What do Palo Santo, scented candles, Lavender and Hecate have to do with each other? Let's find out how this is all woven together...

This episode questions the authenticity and health benefits of products such as scented candles with labels like “Palo Santo”. Pondering the use of synthetic fragrances and the lack of regulation in the fragrance industry, I question what we are actually inhaling when burning such candles. Broader issues of ethical sourcing and the environmental impact of ingredients like soy wax are considered as well as the importance of intention behind using products like candles and essential oils. Overall, advocating for mindfulness and awareness of what we breathe in and put on our bodies is paramount: why is it “buyer beware”? And what's the difference between a dead, soulless synthetic Palo Santo and the real Palo Santo, from which the essential oil is obtained from dead wood? The second part of the episode starts by exploring the relationship between cleanliness and scent. Which is an excuse to talk about Lavender, or Lavandula, derived from the Latin "Lavare," meaning to wash. This presented another excuse to talk about the various Lavenders to be aware of (again, buyer beware). It’s not coincidental how I took this time to share Gabriel Mojay’s aromatic sonnet “Lavandula”, found in the depths of NAHA’s 2016 conference proceedings. And what's that about Hecate? Links!

Classes: Aromatic Cleaning with Essential Oils & Pantry Staples, Candle Making, All About Lavender.

Essential Aromatica episode with Gabriel Mojay

And always, Hecate.