Wake Up Aromatherapy for Valentine's Day

Will you be our valentine?

Love is in the air!   With cupid on the horizon I thought it would be a good time to wake up and invigorate your passion for those you LoVe!

Rosemary Essential Oil goes deep into history dating back to the Middle Ages where it was used to protect against the plague.  It is also known to be one of the earliest plants to be used for food and medicine.

Let us take a closer look at the essential oil form of Rosemary and ways to incorporate it in your daily life for healing.

ROSEMARY “Invigorating” -

Mind

• Aids memory loss and concentration; Can help Alzheimer’s
• Boosts confidence
• Helps dispel grief

Body

• An astringent, analgesic, anti-infectious, and bactericide
  • Scalp stimulant for dandruff; Encourages hair growth
• Relieves gout, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, migraines, cramps, and colitis
• Liver decongestant for gallstones, and jaundice; Circulatory stimulant that raises blood pressure
• Other uses for Rosemary include: nerve stimulant and expectorant
• A mild pain reliever easing headaches, acute injuries and cramps

Spirit

• Opens the third eye and heart charkas
• Expands the conscious and instills loyalty and wisdom
• Used in anointing, blessing, consecration, healing, casting out, protection, and purification ceremonies

Click Here to learn more health benefits and ways to use Rosemary in your daily life.

Suggested Uses: Use in a diffuser and cleanse the air in your home. Our recommendation for a FaBulOuS Diffuser, is HERE.

Put 2 or 3 drops in the bottom of the shower before showering to help break up congestion.

Add a drop to a towel or tissue and inhale to encourage focus and concentration.

Add  a few drops to the scalp with jojoba oil for scalp and hair growth stimulation, or drop to an application of shampoo to encourage a healthy dandruff-free scalp.

Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils and Blends are GC/MS tested for purity and are of therapeutic quality.

99% of Pregnant Women in US Test Positive for Multiple Chemicals

99% of Pregnant Women in US Test Positive for Multiple Chemicals Including Banned Ones

ScienceDaily (Jan. 16, 2011) — The bodies of virtually all U.S. pregnant women carry multiple chemicals, including some banned since the 1970s and others used in common products such as non-stick cookware, processed foods and personal care products, according to a new study from UCSF. The study marks the first time that the number of chemicals to which pregnant women are exposed has been counted.

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Analyzing data for 163 chemicals, researchers detected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), phenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perchlorate in 99 to 100 percent of pregnant women. Among the chemicals found in the study group were PBDEs, compounds used as flame retardants now banned in many states including California, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ( DDT), an organochlorine pesticide banned in the United States in 1972.

Bisphenol A (BPA), which makes plastic hard and clear, and is found in epoxy resins that are used to line the inside of metal food and beverage cans, was identified in 96 percent of the women surveyed. Prenatal exposure to BPA has been linked to adverse health outcomes, affecting brain development and increasing susceptibility to cancer later in life, according to the researchers.

Findings will be published in Environmental Health Perspectives on Jan. 14.

The study was not designed to identify direct connections to adverse health outcomes.

"It was surprising and concerning to find so many chemicals in pregnant women without fully knowing the implications for pregnancy," said lead author Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, director of the UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment.

"Several of these chemicals in pregnant women were at the same concentrations that have been associated with negative effects in children from other studies. In addition, exposure to multiple chemicals that can increase the risk of the same adverse health outcome can have a greater impact than exposure to just one chemical," said Woodruff, an associate professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.

Exposure to chemicals during fetal development has been shown to increase the risk of adverse health consequences, including preterm birth and birth defects, childhood morbidity, and adult disease and mortality according to the research team. In addition, chemicals can cross the placenta and enter the fetus, and in other studies, a number of chemicals measured in maternal urine and serum have been found in amniotic fluid, cord blood and meconium, they state.

The researchers analyzed data for 268 pregnant women from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004, a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population.

"Our findings indicate several courses of action. First, additional research is needed to identify dominant sources of exposure to chemicals and how they influence our health, especially in reproduction," said Woodruff. "Second, while individuals can take actions in their everyday lives to protect themselves from toxins, significant, long-lasting change only will result from a systemic approach that includes proactive government policies."

Co-authors of the study are Ami R. Zota and Jackie M. Schwartz of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, UCSF Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.

Green Tea Aids Weight Loss, Belly Fat, and more!

Here is good news for everyone as we recover from the holiday season. Not only is organic green tea an excellent anti-cancer nutrient,  but it is also beneficial for weight loss. The American Journal of College Nutrition reported in 2010 that four cups of green tea, daily for eight weeks is excellent for fat burning. Thirty-five obese subjects found that this amount significantly decreased body weight and body mass index (BMI). Green tea also improved the subjects’ cholesterol readings and reduced the oxidation of blood fats, which is a marker of aging. Last year, another study in the Journal of Nutrition found that a daily dose of 625 green tea catechins (an active ingredient) with 40 mg of caffeine enhanced weight loss and lowered blood fats (triglycerides) when combined with 25 minutes of daily exercise.

Specifically, it was fat around the belly that experienced the greatest reduction. This makes sense because high insulin is a prime contributor to belly fat, and green tea extract helps to balance insulin function and production. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to push glucose (sugar) from the blood into our cells. If cells become immune to insulin’s action, which often occurs, this results in excess insulin in the blood. In women, when insulin is elevated, it causes a further increase in male hormones. Classic symptoms of elevated insulin and male hormones include excess middle weight gain, acne, male-pattern facial hair growth (e.g. hair above the lip and on the chin), skin tags, diabetes and pre-diabetes.  (Reference: Lorna Vanderhaeghe)

Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

Partner in PROMOTING Healthy Skin & Wrinkles Prevention!

The following benefits are derived from the antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, preventing free radicals.  Green tea finds and terminates these free radicals and helps promote healthy, smooth skin.

Health benefits attributed to Kasia Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

• prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
• prevention of strokes.
• preventing cancers and reduction of tumors.
• strengthening the immune system.
• help in the treatment of diabetes.
• aid in weight loss efforts.
• repairing skin damage.
• fight tooth decay.
• Fights rheumatoid arthritis.
• lower stress.
• protects the liver and kidneys.

Small Batch * Artisan * Fair Trade  *  50 cups per 4 oz tin

Kasia is committed, in partnership, to Fair-trade and Artisan practices to bring you ingredients that are designed and hand-blended in small batches by companies that are operated and owned by families carrying on time-honored traditions, ensuring freshness and one-of-a-kind quality.  Completely natural with no artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring. Dried fruit pieces, nuts, herbal tisanes, and botanicals add amazing flavor and aroma.

Loose Leaf Tea VS Bagged Tea:

Loose leaf teas simply offer the best variety, quality, and freshness. “When you are buying a bagged tea, the tea is obscured by the bag. Many low quality teas (even ‘tea dust’) are sold in bags so that you don’t realize the quality, and are subject to going stale faster than loose leaf tea.”

Learn more about our other three other Kasia Beautiful Health Artisan  Tea's HERE!

Tips and our NEW Kasia Walnut Body Scrub

QUESTION:  How can prevent the red bumps I get after waxing my bikini area?

ANSWER!

No alarm, it is typical that some bumps will appear right after waxing. Clogged pores and hair follicles are usually the culprit, which is why exfoliating (both before and after waxing) is so important.

Right before waxing, gently exfoliate with Kasia Salon's new Walnut Body Scrub.   Immediately after waxing, we suggest applying a small amount of  jojoba oil which is naturally anti-bacterial.  Continue exfoliating for at least three days afterward.

Not Waxing? You can enjoy our new Body Scrub  for everyday use!

* Use before and after applying Kasia Honey-Dip Sunless Lotion

*  Skin and pore detoxification 3 times per week.  ADD Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils for therapeutic properties!

Kasia Walnut Body Polish

We love this scrub and so will you!  Our NEW scrub creates a slight lather  while deeply exfoliating, detoxing, and washing away dead skin cells. It leaves your skin feeling smooth, fresh, clean and revitalized. This scrub is great for oily skin although made for  all skin types.

Directions:

Scoop a moderate amount between fingers and apply to wet skin and gently massage in a circular motion, focusing on rough areas.  Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. For desired scent or emulsification: add 1% (1-3 drops of Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils) and Jojoba Oil.

WARNINGS: Avoid use on any cuts or delicate areas. Do not exfoliate if skin is sunburned or irritated for any reason.  Avoid using  on the face.

Ingredients: Walnut Shell Powder, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe) Juice, Lavender Distillate, Roman Chamomile Distillate, Decyl glucoside, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Vegetable Glycerin, d-Calcium Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Avena sativa (Oat) Extract, Tocopherol, Vitamin E,  Black Willowbark Extract, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium, Citric Acid

$12.99

HERBAL FORMULAS FOR Hair Loss, Graying, & Acne NOW AVAILABLE!

HERBAL FORMULAS FOR Hair Loss, Graying, & Acne

We now carry herbal formulas available at the salon for hair loss, early greying, and acne!  Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas have been successfully used by patients for thousands of years to naturally promote beauty from within.

· Colorful Phoenix Pearl Combo (Cai Feng Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan) is helpful for many forms of acne

·       Silken Tresses (Qi Bao Mei Ren Dan) promotes hair growth, and slows early greying

·       Yin Care is an external herbal tincture that has many uses, including treating acne blemishes, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, scalp dermatitis (including dandruff), as well as several gynecological issues.

These formulas are made by the most highly respected manufacturers, who use stringent quality controls.

Because these medicines have specific effects on the whole body, they should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed practitioner.  Our acupuncturist, Elizabeth Williams, LAc, is well trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and can prescribe formulas based on your own individual symptoms and constitution after an initial herbal consultation. Elizabeth will also help evaluate any dietary or lifestyle changes you can make.

Elizabeth is available Monday, Tuesday, and Friday each week for herbal consultations and acupuncture treatment.  If you are only interested in treating hair loss, early greying, acne, or other beauty concerns, a shortened consultation is available for $25.

An initial full herbal consultation to address health concerns is $50, and takes approximately one hour.

Come in today to naturally enhance your true beauty!

Underlying cause of bags and dark circles and.. what causes wrinkles?

Mrs.  Golden Winter Sun and Mr. Pollute, what have you done for me lately.

Research suggests that the sun is what causes wrinkles and 80% of all of the signs of aging and the other 20% of the signs of aging are caused by toxins and environmental damage.

Free of artificial preservatives, parabens, or other harfmul ingredients, Kasia onCure takes the efficient, but safe approach to treating under-eye wrinkles and the other signs of aging.

The eye area is one of the first regions of the face to show the signs of ageing. The skin around the eyes is deprived of oil glands and is very delicate and that’s why the skin doesn’t have a protection against the environments influences and UV rays.

Other underlying cause of bags and dark circles is poorly circulating fluids due to weakening capillaries.  You can improve the strength of those capillaries, with the right nutrients internally, as well as applied directly in order to quickly get rid of wrinkles, bags and circles.

There is More!

To get rid of eye wrinkles, you also need to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.  Kasia onCure delivers amino acid protein peptides that have been proven scientifically to help you do just that.

Kasia OnCure Eye Cream

Benefits:

* Reduces dark circles, shadows and fine lines.

* Prevents puffiness and reduces eye bags.

* Reinforces firmness and tone.

Beneficial Ingredients

Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Kernel Oil

Commonly referred to as Apricot Kernel Oil, this oil is pressed from the kernels of the Apricot fruit. It is rich in essential fatty acids, which are vital components of the human organism. As a result, this nourishing oil helps to replenish and rebuild the skin.

Borago Officinalis (borage) Seed Oil

Used to prevent aging and wrinkles by fighting dehydration and the loss of skin elasticity. Borage also stimulates skin cell regeneration and rejuvenation, and is rich in minerals and linoleic acid.

Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter

Kasia chooses shea butter for it’s unique fatty acid profile, which gives the ability to moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin.

Chrysin

Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavone, extracted from the blue passion flower.  It promotes the elimination of blood originating pigments from under the eyes. Chrysin eliminates the by-products of hemoglobin degradation, which aids in reducing the appearance of dark under eye circles.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3

Kasia trusts this protein will bring direct action to noticeably reduce under eye puffiness in four weeks. This product is clinically proven to help correct poor drainage by increasing the lymphatic exchange and achieving proper circulation of the extra cellular fluids. This powerful peptide counteracts skin slackening, perking up and increasing the firmness of the fragile skin area around the eye. It also decreases irritation that could lead to puffiness.

he skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, and that’s why you should use special eye creams or gels that are specifically made for the delicate eye area. Most of them contain ingredients that relax the muscles, vitamins, retinol and collagen.

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Other tips for treating wrinkles

* Always apply sunscreen, especially during the summer months

* Avoid using creamy eye shadows- they may seep into your fine lines and accentuate them even more

* Get plenty of sleep

* Drink lots of water, at least 1.5 liter

* Wear hats and black sunglasses especially during the summer

* Avoid smoking – it makes you squint and deprive your skin from “air”

* Take vitamins and eat lots of vegetables and fruits

Learn more about Anti-Aging, and the “Underlying causes of skin health” at  www.Kasiaorganicsalon.com

Top news story: Health Canada recalls hair smoothing products

Dec. 17, 2010- Health Canada announced on December 16 that it’s issuing a recall on ten “stop sale” hair smoothing products. The levels of formaldehyde found in these products exceed the limit according to Health Canada. The Allied Beauty Association has notified Salon Magazine that it “fully supports safe products and a safe workplace but also believes that its members are entitled to the benefit of sound science and current testing methods.” Questions have been raised over Health Canada’s methodology of testing and whether they’re using outdated information. The ABA says, “All we are asking is that Health Canada ensure that its testing methods are based upon sound science and, if hazards truly exist, then cosmetologists and the public are entitled to full protection.” Professional industry manufacturers and distributors are currently in conversation with Health Canada to review their testing methods. For now, distributors will likely be receiving instructions on how to handle this recent recall and will pass on the information to their salons.

The ten products being recalled by Health Canada are: 1. Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 2. Advanced Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 3. Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 4. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola 5. Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry by Global Keratin 6. Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant by Global Keratin 7. Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave by Global Keratin 8. Pro-Collagen RX Keratin Treatment 9. IStraight Keratin (Advanced Keratin Treatment) by IBS Beauty 10. Brazilian Thermal Reconstruction by Cadiveu

Treat your cold and flu with acupuncture and herbs!

This year, treat your cold and flu with acupuncture and herbs!

Can’t afford to be sick with a cold?

Do your symptoms linger for days or weeks after the flu is “over”?

Does taking cold medicine feel just as debilitating as having the cold itself?

Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine are effective, natural methods of boosting your immune system to prevent getting sick in the first place, as well as minimizing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms once they do occur.

All viruses are not the same!  Elizabeth will diagnose your specific disease pattern, and tailor your treatment to best address your symptoms, whether they be clogged sinuses, head and body aches, sore throat, cough, fever, upset tummy, or fatigue.  You will receive an herbal prescription to take home to help speed recovery, and lessen the possibility of having lingering symptoms that can weaken your system long-term.

Make your appointment with Elizabeth as soon as you feel the “ick” coming on - the earlier you receive treatment, the better chance you have of avoiding getting seriously ill.  From now through the end of February, acupuncture and cupping treatments for colds or flu are just $40, plus the cost of herbs.

If you feel a cold coming on, you can try this home remedy:

•       Make a tea by boiling a few slices of ginger and sliced green onion (white part only) in water for 10 minutes, and drink while warm.

•       Be sure to cover up well after drinking (better yet, get under the covers) and allow your body to sweat out the ick.

•       If you are having diarrhea as well, add in a few tablespoons of grated daikon radish while boiling.  It will not affect the taste much at all.  If you wish, eat the veggies after boiling for greater effect.

•       Most importantly: REST!  Your body is trying to fight something off, and it needs all the energy it can to do that.

Call Kasia Organic Salon at 612.824.7611 or Elizabeth at 612.839.0365 to book your appointment and start feeling better now!