The home atmosphere is more important than we realize on our overall mental health. The place where we dwell should be the spot that is most relaxing, uplifting and peaceful. Our living spaces don't equal 'us' but they are certainly a reflection of the deep things we are, choose, and desire. Our space can energize or drain us- which is why we should be intentional when choosing things to fill it.
Many elements create atmosphere: lighting, texture, color, shape, and spacial arrangement. One thing that is often overlooked is aroma. We use all of our senses all of the time, even when we don't know it. The sense of smell is often overlooked simply because we use it subconsciously many times. But it's important, because the sense of smell is the only sense that is, in our brains, linked to emotion. Aromatherapy basics: we can experience memories and emotions simply with one whiff! This can trigger many things in a body.
Scenario: a local customer walks in to pick up their order. They take a step inside and inhale deeply. Closing their eyes, they say, "Ahh, I smell your oils- your house always smells so good." In fact, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is: How do I get my house to smell like yours?
In the past, I was a plug-in, candle- burning addict. I loved buying scents for my home. But I had NO idea those fragrances were harmful, most likely containing something called 'phthalates'. (Not to mention the lead released from most mainstream candle wicks!) The EWG categorizes phthalates as something similar to plastics. A "plasticizer" can make a product feel softer on the skin, and easily penetrate, so they are often found in cosmetics. They are also often hiding out behind the word "fragrance". Many companies' signature scents can have hundreds of chemicals in just ONE of their trade secret smells. They are not required to disclose it and can label it simply "fragrance".
Why this is concerning: fragrances with phthalates can mimic our normal hormones and disrupt biological pathways, influencing our hormonal health. Think reproduction, birth outcomes, infertility, and some cancers. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to this as they are developing. Phthalates are linked to autism, neurological and attention disorders. Other countries have banned it completely.
Fragrances are different than Essential Oils. Fragrances are formulated in a lab and have no other use except to make it appealing to the buyer. In my personal opinion, fragrance is not necessarily a bad idea overall. In some cases fragrances can be more eco- friendly because they can mimic the smell of an actual plant without the harvesting of acres and acres of certain rare crops. (Rose is a good example. A small 5 ml bottle of true Rose Essential Oil contains 22 pounds of real roses and costs $250.) So if I love the smell of roses and want my house to smell that way, I would rather choose a safe fragrance to put in the air, and save the rare and expensive EO for a product that stays on the body so I can get the plant's healing qualities.
If you want your home to smell good, consider trying out SkinCare Matter's NEW
All Purpose Home Cleaner for kitchen, bathroom, walls, carpets.
