Soy Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. A pleasing, natural aroma can have a positive psychological effect on the body. Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely.

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts which are distilled from a variety of aromatic plant material including grasses, leaves, flowers, needles & twigs, peel of fruit, wood and roots. To capture the oils, manufacturers usually heat the plant part in water and collect the steam. As the steam condenses, the essential oil is distilled from the water. This fragrant concentrated oil is at least 50 times more potent than the original plant.

Most candles are made using perfume oils, also known as fragrance oils or "fragrances". They are not the same as essential oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic. They have been created in a lab to resemble the original. At first whiff they smell similar to essential oils, but they don't contain the compounds which give essential oils their healing properties. The immune-boosting power of most essential oils is just one terrific reason to use these pure plant extracts instead of their impotent second cousins.

Many essential oils have some of the same properties but here are a few of the most widely used:

* Chamomile: A great anti-inflammatory and a soft-smelling calming oil; offers relief for insomnia
* Cinnamon: A lively, warm scent with energizing properties; has excellent antimicrobial properties; under investigation for its ability to lower cholesterol.
* Eucalyptus: Herbal scent with invigorating ability; extremely useful in opening bronchial passages when inhaled; soothes cough and congestion; excellent antimicrobial properties.
* Lavender: Perhaps the most popular essential oil due to its ability to calm and relax; also has excellent anti-inflammatory action.
* Lemon Oil: Fresh scent with energizing properties; excellent antibacterial, antiviral ability.
* Orange Oil: Refreshing, energizing scent with antidepressant properties.
* Rosemary: Great anti-inflammatory when used in an oil blend on skin; refreshing.
* Peppermint Oil: Energizing minty scent; excellent for use in increasing circulation.
* Sage: Fresh, herbal scent; useful for mental clarity