Holiday Scents

A long time ago, people often used a variety of methods to scent their homes. Without the benefit of central air heating, fires were the only form of heat in a dwelling. Even when well ventilated, the air was often less than fresh smelling. During the holiday season, when visitors were received, the more prosperous homes had a variety of holiday traditions. One was to make "pomanders" to freshen the scent of their homes. They would use a fresh orange - a rarity in Europe in the winter - and stud the fruit with cloves. A ribbon was tied around this, and the pomander could be hung in a room, or, left in a bowl to scent the area.
   In addition to the orange and clove scent, there was often a flurry of baking. The kitchen would be redolent with the scent of baking ingredients such as vanilla, and cinnamon, as special treats were prepared to welcome guests, and, for the family.
  We have come to associate the scent of orange, cloves, and cinnamon with the holidays.

   eScential Wellness continues this time honored tradition by offering their Foaming Hand Soap in Jingleberry fragrance only around this time of year!! Anytime after Thanksgiving is fair game. Enjoy this seasonal scent from now until the New Year.
After washing your hands, the orange/cinnamon/clove scent will linger on your skin. Nice to know that cinnamon and clove are powerful natural antibacterials, too! No need to use an anti-bacterial soap containing triclosan; which is one of the "toxic ten" cosmetic ingredients!

  Read labels - make sure your soap is non-toxic. A hazardous antibacterial compound called triclosan is now an ingredient in many household and personal care products such as soaps, cleaners, cosmetics, clothing, and even toys for kids. You might think triclosan can protect you from harmful bacteria, but research has shown that, in fact, plain old soap and water cleans just as well.   And, antibacterials, such as triclosan in soap, are not harmless. Triclosan persists in the environment, mixes with other chemicals to form more toxic substances, and contributes to the growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and causes a range of human and ecological health problems.
  The American Medical Association in 2000 said that “there is little evidence to support the use of antimicrobials in consumer products” and that given the risk of bacterial resistance, “it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products.” There is no reason to believe the situation is any different in Canada.
  Washing your hands with regular soap and water is a great way to reduce illness. Using a mild castile soap with glycerin (like the soap in eScential Wellness products) will protect your hands from drying out.
  Be safe! Be clean! And enjoy the holiday scent!