"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." — Aristotle
Pretty soon the temperatures will be getting cooler which means you’ll most likely be spending more time indoors. The windows will be closed and the air in your home is going to get stale. Cooking or baking can fill your house with warm, cozy aromas. When you’re not creating delicious scents you may decide to burn a candle or use a plug-in air freshener to make your house smell. Don’t do it!
Most fragrances are created in a lab with chemicals. Very few, if any, come from naturally derived scents. Even when the label says they contain essential oils those oils are probably synthetic.
Man-made scents are one of the biggest contributors to toxic overload in your body. “Fragrance” and “perfume” are terms used to identify undisclosed ingredients contained in a product, usually consisting of synthetic chemicals designed to mimic natural scents. Companies are not required to disclose the ingredients as it is considered a ‘trade secret.’ That means a product could include some harmful ingredients and you wouldn’t even know!
Candles and air fresheners can make your house smell nice and create a cozy atmosphere but they are not a safe choice for you and your family. And, with repeated use they can have a negative impact on your health.
Facts About Candles
- They reduce air quality
- Many contain phthalates which can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues
- Paraffin can be found in many candles and releases carcinogenic chemicals into the air
- Imported candles may have lead in the wick that gets released into the air when burned
- Some soy candles are a combination of soy and paraffin (see above)
A primary concern when it comes to plug-in air fresheners is phthalates. Research shows they can affect your endocrine system, reproductive health, may cause allergic reactions and asthma as mentioned above, and even potentially cause cancer.
Plug-ins may also contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. It has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat and can cause skin and respiratory irritation. The risks of formaldehyde are elevated for babies, the elderly, and people whose immune systems are compromised.
A safe, natural alternative to make your home smell nice comes in the form of pure, authentic essential oils. Good quality essential oils are made from plants not in a lab with synthetic ingredients. They have many therapeutic benefits as well as helping you avoid exposure to toxins.
There are several ways to use essential oils aromatically in your home. The best and easiest is with a diffuser. A diffuser disperses a microfine mist of essential oils into the air.
Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
- Alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them
- Increase oxygen availability
- Can eliminate and destroy airborne germs and bacteria
- May relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind
- Can improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity
A word of caution. Many essential oils are derived with harsh chemicals, have been diluted, or are produced synthetically in a lab. It’s super important for your health and safety to purchase high quality oils from a trusted source!
Be aware of the effects toxins can have on your health and eliminate exposure whenever possible. As of now, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. As many as 95% of cancers occur as a result of lifestyle and environmental factors. I urge you to make good, informed decisions about the products you use in your home in order to stay healthy and live a long, vibrant life.
For a deeper dive, click the button below to grab my FREE class - THE Source for Pure, Natural Scents or contact me. I’m here to help.
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Note: There may be affiliate links in this post. • I am not a doctor. All information is for educational use only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.
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