s incredible versitale for the whole family.

Here’s some tips I’ve found on getting the most out of your Jojoba Oil…

1. Cuticle Oil – rub a drop on your hands and cuticles at least once per day. Option: Add a drop of Tea Tree Oil to your jojoba for a quick, all-natural anti-fungal nail treatment.
2. Body Lotion – easy enough… just remember that a little goes a long way. You won’t need the dollop size you normally use with a traditional lotion. Jojoba sinks in super quickly and spreads across your skin easily. For even more fun or a special occasion, mix some cosmetic grade glitter with the oil and apply to your legs, arms and chest.
3. Face Moisturizer – 1 to 2 drops is perfect for your face. Use after moisturizing. And… it’s PERFECT to apply under mineral makeup. You’ll look radiant and your minerals will perform so much better!
4. Lip Oil – it’s light, natural and absorbs quickly removing all traces of flakes and the anti-oxidants will help keep aging at bay. Create your own unique lip oil in a small glass jar: add a few drops of your favorite flavoring (check the bakery aisle at your grocery) such as eucalyptus for minty freshness, strawberry or citrus oil for fruity flavor!
5. Tame Flyaways – When you finish rubbing the jojoba into your nails and cuticles, rub your palms across the top of your hair to tame hair frizz!
6. Makeup Remover – Mix half water and half jojoba in a small container (your free sample shampoo bottles will work perfectly for this). Shake before use, squeeze a bit onto a cotton pad and use to quickly and gently remove your eye makeup. As a bonus, the jojoba conditions eye lashes!
7. Scalp Massage – or scalp treatment. Rub the oil into your scalp before bedtime and wash out in the morning.
8. Quick Hot Oil Hair Treatment – Rub about 1 teaspoon of warmed oil through your hair when you first get into the shower. Let it sit while you shower. Rinse at the end of your shower, shampoo and condition as usual.
9. Deep Hot Oil Treatment – Rub 1 tsp to 1 tablespoon of jojoba through your hair. Cover your head with a plastic shower cap or saran wrap. Let sit for 1-2 hours. Shampoo out and condition normally.
10. Carrier Oil – White jojoba oil has anti-oxidant properties on its own; but it can also be applied overtop your other skin care treatments to ‘carry’ their active ingredients deep into your pores and skin.
11. Split End Treatment – Add a drop or two of oil on ends of your hair as a split end treatment. Apply before blow drying or heat styling for protection.
12. Added Moisture – Need more moisture during the winter or in a dry climate? Mix a few drops of jojoba to your normal body or face lotion application.
13. Quick Hair Condition – Add 2-3 drops to your normal dose of hair conditioner. Mix in the palm of your hand, apply, and leave in while your shower. Rinse and you’ll have moisturized, shiny hair!
14. Before Sunless Tanner – Apply lightly to elbows, knees, soles of feet, heels and palms to prevent extra sunless tanner from soaking into these porous areas.
15. Before Swimming – Run 3-4 drops through your hair before diving in the pool or ocean. The oil will help close your hair cuticle and prevent harmful chemicals from stripping your color, and drying your locks.
16. Scent!  Add Kasia Apothecary Essential oils for a natural and therapeutic body oil!

Kasia Organic Salon retails Organic and Pesticide Free  Jojoba Oil: We love Jojoba because it is Nature’s best moisturizer absorbs quickly into your skin with no residue. Reference: BionicBeauty