Candles: the glow that may be harming you

BY : AVERI WHITMAN

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This time of year the light fades quickly and darkness settles in around dinner time. The warm glow of lamps contrasts the deep, dusky blue in the sky. Candles flicker and we snuggle in for the evening. I love this time of year simply for the way it makes a home feel. Cozy and safe. 

When I started learning about how dangerous fragrances are for our bodies, I was devastated to discover that candles are a huge culprit of polluting our indoor air. Studies show that the toxins released by candles are as dangerous as second hand smoke (Link). Google any of the common ingredients found in candles: paraffin, benzene, and toluene to name a few. You won’t like what you find. As the gatekeepers of our homes, it’s so important that we are creating safe spaces by being aware of what we are bringing in. 

Maybe you are like me… you love to create inviting spaces that feel warm and cozy when it’s quite the opposite outside. You have options that are much safer for your body and loved ones.

My favorite alternatives are beeswax candles and diffusing essential oils.

If you are looking for the “glow”… 100% beeswax candles are naturally toxin-free and will give you all the ambience you’re looking for. Free of fragrances, paraffins, and chemicals. We love these from Hon’s Honey (Link) and you can also grab a kit to roll your own beeswax candles (Link). There’s honestly nothing more magical than the soft glow of a beeswax candle.

Now if you are looking for aroma… essential oils are the way to go. I can only vouch for the quality of Young Living Essential oils, so make sure to do some research if you are going with a different brand… not all essential oils are created equal. The key is to look for high quality, 100% pure oils. I love that the possibilities are endless when it comes to diffuser combinations. A quick comb through Pinterest can give you hundreds of combos to try. You may be thinking that good quality essential oils are too expensive… I thought that at first too! Take a look at this breakdown of candles vs. diffusing:

This holiday season, let’s choose to take care of our bodies and our loved ones by doing our research. Whatever that looks like for you… we want you to feel empowered and educated when it comes to the things you are bringing into your home. How can we help you in that process?