I kicked my candles to the curb.
And I was quite the candle addict… So that’s saying a lot.
There’s nothing I love more than being enveloped by a warm, spicy scent when I walking into the house on a brisk, fall day. And who doesn’t love the flickering of a candle on a cozy winter’s night?
But once I started learning about some of the toxic junk my candle addiction was releasing into my house, suddenly my “warm sugar cookie” scented candles didn’t seem quite as appealing… Bummer.
As far as candle toxicity goes, it seems as thoughparaffin and lead-cored wicks are the two biggest concerns:
- Paraffin: Many candles (especially the cheaper kind) are made from paraffin wax; a petroleum by-product, which has the potential to contain toxins and potential carcinogens which are released into the air when the candle is burned. Some researchers even claim the smoke from some candles contains almost as much icky stuff as cigarette smoke.
- Lead-Cored Wicks: One of the primary concerns with candles used to be lead-based wicks, which would, of course, emit lead into the air when burned. However, in 2003, theU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the manufacture and sale of all lead-based candles. So while lead emission is something you probably don’t need to worry about with newer candles, make sure you don’t have older candles in your stash that contain wicks with this harmful neurotoxin. (Here’s how to test and see if your candles have lead wicks)
Thankfully, soy, beeswax, or tallow candles are much cleaner burning and non-toxic, so they are still a good choice if you still crave the ambiance a lit candle creates.
But What About Air Fresheners?
Sadly, they aren’t much better. I published a post a few months back that highlights some of the issues related to aerosol room sprays and plug-in air fresheners. Here are some of the stats, in case you missed it:
Many air fresheners contain phthalates (pronounced thal-ates), which have been linked to birth defects, hormonal abnormalities, and reproductive problems.
The Natural Resources Defense Council tested 14 common products and discovered that 12 (86%) had phthalates, even though they were not listed as ingredients on the label.
This included air fresheners advertised as “all- natural” and even “unscented!”
Air fresheners also regularly contain allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other dangerous carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “Breathing low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems,” such as: cancer and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.
So… am I running around purging my home of all candles and air fresheners while wearing a hazmat suit? Um, no. As I’ve matured a bit in my natural-living journey, I’ve learned to mellow a bit in my “all or nothing” zeal.
However, burning multiple candles in my home all day long (especially paraffin ones) is something I DO plan to avoid.
Thankfully, I’m not feeling deprived at all, thanks to my trusty essential oil diffuser. I’ve been experimenting with a bunch of different fall-themed diffuser blends to help replace those candles, and I’m pretty darn excited to share them with you today. (Pssst– the Spicy Chai one is my favorite, and yes, I do diffuse it while drinking my homemade chai concentrate for a complete chai experience) 😉
The Best Autumn Essential Oil Recipes forYour Diffuser
(to pin any of these images, simply hover over the top of them, and click the “pin it” button)
Spicy Chai:
- 3 drops cardamom essential oil
- 2 drops cassia essential oil
- 2 drops clove essential oil
- 1 drop ginger essential oil
Combine with water (most of my diffusers use around 70 mL, but it can vary) in a cold air diffuser.
Spiced Citrus
- 3 drops wild orange essential oil
- 2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 1 drop clove essential oil
Combine with water (most of my diffusers use around 70 mL, but it can vary) in a cold air diffuser.
Walk in the Woods
- 3 drops frankincen;se essential oil
- 2 drops white fir essential oil
- 1 drop cedarwood essential oil
Combine with water (most of my diffusers use around 70 mL, but it can vary) in a cold air diffuser.
Immune Booster:
(I originally had 2 drops in the graphic, but decide that one drop of each is plenty, unless you have a larger diffuser.)
- 1 drop rosemary essential oil
- 1drop clove essential oil
- 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil
- 1 drop wild orange essential oil
Combine with water (most of my diffusers use around 70 mL, but it can vary) in a cold air diffuser.
Why Cold-Air Diffusers?
I prefer using a cold-air diffuser since it allows me to enjoy ALL the benefits of the essential oil–not just the scent. Unlike candle warmers, a cold-air diffuser doesn’t heat the oil, so all the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil remain intact.
I’ve tried reed diffusers, and while they do work somewhat, they aren’t as effective at dispersing the oil into a large area. (Here’s how to make your own reed diffuser, if you want to give it a try)
If you’re shopping for a cold-air diffuser, there are tons of options, and myessential oil diffuser review postwill point you in the direction of some of my favorites.
Where to Buy Essential Oils
I can help you get started with wholesale pricing for your essential oil purchases. I can even help you sign up for our“frequent-flyer” type program which saves you even more!
