Why I Kissed Candles Goodbye

The lid opened with that delightful “pop” sound and I took a big whiff of the Yankee Candle in the middle of a crowded Walmart. Mmmmm. It smelled so good!

I smelled nearly every candle on that aisle and then settled on a coconut one that smelt like summer. I wasn’t allowed to have candles in my on-campus apartment during the school year, so I figured I better enjoy them during the summer.

‘Twas only logical, right?

When the school year started again, I sadly left my candles behind as I moved back to campus housing.

At some point during that semester, however, I read a few articles about the harmful effects of “fragrance” that is found in products such as candles and perfume.

What? 

And then shortly thereafter, I ran into someone who was selling Young Living Essential Oils and I overheard them telling someone else about the benefits of aromatherapy.

Hmm… being able to smell lovely scents without the toxicity of candles sounded lovely.

I started researching essential oils companies. After reading several different blog posts, I decided that a Young Living starter kit would be the best way for me to start experimenting with essential oils.

I was graduating college within the month, so when my mom asked me what I would like for a graduation present, I asked for the Young Living starter kit.

The starter kit came with 11 oils and a diffuser, among other things. A diffuser is something you fill with water and then add a couple of drops of oils. You then turn it on and the diffuser creates mist and breaks up the particles of the oils so they fill the air…. causing your room to smell LOVELY! :)

I’ve had my diffuser and my oils for nearly a year now. When fall approached, I really started missing the autumn-smelling candles. You know, the ones that smell like cinnamon and spice… and everything nice ;)

So I started looking up fall diffuser blends and then ordered a few of the oils that I didn’t already have.

My current favorite diffuser blend is the following:

• 5 drops cinnamon bark
• 1 drop nutmeg
• 1 drop clove

It seriously smells like a candle but without the toxins! Yay!

If you are like how I was and LOVE candles for the scents, I encourage you to research the dangers of fake fragrance and candles and see if you can find a safer alternative. Maybe you won’t switch to diffusing essential oils like how I did, but I hope you find something safe that you like :)

Below are some articles to get you started :)

• Dangers of Synthetic Scents Include Cancer, Asthma, Kidney Damage and More
• The Serious Dangers of “Fragrances” & How to Protect Yourself
• Researchers Say Scented Candles and Air Fresheners Pose Dangerous Health Risks
• Toxins in Burning Candles, Candle Wicks, and Incense
• Why I Don’t Use Scented Candles
• The Big Problem With Scented Candles
• Beware the dangers of scented candles
• Say Goodbye To Toxic Scented Candles (+ Simple Alternatives)

Posted by Kara Beth & filed under Random. This post has 2 comments.