As moms, we constantly strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for our families, but it’s difficult to prioritize healthy living when there is so much information out there. It can become overwhelming to make a huge lifestyle change and not know where to start. In our quest for a healthier lifestyle, we are going to take it step-by-step by starting small.
Why Clean Living?
There is a plethora of evidence that shows our lifestyle choices determine our health. Continues research shows that we have just as much control over our illnesses as much as any medicine. If not MORE control. I am no expert, but healthy living is a huge passion of mine. I have experienced how important a non-toxic lifestyle is for myself and my family and I am excited to share this information.
A mentor an inspiration of mine for non-toxic living is Karyn Calabrese. Her dynamic approach to wellness encompasses a holistic lifestyle that integrates mind, body, and spirit. She is a renowned holistic health expert, plant-based living advocate, and the owner of Karyn’s Inner Beauty in Flossmoor, IL. With a mission to transform lives through the celebration of nature’s original design, Karyn’s timeless beauty and energetic spirit continue to inspire millions on their health and wellness journey. I encourage you to check her out if you want to learn more about holistic living.
Where to Start?
Embarking on a non-toxic journey doesn’t mean a complete overhaul overnight. It’s about taking small, manageable steps that lead to a healthier home over time. The best place to start is to replace products with better suited options. If the toxic products aren’t in your home, then you won’t use them. Seems simple enough. But which products are harmful? In this
blog we are going to start with something that may have never crossed your minds. Candles…
The concerns with candles are often linked to paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance chemicals because they come from petrochemicals (a chemical obtained from petroleum and natural gas). There was a 2009 study that said burning paraffin wax releases gases and chemicals like toluene and benzene, which are known to cause cancer. However, there are some disagreements with these concerns. Many people believe that the data from the study was incorrect and mislead readers. Though I don’t personally know if the study was accurate or not, I believe if there is any risk, why continue to take it? Especially when the health of your family is on the line.
Soy candles, in particular, stand out in the world of non-toxic choices. Unlike traditional paraffin candles, soy candles are made from natural soy wax, derived from soybeans. This not only supports sustainable farming but also eliminates the release of harmful toxins when burned. Choosing soy candles is a step toward cleaner indoor air, promoting a healthier atmosphere for your family.
Essential Oils!
Soy candles are unique because they use essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance chemicals. Essential oils have many benefits. They have been proven to boost mood, improve job performance, improve sleep, kill bacteria, and reduce anxiety, pain, inflammation, nausea, and headaches. They are also used in aromatherapy, a complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health. Different blends help do different things and they can be completely customizable. I’ve included a free printable for the following list so you can have as many copies as you would like! The oils I often use are:
Bergamot: Has a bright citrusy scent that can be both uplifting and calming. It is also a great natural deodorizer to keep things fresh. May support a healthy digestive system by improving blood circulation.
Grapefruit: Has a tangy citrus scent that can boost your energy. It can neutralize unwanted odors and cleanse the air when diffused. It contains antioxidants and when applied to the skin it can help clear imperfections and boost your immune/lymphatic system.
Clary Sage: Has a calming, soothing, herbal aroma, and is mostly known for hormonal benefits. It is one of the healthiest oils. It can help depression, reduce cortisol levels, help fight candida, lower blood pressure, and contains antioxidants and antimicrobials. It can also promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin and hair.
Vanilla: Has a warm, rich, slightly sweet aroma that is an all-natural stress reliever. It can be used to create a warm and tranquil environment, soothe an anxious mind, and can be a mood booster.
Peace and Calming: A blend that has a comforting, lightly citrusy, earthy aroma. Create a peaceful environment. With its sense of relaxation, it may support those with an overactive day. It is a great oil to create that fresh spa smell.
Orange: Has a sweet, uplifting, citrus aroma. May help reduce the appearance of blemishes, when applied topically. It helps heal the skin by promoting the production of collagen which can help fight the signs of aging. Removes sticky adhesives from non-porous surfaces. Can neutralize musty, smoky, and stale odors.
Lavender: Has a sweet floral aroma that is used for its calming and relaxing qualities. May help cleanse and soothe mild skin irritations. Creates a tranquil environment and may help ease occasional nervous tension and improve sleep quality. Supports general wellness and contains cleansing antioxidant properties.
Lemon: Has a fresh, uplifting aroma that can cleanse the air and eliminate odors. Boosts mood, energy, cleaning, skin care, and digestion. It can remove sticky residue from non-porous surfaces and support. immune system.
Idaho Grand Fir: Has a woodsy, grounding, evergreen essence with hints of citrus. Originally used by indigenous people to promote a sense of well-being. Creates the sensation of deeper clear breathing and increases spiritual awareness. Can soothe tired fatigued muscles when combined with a carrier oil and massaged on.
Cedarwood: Has a grounding, soothing woodsy aroma. Creates a tranquil environment to help unwind after a long day. Helps maintain the appearance of youthful skin and healthy-looking hair. Has skin cleansing and naturally deodorizing properties. Can also help fend off outdoor annoyances (bugs) which can be a great alternative to insect repellent. With the calming and grounding aroma of this oil, it can also help improve your focus.
The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the atmosphere to your family’s preferences and needs. I also included a free printable for different blends I use regularly. I tend to use these for aromatherapy, but if used correctly, they could also be applied topically. My favorite blends are:
Pink Carnations:
- Bergamot: Has an uplifting and calming aroma. Has cleansing and purifying properties.
- Grapefruit: Fresh, uplifting aroma with cleansing properties.
- Clary Sage: Has a calming, soothing, herbal aroma, and is mostly known for hormonal benefits.
- Vanilla: Has a warm, rich, slightly sweet aroma that is an all-natural stress reliever.
Relax & Unwind:
- Lavender: Has a sweet floral aroma that is used for its calming and relaxing qualities.
- Orange: Has a sweet, uplifting, citrus aroma. Can neutralize musty, smoky, stale odors.
- Lemon: Has a fresh, uplifting aroma that can cleanse the air and eliminate odors.
Love You More:
- Peace and Calming: Has a comforting, light, citrusy, earthy aroma. Creates a peaceful environment.
- Orange: Has a sweet, uplifting, citrus aroma. Can neutralize musty, smoky, stale odors.
- Lavender: Has a fresh, uplifting aroma that can cleanse the air and eliminate odors.
Lights Out:
- Idaho Grand Fir: Has a woodsy, grounding, evergreen essence with hints of citrus.
- Cedarwood: Has a grounding, soothing, woodsy aroma. Creates a tranquil environment.
- Orange: Has a sweet, uplifting, citrus aroma. Can neutralize musty, smoky, stale odors.
Disclaimer: It is also important to understand essential oil safety before experimenting with your custom scents. Of the three ways to use essential oils (aromatic, topical, and internal), aromatic is the safest. For internal use, it is important to remember that essential oils should not be ingested daily. Some oils contain compounds that can damage the liver in high doses. It is important to ingest essential oils under the supervision of a medical professional or aromatherapist. For topical use, the main rule is to dilute! Diluting an essential oil means adding it to a carrier such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or aloe vera. This helps avoid irritation, sensitization, and phototoxic reactions.
Make it Yourself!
One of the exciting things about these candles are how easy they are to make! Of course, you can go out and buy your own, but where is the fun in that? By making it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a truly non-toxic candle. Below, I have included step-by-step instructions (along with the products I use) to help you create it yourself! The process is easy and doesn’t take long! The real kicker is waiting for it to solidify, but if you are willing to be patient, the end result will be worth it.
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Items needed:
- Wooden Bowl or container
- Essential oils
- Freedom Soy Wax
- Candle Making Kit
- Candle Wicks
- Popsicle sticks or pencils.
- Dried flowers – Optional.
Step 1 – Melt Wax
Pour 24 oz of Freedom Soy Wax into a pouring pitcher and begin to melt the wax on a double boiler or hot plate.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Container
While your wax melts, wipe out your bowl or container with a clean and wet paper towel. Using a wick sticker, place your wicks into the container. For smaller containers use one wick and for larger, use two to three wicks.
Step 3 – Essential Oils
Once your wax has melted completely, add your essential oils. I used around 20 drops of each oil from my blend for a lighter smell. If you want something stronger, consider adding 30-40 drops to the melted wax. Stir gently for 2 minutes to ensure that the oil is fully incorporated with the wax.
Step 4 – Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the wax into the jars. Secure the wicks with the pencils or popsicle sticks. (Remember: how it dries is how it stays. So, try to get the wicks as straight as possible.)
Step 5 – Dried Flowers!
This step is optional. However, it is a personal favorite addition to my candles. Add your dried flowers into the wax in the container while it is still melted, then allow candle to cool.
Step 6 – Trim the Wicks.
Once fully cooled, trim the wicks about a quarter inch above the wax.
Step 7 – Decorate (Optional)
If you would like to give your candle some extra flare, add some of the dried flowers to the top of the candle so it melts into the wax as you burn it.
And that’s it! This is a fun and simple DIY project that makes wonderful gifts. With a little time and effort, making candles could become your gratifying hobby for years to come.
Final Thoughts.
Choosing non-toxic products isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about making conscious choices that contribute to your family’s overall well-being.
By incorporating non-toxic candles into your home, you’re taking a step toward reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and creating a healthier space for your loved ones.
Remember, the journey to a non-toxic home is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency is the key to success. Start with candles, then explore other areas of your home and daily life. From cleaning products to personal care items, every small change adds up to create a healthier, toxin-free environment for your family.
Let’s take these small steps together, embracing the imperfect journey toward a non-toxic haven for our families. Here’s to a life filled with clean air, delightful scents, and the warmth of a non-toxic home!