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Aromatherapy Candles -
Do You Know How to Use These 14 Key
Essential
Oils?
by: Justine van Zyl
Essential oils have been used
for thousands of years, largely for
medicinal purposes. Although the medical
emphasis started to decline about 100
years ago, aromatherapists stayed
focussed and have been studying the
effect of essential oils on the body and
brain for hundreds of years.
Although the cosmetic and
perfume industries had become the major
users of essential oils as mainstream
medical interest declined, the pendulum
started to swing back in 1928, when
René-Maurice Cattefossé first used the
term aromatherapy.
Other pioneers helped foster
renewed focus on essential oils, and
there is now greater interest than ever
in their use for cosmetic, therapeutic
and spiritual purposes.
Today's aromatherapists can call
on at least 90 essential oils, which can
be used either singly or combined.
Naturally, in this modern age, they are
cautious in their recommendations and
claims - but they themselves are
convinced believers.
Aromatherapy Fragranced
Candles
Candle makers have recognised
this renewed interest, and provide a wide
range of products for those who want to
combine a love of candles with an
interest in aromatherapy.
Obviously, the candles do not
give as intense an effect as the direct
application of an essential oil, but
instead provide a more subtle influence.
As they burn the candles release a
continuous stream of vaporized essential
oils into the air, which you absorb as
you breathe.
First they stimulate the
olfactory nerves that lead from the nose
to the brain, and then they enter the
bloodstream and travel throughout the
body. So depending on what you want to
achieve, there is probably an oil that
will be just right.
The Abbreviated List A list of
90 different oils is a bit much for a
non-expert to absorb, so here is an
abbreviated guide to some of the more
common oils, and their associated
recommendations:
1. Bergamot - extracted from a
citrus fruit. Used to fight depression,
and reduce stress and fatigue.
2. Chamomile - calming,
refreshing, antiseptic.
3. Eucalyptus - stimulant,
antiseptic. Recommended for treating
coughs and colds. Used as insecticide and
germicide.
4. Geranium - good for the skin,
recommended for depression. Found in
window boxes (particularly in Europe), it
is a good household
insecticide.
5. Jasmine - anti-depressant,
antiseptic. Used to overcome anxiety and
depression.
6. Lavender - the world\'s most
common essential oil, used since the
Middle Ages. Relaxes, calms,
antiseptic.
7. Neem -
extracted from an Indian tree and is used
primarily in health and beauty products.
Said to be anti- almost everything -
antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and
antihistamine, among others. One of the
major essential oils.
8. Neroli - derived from orange
blossoms. Said to be calming and good for
treating insomnia.
9. Orange - another product from
the orange tree, this time pressed from
the skin of the fruit. Relaxes and calms,
and is often mixed with other
oils.
10. Oregano - another of the
majors, with just as many "antis" in its
list of properties as Neem
oil.
11. Rose - pricey, as all who
encounter it in skincare products will
know. Also an antiseptic and
anti-depressant.
12. Rosemary - physical and
mental stimulant, but also very relaxing
at the end of a stressful day.
13. Tea Tree - derived from an
Australian tree, it has a wide range of
uses, and at one stage was even in
military first-aid kits. Another of the
major essential oils.
14. Ylang Ylang - very fragrant,
relieves pain, eases anxiety,
aphrodisiac.
Even Aromatherapy Soy
Candles
These, and many others, are
available in a wide range that includes
aromatherapy soy candles.
Of course, sampling this list
might lead to a storage area loaded with
a large variety of candles.
But when it comes to
aromatherapy candles, can you really have
too much of a good thing?
About The Author
Justine
van Zyl provides information for people who
want to make better decisions about the candles
they buy online. You can get more helpful
information at her website,
www.buybettercandlesonline.com
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