A Pitfall.

Hey lovely!

Go no further and START HERE.  Remember this?  
 A pre-millennial, of course.....

so you're either sure or unsure

---

Deodorants.

I (much like you), was at a loss of mineral salts just "NOT WORKING " in performance, let alone the slew of other natural brands that simply hide chemicals or claimed that there are just a "little bit" of the potential harmful ingredients.  

You've maybe hunted the "DIY" online communities of skin care crafter concoctions - leaving you with a weird residue, yellow pit-stains and a by-product that actually made you smell worse.

 THE VERY WORST PART?  

Toxin overload!  

A fury of potential toxic ingredients promote the increase of breast cancer and other negative health issues by seeping into our skin, adipose tissue (fat) and bloodstream. 

 
Here’s why Evoq Pureoderant has been our TOP SELLER for over 6 years.  

Formulated by workin' women, for the workin' woman.   

---

Aluminum

Aluminum is the active ingredient in most antiperspirants, and it functions by forming a precipitate that physically blocks sweat glands.  

“The reason chemical companies put aluminum in anti-perspirants is to “dry out sweat by injecting aluminum ions in the cells that line the sweat ducts. When the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water flows in; the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so sweat cannot get out.””

Infertility to Breast Cancer

From infertility-causing ingredients to toxic chemicals linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer, antiperspirants host ingredients that are directly absorbed into the skin.

---

Common Toxic Antiperspirant Ingredient Side Effects

• Aluminum (Aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine) – Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, skin irritation

• Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl) – Endocrine disruption, environmental toxin, cancer, reproductive disorders, premature aging, immune toxicant, allergen

• Phthalates – Cancer, birth defects, infertility, allergen

• Proplyene glycol – Skin, eyes, and lungs irritation, reproductive and fetal neurotoxin linked to kidney and liver damage, enhanced skin absorption

• Silica – Possible carcinogen if contaminated with crystalline quartz, skin, eyes and lung irritation

• Steareths – Endocrine disruption, developmental/reproductive toxicity, skin irritation

• Talc – Non-reproductive organ system toxin, possible carcinogen

• Triclosan – Antibacterial agent banned in several countries due contribution to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, endocrine disruption, muscle weakness, skin, eyes, and lung irritation

---

  EXPERIENCE a SURE WAY.
Suited for men and women alike, our botanical-packed, top-selling Pure-odorant provides 24 hour protection without parabens, phthalates, or aluminum. Organic Aloe soothes while a concentrated blend of powerful organic essential oils deodorize, fight off bacteria, and calm irritation.

Evoq Organic Pureoderant

---

Natural Pureoderant Key Benefits: 

MINERAL SALTS­  
Contains remineralizing properties that form a protective block on skin to prevent odor­ causing bacteria.

ALOE VERA­  
An antibacterial humectant that moisturizes and soothes skin.

HEMP OIL­  
Combats free radicals and prevents inflammation, including irritation, and ingrown hairs.

*Aqua (Water), *Potassium Alum (Mineral Salts), *Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar Gum), *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, *Hyssopus Officinalis (Hyssop) Extract, *Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Oil, *Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Seed Oil, *Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, *Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove Bud) Essential Oil, *Essential Oil Aromatic Blend.

*Curated with organic, wild­craft, and food­-grade ingredients

The Cocktail of a Chemical: Informed Beauty Guide.

We tend to forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body,and every day we apply a chemical cocktail of substances in ignorant bliss, there is continual studies suggesting that up to 60% of anything applied topically can be absorbed into our bodies. As the average woman uses up to 10-14 different skincare and cosmetic products each day, this calculates a high level of different chemicals each year seeping into our systems.

So why does this matter?

With many of the synthetic ingredients used in everyday skin care being potentially toxic to humans, you may like to reconsider some of the following:

Petrochemical derived ingredients (such as mineral oil) are extensively used in skin care as they help prevent water loss. While this may seem beneficial, they actually prevent the skin from breathing by forming an occlusive barrier, disrupting the skins normal functioning.

Parabens (a common preservative) have demonstrated oestrogen mimicking activity which disrupts the body's normal hormonal balance. In addition, parabens have also been shown to cause abnormalities in cell reproduction, an issue also associated with cancerous cells.

Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) (a foaming agent) used in toothpaste, shampoo and foaming cleansers. Numerous trials showed that SLS can increase transdermal water loss causing the skin to become dehydrated and cause skin irritation.

Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used in the production of various substances such as plastics, beauty products and artificial fragrances. Phthalates can interfere with reproductive tissues in both men and women leading to issues such as infertility and birth defects. Specifically it targets the testes in men and breast tissue in women.

Parfum and synthetic fragrances are the most common cause of adverse skin reactions. Propylene glycol is implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also damages cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

Finding safe and natural products can often be confusing - at Kasia Organic Salon, we have removed any guessing game from your "Beautiful Health" hair, skin, and service needs.

Ultimately, what you use on your hair or skin is an individual choice, and issues such as skincare goals, sensitivities or allergies, and personal values need to be taken into consideration. If you do choose to avoid ingredients such as those above the best way to do so is by reading product labels and making an informed decision. But if reading packages is not your style, it's usually safe to say that organic ingredients are best.

Kasia Organic Salon continues to launch options that are safe for you and your family.  Drop us a line or stop in for a consultation and learn more about our Ammonia Free Hair Color, Smoothing treatments, Medical Grade Facials, and more! 

Article Source: Ananda Mahoney

Kasia Featured in MPLS Picks and MPLS Monthly Magazine! What's steamin' Hot?

What LOVE we've graciously received coming into February at Kasia!

Kasia Organic Salon featured in February's MN Monthly Magazine as a "TOP 10" feature for 2011 "Beautiful Health"   "just have TO-DO's."

&

TODAY

in Minneapolis Picks!

Pick up a copy and read about our Infrared Sauna Service!

Download our Top Benefits Sauna HERE!

Feeling "BLAH?" What is HOT about the Sauna!

The modern lifestyle exposes us to  many synthetic and chemicals that  build up toxins in our bodies.  I think we agree we could use some help encouraging our bodies to detoxify.

Detoxify your body with the healing nature of heat. Offering you a truly unique experience, Kasia Organic Salon and Sunlighten Far Infraed Sauna help to expel toxins from your body all while doing from the privacy of our personal sauna room.

The sweating benefits from the Far Infrared Sauna are incredible. It allows your body to use its natural sweating process to remove heavy metal, bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses from your body. It improves your flexibility, cleanses your pours, improves circulation and relives pain.

Help your weight-loss accelerate . A 30 minutes session can burn up to 600 calories during this rejuvenating process.

STRESS FREE!  After the session you will feel a profound sense of relaxation, making this an excellent way to manage stress as well.

Burns calories, helps control weight, enhancement your skin tone, relief of stress and fatigue, and more!

Purchase a Package of 10 ( 30 minute) sessions and SAVE $110!

Chemical Deodorants - They're the Pits

The natural deodorant revolution helping stop breast cancer and Alzheimer's

Deodorants have become a part of everyday life for almost all of us. Antiperspirant deodorant is extremely common among women ... and unfortunately, so is breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Even women that wear no makeup, lip gloss or hair products almost invariably use deodorant products - body odor is seen as one of the seven deadly sins, whether you’re at the office or out with friends! This 'essential' part of our beauty routines may have serious health consequences for us down the track, however.

How do regular deodorants/antiperspirants work?

Deodorants and antiperspirants are two different products, and they work in different ways. Deodorants contain ingredients that kill odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, block the pores in the skin that move sweat to the outside of the body, from the sweat glands situated in the armpits.

The substances in deodorants that are used to kill germs include alcohol, parabens and steareth. Aluminum chlorhydrate and aluminum zirconium are the most common active ingredients in antiperspirants.

But the manufacturers must test them, right?

The continuing widespread use of deodorants by women across the world, who may have heard concerns over health risks but disregard them, comes from a common perception that because it is on the supermarket shelf, it must be okay.

We tend to believe that it wouldn’t be possible to sell something, in this day and age, that would be harmful to people. In fact, the process of proving that something is harmful to humans is quite long and rigorous, and without a carrot dangling at the end of the process (a profit or new product for a corporation), it is often difficult to get funding.

The law (in the US) allows companies to use any raw material they like in their products. Yes, some ingredients and colors have been banned. These bans were the result of indisputable evidence of harm. However, there is no requirement that companies test their products to check that they are safe. They do not even have to be tested for efficacy - the financial burden to companies would be enormous and the government is worried about that economic impact.

Even the FDA can only have a product removed from the marketplace if it can be proven harmful in a court of law. There simply aren’t the resources to do the testing necessary for these strict proof guidelines. So, the results of many smaller studies go unheeded, and the potential dangers of deodorants and antiperspirants to women are ignored.

The risks of using conventional antiperspirants and deodorants

A study of 437 females by KG McGrath, looking at the frequency of underarm hygiene linked to the age of breast cancer diagnosis found that:

• The more a woman shaves as well as applying deodorants or antiperspirants, the earlier the diagnosis of breast cancer
• The earlier in life women begin using these products, the earlier the diagnosis of breast cancer

In the 1990s, the World Health Organization released a report showing that the analyzed brains of Alzheimer's sufferers (after death) contained unusually high levels of aluminium. A report in the journal of clinical epidemiology also associated more frequent aluminum-containing deodorant use with Alzhemier's incidence.

Some health professionals also believe that preventing sweating by blocking the pores traps toxins within the body, that would otherwise have been carried out by our sweat. This toxic buildup, along with a buildup of aluminium, is thought to be another of the risk factors for breast cancer with antiperspirant use.

Ingredients to avoid in deodorants

While aluminium is the main deodorant/antiperspirant ingredient that has been studied for negative health effects, almost all of the common ingredients in supermarket deodorants are harmful to us. Here are the effects of some of the common underarm 'hygiene' ingredients:

• Aluminium chlorhydrate, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorhydrex gly, and other aluminium salts: We talked about the links between aluminium salts and breast cancer, as well as  Alzheimer's disease. There may be further links to disease that haven't yet been identified.
• Parabens (all types): These are derived from toluene, which can both cause reproductive harm and mimic the effect of estrogen in the body, driving the growth of cancerous cells.
• Triclosan: This ingredient is a common antibacterial which cause contact dermatitis in many people, and is classified as a pesticide by the FDA.
• Talc: Even the humble talcum powder has been regarded with suspicion by cancer researchers. It may contain asbestiform fibers (yes, these are related to asbestos) - the level of asbestiform fibers in talc is unregulated.
• Propylene glycol: According to the NIOSH this is a neurotoxin. The EPA admits that it hasn’t been fully investigated for cancer-causing potential, despite being in almost every personal care product on the market.
• Silica: This skin irritant is often contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is known to cause cancer
• Steareth-n: (Where n is any number) reacts with ethylene oxide in the manufacturing process. Ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen.

Natural deodorizing

The ingredients which have been found to be effective at keeping you dreamingly scented in natural deodorants include:

• Naturally occurring alum
• Cornstarch
• Lichen
• Herbs and herbal extracts
• De-ionized or distilled water
• Aloe vera
• Baking soda
• Essential oils
• Vegetable glycerin

Naturally occurring alum is related to aluminium, but the molecules are much larger and are not readily absorbed by the skin. It acts as an anti-bacterial, so while it doesn’t prevent sweating, it helps ensure that there is no strong odor from that sweat. The UN has recommended that drinking water sources in some areas of the world have an alum rock placed in them to aid with decontamination.

Natural deodorants may come in the form of a rock or crystal to be rubbed on the underarms, a non-aerosol mist, a gel, or a roll-on like many antiperspirants. These methods can actually be 3 times more effective than commercial deodorants in reducing body odor, both in volume, and over time.

There are plenty of companies recognizing the need for natural deodorants - Kasia Organic Salon is one that has recently launched a brand of natural deodorant, 'Pure-odorant'. It is certified organic & comes straight from nature with a pure blend of organic hemp oil, aloe vera and mineral salts that soften skin and eliminate odor-causing bacteria for up to 24 hours.

Kasia's Pure-odorant formulation leaves absolutely no residue and contains no aluminum, parabens, PG, alcohol or petroleum chemicals. It is scented with organic essential oils.

You can also reduce your consumption of meat, alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine to help cut down on your body odor naturally.

Naturally reducing perspiration

One of the keys to becoming comfortable without antiperspirants is realizing that it isn’t natural not to sweat. Our body uses sweat for thermoregulation, but it is also a convenient way to help spread pheromones, which help other people intuitively understand what we are feeling and our state of health. Julia Roberts went to the Notting Hill premiere without even shaving ('I don't think about my underarms on a daily basis', she said) ... you can deal with a little dark patch under your arms, for the sake of your life and health.

Some people believe that heat conditioning (using saunas or spas) is a great way to help prevent hyperhidrosis (sweating more than is necessary for thermoregulation). You can also use cold water under your arms before you hop out of the shower to help close your pores.

DIY natural deodorant

Do it Yourself!  Making your own natural deodorant is also possible by combining Cornstarch with baking soda to help sweat evaporate more readily and absorb some moisture. Mist-spray some essential oil or natural face toner over the mixture to give it a scent-boost.

You could also mix sage, coriander, lemon or rosemary tea with mineral water and a small amount of antibacterial essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree or lavender for antibacterial effect.

Ode to becoming an Informed Beauty

As the world continues to become transparent and we as communities wake up and to look around, you will be amazed to find that there are many natural substitutes to the artificial chemicals present around us. It is advisable to keep away from products or items that are tricky to enunciate or pronounce.  Become an “Informed Beaute” in how to minimize our coming close to artificial and ecological toxins, keeping you “out of the pits!”

Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader in, and advocate for, natural health and beauty care. The founder of   Kasia Organic Salon, Kassie combines her experience as nutritionist and living foods educator with her ongoing Functional Medicine research to apply a whole of body “Beautiful Health’ approach to hair care and styling. Become an Informed Beauty and learn more at www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.

Sources and Related Reading:

EMedicine from Web MD: Toxicity, Aluminum Michael R Edwards, MD, Medical Director,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Updated: Jun 20, 2006 (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/165315-overview)

Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. is "The Ingredients Investigator."

http://www.downwithbasics.com/deodorant.html

http://www.hyperhidrosisweb.com/natural-deodorants.html

http://www.organicmakeupandskincare.com/blog/2008/07/review-of-lafes-natural-and-organic-deodorant-stick/

http://www.ehow.com/how_4590254_increase-deodorant-effectiveness.html

http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/personal-care-and-services/natural-deodorants-and-antiperspirants

http://greenermagazine.blogspot.com/2006/02/antiperspirant-evolution.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Natural-Aluminium-Free-Deodorant-and-Antiperspirant-Alternatives

http://www.drmilinda.com/cariboost_files/kgm_paper.pdf

http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=2226464&q=&uid=788381485&setcookie=yes

John Master Organics - Styling - NOW at Kasia!

Kasia Organic Salon NOW CARRIES JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS styling products!

We're addicted!   We have now filled any "holes" Hamdi could not fill for your styling needs.

...The  Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment promotes volume and hair growth...and is my favorite.

Our second favorite?  The Bourbon Vanilla and Tangerine Texturizer!

John Masters - Shine On Leave-In Treatment • organic kelp creates incredible shine, volume and softness • gives a natural looking shine without weighing hair down • does not leave oily build up on the hair shaft, which leads to dullness • contains no petroleum-based silicone • great for all hair types, even fine hair • to add shine and volume to dull, limp hair • excellent leave-in hair treatment to strengthen and fortify hair

John Masters - Bourbon Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer

An extra strength hair pomade that's perfect for shaping hair into any style desired, from spiky to smooth. Adds amazing texture to hair, leaving it soft and shiny, not greasy or stiff.

Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment

A leave in topical solution that promotes healthy hair growth by improving the condition of the scalp and papilla (roots). A unique combination of organic herbs, anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, seaweed, essential oils, and vitamins work to insure intake, balance sebum production, and eliminate free radicals. The result is an optimal scalp condition and healthy hair!

Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer

A 100% blend of pure plant and essential oils chosen for their protective, moisturizing and restorative properties. A "leave-in" treatment, it's been proven excellent for dry and frizzy hair. As well as a theraputic scalp tonic. jojoba oil, helio-carrot oil, squalene, evening primrose oil, essential oils of lavender, cedar and rosemary

John Masters - Sea Mist - Sea Salt Spray with Lavender

Now every day can be a day at the beach. Simply spray desired amount on hair for that extra body and wave you love at the ocean. Essential oil of lavender helps to protect the hair and combat the natural drying effects of sea salt.

John Masters - Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel

This new Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel is an alcohol-free formula full of body-building nutrients. The improved formula has stronger holding power, leaving your hair feeling thicker, never flaky.

Intro to Functional Medicine & Restoring Balance

---

An Introduction to Functional Medicine

Gail Provencher, NP

Despite great advances in medicine, complex chronic diseases prevail. Environment and lifestyle are contributing factors to this state of health.¹ The Chronic Disease Epidemic Model, depicted on page 36, illustrates the most common disease influences.

The allopathic medical model focuses on treatment of symptoms and emphasizes acute episodic care. Over time, addressing only the symptoms - rather than the root causes - may permit chronic disease to continue. Functional medicine offers additional scientific tools to uncover the source of disease.

Background

The term "functional medicine" was coined in 1993 by nutritionist Jeffrey Bland, PhD, to describe the integrated medicine of the future. The tenets of functional medicine were formed at the turn of the 20^thcentury, when Sir Archibald Garrod observed that innate errors of metabolism could be dietetically modified.² The philosophy behind functional medicine grew out of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy seeks to support the body's ability to heal itself through dietary and lifestyle changes in combination with complementary and alternative medicine therapies.³ Naturopathic medicine once prospered in the United States, but the discovery of new medications and surgical techniques, along with political and social changes, led to its decline.⁴ Research interest in natural healing continued, and one of the end results was functional medicine.

Functional medicine links years of research in the basic sciences with emerging options in clinical care to offer safe, effective treatment of complex chronic medical conditions.⁴ It goes back to the basics of evaluating organ function rather than organ pathology. Functional medicine focuses on restoring balance to a dysfunctional system by thoroughly investigating and correcting underlying imbalances.

Bridging to Today

Functional medicine represents a paradigm shift from 20^thcentury medicine. In the acute care model, a symptom is evaluated, a diagnosis is made and a medication or surgical intervention is prescribed. The chronic care model (functional medicine) is more comprehensive.⁵ It places the patient front and center and incorporates complementary healthcare. It views each patient as a system of interconnecting unique genetic, psychosocial and pathophysiologic elements whose interactions with the environment influence health.

Functional Medicine Matrix

The Functional Medicine Matrix Model, which is incorporated in the chronic care model, is guided by three basic concepts: biochemical individuality, health as a positive sign of vitality and the homeodynamics of life processes.³ The model is an information organizing tool that allows the provider to first address clinical imbalances, physiologic processes, environmental inputs and genetic predispositions.

Although a known diagnosis is useful, disease or other imbalances can be averted by addressing functionality first. The concepts in the matrix model guide the fields of study contributing to functional medicine: genetics, gastroenterology, endocrinology, environmental toxicology, psychology, immunology, natural medicine, nutrition and herbal medicine.⁶

Genetic and Lifestyle Imbalances

The focus on genetic factors and lifestyle imbalances is based on scientific information showing how genes can be influenced by environment.^3,7-10 Think back to nursing school: The evaluation of environmental factors and the interaction of mind, body and spirit are at the core of the nursing model. Florence Nightingale's environment theory addresses the patient's need for fresh air, pure water, sufficient food supplies, efficient drainage, cleanliness and sunlight.¹¹

Clinical Imbalances

The use of challenge testing (e.g., stool sampling, hair analysis, saliva testing, urine testing, etc.) to identify clinical imbalances is unique to functional medicine. This approach allows providers to determine biological and physiologic function and malfunction.

The six core clinical imbalances - in hormonal activity, oxidation, detoxification, immunity, inflammation, and in digestion and absorption - focus functional medicine providers to become less concerned with naming a disease and more concerned with identifying imbalances in the body. As an example, the treatment of obesity involves more than diet, exercise management and behavioral therapy. Underlying physiologic problems, such as inflammation, hormone imbalances and genetic abnormalities, need to be addressed. In summary, functional medicine allows the provider to do the following:

• focus on the unique needs of the patient, rather than symptoms alone

• assess the body systematically, biochemically and structurally

• use combined diagnostic and challenge testing

• form a true partnership with the patient

• encourage the patient to focus on prevention.

Assessing Foundational Health

Functional medicine providers believe the root causes of complex chronic illnesses and symptoms are manifested in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the intestinal mucosa. To get to the root cause of a symptom or complaint, collect a detailed patient history and administer a subjective assessment questionnaire. The questionnaire should gather information on physical, mental and emotional status.

Objective Testing

Information on digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, metabolic activity and immune function can be obtained through challenge testing. Maldigestion problems are evident in symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.

Chronic dysbiosis and inflammation compromise absorption, contributing to deficiencies of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. They can also reduce short-chain fatty acid levels, thus increasing a patient's risk for colon cancer and ulcerative colitis.¹² Chronic maldigestion and gut irritation can lead to leaky gut and the development of food allergies, as well as bacterial or yeast overgrowth and the production of toxins.¹² Toxins can worsen the irritation and enter the general circulation of the body, compromising overall health.

Functional medicine tests to evaluate systems include:

• physical assessment of nutrition status

• blood testing for food allergies and sensitivities, vitamin status, amino acid level, and oxidative stress

• hair analysis for mineral levels

• urine testing for amino acid levels and toxic elements, oxidative stress analysis

• saliva testing for hormone analysis, metabolic dysglycemia profile

• nasal, ocular or vaginal tests for yeast or bacteria.

Laboratories that conduct functional medicine testing include NeuroScience Inc., Diagnos-Techs Inc., Metametrix, Genova Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics and Spectracell.

Laboratory and imaging evaluations

• Immune or inflammatory imbalance
• Energy imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction
• Digestive, absorptive and microbiological imbalance
• Detoxification, biotransformation, excretory imbalance
• Imbalance in structural, boundary and membrane integrity
• Hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances
• Imbalance in mind-body-spirit integration

Initial Assessment

• Enter data on matrix form; look for common themes
• Review underlying mechanisms of disease
• Recapitulate patient's story
• Organ system-based diagnosis
• Functional medicine assessment: underlying mechanisms of disease, genetic and environmental influences

Treatment plan

• Individualized
• Dietary, lifestyle, environment
• Nutritional, botanical, psychosocial, energetic, spiritual
• May include pharmaceuticals or procedures

Gail Provencher is a women's health nurse practitioner who owns a functional and complementary healthcare practice in Appling, Ga. For information on her practice, visit www.gailprovencher.com.

References

1. Minich DM, Bland JS. Acid-alkaline balance: role in chronic disease and detoxification. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007;13(4):62-65.

2. Bland JS. The future of nutritional pharmacology. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2008;13(5):12-14.

3. An introduction to naturopathic medicine. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/naturopathy/D372.pdf. Accessed Feb. 2, 2010.

4. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3^rded. St. Louis, Mo.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier Ltd.; 2006: 13, 21.

5. Jones DS, et al. 21^sti> Century Medicine: A New Model for Medical Education and Practice. The Institute for Functional Medicine. Gig Harbor, Wash.: 2009.

6. Vasquez A. Web-like interconnections of physiological factors. Integrative Medicine. 2006;5(2):32-37.

7. Pauling L. Orthomolecular psychiatry. Varying the concentrations of substances normally present in the human body may control mental disease. Science. 1968:160(825):265-271.

8. Blum K, et al. DNA based customized nutraceutical "gene therapy" utilizing a genoscore: a hypothesized paradigm shift of a novel approach to the diagnosis, stratification, prognosis, and treatment of inflammatory process in the human. Med Hypotheses. 2006;66(5):1008-1018.

9. Williams RJ, Pelton RB. Individuality in nutrition: the genetotrophic principle. Science. 1965;148(3670):669-672.

10. Null G. The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing. New York, N.Y.: Kensington Publishing Corp; 2000: 682.

11. McCabe P. Naturopathy, Nightingale, and nature cure: a convergence of interests. Complement Ther Nurse Midwifery. 2000;6(1):4-8.

12. Galland L. Power Healing - Use the New Integrated Medicine to Cure Yourself. New York, N.Y.: Random House; 1998: 285-287.

Why is the Ammonia-Free Hair Color at Kasia a better product in terms of safety?

Yes, primarily the formulation does not use Ammonia (Ammonium Hydroxide) and Ethanolamines (including mono-ethanolamine or MEA, diethanolamine or DEA) as alkaline agents.

At Kasia Salon, phone calls come in daily of a growing number of reactive/allergic coloring guests.  It's "no wonder...."  Ammonia is a strong irritant to skin and the respiratory system, while added ethanolamines which is a milder irritant is also a known toxicant to internal organs and a carcinogen. Source: CosmeticsDatabase.com

Secondarily, as a shared philosophy in our Hamadi/other  products, there is a ZERO tolerance of industrial compounds such as propylene glycol (mineral oil), PEG's or synthetics, and sulfates, etc.

What about PPD? (P-phenylenediamine)

NO WAY!  There is no ppd for your added safety.  However, people who are sensitive or allergic to ppd have a high probability of reacting to its related dye compounds.

We offer a free patch test that we suggest to administered at least 48 hours before the very first color service.

Natural .... Organic hair color...Really?

Well, let's get this clear - the color is made of natural ingredients and organic chemical compounds.  Being VERY hesitant in engaging in false advertising like other "natural" or "organic" brands.

Sure, other ingredients cam are organically grown, but the dye pigments of any permanent hair color are not made from living plant material.  They are synthetic organic compounds.   If somebody ever invented a hair dye system derived from living plants that can lift and deposit colors consistently and cover gray hair uniformly, it will HUGE industry news and licensing in new technology.  In a billion dollar market, this would ride on the scale of the TV or the I-Phone!

You’ve Been Greenwashed!

"Aah.... with the NEW salon door wide open, FRESH AIR....as the team at Kasia Organic Salon is truly enjoying  meeting new SW MPLS neighbors, we also appreciate all of those whom travel from afar  (Ie: Big Lake, St. Criox, Farmington, more!)  investing in their health and  NEW BEAUTY.

Did you catch Kasia on WCCO NEWS?

Approaching   'Earth Day,' our company commits to continually being sustainable, resourceful,  and educating our guests and readers of what the potential of  what  "Green" truly is.

********

Kasia Loose Leaf, Artisan,  Fair Trade Tea's are the latest best seller! 50 Cups per 4 Oz!

*********

APRIL EVENTS

HORMONE'S -  A REDEFINING APPROACH TO WOMEN'S HEALTH

Sunday, APRIL 18th 4-6 pm

RVSP HERE

&

25% OFF a Nontoxique hand cleanser * Drop Off!

Wednesday, April 21 2pm – 8pm

Stop by Kasia Orgaic Salon and drop of your toxic antibacterial hand soap or just take a few minutes to learn more. Your trade in will redeem 25% OFF a Nontoxique hand cleanser!  Plus meet  fabulous Sheila, owner of NONTOXIQUE!

*********

Enjoy our "Informed Beauty" article (ALSO found in May's Issue of TC Natural Magazine!)

You’ve Been Greenwashed!

How to Make the Best Natural and Organic Product Choices

“Green or Eco-friendly packaging, ingredients, soil, and sourcing?  How do we ensure that each of us can make a difference in health and sustainability in our own, personal way?“

Did you know that most consumer personal care and lifestyle products have a high number of harmful chemicals and additives that can negatively affect your health, hair, skin, and body? With that in mind, it is so important to put critical thought into the products you are using, especially since any ingredients within your personal care  products can be absorbed into your body to negatively affect your circulatory system.

The first thing to take into consideration is the type of product you are purchasing. Kassie, owner of Minneapolis’ first natural and organic salon, screens all products first for their ingredients and long term safety, followed by their finishing results for the consumer.  As pioneer(s), Kasia Organic Salon is proud to "educate women, build trust, and cut through the greenwashing."

Within the growing buzz of eco-friendly awareness,  there are products that may unfortunately claim to be green when they truly don't live up to expectations. This process is called greenwashing.

What Is Greenwashing?

For a product to be labeled as natural and organic, it is so important that it lives up to strict standards to ensure that all ingredients are safe and usable. It is difficult to differentiate which products may be the best since many seals look similar or are regulated by different agencies. Greenwashing refers to a product that claims to be green or eco-friendly, but unfortunately, may not live up to strict standards in safety. A greenwashed product may use clever advertising to appear natural, though it still may not contain ingredients that are certified as organic.

Examples of a Greenwash:

ý Clairol is an example of a company that claims to offer a "truly organic experience" with its Herbal Essences line of shampoos but, according to the report, uses chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, and D&C red no. 33, which are not organic. (The report notes that Clairol does use some organic ingredients, does not test on animals, and uses 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic in its bottles.)

ý Tyson Chicken promotes its products as "all natural," even though the company treats its chicken with antibiotics.

Be an Educated Consumer!

These days, the savvy consumer must keep in mind that many product lines are playing into the eco-friendly and green market to meet their bottom line motives. To further educate yourself, it is best to look for trustworthy certifications to guarantee that a product is safe and organic to protect the health of your body and the health of your skin!

Taking Steps Toward Improvement

According to the website bsdglobal.com, “Understanding the demographics of green consumerism helps business owners to explore the environmental market. Research has shown that green consumers are sincere in their intentions, with a growing commitment to greener lifestyles; almost always judge their environmental practices as inadequate; do not expect companies to be perfect in order to be considered ‘green’. Rather, they look for companies that are taking substantive steps and have made a commitment to improve.”

What to Look for:

ý    Look for the top two product seals to certify green ingredients: USDA and the Green Seal. (Try USDA certified Mercola Healthy Skin products and Simple Green certified cleaning products.)

ý    Read all ingredient labels carefully to make sure that chemical and preservative ingredients are not included. (Avoid chemical ingredients in Cover Girl, L’Oreal, and Maybelline.)

ý    Look for products that are cruelty free and not tested on animals. (Try Hamadi Hair Care and La Bella Donna Minerals.)

ý    Look for concentrated cleaning products that contain less water and use less energy to produce. 

ý    Avoid all aerosol products, which can be dangerous to users and the environment. (Avoid Redken Forceful 23 Hairspray and Aussie Flexible Control Mega Hair Spray.)

ý    Look for recycled product containers, which may not be the most attractive, but minimize the impact on the environment.

ý    Use online resources to find certified green products at www.greenpeople.org and cruelty free products at www.navs.org.

What About the Claim “Au-Naturale”?

Everyone should be familiar with the “all-natural” claim.  Most people assume that “all-natural” or “naturally-pure” means safe, good, or green, but unfortunately, this is not always the case.

"Natural" on a package doesn't necessarily mean a product is good for the Earth.

Chemicals and pesticides come from nature. Aveeno Active Naturals body lotions, for example, contain oatmeal and come in earth-toned bottles printed with plant leaves, but the products are also made with petrolatum, a byproduct of petroleum, which is a finite resource whose processing pollutes the air and water.

Unless a specific definition or explanation is offered, this claim is committing one of Environmental Marketing’s Seven Sins of Greenwashing - the Sin of Vagueness, claims Co. TerraChoice.  In this study launched in 2009, researchers found that 27% of supposedly “green” cleaning products studied in the U.S. were committing the Sin of Vagueness.

Companies and consumers should keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfectly “green” product: environmentally preferable products are “greener”, not “green.” Environmental progress will happen one step at a time, and individuals have an enormous ability to help demand and shape the marketplace to require greater measures taken in safety and transparency.

Now that sounds like a “natural” solution, doesn’t it?

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.

Become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.824.7611

or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com

....continue to become an informed beauty, and to not settle for anything less than total transparency, accountability, and commitment to quality, safety, and effectiveness. You--and your skin--deserve the best of everything in holistic beauty and health.