by Sharon Falsetto

Created on: August 07, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2009

Natural fragrances for your home have never been more popular. From candles to incense to air fresheners, there are a multitude of products to choose from. So how do you separate true 'natural' from 'unnatural'?

The meaning of 'natural'

A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences states that 95% of fragrances are, in fact, synthetically made with chemical compounds, namely petroleum. The chemicals used are known to cause such serious diseases as birth defects, cancer, allergic reactions and central nervous system disorders.

Some aromatherapy candles use synthetic fragrances rather than real essential oils, the essence of true aromatherapy. Fragrances such as 'cinnamon apple pie' and 'blueberry crush' are, in fact, man-made fragrances as are some of the fragrances labeled as 'orange' and 'lavender'. Lavender is probably one of the most 'synthetically copied' aromas in the fragrance world.

Commercial air fresheners contain a lot of harmful ingredients too; although that smell claiming to be 'citrus blossoms' may mask some of the more unpleasant smells lurking in the bathroom, it doesn't actually disperse them. There is also the damage to the ozone layer to consider too.

Incense is also open to abuse from synthetic fragrances as it is now mass produced in the market place. Burning this type of incense leads to chemical pollution of your home.

Real natural alternatives

The only way to know if you are buying a 'true' natural fragrance is to read the 'label on the box' before buying and check if it is everything it is claiming to be. Knowing your Latin names of botanical plants, the true source of essential oils, will ensure that you are buying a candle scented with true lavender essential oil (lavendula angustifolia), for example.

A natural alternative to a regular, paraffin based candle is a soy candle, with a cotton or hemp wick which means it will burn longer and cooler; it will also not contain any lead or metal. Not only are soy candles kinder to your environment, they are kinder to you and your family!

As oppose to buying commercial air fresheners create your own! Take an empty spray container, fill it with water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

Finally, only buy incense from a reputable supplier who has screened it to ensure it is derived from natural resins, essential oils, flowers and other true botanicals.

Be kinder to yourself and the environment

So, next time you pick up something that claims to be natural, take a closer look at the ingredients listed on it and only purchase it if you are confident that it is truly natural; you'll be creating a healthier environment for you and your family by doing so.

References:

Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace (Report by the Committee on Science and Technology. US House of Representatives, Sept 16 1986) (Report 99 - 827)

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