WHAT IS AN AROMATHERAPY CANDLE?
The earliest use of candles is often attributed to Ancient Egyptians, who made primitive candles by soaking reeds in animal fat. They are also the first to have discovered essential oils, using them for perfume, beauty and well being. It is known that cinnamon was often used to disguise the burning animal fat smell, and so the first aromatherapy candle was born, as old as the candle itself.
After the invention of gas lights, and then electric lights, wax candles almost became obsolete except for their place as emergency lighting, to set a romantic tone, and their use in religious ceremonies. However, with their use as a essential everyday item diminished they have made a resurgence since the 1980s as decorative items with coloured wax, intricate designs or the addition of wonderful scents.
Aromatherapy candles are an ideal way to set an ambiance for relaxation, scent the air and reap the healing benefits of the essential oils contained within. Whatever the essential oil they benefit our emotional wellbeing in some way. They can encourage relaxation, reflection or even uplift us. Use your aromatherapy candle for any occasion, in the bathroom for a spa-like experience, for a cosy night in front of the fire, or for an intimate dinner party.
Already have essential oils in your collection? Love candles but find them well overpriced? Try making your own. They are not so difficult to make, and also make ideal gifts. Here’s our guide:
HOW TO MAKE AN ESSENTIAL OIL CANDLE
CANDLE MAKING INSTRUCTIONS
Melt the solids in a double boiler. Recommended is beeswax or a vegetable-based wax such as coconut or soy to ensure a 100% non-toxic candle.
- When the mixture has fully melted, remove from the heat.
- Stir in essential oils and blend well for 30 seconds.
- Dip the bottom of the candle wick into the melted wax and use this to adhere the wick to the bottom of the chosen container for your candle.
- Prop the wick upright and pour the wax into the container.
- Allow the candle to cool completely. Trim the wick to ¼” .
THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CANDLES
Each essential oil is unique and has its own properties and benefits. And whilst there is most likely an oil for every situation, some essential oils are better suited to candle-making than others, it basically depends on whether they are top, middle or base notes, since a top note oil will not work well on its own in a candle as it will evaporate too quickly. Most aromatherapy candles are made from a blend of oils comprising top, middle (and base).
When you smell a cold candle or lift the lid, you experience the top note. As the most volatile, it will evaporate first. Top notes are more often citrusy or fresh florally aromas. The middle, heart or core note is, as the name suggests, the very heart of the fragrance. As the candle burns the aroma of the heart note slowly unfurls, often spicy, more potent floral or oriental, and may take 10-20 minutes to fully develop. It is the integral part of the fragrance and the most prominent since it makes up from 40-80% of the total aroma. Last is the base note, the heavier woody and amber fragrances.
The heart and base notes work in unison to deepen the top note first revealed, and the full aroma of the candle is revealed after about 30 minutes. The full combination makes up about 20-25% of the aroma, and when the top and heart notes have completely evaporated we are left with the final rich and smooth lingering scent of the base note, which is the longest lasting and continues to delight even after the candle has been extinguished
So ready to get creative? Here’s a list of some popular essential oils, sorted into notes:
| Top notes | Bergamot, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint |
| Middle notes | Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Gardenia, Geranium, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Lotus, Mango, Marjoram, Mimosa, Peach, Rose, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Violet |
| Base notes | Amber, Frankincense, Myrrh, Oud, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang |
HOW MUCH ESSENTIAL OIL TO ADD TO CANDLES
As with all recipes concerning essential oils, there’s a correct ratio that must be observed, since they are extremely potent and shouldn’t be made too strong. The recommended ratio for essential oil candles is 35-40 drops of essential oils for every 3 oz. (85g) of solids, and should produce a pleasant aroma which lasts through multiple uses of the candle but is not overpowering.
If your candle is not strong enough, check your blend, it may be that you haven’t created the correct balance between notes, so the oil is evaporating too quickly. On average the top note should make up 30% of the total drops per blend, the middle note 50% and the base 20%, so if you have more than one from each note you need to find your preferred ratio between them.
The best part about blending oils is that it’s never wrong (assuming you remember the notes). As long as you like the finished result, it’s correct. You can make blends based on aromas that hold special memories for you. Since scent is probably the most potent of our senses for evoking memories, blends based on special memories also make unique gifts for family and loved ones.
Want to get the candle making process perfect before you start creating your own blends? Here are a few ideas just to get you started:
Calming: Lavender, ylang ylang, marjoram, and chamomile.
Combat anger: Orange and patchouli 💙 Bergamot, ylang, ylang, and jasmine
Energise: Orange, frankincense, cinnamon
Help insomnia: Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus and frankincense 💙 Lavender, marjoram, chamomile, ylang ylang 💙 Chamomile, bergamot, frankincense
Boost energy: Peppermint, frankincense, and lemon
Reduce stress: Grapefruit, jasmine, and ylang ylang 💙 Bergamot, geranium, and frankincense
Happiness: Rose, sandalwood, and bergamot 💙 Geranium, frankincense, and orange
Romance: Sandalwood, ylang-ylang, patchouli, lavender.
Or for wonderful Christmas gifts incorporating the scents of the season:
Gift of the Magi: Orange, frankincense and myrrh
Happy holidays: Orange, clove, cinnamon, vanilla
Peppermint surprise: Peppermint, ylang ylang, frankincense
Winter wonderland: Orange, peppermint, frankincense
ARE ESSENTIAL OILS FLAMMABLE IN CANDLES?
Essential oils are perfectly safe used in candles. Whilst you may be concerned about the flash points of the oil (temperature at which the vapours emitted will ignite in air with an ignition source), it doesn’t come into play as the oils are blended into the wax before they are introduced to a naked flame. Do not ever add essential oils to a lit candle to try to enhance the aroma.
TIPS FOR MIXING CANDLE FRAGRANCES
- Always protect your work surface when playing with essential oils as if they spill they can remove paint or varnish, or lift the finish.
- Take a careful note of all quantities used in your experiments so you can easily recreate if you find your perfect blend.
- Votives make a good size for testing your fragrance combinations until you create exactly what you want.
Happy creating! Then sit back, breathe deeply and reap the benefits of your hard work.
