Is Your Candle Killing Your Vibe?

Quick question, are your candles killing your vibe? Yeah, I’m for real. When you go to burn one down, picking the right pillar matters.

I’m all about a little candlelit action. I’ve got a substantial beeswax candle stash and light one up at any opportunity. Literally. Of course, a candle enhances the already lush times like a soak in the bath, a meditation or ritual. But I light one up to upgrade the less-than-luminous moments, too. A mid-week dinner with two toddlers wrecking havoc, curled up on the couch watching a movie, heck I even light a candle at my desk while I work. Candles upgrade our experience by making life a little more beautiful, a little more reverential, a little softer and a little more sensual. The world just looks a bit lovelier by candlelight, no? But there’s more to it than that. If you pick the right candles they can actually enhance your health and your mood.

Why beeswax is the business

True story. Pure beeswax candles bring more than a sweet smell to the party. Not only are they totally non-toxic, but they can actually improve the air quality (and upgrade your vibe). Here’s how it works: beeswax candles emit negative ions which bind with toxins, allergens, and pollutants and therefore improve air quality and our capacity to utilize oxygen.

Good vibes + negative ions only

But it doesn’t end there. In terms of positive vibes, negative ions are the way to go – they actually make us feel good. Think back to a time when spent the day near the ocean or perched by a waterfall. You felt a bit blissful, yeah? It’s more than the sound of moving water. Yep, you guessed it – those places are chock-full of negative ions.

The problem with parrafin (and soy)

While beeswax candles can actually boost the health factor of your home, all candles are not created equal. In fact, unless it’s 100% pure beeswax, your candle could actually be killing your vibe and undercutting your health. The truth is, most candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, wicks laden with heavy metals, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances, which adds up to a toxic brew that can damage the brain, central nervous system and lungs and can contribute to illnesses ranging from allergies to cancer. No thanks. Even the “natural” soy wax candles are problematic. Most soy wax candles aren’t made from 100% soy (yep, paraffin lurking behind misleading labels!) or they may be formulated with GMO soy.

Funky fragrances

Further to that, they are usually loaded with “fragrance” or “parfum” which is an umbrella term that covers a mixture of hundreds of chemical ingredients which are known to be respiratory irritants, immune toxicants, endocrine and central nervous system disruptors. Yikes. (Don’t take my word for it, head over to the Environmental Working Group website and check their database for the science-y scoop.) Even candles scented with essential oils aren’t always ideal because some essential oils become toxic when burned.

How to make the switch

So what’s the best bet for candles that will really get you glowing? Ditch your regular candles for some beeswax ones, STAT.

#Label IQ: Look on the label for “100% pure beeswax” with cotton wicks. If you can find organic ones, power to you! If you’re in Australia check out Northern Light and if you’re in the USA try Bee Organic.

And if you’re already lamenting the loss of a favourite fragrant candle, here’s a hot tip. Use a diffuser and some pure organic essential oils to enhance the aromatics of your crib. Sweet smells minus the funky laboratory “fragrance.” Your body and your vibe will thank you. xx

About the author
Caitlin Cady sitting on the beach at dusk and smiling softly at the camera

Caitlin Cady is an author, meditation teacher, and mama of three, on a mission to help you tune into your highest self and live to your full potential.

With certifications in Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Somatic Stress Release, Caitlin’s work has been featured in Women’s Health, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Real Living and her positive perspectives and relatable, playful approach have inspired people across the globe to start living to their full potential.

Signed, Caitlin
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