Aromatherapy Candle Making
Making candles is a craft many people enjoy. Aromatherapy candle making has become more popular in recent years because of the soothing effect these candles have on our mental health. We live in a rushed and hurried society, and we need to slow down and smell the candles sometimes.
Relaxation is very important in our fast-paced lifestyles. We work, raise families, take care of a home, and while we try to take care of ourselves, sometimes we end up last on our own list.
We need to take a little time for ourselves occasionally. In doing so, we are better able to perform our daily duties and responsibilities. We need to relax and then re-energize. Even if you only have a few minutes, a warm bath, low lighting, and a fragrant candle can work wonders to rejuvenate you.
Aromatherapy candle making is not much different from other candle making, except that you use fragrance and essential oils when creating them. Soy wax is a good choice for aromatherapy candles. In researching the properties of essential oils and candle fragrances, you’ll find that different scents offer different effects.
Lavender is known to promote relaxation and help relieve tension. Sandalwood is known to reduce stress. Ginger is a memory aid. Chamomile, like lavender, helps you relax and relieves tension. Bergamot promotes a sense of happiness and well-being. Jasmine lifts your spirit and enhances your mood. Frankincense is often used during times of quiet meditation.
Just as there are fragrances that are recommended for aromatherapy, there are others that are not recommended and actually considered hazardous. So do your homework before randomly selecting scents for your candles. Some of the oils on the hazard list can be used, please note I said “some,” but only by a qualified practitioner in aromatherapy.
Some of the fragrances on the hazard list include pennyroyal, horseradish, onion, garlic, sassafras, mugwort, bitter almond, camphor, Spanish broom, and wintergreen. This is by no means a complete list, so again, do your research before using any oil or fragrance in an aromatherapy candle.
Remember that not all fragrances and essential oils are recommended for candle making. The same is true of the soap making craft; some of the oils used in soap are not recommended for candles and vice versa.
Aromatherapy candle making is a great addition to your craft if you already make candles. You can expand your product line, and use some of your own products to relax and relieve stress at the end of a long day.
