Incense sticks swap to Dried lavender

Why make the swap

• Why switch to dried lavender

  No flame means no smoke: a bowl or sachet of dried lavender scents a room without burning anything, so you cut the smoke you breathe at home.

• What's the concern with incense sticks

  Burning incense pumps out fine particles, and the smoke contains well-known carcinogens. Years of use were linked to airway cancers, though not to lung cancer overall.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.

• Good to know before you buy

  Have cats or dogs? Keep the bowl or sachets out of reach: ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to cats and dogs, with nausea and vomiting as the signs.

  HyozorGo cotton muslin drawstring bags, 4 × 3", 20-pack: For sachets: 100% unbleached cotton. Add a spoonful of lavender and pull the string.

• Sources (2)

  1. Friborg et al. 2008, Cancer: 61,320 adults; long-term use, 1.8× airway squamous-cell cancer (opens in a new tab)
  2. ASPCA: lavender is toxic to dogs and cats; signs are nausea, vomiting and not eating (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.