Why Are Essential Oil Candles Better?

ByOwen Turner

Essential oil candles are candles that have been infused with essential oils, which are aromatic, concentrated plant extracts obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils impart various therapeutic benefits and pleasant scents when used in candles.

The use of scented candles dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, where aromatics were burned for spiritual ceremonies. Scented candles became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and experienced a resurgence in the 1970s with the rise of aromatherapy. The use of pure essential oils in candles became more common in the 1990s as people sought natural home fragrance options.

Essential oil candles provide numerous benefits compared to regular candles. The essential oils release into the air when heated, providing aromatherapy effects. The scents can improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, boost focus and productivity, and purify air. Essential oil candles allow people to customize home fragrance based on their personal preferences. They offer a natural alternative to synthetic room sprays and fragranced candles. Overall, essential oil candles provide pleasant scents and therapeutic benefits in a clean-burning, eco-friendly package.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils, which are concentrated extracts from plants like lavender and eucalyptus. When inhaled, these oils stimulate smell receptors in the nose connected to the brain, specifically the limbic system which controls emotions, memories, blood pressure and heart rate (1). The fragrance of the essential oils stimulates the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, leading to physiological and psychological benefits.

Studies have shown that aromatherapy can help alleviate stress, anxiety, fatigue, nausea and pain (2). The essential oils used in aromatherapy can also help boost energy levels, improve cognitive function and enhance mood. Some common benefits of aromatherapy include:

  • Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
  • Boosting mood and fighting depression
  • Improving sleep quality
  • Increasing energy and concentration
  • Easing digestion issues like nausea

Essential oil candles allow you to harness the aromatherapy power of essential oils in candle form. As the candle burns, it releases the plant’s aroma into the air so the benefits can be enjoyed. Candles are an easy way to incorporate aromatherapy at home.

(1) https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/aromatherapy

(2) https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview

Improved Air Quality

Essential oil candles can significantly improve indoor air quality. Studies show that diffusing certain essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint can reduce airborne bacteria and pollutants[1]. Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils contain natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal compounds that purify the air. For example, lemon oil contains the compound limonene which has been shown to reduce mold and bacteria[2]. Diffusing essential oils can reduce airborne microbes by up to 90%[3]. Essential oil candles made from all natural plant extracts provide a safe and effective way to cleanse and deodorize indoor air.

Candles made with real essential oils also avoid the toxic chemicals found in many synthetic fragrance candles. Artificial fragrances can emit harmful VOCs, but essential oil candles use pure plant essences that are non-toxic. Switching to essential oil candles is an easy way to enhance air quality without exposing yourself to hazardous chemicals.

Mood Enhancement

Essential oil candles can have powerful effects on mood, stress levels, and emotions. The scent from essential oils can stimulate the olfactory system and trigger responses in the limbic system of the brain, which is linked to emotions, memories, and moods. Inhaling certain scents sends signals to this part of the brain and can immediately shift your mood or emotional state.

Some of the most popular essential oils for improving mood and relieving stress include:

  • Lavender – Has a calming, soothing effect that reduces anxiety and helps promote sleep.
  • Bergamot – Helps relieve depression and boost energy levels.
  • Ylang Ylang – Calms the nervous system and has an uplifting effect against negativity.
  • Frankincense – Reduces anxiety and evokes feelings of mental peace.
  • Rose – Lifts mood and promotes feelings of joy and happiness.

Studies have confirmed the mood enhancing effects of these and other essential oils. For example, research has shown lavender can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17713695). Bergamot oil has also been found effective as an antidepressant and mood stabilizer (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28552995/).

By harnessing the power of aromatherapy, essential oil candles can be a simple yet effective way to give your mood an immediate uplift whenever you need it.

Customization

One of the main benefits of essential oil candles is the ability to customize the scents to your specific preferences and needs. With premade essential oil candles, you are limited to whatever scents the manufacturer has chosen. However, with essential oil candle making, you have full control over creating custom blends that are uniquely tailored for you.

Many companies offer the option to create your own custom essential oil blend with several fragrances that you select. For example, The Refill Shoppe allows you to make a personalized mix of up to 5 single essential oils to produce your own signature scent. Lulumière also provides the option for shoppers to design their own custom blend with the premium essential oils used in their candles and aromatherapy products.

In addition to the ability to formulate homemade blends, most essential oil candle companies also offer a variety of premade scent options to choose from. This gives you the flexibility to easily purchase pre-designed blends if you prefer, while still having the creative freedom to mix your own combinations when desired.

Safe Alternative

Unlike traditional paraffin candles, essential oil candles are often made from natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax. These waxes don’t release harmful chemicals into the air when burned like paraffin, which can contain carcinogens and toxins (1). Beeswax and soy candles have a lower melting point than paraffin, so they don’t produce as much soot. They also burn cleaner and cooler (2). This makes essential oil candles with natural waxes a much safer alternative for your home and health.

Beeswax is considered the best and safest wax for candles. It’s 100% natural, comes from honeycombs, and burns the cleanest. Soy wax is another good option made from soybean oil. It’s biodegradable and renewable. Both beeswax and soy wax candles are better at holding onto essential oil fragrance vs paraffin candles. They produce less soot and release far fewer toxins into the air (3).

Overall, essential oil candles made from natural waxes like soy and beeswax provide a non-toxic alternative to paraffin candles. You can safely experience the aromatherapy benefits without inhaling harsh chemicals.

Sources:
(1) https://houseofaja.com/blogs/wellness/benefits-and-risks-of-using-essential-oils-in-candles
(2) https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/candles-health-benefits
(3) https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/blogs/journal/benefits-of-essential-oil-diffusers

Support Small Business

Many essential oil candles are handcrafted by small, local businesses or individual artisans. When you purchase an essential oil candle from a small business, you are directly supporting talented craftspeople in your community. These businesses pour their creativity, passion, and skill into producing products of exceptional quality.

For example, stores like Fontana Candle Company offer artisanal, hand-poured soy candles made from all-natural ingredients. Buying from small batch producers like this provides an authentic, homemade candle experience you can’t find with mass-market products.

Beyond high quality and customization, supporting small/local businesses keeps money circulating in the local economy. It also nurtures the talented artisans and entrepreneurs in your own community. With so many benefits, purchasing handcrafted essential oil candles is an enriching experience for both you and small business owners.

Economical & Long-Lasting

Essential oil candles tend to last a lot longer than standard paraffin or soy candles. While typical candles may burn for 20-40 hours, essential oil candles can burn for 60-80 hours or more. This results in a lower cost per hour of use.

For example, research shows that an oil diffuser costs around $0.035 per hour to operate while a standard candle costs around $0.10 per hour to burn. This means a standard candle costs about 35% more per hour than an oil diffuser.

Additionally, high quality soy and coconut wax candles infused with essential oils can burn up to 40 hours or 70 hours. This exceptional burn time makes them a great economical option when compared to standard candles.

Simple & Natural

One of the best aspects of essential oil candles is that they are made from very basic, natural ingredients. You really only need a few main components: candle wax, wicks, and essential oils. The wax acts as a base, the wicks allow for a flame, and the oils provide fragrance. Common beginner-friendly waxes are soy, beeswax, or coconut wax. These are easy to find and work with.

making soy wax candles at home with essential oils

Making essential oil candles is an easy DIY project that can be done right at home, no complex tools or equipment required. You simply melt the wax, add your desired essential oils, pour into containers, and insert a wick. Within an hour or two, you’ll have beautiful scented candles. It’s satisfying to create something with your own two hands using natural elements.

The simplicity of essential oil candles makes them appealing. You know exactly what’s going into them – no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or additives. Just pure plant essences for a clean burn.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many benefits to using essential oil candles rather than standard candles. Essential oil candles provide aromatherapy benefits like improving mood and air quality. They allow for customization to find your perfect scent. Essential oil candles are a safer alternative without toxins and provide an opportunity to support small businesses. They are economical, long-lasting, simple, and natural. With all of these advantages, essential oil candles are clearly a better choice than regular candles.

If you are looking for a candle option that goes beyond basic lighting and fragrance, try an essential oil candle. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy the aromatic experience and therapeutic benefits. Essential oil candles make a thoughtful gift as well. The next time you need candles, choose essential oil versions for a healthy, customizable, and eco-friendly lighting experience.

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