Candles And More

It’s beginning to feel a lot like fall.  Every magazine I receive is loaded with fall colors and everyone is getting in the mood to decorate in fall colors.  I love the colors of fall, but I also know that what comes next is the dreaded white stuff.  Ok , one step at a time, the glass is half full right..

This is the time of year that we all start thinking of pumpkin pie, the scent that makes you very hungry.  I can bake but I also know that I can have the scented jar candle to burn that is fall colored and scented like pumpkin pie.  The bright colors like the apple colored red, oranges, yellows, and even the darker chocolate colored brown.

It is really a beautiful site, the decorations along with the trees and leaves.  I do enjoy the sites and love to have the change in color.  It means a different scenery in my home also.  The options are limitless!  My children love to decorate the house,  and the leaves that change color usually make it into my house.  Ever try pressing the different leaves between 2 pieces of wax paper when you were in school.  I do remember doing that and it does make a pretty decoration, you can preserve their precious find without the mess when they dry out.

There have been questions raised to whether or not citronella candles are safe,  so I thought I would address the issue.  Citronella candles contain citronella oil which is considered a biopesticide substance.

Biopesticides are substances that are naturally occuring and control pests.  They are made out of plant extracts, both of which citronella and lemongrass are and lemongrass is also a relative to citronella.

The EPA regulates the use of biopesticides and also requires precautionary labeling for safe use.  The only concern is with skin contact since it is also used in perfuming  ie. lotions, gels, sprays, and wipes.  There is not mention of a concern with the use of citronella candles.

Studies show little or no toxicity to citronella and it  is not expected to pose health risks in people or animals.  In fact, as a side note,  citronella oil has been mentioned in the use of calming barking dogs, and is known to have strong antifungal properties.  So if you are going green, why not use the natural substances to control pests, lemongrass, and citronella candles!