Aromatherapy Candles: A Time-Honored Path to Health and Well-Being

The use of candles for aromatherapy is rooted in the ancient Chinese and Egyptian practice of using the aromas of essential plant and botanical oils to promote health and well-being. Candles are now a common part of aromatherapy practice, and aromatherapy candles are created with the same kinds of fragrant essential oils that have been used for centuries.  Using aromatherapy candles for personal or professional use (aromatherapy candles are popular in spas and salons, for example) mean it's easier than ever to reap the time-honored psychological and physical rewards of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy candles, like the essential oils and fragrances with which they are made, are available in a variety of scents.  These candles are very effective at diffusing the scent throughout a room or space, and aromatherapy candles are an excellent way to set the mood and tone for a whole environment.  

Select aromatherapy candles based upon the therapeutic effects you desire. For instance, candles with floral scents are often good for people dealing with grief, while candles with sweet, citrus fragrances foster optimism and positivity.  Candles scented with ylang ylang, bergamot, lemon and orange aromas are excellent for promoting happiness and well-being.

Here's a quick guide to choosing the right aromatherapy candles:

• Candles for stress and anxiety: Opt for floral scented candles like rose, lavender and gardenia candles
• Candles for happiness and peace: Try using fresh or citrus scented candles like melon, cucumber, grapefruit, orange, lemon and bergamot.
• Candles for energy and motivation: Select candles with woody, herbal and savory scents like apple spice, eucalyptus, cinnamon and ginger

Using a small tea light or unscented votive to heat and diffuse small amounts of pure essential oil is an equally effective alternative to aromatherapy candles. Using a small unscented candle and a diffuser gives you the option of personalizing your blend of essential oils; likewise, you might also try burning two or three aromatherapy candles with complementary scents to diffuse the fragrance throughout a larger space.