Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries. In fact, ancient Egyptian physicians regularly utilized the healing powers of aromatherapy. Nonetheless, the phrase "aromatherapy" was not coined until the 1930s. Since then, aromatherapy and the use of aromatherapy candles has become an increasingly commonplace form of natural alternative healing.

Making Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy candles are created by placing special aroma-generating oils from certain plants within the candle wax. These oils are referred to as essential oils. Essential oils are generally distilled by steam or water from the flowers, leaves, bark, stems, or roots of a plant. Although they are referred to as "oils," essential oils are not actually oily feeling. In addition, most essential oils are clear. There are a couple of exceptions, however, such as orange, patchouli, and lemongrass, all of which are yellow or amber in color.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils because these products are artificially created or contain artificial substances. In addition, they do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

A Look at the "Therapy" Component of Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy candles provide valuable physical and psychological effects because they allow the user to inhale the essential oils as the candle is burned. When the essential oils are inhaled, the oil molecules enter the lungs and ultimately become absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, certain illnesses can be remedied or prevented.

Although the term aromatherapy implies that essential oils are helpful because of their scent, this is not actually the case. While the scent can stir up memories that can be relaxing and helpful in reducing stress, it is the actually chemical properties of the oil that have the healing power.

Selecting the Right Aromatherapy Candle

All aromatherapy candles are not the same. The quality of the essential oils used to create the candle has a significant impact on the therapeutic effects of the candle. The conditions and the country in which the plants were grown can alter the effects of the essential oils. Similarly, the distilling process and the amount of oil actually produced by the plant will determine the ultimate quality of the aromatherapy candle.

The rarity of the plant used to create the aromatherapy candle will also have an impact on the price of the candle. Fortunately, there are many highly beneficial plants that are not considered to be rare and, therefore, are not expensive to purchase. Lavender, for instance, helps with depression and fatigue. It is also helpful for treating headaches.

It is also possible to purchase aromatherapy candles that provide a blend of essential oils. These candles make it possible to receive the benefits of several different aromatherapy candles without needing to purchase multiple candles.

An aromatherapy candle should also be purchased based on the desired effects. Therefore, it is necessary to know more about the benefits provided by certain essential oils. Some of the more popular oils include:

· Chamomile - soothing and relaxing
· Clove - stimulating
· Eucalyptus - stimulating and decongestant
· Jasmine - antidepressant and relaxing
· Orange - antidepressant and detoxifying
· Patchouli - relaxing, antidepressant, sedative
· Peppermint - stimulating and decongestant
· Sandalwood - aphrodisiac and sedative

Aromatherapy candles not only provide a wonderful scent, they also help the mind, body, and spirit when carefully selected and used in the right way.