Candles
I use to love candles. The scents and the coziness of them.
However, I never liked the safety concerns around them. I always use to worry about leaving a room and forgetting about the candle entirely. What then? Would the house burn down? I'm pretty sure it's happened to someone, somewhere.
Anyone else ever have that same thought? I can't be alone.
Anyway, what I didn't know way back when, was that there are more reasons than just a potential fire that I should be concerned about. Like artificial fragrances causing headaches.
The Limbic System
The warm and cozy feelings you feel when burning a candle are usually linked to smell. The limbic system (the emotional center of your brain) is strongly linked to scent. Scents are connected to memories good + bad, so when you smell them, it can bring back those same feelings that are imprinted on your limbic system.
That is all fine and good if the scents are real, but most are not. Innocent looking scented candles and plug-ins are two of the most toxic things we have in our home. They pollute the air as much as second hand smoke! Artificial scents, lead filled wicks, and paraffin wax (a petroleum waste product) all contribute to headaches, respiratory issues, learning problems and numerous chronic conditions. I imagine it hasn't always been this way with candles, but it is now.
Ugh! No thank you.
a better option
So why would companies continue to use artificial fragrances and make candles this way if they’re so bad for our health? Do they want us to get headaches? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Fragrances, or artificial scents, can be an extremely cheap way to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
I know, I know. Its hard to think about giving up candles. This is not what you want to hear. How can they really be so bad? Well, let me share some good news with you. You don't have to give up candles altogether. Candles made with beeswax and cotton wicks are still an option. In fact, I think it's a good idea to keep a few of these around in case the lights go out and you can't find your flashlight!
The other good news is, there is an alternative to candles (and artificial air fresheners) that you can walk away from and even forget about! Its even safe around kids and pets. If it falls over, it will turn off and the worst you have is a little spill of water and essential oil blend. With various light features it can create the ambiance a candle brings and you're able to to customize your smell each day to match your mood. Sounds great, doesn't it?
Click below and learn Seven Reasons To Ditch Candles. You'll be glad you did!
Why I Ditched Candles
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