Aromatherapy

Many of us depend on quick fixes for the blues.  Ice Cream, a favorite movie, or hibernating in bed all day seem to get the job done.  Unfortunately, the remedies we often use to help us feel better only work in the short term.  And even more importantly, these quick fixes can sometimes make you feel worse than you did before you reached for that entire cheesecake!  

If you really want to lift your spirits - and benefit your body at the same time - consider something as simple as lighting an aromatherapy candle.  There are scents that offer the right solution for just about any situation and there is also the added benefit of how aromatherapy candles leave your room smelling. 

If you're thinking that this sounds too good to be true, here are some interesting facts about the results achieved with aromatherapy candles that you may not know about:

Ancient Beginnings

Aromatherapy candles, just like most aromatherapy products, gain their power from essential oils mixed with other natural ingredients.  Essential oils come from the fragrant essence of plants.  The actual oil is obtained by steam distillation, extraction or mechanical removal from the plant.  Depending on the oil, the plant roots, buds, leaves, or flower petals may be used.  These same essential oils have been used since ancient times in aromatherapy candles, cooking flavorings, incense, spiritual ceremonies and natural healing. 

Inner Joy

Today, the majority of aromatherapy candles are made with hand-poured essential oils and organic soy waxes to create a candle that, when lit, can actually transport you to tranquility.  Depending on what your goal is, you would choose a scent that would allow you to achieve and balance a specific mood.  

For example, you could use a rich lavender scent to unwind or an orange aromatherapy candle to rejuvenate you.  Here are some other examples:

Cinnamon: exhaustion

Eucalyptus: colds, coughing

Ginger: nausea

Jasmine: depression, exhaustion, labor pains

Rose: stress, depression

Spearmint: headache, exhaustion

Ylang Ylang: depression, stress, frigidity

The list is endless and can assist you with whatever you may be dealing with at the time.  

Mood Lighting

While most people recognize candles as symbols of romance, have you considered lighting an aromatherapy candle or two to enhance the mood even more?  It's a great way to excite both of your senses on all levels.  Aromatherapy candles can be used to enhance a romantic dinner or they can accompany a sensual soak in the tub.  Either (or both) is a great way to connect both spiritually and physically with your significant other. 

We all agree that candles set the mood for celebration.  Lighting a candle to acknowledge a birthday, communion, or a marriage union breathes life into the moment. 

Aromatherapy Candle Care

To make your aromatherapy candle use enjoyable and safe, keep these closing tips in mind:

- The best way to burn a candle is to trim the candle wick to 1/4". 

- If you burn your candle for only a few minutes at a time, the wax will create a small hole in the core of the candle and the flame will lose oxygen, causing the candle to burn poorly or not at all. 

- Never leave a flame unattended.

- Always keep burning candles away from children and pets. 

- Never burn a candle in a drafty or breezy area. 

- Always use a candle holder and place the candle and holder on a protected, nonflammable surface

- Place your finger in front of the flame and then gently blow the flame out to prevent hot wax from splattering.