Springtime Renewal

Awaken your senses with clean, safe aromatherapy.

Clear the Air

What could be bad about meditating or decompressing amidst the fresh clean-linen scent of an aromatherapy candle or room freshener?

Not to stress you out or anything, but those much-loved scented candles and room sprays that so many of us use when we are seeking a bit of relaxation may, in fact, be clouding the air in our homes. Researchers studying both petroleum-based candles and vegetable-based candles found that the petroleum-based paraffin wax candles were a source of known human carcinogens and indoor air pollution that can aggravate allergies and trigger asthma. It’s a similar story for room fresheners and room sprays.

Of course, lighting the occasional paraffin candle is unlikely to cause a serious health threat, but if you are a frequent candle user, some experts suggest it may be prudent to choose vegetable-based candles, such as soy or beeswax candles, which do not release the potentially harmful pollutants.

Natural Air Fresheners

If you are trying to eliminate odors or infuse your space with pleasant, calming aromas, keeping it simple and natural can be super easy:

• Create a potpourri of dried, naturally fragrant flowers or herbs
• Simmer cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or rosemary in water
• Simmer a few quartered lemons in water
• Clear carbon dioxide and other toxins indoors with potted plants
• Bring a bundle of fresh eucalyptus leaves into a room for a long-lasting effect

Natural Does Not Always Mean Safe

Creating your own aromatherapy products using pure essential oils from natural plant materials, can be a benefit to the mind, body, and spirit. But, it is also worth remembering that when it comes to aromatherapy, just because something is “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe. Most essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are highly concentrated and can be hazardous if they are not used correctly. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Never ingest essential oils
• Keep essential oils out of the reach of children
• Do not let essential oils come into contact with eyes or mucus membranes