Botanical Wellness Tip: 001
The Importance of Plant-Based Wellness and Clean Products
In today's world, where environmental concerns and health consciousness are at the forefront of many minds, the concepts of plant-based wellness and clean products have gained significant traction. This blog post explores why these ideas are crucial for our health and the environment, and why we should be paying close attention to ingredients like phenoxyethanol in our personal care products. Nothing in this blog is a recommendation; you must do your own research to know what is right for you.
The Power of Plant-Based Wellness
Plant-based wellness is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that can have profound effects on our health and the planet. Here's why it matters:
Nutrient-Rich Diet: Plant-based diets are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for optimal health.
Lower Environmental Impact: Plant-based lifestyles generally have a smaller carbon footprint compared to those heavily reliant on animal products.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Studies have shown that plant-based diets can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Longevity - While the small amounts in our products seem small per product and per purchase, over a lifetime, the exposure to these toxins can build up and cause dis-ease. If you want to live a long life, it is not enough to destress and live outside of big toxic cities, you also need to pay attention to what you put around, inside of, and onto your body.
Plants are the original medicine - The reason Pharma is what it is, is largely because of the power of plants. Pharma is often mimicking nature, but without the life force. Much of the medicines we are sold, stem from nature, and are synthesized in labs to serve the masses as well as generate a profit. Did you know that if you have a UTI, in the time it takes you to go to a doctor, fill a prescription and wait for that UTI to clear, you could go to the grocery store, buy parsley, boil it, drink the water, and feel immediate relief? Why don’t doctors tell us this? It’s because they either don’t know or they are over-educated ie. collegially trained in medical school to avoid the power of plants, and instead push synthetic solutions into and onto our bodies.
The Importance of Clean Products
Clean products, those made without harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients, are becoming increasingly important in our daily lives. Here's why:
Reduced Exposure to Toxins: Clean products minimize our exposure to potentially harmful substances that can accumulate in our bodies over time.
Better for the Environment: Products made with natural, biodegradable ingredients are less likely to pollute our water systems and harm wildlife.
Skin Health: For personal care products, clean formulations can be gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
HSPs: If you are a highly sensitive person (15-20% of every organism has an HSP population), it serves you to do your research about the ingredients of food you eat, products you buy, and the way things around you and in your closet and home are brought into existence. If you get into your 30s and figure out that you have been gaslit your whole life by the people around you about your experiences being different than theirs, you are likely an HSP. Does this sound familiar? “No it doesn’t smell bad.” “No the light is not too bright in here.” “It’s not even that loud.” “Stop being too sensitive all the time.” “You’re so sensitive, stop!” “No it doesn’t, didn’t, hasn’t been that bad.” This is called gaslighting and you deserved better.
The Phenoxyethanol Problem
One ingredient that has come under scrutiny in recent years is phenoxyethanol. While it's used as a preservative in many personal care products, there are concerns about its safety:
Potential Skin Irritant: Some studies suggest that phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Neurotoxicity Concerns: At high concentrations, phenoxyethanol has been linked to nervous system issues, particularly in infants.
Environmental Impact: Like many synthetic chemicals, phenoxyethanol can persist in the environment and potentially harm aquatic life.
Reproductive Toxicity: Some animal studies have raised concerns about potential reproductive toxicity, particularly with very high doses. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has also pointed out potential risks but maintains that normal cosmetic use does not pose significant risks.
Moving Towards Cleaner Alternatives
As consumers become more aware of these issues, there's a growing demand for products that are both effective and free from potentially harmful ingredients like phenoxyethanol. Many companies are now exploring natural preservatives and developing innovative formulations that maintain product stability without relying on synthetic chemicals.
Conclusion
Embracing plant-based wellness and opting for clean products and packaging is not just a personal health choice – it's a step towards a more sustainable and healthier world for all. By being mindful of the products we use and the ingredients they contain, we can make a positive impact on our own wellbeing and the environment around us. In a future blog we will talk about HAA5 which is now in much of the water due to cleansers and detergents. HAA5 refers to a group of five haloacetic acids that can form as byproducts in drinking water when chlorine or chloramine is used for disinfection. These compounds are of concern because they have been associated with potential health risks. These are forever chemicals and we use them daily in our lives…but why? Why don’t we want better? So do your research! We are here to help but it is on you to care what you bring into your life, home and body.
Remember, every small change counts. Whether it's incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet or switching to clean, phenoxyethanol-free personal care products, you're contributing to a larger movement towards health and sustainability.
Another great article on Anti-Phenoxyethanol is here: www.elementapothec.com
