I have been reading products’ labels for quite some time since I have been on this journey for better health. Going organic began with the food I bought and now I am even more careful with my skincare, hair care products and perfume purchases. My knowledge about the benefits of organic personal care products has been expanded after meeting Anya of Anya Narkhova Organics from Hendersonville. Anya is a European Skincare Specialist and Herbalist originally from Russia.

The Pulse: How did you get started?

Anya: I was inspired by my son, Destin, to start my business. At my baby shower I received as gifts famous brand name baby care products. But when the time came to put them on Destin, I was shocked to read the many bad chemicals, ingredients and preservatives contained in each product. So, I created my own calendula diaper balm and baby oil. Then other mothers began asking me to make these products for their babies.

What was your vision for your products?

Anya: My vision was not only to have beautifully packaged and wonderful smelling products but also products that were healthy for you. I believe that beauty products should repair, nourish and revitalize rather than simply mask imperfections.

Why organic? Why natural?

Anya: The skin is the largest and most absorbing organ in the body. Anything you apply to it goes right into the blood stream. Some chemical ingredients and preservatives are very harmful to your health. I have a list on my website. The FDA allows these ingredients which are by and large very inexpensive and they are used in small quantities in products. The problem is most of them have cumulative effects. They add up as you continue to use them. For example, the most common preservative, methylparaben is found in breast tumors; propylene glycol is a very common ingredient in deodorants and lotions and even in some foods. It is also used in anti-freeze, deicers, latex and paint. It is documented to cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

“Of the more than 2,983 chemicals found in personal skin care products, 30 percent are considered toxic. Year after year many beautifying creams assault hair and skin with chemical ingredients and the result is always the same – wrinkles, dull, dry skin. If you want to preserve your youthful elasticity, health and vibrance, the first step should be to stop using products that contain propylene glycol and mineral oil. The most expensive skin preparations in the world contain essential oils and other natural ingredients. But because the product must be able to endure a long shelf life, they contain chemicals and preservatives.”

Text derived from: Medical Aromatherapy, Healing With Essential Oils by Kurt Schnaubelt

These fabulous and reasonably priced organic products range from $8 to $25.

You can view Anya’s complete line at www.anyanarkhovaorganics.com .

And just for The Pulse readers, mention this article and receive 30 percent off your first order. Contact Anya at AnyaOrg@ yahoo.com or (615) 578-7020. Try personal care products with the purest, finest, and most gentle ingredients made with fresh herbs known for their healing, nourishing, and revitalizing qualities.

Products in Anya’s Organic Line Include:

Body Care

? Herbal Body Lotion with COQ10 whipped into a silky lotion with frankincense and myrrh, lavender, rose or cucumber

? Luxurious Pink Bath Salts is made with organic salts, herbs and aromatic essential oils for luxurious bathing available in lavender, rosewood, woodland and frankincense and myrrh

? Calendula Healing Salve was created just for chapped and cracked hands and feet.

Face Care

? Anti-aging face and eye creams with collagen nourishes and reduces lines and wrinkles.

? Cleansing Facial Grains is a 100 percent way to beautify skin without harsh cleansers.

? Herbal Face Toner is made from organic hydrosols like lavender, cucumber, rose or basil.

Hair Care

? Herbal Hair Extracts made with the finest herbs will bring back moisture and nutrients to hair and scalp. Just add to your shampoo.

? Herbal Vinegar Rinses bring shine and body to hair to make your hair look healthy again and restore PH level and treat dandruff.

? Stimulation Scalp Therapeutic Oil is a deep, effective therapy for scalp and hair follicles. It promotes hair growth, stimulates and restores hair follicles and treats dandruff.

Mother & Baby

? Blessed Belly Balm (for mother) is used to soothe and soften skin.

? Diaper Calendula Balm is a gentle salve for baby’s bottom to prevent and heal diaper rash.

? Diaper Calendula Balm is gentle and soothing with the finest oils and healing herbs.

Eau De Parfumes

These oil based parfumes come in roll-on diamond shaped bottles. Mixed with jojoba oil, these euphoric blends of Majestic or Splendor Frankincense and Myrrh, Rose & Sandalwood and Lavender are unique and long lasting.

All products are free from:

? Chemicals and Harsh Ingredients: mineral oil, aluminum, glycols, petroleum, peg (4-200), carborner, sodium laureth sulfate, cetearyl alcohol

? Chemical Preservatives: parabens, dmdm-hydrantoin

? Synthetic oils, fragrance and colors