Avoid Carcinogens in Your Beauty Products With These DIY Solutions

Avoid Carcinogens in Your Beauty Products With These DIY Solutions

There is a lot of information out there raising awareness to a pretty sad issue.  Major beauty companies are knowingly adding carcinogenic ingredients to their products.  Since our skin absorbs what touches it, it’s important that our whole body, scalp included, be treated with respect and care. 


Thanks to the people at inhabitat.com, we are able to pass on some important information to you:

“You may have thought that the worst thing your shampoo could do to you is to sting your eyes, but it turns out that your shampoo could be deadly. The Center for Environmental Health based in Oakland, California, performed a study on shampoos and soaps and found that 98 included a possible carcinogen known as cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA).
Cocamide DEA is a chemically modified form of coconut oil that is used as a thickener or foaming agent in shampoo. However, the state of California has outlawed its use, because it may be carcinogenic to humans. The CEH is suing companies producing and distributing these products, including Prell, Paul Mitchell and Colgate Palmolive shampoos. Also included are products marketed to children, and even one which falsely claims to be organic (Organic by Africa’s Best.)
Until things are resolved, it seems like getting shampoo in your eyes may have become the least of your concerns. You can find a full list of all 98 suspect shampoos here.”

In the same chord, Vick’s Vapor Rub has been found to do similar damage.  A quote from LiveStrong states the following:

Avoid Carcinogens in Your Beauty Products With These DIY Solutions
Lung infections like pneumonia can occur from misuse of Vicks Vapor Rub.  Photo Credit thorax x-ray of the lungs image by JoLin 

“Vicks Vapor Rub brand has been marketed for treatment of cough and congestion, such as from colds or allergies, and muscle aches. Vapor Rub contains the chemicals menthol and camphor, which provide numbing and counter-irritant action on sore muscles. When applied to the chest and nose areas, the pungent odor of the combined chemicals may suppress cough and seems to open stuffy airways and nasal passages; however, it is likely that the decongestant benefits are superficial and that the chemicals provide a cooling effect to make breathing easier for short time periods. Regardless, Vicks Vapor Rub is used frequently in adults and children older than two years of age, and care should be taken to avoid side effects.”

You deserve alternatives. Let’s start with one for each, shall we? 

For shampoo, make your own at home with this recipe: 
Avoid Carcinogens in Your Beauty Products With These DIY Solutions
1 C liquid castile soap 
1/4 C olive oil
1/8 C honey 
(thanks, Pretty Smart Girl!

For a Vicks Vapor Rub Alternative:

Get a bottle or two of Eurospa’s Eucalyptus Oil Shower Spray.  The active ingredient in Vick’s is also Eucalyptus, as it’s antibacterial with menthol clearing properties. Simply Spray the product into shower or bath steam for a simple enhanced effect. Or add it to a humidifier for respiratory needs. 

The beauty and wellness industry often does nothing to keep you well. We at Eurospa are happy to provide alternatives for you. You deserve it.  Knowledge is power, pass it on!

Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift? It’s Right Here!

Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift? It’s Right Here!

Looking for a Christmas Gift that Benefits Your Health? It's Right Here!We spend so much time searching for the perfect holiday gift for our loved ones, whether it’s for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and more! Whether you plan in advance or wait until the last week, the same question comes to mind: WHAT am I going to buy? 

Some people are hard to buy for and for some it’s far too easy, but one thing that remains in common is that people like to feel good. They like to be relaxed and enjoy the feeling of good health.

This is why we recommend eucalyptus oil shower spray as this years best gift (stocking stuffer too!) From warding off winter colds to cooling those summer burns, this gift is one that will keep giving back the entire year!

Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil


Arterial Vasodilator
Eucalyptus will help dilate the circulatory system, increasing circulation. Use 1 drop during massage over any area of concern.
Asthma
During an asthma attack, massage 1-2 drops over the chest. Also, inhale the aroma directly or diffuse in the air.
Brain Blood Flow
Diffuse or spray the mist throughout the home or classroom to increase circulation to the brain.
Bronchitis
Use topically or aromatically, massaging into the chest, back and throat, inhaling from the bottle, or dropping the oil on the shirt collar.
Congestion
Eucalyptus oil uses included clearly congestion from the airways. I recommend inhaling for nasal congestion and massaging the oil over all other affected areas.
Looking for a Christmas Gift that Benefits Your Health? It's Right Here!
Cooling
Yes, eucalyptus oil uses even include cooling the body down. Place several drops in a spray bottle, along with peppermint oil if you’d like some extra oomph, and spritz over the body. 
Coughs
Diffuse or spray throughout the room throughout the span of the illness, but also massage into the reflex points of the feet (follow the application guidelines in the link above), as well as over the chest, back, and throat. *Be sure to add the shower mist spray to a hot shower, bath or steam room, as this will quickly break through congestion and mucous for faster relief of respiratory conditions.
Diabetes
Because of the vasodilation mention above, using eucalyptus on a daily basis can increase circulation, a common issue for diabetics. I recommend massaging it into the body with lotion after each shower, as the massage will also help increase circulation.
Disinfectant
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties naturally make cleaning among one of the eucalyptus oil uses. Follow this household cleaners guide for more information.
Dysentery
Massage 2 drops of eucalyptus over the abdomen in a counter-clockwise direction to ease diarrhea, inflammation, and fight infection.
Ear Inflammation
Never put essential oil IN the ear canal! However, you can massage the oil on and around the outer ear. Use only 1 drop to start, diluted for children.
Emphysema
Eucalyptus oil uses are wonderful for all manner of respiratory disease. Diffuse or spray your personal sized mist the oil daily, massage 1 drop over the chest at least once a day, and another drop into the reflex points of the feet.
Expectorant

To help drain mucus from the lungs, massage 1 drop into the reflex points of the feet and apply another drop over the chest at least once a day (I’d personally do three times a day if no sensitivity is found).

Fever
Because eucalyptus oil uses include cooling the body (above), using during a high fever can help the body regulate its temperature and support its efforts in fighting infection.
Flu
Depending on your flu symptoms, eucalyptus oil uses will vary. You can apply to the abdomen to ease diarrhea, massage into aching joints and muscles, or simply diffuse through the air to fight infection.
Hypoglycemia
Another of eucalyptus oil uses, you can help regulate your blood sugar by massaging 1-2 drops into the soles of the feet daily.
Inflammation
Massage 1-2 drops over the afflicted area, always moving toward the heart to support the lymphatic system.
Iris Inflammation
This recommend comes from Modern Essentials (mentioned below). While you should never put essential oils IN the eyes, massaging into the temples may support the irises.
Jet Lag
Eucalyptus oil uses include waking up the body with its slightly sweet, fruity, and uplifting aroma. Use topically or aromatically.
Kidney Stones
Massage 1-2 drops of the oil over the afflicted area up to three times a day.
Lice
Its natural insecticidal properties make this among one of the more surprising of eucalyptus oil uses. Read more about treating lice naturally here.
Measles
Diffuse  and spray your mist throughout the home for the length of the illness, and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet 2-3 times a day.
Neuralgia
Another of the little-known eucalyptus oil uses, massaging into the areas of concern daily can reduce pain.
Neuritis
Along with neuralgia, massage several drops into the reflex points of the feet and over the affected areas can reduce inflammation.
Overexercised Muscles
Strain, fatigue, etc can all be treated with a gentle massage of eucalyptus oil. Always massage toward the heart to move the lactic acid buildup through the lymphatic system.
Pain
Depending on the type of pain, eucalyptus oil uses may necessitate application to the reflex points of the feet or directly over the area of concern.
Pneumonia
Help the lungs to clear by diffusing constantly and massaging directly over the lungs. Use the shower mist as often as possible.  It will also help to massage eucalyptus into the reflex points of the hands and feet. 
Rhinitis
Reduce inflammation and open airways by inhaling directly from the bottle, massaging one drop over the sinuses, or applying as a hot compress.
Shingles
Eucalyptus oil uses include shingles for its antiviral properties, as well as its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Massage into the affected areas daily, add to a warm bath, or use a hot compress over the area.
Sinusitis
Apply as a hot compress over the sinuses and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet (toes and pads of the feet). You can also inhale directly or diffuse throughout the room.
Tennis Elbow
I highly recommend finding a massage therapist who specializes in treating tennis elbow and bringing along your eucalyptus to include in the deep massage of the area.
Tuberculosis
Eucalyptus oil uses include fighting the bacterial infection, clearly the lungs, reducing inflammation and more. Diffuse constantly and massage 2 drops into the chest and over the back.

With a list that extensive, who WOULDN’T want such a healing remedy stocked in their home? We invite you to stop by and buy a bottle of Eurospa’s Eucalyptus Oils Shower Spray today for yourself AND your loved ones for the holidays. They deserve great health and SO DO YOU. 

These Simple Tips Will Reduce Illness During Cold & Flu Season!

These Simple Tips Will Reduce Illness During Cold & Flu Season!

These Simple Tips Will Reduce Illness During Cold & Flu Season!As the fall and winter months unfold, getting a cold or flu may feel unavoidable to you and your family. But rest assured, there are definitely some natural and simple tips to reduce illness during cold and flu season for you and the whole family. 

Vitamin D. 
Vitamin D is the number one prevention and treatment for illness as it is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. The best source for vitamin D is direct sunlight exposure, but isn’t always available for many or practical during the winter. The next best thing to sunlight is the use of a safe indoor tanning device. If neither natural nor artificial sunlight is an option, then using oral supplements is your best bet.

Healthy food intake
The following foods are extremely beneficial for your overall health and strength of your immune system. Be sure to get a balanced amount of each.

-Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, etc.
-Raw, organic eggs from free-ranging chickens 
-Coconuts and coconut oil
-Locally grown fruits and vegetables
-Mushrooms, especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake, which contain beta glucans (which have immune-enhancing properties)
-Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses AND fungi
-Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores: Turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves 

Drink Water
Keeping hydrated allows the body to both function efficiently and to flush toxins and bacteria from your system. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body.

Sleep
Make sure you are getting an adequate amount sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, or enough restorative sleep, you’ll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover.

Steam
The body loves a chance to release stored toxins in the skin and other organs. Either create a good steaming shower and add our eucalyptus oil shower spray to the mix or do the same in a quality sauna or steam room.  This will also fight bronchial infections, respiratory struggles, improve circulation and alleviate pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. 

At Eurospa, we are committed to your health and the health of the world around you.  Please take close care of your immune system this season and talk to us about our other products available for personal and spa use!

Happy Halloween! How to Protect Your Health From the Sugar Shock!

Happy Halloween! How to Protect Your Health From the Sugar Shock!

Happy Halloween! How to Protect Your Health From the Sugar Shock!Halloween is here and there’s about to be a lot of sugar consumed!  You need to protect your health from the sugar shock! Of course, we all know it’s fun to go crazy with the treats, but it’s important to find the healthy balance ahead of time to make sure you don’t go through with-drawls for the next week. 

These tips are great for preventative and treatment for both kids and adults. So, read on and get ready!

KEEP HYDRATED
I can’t say it enough.  Any ache, pain, ailment…..  always reach for water first! When we eat too much sugar, our muscles hold onto it like caramel in the fibers. These caramel coatings absorb extra water as a muscular protection; this creates a dehydrated atmosphere. If you are drinking alcohol or coffee as well, you will be adding to additional dehydration.  So, stay sober and healthy or add tons of water to the mix to both flush toxins and keep the body hydrated. 

EAT GREENS

Sugar robs the body of minerals, that can cause dizziness, fatigue and bloating. Eating dark green leafy vegetables, juices and smoothies, brings a mineral balance back to the body, helping you feel alive and fresh again. 

TWIST IT: 
Just like wringing out a wet towel of it’s moisture, twisting your body can aid in releasing toxins stored in your intestines or stomach lining.  It’s very simple.  You just sit down on the floor with your back straight up and your legs outstretched, together in front of you.  Now, bend and pull your left leg up and place your foot on the floor, with your knee standing up and your foot touching your inner right thigh.  Now take a deep breath, and as you exhale, slowly turn your body to the left as far as you can go, exhaling all the air out.  Then, as you twist back to center, inhale gently.  Switch legs and repeat this process on the other side.  Keep doing this if you can for 3-5 repetitions and then lay flat on your back and relax.  Your belly will thank you. 

ESSENTIAL OILS: 
There are a few ways to ease your stomach ache with essential oils.  One, is to place a couple drops of peppermint oil or tincture into your glass of water. (It’s important to remember that you should aim to stay hydrated during this time anyway.  While that may not sound appealing, the peppermint will help ease that distaste.) Next, it’s good to have a bottle of Eucalyptus Oil Shower Mist on hand anyway, for many reasons!  One being that you can add it to the steam of the above suggested bath for internal relaxation and refreshment; great for internal spasms! Another use being that you can grab a little caster oil, mixed with a little coconut oil and rub that gently on your abdomen.  Then spray the eucalyptus onto your belly and rub in a clockwise motion.  The oils will carry the anti microbial and anti-spasmatic power of the eucalyptus into your body and allow them to work their healing magic.  

Nobody wants sugar to put a damper on their summer fun, but if you end up with the aches and pains, it’s comforting to know that there are options out there that are natural and efficient in bringing healing and relief. 

At Eurospa, helping you achieve health naturally is our priority.  We are proud to provide you with the highest quality products to deliver that health.  Please stop by and let us know how we can further the health of your life or business, today! 


Have Brighter Eyes And Glowing Skin In Just 10 Days With these Easy Tricks!

Have Brighter Eyes And Glowing Skin In Just 10 Days With these Easy Tricks!

We all know that feeling of despair when we see our face in the mirror and

we wonder if we aged overnight. What if I told you your face could look more fresh, younger and brighter in less than two weeks?  It’s not rocket science; it’s health and it’s simple. You can have brighter eyes and glowing skin again… read on!


Have Brighter Eyes And Glowing Skin In Just 10 Days With these Easy Tricks!Gratitude
Let’s start with gratitude.  Similar to the above point about looking at yourself in the mirror with love and appreciation, gratitude is a very complimenting look to a person’s face.  When a person is in gratitude for their life, growth and blessings, despite hardship, there is an unmatchable glow that overtakes their face. Gratitude gets you into a space of loving yourself, your family, life and even potential possibilities, not to mention allows you to be aware of further opportunities before you.  What does that lead to? Joy. Gratitude is the mother of joy.  Nurture gratitude and the joy on your face will be beaming. 

Lemon Water
On a more practical note, try starting your day with a hot cup of lemon water.  Simply make hot water as you would for tea, add the juice of 1/2 a lemon and sweeten with honey or stevia to taste if needed.  This cleanses your digestive system, detoxifies the skin and blood, jump starts your energy and metabolism and neutralizes your body ph to a more alkaline level.  Disease and instability of health thrive in an acidic body. The opposite of that is an alkaline body.  Be healthy. Start your day alkaline. (side note: remember how lemon water cleanses the digestive system? the kidneys are part of that.  You know those bags and dark circles under your eyes?  Those are from overwhelmed kidneys.)



Face Massage

About those overwhelmed kidneys and their corresponding eye bags.  When the kidneys and even liver are over taxed, the lymph in the eyes begin to back up. Basically, the bags are just toxic congestion that needs to move through and out of your system. So if you’re ready to get rid of them, definitely drink the lemon water and THEN do this exercise. 

    Have Brighter Eyes And Glowing Skin In Just 10 Days With these Easy Tricks!

  • close your eye.  place four finders (except the thumb) under the eye and gently apply pressure with the finger tips along the under eye/eye bag area. 
  • take your middle fingers and gently sweep the same area from the inside to the outer corner underneath the eye – be careful not to stretch the skin. 
  • repeat this action 5-10 times when applying moisturizer morning and night. this will aid in keeping the area flushed. 



Eucalyptus Steam 

Eucalyptus Shower Spray is a great addition to any anti-aging routine.  Simply turn up the steam in the shower and spray the eucalyptus onto the walls and into the steam. This will allow the pores in the face to open and activate the anti-microbial cleansing properties of this healing plant. As well, inhaling the the steam will invite the herbal strength to cleanse your bronchial passages, allowing for a full body cleanse that will reflect in your skin.  

Green Juice

Have Brighter Eyes And Glowing Skin In Just 10 Days With these Easy Tricks!There’s a lot of hype about green juice these days and it’s for good reason!  Greens, similar to lemon water, alkalize the water, making the body a fertile ground for beauty to grow.  Greens tone the skin and blood, adding multiple vitamins, minerals and nutrients like silica, collagen, elastin and vitamin k to your insides and outsides.  This results in eyes that are brighter, skin that is tighter and cheeks that have that natural rosy hue. Who doesn’t want that? (don’t be too afraid – there are PLENTY of delicious recipes online for incredibly tasting juice!)




Now that you know how to turn back time in the healthiest ways possible, it’s time to get on your way putting them in to practice.  At Eurospa, your health is our focus. If there’s something we can do for you, please let us know!


Hurry Along Hair Growth With These Easy Beauty Tips:

Hurry Along Hair Growth With These Easy Beauty Tips:

Hurry Along Hair Growth With These Easy Beauty Tips:Having long hair, for many, is a sign of health, beauty and even elegance. Many people, both men and women alike, would love some surefire ways to have long and lustrous locks. Did you know that there’s no fool-proof scientific method prove to accelerate or stimulate hair growth? This is a result of the many varying factors that contribute to the process, such as the weather, your age, what foods you eat, living habits and general overall health.  

With that being said though, there are still things you can do to hurry along hair growth and we are going to share with your our favorite beauty tips to do so!

1. Trim your hair 1/4 inch every 6-8 weeks.  It will clean the damaged ends off, allowing the shaft to continue growing out rather than in many damaged directions. 

2. Hot Oil Massages. Just heat up a hot oil treatment, rub it into your scalp, wait a little while, and you’ll see the difference — your hair will feel thicker, softer, and longer! While you can always use a store-bought treatment, homemade hot oil treatments work just as well. Jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oils, and most other oils you like will do wonders; just heat it up and apply thoroughly.

3. Egg White Mask. A lot of people believe that this tip concerning how to make your hair grow faster doesn’t work well, but egg whites have been known for their healing properties and their ability to replenish hair and restore its softness and shine! Just crack open a few eggs, strain out the yolks, and make an egg white mask for your hair. Your hair will look ten times healthier instantly and will feel a lot stronger as well — which, ultimately, will allow your hair to grow faster!

4. Drink More Water. Water helps the body to process and flush out toxins faster, which makes it a quick and easy natural method that will make your hair grow a lot faster. If you drink about 8 cups of water a day, not only will your body feel better, but your hair will get stronger. The stronger the hair, the faster that it grows. Drinking water also keeps your hair hydrated from the inside out. Hydrated hair is happy hair because, when dry, your hair is much more likely to break.

5. Be Wise While Brushing Your Hair. I’m not saying over brush your hair though. We aren’t Marcia Brady who brushed her blond hair 100 times every night. Brushing the hair once or twice in the morning and once or twice at night will stimulate the circulation in your scalp, feeding the hair follicles and ensuring undisturbed hair growth. However, when your hair is wet, never brush it. That causes severe breakage, which ultimately stunts hair growth. Use a comb instead — wide-toothed combs are fine, especially if you experience tangles.

6. Protect Your Tresses. It’s old news, but heat damages hair! Try to stay away from blow dryers and heated tools, as they burn the hair. If you MUST use them, be sure to use a heat protecting spray or creme first, before styling. Keep in mind that the sun damages hair as well. In warm weather, or intense sunlight (even in the snow) keep a hat on to protect your hair from over drying and burning.

7. Eat Healthy Protein. Did you know that what you eat actually makes a difference in how fast your hair grows? If you eat a lot of protein-rich foods, you will see a huge difference in the quality of your hair, as well as the speed with which it grows. Things like fish, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even different meats all make a difference, so cut down on junk food and focus on heal meals.

8. Use Eucalyptus. Of course, right? Get into a sauna, steam room or even your shower, one to two times a week and spray eucalyptus oil shower spray near your head, about arms length away; never onto the head directly. The circulation promoting plant oils will penetrate through your open pores, waking up the follicles. Add to this a gentle scalp massage and you’ll have one happy head! You can also make a topical essential oil blend. I suggest mixing three drops of lavender oil, three drops of rosemary oil, and two drops each of thyme oil and cedarwood oil, along with some jojoba oil. All of this should go right onto your head and, I promise, the mixture will enhance your hair and make it grow that much faster! 

Eurospa is dedicated to your health inside and out. And health is definitely beautiful! We specialize in Eucalyptus products for both home spa and commercial use. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!