Essential Oils in Candles and Diffusers
Smell is one of our most powerful senses and our olfactory receptors are connected by millions of nerves that in turn travel to our limbic brains. (The part of the brain that is responsible for our behavioral and emotional responses). Essential oils can therefore cause our moods to almost be immediately transformed and our tensions eased.
Some of the best ways to get the therapeutic benefits of essential oils is through aromatherapy candles and diffusers. These methods not only amplify your space and make your environment smell amazing, but in turn gives you all the emotional and healing benefits.
There are some common questions that are asked when it comes to using essential oils in Candles and Diffusers.
How Much Essential Oils to Put in A Candle?
Ideally you purchase an essential oil candle that has been professionally formulated. Unlike fragrance oils, essential oils are natural and therefore complex, so, blending and synergies is an important part of the craft.
If you do want to add essential oils to ready made unscented candles, you will want to be sure it is a pure soy or a soy – coconut blend and that it has a hemp or cotton wick. Often candles that say just “soy” are paraffin mixed and it will burn too hot for the essential oils. If it is pure soy and it has a wooden wick, you will also not be able to add essential oils as it will burn too hot.
Once you are certain you have a pure botanical based candle and if you want to add essential oils you will want to wait until you have an even pool of wax on the candle before you add. Add just 3-6 drops at a time and give it 10-15 seconds for the scent throw to occur.
How Much Essential Oil to Put in A Diffuser?
The answer to this often depends on the individual and how much scent they prefer. However, it also depends on the size of the water vessel in your diffuser and the size of your room.
If you have a 100ML or 3.5 oz tank start with 10-15 drops. This is approximately ½ of one gram. Oils have a top, mid and base notes, so depending on your oil or blend you may want to add more.
If you have a 250 ML or 8.5 oz tank just add approximately double - 20- 30 drops.
Rooms with high ceilings may need more as the square footage is actually greater than the footprint of the room.
Which ever way you choose to enjoy of essential oils you can’t go wrong. Until our next blog, we will be formulating and blending as always, deeply rooted in aromatherapy.
