Aromatherapy Candles
by M. J. Plaster, All Things Healing Contributor to Aromatherapy
Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few ordinary candles scattered strategically throughout the room. Add scented candles and you can quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest. Aromatherapy candles add yet another dimension to the equation.
Aromatherapy candles release a small, but continuous stream of herbal and floral essential oils into the air as they burn. The chemicals in the essential oils enter your body as you breathe, and travel throughout the body, including the brain, through the bloodstream. You receive subtle benefits as the chemicals interact with your body. Dont expect to receive full healing benefits by lighting a candle, but aromatherapy candles provide the same dual benefits inherent in conventional aromatherapy in less concentrated doses: smell therapy and chemical reactions to the essential oils.
Burn aromatherapy candles to alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind while adding a touch of natures pure perfume to your surroundings. What a pleasant, powerful quick fix to a perhaps stressful day, not to mention a less destructive alternative to downing a pint of ice cream or a pound of chocolate to chase away the blahs.
Let aromatherapy candles help set the right mood for others with whom you spend time. Your guests will only know that you have that special something, that magical touch when it comes to hospitality.
Tips for Using Aromatherapy Candles
Make sure that you purchase aromatherapy candles, not just scented candles. Look for labels that include pure essential oils.
Select the right candle for the situation. The best way to ensure that you have selected the best candle to achieve your goal is to purchase a candle with labeling that reflects your desired effect.
Invigorate Perhaps you arrive home lethargic and drained after a grueling day at work, and like so many other busy parents, your workday at home is just beginningwith no time for an intervening catnap. Treat yourself to a short break, and light an energizing aromatherapy candle. Invigorating candles typically contain some mixture of oils from the mint and citrus families. The mint essential oilspeppermint, spearmint, basil, and eucalyptusprovide quick stimulation, revitalization, and an extra dose of energy. Other invigorating essential oils include cedar, rosemary, cinnamon, geranium, cassia, and vanilla.
Relax Sometimes a sense of accomplishment or closure leaves you wired. You know that feeling. Youve finished a big project, and youre bursting at the seams with energy when you really want to kick back, relax and enjoy some quiet time. Light a stress-releasing aromatherapy candle, take a few deep breaths, and allow your mind to clear. Stress-releasing essential oils include lavender, chamomile, patchouli, geranium and rose.
Concentrate Use aromatherapy candles to improve concentration when you need to tap into your creative powers. Nothing sparks creativity like the ability to concentrate and block mental and environmental distractions. Citrus essential oils help you to concentrate: lemon, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot.
Add atmosphere Youve planned a quiet evening at home with that special someone, and youve made every effort to impress. Youve cooked a dinner right out of a Parisian bis! tro, fre sh flowers grace your home, the table is set with china and linen napkins, the wine is chilling, and youve never looked better. Add the final touch with an aromatherapy candle containing some of the sensual essential oils: Ylang ylang, vanilla, neroli, rose, clary sage, sandalwood.
When using candles to add atmosphere, grouping candles together is fine, but less can be more. Youre striving for natural and nonchalant: think elegant understatement, not sacrificial altar. When you light more than one aromatherapy candle, burn candles with complementary, not competing essential oils. You dont want to burn candles with invigorating oils along with candles that contain a relaxing mixture of oils. Your body will receive mixed signals.
Why reserve your aromatherapy candles for special occasions or for company? Add an elegant touch and a little mood to your everyday life. What else can add so much pleasure with so little effort? Include aromatherapy candles in your repertoire to turn the mere ordinary into the extraordinary.
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