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Why Natural Isn't Always Safe!
by Kristin Wilson
http://www.naturalsbykristin.com
In today's world, we all want the natural and safe alternative
to the nasty and dangerous chemicals from years past. But is it
always 'safe'?
Unfortunately, no. We like to think of Mother Nature as safe.
But we need to be careful that we don't confuse natural with
safe. They are two separate words with different definitions.
Let's start there.
According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English
Language, Fourth Edition:
natural (adj.) 1. Present in or produced by nature;
6. Not altered, treated, or disguised. 7. Faithfully
representing nature or life. There is more to the
definition that don't pertain to our article here.
safe (adj.) 1. Secure from danger, harm or evil. Again,
there are a few more meaning the same in different
situations that don't pertain to this article.
Now that we have the those out in the open, you can see they
are quite different in meaning.
Natural products are a blessing. If derived from sustainable,
and fair trade, sources they are helping others while helping
the environment by using boidegradeable and safer ingredients
that won't harm wildlife us in the disposal process. The
product will break down naturally back into nature without
dangerous side effects of poisoning and pollution.
However, there are still dangers in nature. Such as, Opium from
the Poppy. THC from Marijuana. They aren't safe though natural.
Quite the opposite. Even berries on the Mountain Ash tree are
natural, and good food for birds. In fact they are poisonous to
humans and domestic pets. Coal is naturally occuring from the
earth's lifecycle. Water in the earth is also natural, but not
always safe to drink as is.
Many natural products can say they are natural if using in-
gredients that are from natural resources. Be careful here.
Petroleum jelly is usually made from petro derived oils. These
are dangerous to us and the environment in use and disposal. They
harm our bodies and wildlife. Here is where the difference is
important to understand.
Also, essential oils, derived from plant parts in a distillation
process, are natural but not all are safe for everyone. Pregnant
women should be careful not to use personal care products that
are left on the body that contain Anise, Sweet Fennel, etc ...
They are also not safe for babies and young children because of
the neurotoxic affects that can occur.
So, how do you know if what you are considering using is safe?
You need to educate yourself on ingredients. There are many
resources available on th web today. Many organizations are
available to you to help educate yourself on what is truly safe
to use on your body and in your home.
There is a labeling system the FDA has incurred that can give you
a head's up about what is in the product. This brings us to the
actual ingredient list. How do you know what is in the product?
The ingredient list is made up of the chemical (INCI) name the
FDA has determined for each ingredient. Although you may not
understand all of the INCI jargon, it's not all bad just because
you don't know what it is. A good example is Arrowroot Powder,
used in body powders and other applications. The INCI is Maranta
Arundinacea. The typical person wouldn't know this is a safe
powder, unlike talc. This is where your investigation and knowing
where to get information is important.
In summary, not all that seem safe, are safe. Not all that seem
bad, are bad. Here are some great internet resources to help
educate and inform you:
Decoding the Cosmetic Label
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-labl.html
Cosmetics and Your Health
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/cosmetics.htm
Adirondack Supplies INCI Dictionary:
http://www.saratogascents.com/inci_names.html
There is a whole slew more of information at your fingertips,
let your fingers do the clicking and you'll find it, easily.
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Kristin Wilson is the owner of Naturals by Kristin, NBK,
a natural bath and body manufacturer. From soaps to lotions
to diaper care. She has been doing steady research into
natural, safe ingredients for her products for over 7 years.
You can view her line of products at
http://www.naturalsbykristin.com.
Enjoy safe natural products!
** This article may be reproduced in any way in any media so long as the
title and resource box are kept in tact and with the reprint.
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