Aromatherapy

People interested in aromatherapy are always looking for new ways to incorporate essential oils into their daily life.  If you are one of these people, you might want to consider making your own aromatherapy candles.  Candlemaking is a popular and relatively easy hobby to pick up. 

This is a list of items that you will need to create your aromatherapy candles:

Containers (either molds or jars)

Wax Wicks

Melting pot or double boiler

Thermometer (candy thermometer works well)

Essential oils

Colorants (optional)

Many of these items can be found in any craft store or online candle supply company.  When choosing wax for aromatherapy candles, you should use a soy based wax blend.  Soy wax is made from soy beans and is easier to clean up than paraffin wax.  Essential oils will mix better and have better scent throw than paraffin wax blends.  Choose a soy wax blend designed for the type of candle you want to make.  There are different types for votives, container or pillar candles.  For the wicks, purchasing pre-tabbed wicks will make your life a lot easier, since all you have to do is place them in the container and trim to size. 

For your essential oils, do not purchase these at a craft store.  You want to make sure that you are using true essential oils and not synthetic fragrance oils in order to make aromatherapy candles.  You can purchase essential oils at natural foods stores or online through specialty aromatherapy merchants.  You can purchase single note essential oils, such as lavender or rosemary - or you can buy special blends already made up for the purpose you want, such as relaxing or stress blends.  This is where you can be your most creative self! 

To make your aromatherapy candles, prepare your mold or container by placing a wick tab in the center and cutting the wick to two inches taller than the finished candle will be.  You can tie the wick to a dowel or pencil to keep the wick centered, if need be.  Pre-tabbed wicks will have a sticky bottom, so you only need to make sure they have adhered to the container. 

Place the desired amount of wax into your double boiler or wax melter.  Place the thermometer in the pot, being sure not to touch the bottom.  Melt the wax to 140 degrees F.  When the wax reaches 140 F, remove from the heat and stir in your essential oils.  You will want about one ounce of essential oils per pound of wax that you melt.  Stir thoroughly and add any candle colorant (if desired).  Pour the melted wax into the molds. 

Let the candles set for twenty four hours before removing from the mold.  Since essential oils create a synergy when blended together, letting your candles sit for several days will enhance your aromatherapy experience.   

While enjoying your personalized aromatherapy candles, don't forget that you can also give these as gifts!  A thoughtful present of a hand crafted aromatherapy candle will be greatly appreciated by the receiver.