I enjoy my morning coffee. I smell it brewing while I’m in the shower. My anticipation grows as I shave. The fragrance of my coffee is a signal to my brain that today is going to be a good day. I walk into the kitchen area, I stare at my coffee pot. I resist the temptation to pour a small cup. I make toast and spread peanut butter and honey on it. I carry my toast to my table and set it next to my blueberries and yogurt. I walk to the coffee maker. I lift the pot out and slowly pour the coffee into my mug. I raise the mug to my face and let the fragrance do the rest. I take a sip. Yes, this is good. It’s smooth, rich, and I taste the flavor of the cocoa beans. I sit down, give thanks for my coffee and food, and enjoy my breakfast. Life is good.
fragrance
Today’s Poem: Love Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda
Love Sonnet XVII
Pablo Neruda
I do not love you as if you were a salt rose, or topaz
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
So I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.
Are High Fragrance Perfumes and Lotions Harmful?
I asked ChatGPT if high fragrance perfumes, lotions, etc., are harmful.
Here’s how ChatGPT answered:
High fragrance products like perfumes, lotions, and other scented personal care items can be harmful to certain individuals, depending on the nature of the ingredients used and the sensitivity of the person using or exposed to them. Here are some of the potential risks associated with high fragrance products:
- Allergic Reactions: Fragrances are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Some people may develop a rash, itching, or other skin irritations when their skin comes into direct contact with fragranced products.
- Respiratory Issues: For individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, strong fragrances can trigger symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. This is because certain chemical compounds in fragrances can irritate the airways.
- Sensitivity and Headaches: Some people are particularly sensitive to strong smells and may experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea from exposure to potent fragrances.
- Hormone Disruption: Some chemicals used in fragrances, particularly synthetic musks and phthalates, have been linked to hormone disruption in animal studies. There is ongoing research into their effects on human health.
- Environmental Impact: Besides personal health concerns, some ingredients in fragranced products can have environmental consequences. For example, certain synthetic musks are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in aquatic organisms, potentially disrupting ecosystems.
It’s important to note that not all fragranced products will cause harm to every individual. The impact largely depends on the specific ingredients used, the concentration of the fragrance, and the individual’s sensitivity. People concerned about the potential effects of fragranced products may choose to use fragrance-free or naturally scented products and should review ingredient lists to avoid known irritants or allergens. If you experience adverse reactions to any product, it’s advisable to stop using it and consult a healthcare provider.
Today’s Health Tip ~ Is What Your Smelling Good For You?
It May Smell Good, But Is It?
About 4,000 chemicals are currently used to scent products, but you won’t find any of them listed on a label. Fragrance formulations are considered a “trade secret” and therefore protected from disclosure – even to regulators or manufacturers. Instead, one word, fragrance, appears on ingredients lists for countless cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. A single scent may contain anywhere from 50 to 300 distinct chemicals. . . .
But there are resources for shoppers striving for a fragrance-free lifestyle, and the selection of unscented products continues to increase. The Environmental Working Group keeps databases on safe cleaning productsand personal care products, including fragrances. BWW offers a pocket guidefor black consumers and salon workers on top chemicals to avoid. BCPP encourages consumers to buy unscented products from companies committed to chemical disclosure, avoid products with fragrance or parfum on the label, and wear protective gear when working with fragranced cleaning products.
