How to Benefit From Aromatherapy Soy Candles

The practice of aromatherapy uses volatile plant oils, known as essential oils, to promote psychological and physical well-being. When inhaled, the therapeutic molecules of these natural, plant-derived oils are believed to enter the lungs and then the bloodstream to encourage healing, relaxation or clarity of the senses. Soy candles made with essential oils provide a way to diffuse these oils into the air. Because soy, a natural wax, burns cleanly, you can safely enjoy the benefits of these aromatherapy candles.

Things You'll Need

• Soy candles
• Candle holder
• Essential oils
• Olive oil
• Dead sea salts
• Candle snuffer

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose an aromatherapy soy candle. Look for candles that contain only essential oils, cotton wicks and pure soy wax. Soy wax comes from soybeans, a natural, renewable resource that produces a bio-degradable product, free of pesticides or herbicides. Candles made of pure soy wax, unlike petroleum-based paraffin wax, burn without producing soot or carcinogens. Therefore, you can burn them and breathe in the scent without worry of inhaling harmful chemicals.

• 2

  Place the candle or candles in heat-proof candle holders for free-standing candles, such as pillars or votives. Container candles already come in a heat-proof jar in which to burn them. Put the candles out of direct sunlight and in a cool spot so the wax will last longer. Place the candles close to you to obtain the maximum aromatherapy benefits.

• 3

  Light the candle or candles of your choice. After the candle burns for 5 to 10 minutes, you will start to smell the fragrance of the essential oils diffused throughout the room. Breathe this fragrance in deeply to inhale the aroma molecules as the candles burn. You should feel the effects as you breathe in the scent. The candles have more subtle effects than direct application of essential oils due to a lesser concentration of the oils.

• 4

  Relax and meditate, or take a soothing bath while inhaling the essential oil molecules being diffused around the room. Candles scented with lavender essential oil help in relaxation and meditation. German chamomile oil is thought to calm restlessness and promote sleep. Bergamot and sandalwood are believed to combat anxiety attacks and rose oil is thought to help relieve depression. To prepare a relaxing bath, mix 7 drops of the same or a complementary essential oil to that of your candles with 1 oz. olive oil to dilute it. Add the oil mixture to 2 cups dead sea salt and stir until you coat the salt with the oil. When selecting an essential oil for your bath, choose a skin-safe one such as lavender, rose, sandalwood or chamomile. Some oils, such as bergamot, cinnamon, bay, clove, nutmeg, oregano or basil cause skin sensitivity and you should avoid them for direct-skin use, such as in your bath water. Pour the salt-and-oil mixture into your bath water and wait until the salt dissolves before you soak in the tub. The salt will purify and cleanse your skin while the oil will increase the benefits of the aromatherapy candle. This way, you get the benefits of inhaling an essential oil and direct contact with one through the bath.

• 5

  Stimulate your senses before working by inhaling the oil in a rosemary, peppermint, basil, eucalyptus or spearmint-scented soy candle for ten to fifteen minutes. You can also leave the candle burn while you work to enhance mental clarity. Fight fatigue by burning a citronella candle, which also repels insects.

• 6

  Reduce stress by burning a candle containing lavender, jasmine, frankincense, neroli, orange, tangerine, ylang-ylang, clary sage, juniper or sweet marjoram. You can also mix and match these scents or burn a candle with a combination of these essential oils. Smelling these scents will send a calming message to your limbic system, which controls moods and emotions, according to Aromacures.com.

• 7

  Relieve congestion from allergies, a cold or flu by burning a candle infused with eucalyptus. This invigorating oil will also keep you alert when feeling tired from illness. Use a eucalyptus candle in conjunction with a peppermint one to clear sinuses.

• 8

  Extinguish your candles with a candle snuffer when you finish your aromatherapy session. This prevents hot wax from spraying out of the holder. When the candle cools, trim the wick down to about 1/4-inch from the top of the candle to help it burn better, preventing it from smoking when you relight it. Remove the trimmed part of the wick.