It is that time of year when we want our homes to give off golden hues. There's just something about fire light that gets us all warm and fuzzy, which as the weather turns colder is no bad thing, right ?
Wrong.
This is a really touchy subject, but I don't really understand why; when you look at all the information (and I encourage to do your own research besides what i'm writing here) it's a no brainer.
To give credit where credit is due, this post is based on information posted by Elizabeth Holden Sirven. Thanks for the timely 'head's up', Elizabeth.
Our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system (go Google it, if you don't know what this is), so if we are smelling/inhaling a scented candle or essential oils, this is the same thing, right ?
Nope.
Let’s match them up in a Diffusing Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils vs. Candle Burning FACE-OFF to see why.
CANDLES & OIL BURNERS
- Let's agree that they smell nice, but did you know the scent you are enjoying is made from synthetic chemicals ?
The nice smelling chemicals used are often labelled as 'fragrance'. Many of those fragrances (chemicals) in and of themselves are rated up there with cigarette smoke for allergens ! GULP ! Eurgh ! Id on't want that in my home, do you?
The Fair Packaging and Labelling Act (FPLA) of the U.S. allows these fragranced ingredients to be listed simply as "fragrance" under the trade secrets act. Eek ! We still don't know what it's them.
- Have been shown to reduce the quality of the air in the home.
- Phthalates are often found in scented candles and have been linked to allergic reactions and asthma related problems. Phthalates are also known to cause reproductive, immune and central nervous system problems.
- Paraffin (found in many candle bases) is a petroleum by-product. The American Lung Association warns that when burned, these candles release carcinogenic chemicals into the air.
- Imported candles may have lead or lead cores in the wick, which is then released into the air.
- Toxic chemicals, such as Benzene - a known human carcinogen, are released by some candles.
- The chemicals emitted by some candles, especially heavily scented ones, are similar to the fumes from car exhaust!
- According to reports, almost 98% of soy produced in the US is genetically modified. GMO soy is not the only problem, many soy candles are a combination of soy and paraffin. Double whammy!
These indoor air pollutants may affect health soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.
Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-lived and treatable.
Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.
Studies have found that levels of several gases such as cleansers, disinfectants, aerosols, air fresheners and candles average two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.
What does that mean?
It means we are poisoning ourselves, our families and our pets inside our own homes ! yes it really is that drastic.
As a family, we made the commitment in January this year to go completely toxic chemical free in our home. We made a vow that if we couldn't eat something it wouldn't go on our skin (the skin is the largest organ - what's goes on it, gets absorbed into it). Scented candles, conventional deodorants and toxic cleaning products were the first to go !
DIFFUSING YL ESSENTIAL OILS:
- Cleans the air of airborne pathogens; reducing bacteria, fungus, mould and odours
- Supports immune function (aka less likely to get the icks)
- Supports respiratory function
- Increases oxygen availability in the air (ahhh, breathe in, breathe out)
- Increases the body’s ability to transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells
- Enhances mood and uplift spirits (oooh, yes please!)
- Many essential oils improve concentration and mental clarity (say what?)
- Promotes restful sleep (now who couldn’t use more of that?!)
It's clear to see the winner in this face-off, great ! Let's add our therapeutic grade scents (essential oils) to candles and we'll get the same lighting effect, with a great smell and receive the benefits of essential oils.
NO ! Don't ! Please !
Why?
Because the act of heating an essential oil breaks down the chemical make-up of the oil, leaving us with just the scent.
Now, we know that our Young Living oils are the purest available on the market, so we know that no harmful chemicals would be released in to the air by burning them, so what's wrong ?
Well, I don't know about you, but I really watch my pennies. My therapeutic grade essential oils are too good to be wasted on just producing a nice smell; if i'm going to use them, I want to receive the full benefits of using them.
NOT ALL ESSENTIAL OILS ARE CREATED EQUAL
There is no regulatory board for essential oils. To claim that an oil is 100% pure, it needs to contain just 10% of the actual oil.
So, what makes up the other 90%? Well, in all honesty, you, the consumer, doesn’t know. It could be a carrier oil, synthetic oil or something else entirely.
If you're buying the £4 oil from the high street you are still dispersing synthetic fragranced chemicals in to the air.
WHAT MAKES YOUNG LIVING DIFFERENT?
I’m so glad you asked !
Young Living believes that you and your family deserve products that are genuine, free of harmful synthetics and of unmatched purity. Seed to Seal® is the promise to you that they are committed to providing just that to your family. From the seeds planted to the moment the bottles are sealed, Young Living focus on naturally occurring and high-quality components to provide you with a pristine final product without compromise.
This is called the Seed to Seal guarantee. You can read all about this at www.seedtoseal.com
Ready to make the switch ?
Head to our Wellness Tool Kit page to get the low down on the best ways.
Now all the above information is scary, right ? But you're not quite ready to ditch candles yet ?
Why don't you try switching for one month and see the improvements in your home and health. If you would like to borrow our kit for a week, before buying, contact us for further details.
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