Do you know that aromatherapy for stress relief are made more effective with the infusion of essential oils? Humans have powerful olfactories. In fact, 75 percent of human emotions is affected by the sense of smell. People are known to take a more positive route of action or reaction according to the signals received by their nostrils more than their sight. With stress being a normal occurrence in today’s highly demanding and volatile environment, many individuals turn to essential oil aromatherapy candles for stress relief.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Candles
Aromatherapy candles for stress relief are not only easy to make, they are also economical and, with the infusion of essential oils, can be quite uplifting and therapeutic. Exuding fragrant healing powers to the air, these candles can deliver both relaxing and uplifting effects that shove away stressors at bay. It strikes positively on your hormone production and brain chemistry which, in turn, drives negative aspects like stress and anxiety out of your system.
Aside from its known astounding healing effects to the sense of smell, aromatherapy candles deliver unique benefits, too. In many spas, yoga or meditation establishments, the flickering light of candles deliver a magical feel to a room. It lessens the strain to the eyes thereby, stimulating restiveness and sleepiness. In the same light, taking in the view of candles flickering in a darkened room helps improve one’s memory and strengthen the willpower to overcome whatever life throws at you.
It is no secret that the combination of fragrant essential oils and the flickering light of a candle deliver fantastic effects to the weary and battered mind and body. If you are looking for an effective stress-busting aromatherapy candles to surround your bedroom or bathroom, these selection may be just what you need.
Frankincense
Known by others as “olibanum”, Frankincense is rich in sesquiterpenes, molecular compounds that permeate deeper into the blood-brain barrier to carry oxygen into the brain and stimulates the limbic area, and incensole acetate, known potent to alleviate anxiety and other depressive behaviors thereby, fending off stress triggers. It is also known for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. While its popular in diffusion aromatherapy, it can also be used as an ingredient for candle-making. When lit, it delivers a sedative effect to relieve you from anger, anxiety and stress. Here’s a great choice from Amazon.
Sandalwood
A known ingredient in many cosmetics and perfumery, Sandalwood has always been considered “sacred oil” by ancient practices in balancing emotions and strengthening the immune system. When used in aromatherapy candles, it exudes smell that helps one relax and come into a state of relaxation. It is also excellent for memory improvement and maintaining focus. Check out this one from Amazon.
Lavender
One of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy candles for stress relief is lavender. Known to deliver a nervous system restorative effect, it aids in boosting relaxation, inner peace, and improved sleep as well as relief from anxiety, panic attacks, irritability and annoyance, and nervous tension. In fact, many scented candles in the market today carry lavender on their labels to amplify their sales pitch. To make your own, this essential oil product from Amazon makes an excellent ingredient to your candle-making plans.
Roman Chamomile
Another popular stress-busting essential oil used in aromatherapy candles is Roman chamomile. Apart from its relaxing and calming properties, it also helps alleviate anxiety and wards off deep-rooted anger. Smelling the aromatic scent of chamomile also helps stimulate inner harmony thereby, eliminating stress triggers and aggressive/depressive behaviors. Here’s a great source of organic Roman chamomile essential oil:
Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang
Many homes in the East have their garden surrounded with these fragrant blooms for obvious reasons– both help relax the senses. Both are great addition to other essential oils, too, when creating a stimulating aroma to fight off stress, insomnia, and other emotional upheavals including libido and hormonal issues. Here is a blended variety to consider:
How to Make Aromatherapy Candles
Now that you know the benefits of aromatherapy candles for stress relief and the types of essential oils to use, the time has come to learn how to make one on your own. For starters, you will need the following:
- 1 pound of beeswax
- Candlewick with tab
- Candle mold (metal or thick glass)
- Double boiler
- Silicone spray
- Broomstick
- Your choice of essential oil or combination of essential oils (10 drops each)
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to create you own stress-busting essential oil aromatherapy candles.
- Melt the beeswax by breaking it into pieces and have them heated inside a double boiler over medium heat.
- Spray some silicone into the candle mold’s inner surface then, place the cotton wick previously dipped in the melted beeswax. Hold it in place by fixing the tab at the bottom and then, placing the other end to a broomstick on top.
- Remove the melted beeswax and stir in 10 drops of each of the essential oils you wish to infuse to your concoction. Some may want a single essential oil while others may choose to infuse 2 to 3 aromas. You may also add colors for visual purposes. Mix well.
- Pour it into the mold just right below the edges and sit to cool.
- Take note of the center’s melted wax. Pour it out as soon as the sides have cooled to create a cavity. This will ensure that the candle doesn’t go out as easily when air is blown to it.
- Now, cut the wick to at least a fourth of an inch.
Precautions To Take
While aromatherapy candles for stress relief using essential oils as main ingredients are known for their potency, adequate care must be taken into mind. Choose only natural ingredients like beeswax or grapeseed wax or soy wax. Palm wax and candelilla wax are also good choices. Choose either 100 percent cotton wick or go for hemp wick. As for essential oils, it is safe to always go for products that are certified organic for their safe production. Pregnant women and individuals with various complications may also have to get doctor’s clearance before engaging in any aromatherapy sessions to ensure that certain risks are eliminated. In everything else, making your own essential oil aromatherapy candles to fight off stress and generate specific moods is the safest route to take. It makes a practical recourse for gift-giving, too.