Recently in my introductory medical class, we were covering toxins in our food and home. Given that nutrition is a required unit in my class, I do place added emphasis on it compared to more trite units like “Medical Insurance” and “Confidentiality.” I try to impress upon the students that regardless of whatever their aspirations are in their life-whether it be an accountant, Hollywood celebrity, or chef-we all have one commonality. We all hope to have a long and productive life. Part and parcel to that goal is avoiding things that might mitigate that long life, such as walking across freeways or driving drunk. But just as important is avoiding toxins that might increase of our chances of acquiring a major illness. These toxins lurk everywhere let’s win the little battles when we can. Let’s purge out toxins that are easily purge-able. For example, we should embrace aromatherapy and not toxic fresheners!
Toxic Air
As we have discussed in previous articles, our house is literally under siege! Our indoor air is actually more polluted than outdoor air. Why is that? Think of all the things we spray or are floating around in our homes.
- Ironing Starch
- PFOAs from our heated cookware
- Makeup
- Toiletries
- Perfumes/Cologne
- Pet Dander
- Scented Candles
- Plug-in Air Fresheners
- Household Cleaners
And this is just a few! Big Chemical and Big Advertising over on Madison Avenue have convinced us that only using their products can guarantee a clean and fresh-smell home. And we, the sheeple, have with no discernment acquiesce. Sure our air conditioner filters make capture some of these toxins, but they can only do so much.
What is the problem with the aforementioned items listed above? A lot…
Listen to our NPE Radio episodes dealing with some of these toxins:
- Phthalates (found in most toiletries, flooring, cosmetics, scented items, and cleaners et al)
- PFCs
- Bisphenol A
- Class 1 Carcinogens in our Homes
In addition, benzene, fragrance, and toluene are known Class 2A carcinogens found in all most candles, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, and household cleaners. (Read or listen to our 5 Toxins You Must Remove From Your House Now!) Throw in electromagnetic pollution caused by smart devices, cell phones, routers, and alike and our home is a toxic cesspool.
Luckily there are ways to limit your parabens, EMF pollution, plastics, and even the unlabeled phthalates. (Listen to those episodes to find out how.) But when it comes to air fresheners, what can we do?
Essential Oils To The Rescue
Essential Oils may effectively render the aforementioned cleaners and air fresheners obsolete. Let’s go through some of the toxic culprits used in the house and come up with an alternative.
Scented Candles
Though we all love the smell of Vanilla or Oatmeal flavored candles in the Fall, these odors are chemicals mimicking the real thing. Use beeswax candles, or at the least unscented, to avoid the benzene, toluene, and fragrance toxins. If you are looking for an aromatherapy solution, Amazon sells essential oils that mimic these bakery-themed smells. Click Here to see them.
Plug-In Air Fresheners
No reason to exists to use Febreeze or any other plug-in and spray fresheners. They contain the same toxic ingredients. The more holistic and honestly, better smelling alternative, is diffusing! Diffusing essential oils allows both the invigorating and healing effects of the particular oil being diffused, plus it gives your house an incredible scent. Best of all, it is toxic-free.
Car Fresheners
Use this essential oil car freshener recipe!
Foot Freshener
Try these recipes to clean your feet as well as deodorize your stinky shoes!
There are other alternatives out there. My point is that we no longer need to buy fresheners. Diffusing oils is a MUCH better alternative!
Listen to Kate’s Apothecary: A Beginner’s Guide to Aromatherapy for more info!
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