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Potpourri: Friend or Foe?

Potpourri is a popular decorating accessory, but is it a healthy choice?

It is fun to decorate! And, matching the right colours with the right items is exciting! But, before you buy anything, take a look at what you are actually bringing into the house.

Potpourri is primarily made up of dried plants, bark and flowers. When commercially processed these flowers take on a preservative, or chemical scent. Often, colorant and dyes are added to the flowers for enhancement and some of these can be extremely toxic! And, impossible to dust! (One of my FS Associates talks about her cat that ate potpourri, and then died!) I caution you to think twice before bringing any foreign chemicals into your home.

In addition to the chemical dispensation, dust collects in these items;

This is not ideal for healthy living in your home.

In Feng Shui, live plants and flowers bring fresh energy into the house. The purpose would be to enhance our space with their scent and freshness. Their air exchange permeates our air and we do notice their invigorating presence. Once the plants die, you no longer receive these benefits.

Many gardeners grow their own flowers, enjoy them while alive, and can enjoy them again when they have dried out. If you are making your own potpourri, you may wish to enhance the scent with some lavender oil or something else that is natural.

If you do plan to have dried plants inside, please do not place them in the Health Area. Your Health Area is in the very center of your home; the nucleus and life source. Dead plants in this area cannot give you energy for your health. For the people that grow the beautiful, late-blooming hydrangeas and sedums: go ahead, dry them out and enjoy them for one season. Remember to toss them out before the dust becomes a problem.

More and more people are reporting sensitivities to perfumes, air fresheners and cleaning product chemicals. Even the plastics in some stores are off gassing -and can make your eyes water! Be aware of what is on the label. There are many ‘green’ products out there, but please read the entire label before buying.

Healthy living forms healthy habits!

I’m planning to make my own potpourri.

All the best,

Kathryn

Kathryn of Kathryn Wilking Designs is a Professional Member of the IFSG (International Feng Shui Guild) Author, Teacher and Feng Shui Consultant. kathrynwilking.com

Her recent book; Practical Feng Shui for the Office, is now available in e-book and paperback.

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About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
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