Aromatherapy Options for Candle Making
Aromatherapy is the art and science of aromatic essential oils from plants for both physical and psychological health. For thousands of years, these therapeutic aromas have been used to promote the health of body, mind and spirit (energy). These essential oils can be used in a bath, a vaporizer, a massage, and in candle making. We will be delving into the world of aromatherapy as it relates to candle making, under the assumption that you have a general knowledge of how candles are made.
For true aromatherapy one must use essential oils extracted directly from the plant, rather than fragrance oils, which are synthetic. Essential oils can be quite powerful, and some can be irritating if contact occurs with skin. So exercise caution when working with these oils. In addition, some essential oils can be hazardous and should not be used in combination with certain conditions, like pregnancy or epilepsy, so do your research!
Let’s look at some of the most popular essential oils for candles and their individual properties…
Lavender - Calming and relaxing with a floral, sweet, and herbal aroma.
Eucalyptus - Balancing and stimulating with a woody and camphor-like aroma, it makes a great air disinfectant and relieves muscle tension.
Avoid use with epilepsy.
Peppermint - Stimulating and refreshing, with a menthol scent. Use caution during pregnancy.
Geranium - Comforting and healing with a floral, sweet, and earthy smell. Avoid during pregnancy.
Tea Tree - Cleansing and refreshing with a fresh, medicinal fragrance.
Ylang Ylang - Both relaxing and stimulating with a heavy, sweet, and exotic aroma.
Lemongrass and Orange - Refreshing and rejuvenating, with a sweet and citrus scent.
Sandalwood and Patchouli - Warm and relaxing with a woody and exotic smell. Not only do they relieve stress, but also they are reputed to be aphrodisiacs.
There are an abundance of opportunities to be creative with your aroma blends, as essential oils are often most effective in combination. For a fresh, clean smell you could consider using tea tree alone or combining eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary. For help with sleep consider lavender, either alone or with chamomile and sandalwood. Romance is sure to be in the air if you use a little patchouli, sandalwood, and ylang ylang. You may want to experiment with various scents, but keep in mind that your nose will quickly become desensitized, so try only a few combinations at a time.
Some of my favorite combinations include:
Patchouli, Frankincense and Vetiver - an ethereal combination that is
perfect for contemplation and meditation
Ginger and Orange - Creates a warm and inviting atmosphere
Lemongrass and Rosemary - Energizes the environment!
Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Ylang Ylang - For very sensual surroundings…
Once you decide on a particular oil or combination, it’s time to add it to the candle you are making, and restraint is the key. Too much of a good thing can have disastrous results! You should add no more than six or seven drops of oil per average pillar candle. If you add too much, you may find the oil “weeping” from your finished candle.
Though “weeping” may present a problem, the most common issue associated with candle making is a reduced “scent flow”. This is how much the candle exudes the desired aroma. Typically this is caused because the essential oils were added to early in the process and some of the oils were lost to evaporation. This can be eliminated by adding the oils right before the candle is poured. Use the following course of action to ensure the best results:
1. Melt the wax
2. Add stearic or vybar
3. Add color
4. Bring to pouring temperature
5. Add essential oils (Remember less is more!)
6. Pour the candle within one minute
Aromas can evoke powerful emotional and physical reactions. Human beings have used them to heal, entice, soothe, and invigorate their bodies, minds, and spirits. Using these aromas in candles allows you to manipulate the world around you, albeit in a small way. As you develop your aromatic combinations, let them inspire you and envelop you. Find yourself being drawn to the possibilities…as a moth is drawn to a flame.
