In recent years, aromatherapy candles have become very popular because they claim to relieve stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy fragrances come from essential oils that are scientifically proven to provide health benefits. However, there is no research that proves that aromatherapy candles can relieve colds in babies.
Are you a fan of aromatherapy candles? For those who love this product, aromatherapy candles have become the solution to many problems at home. Smell an unpleasant odor in the room? You can light aromatherapy candles. Or are you in a bad mood? Aromatherapy candles can also lift your mood in an instant.
Many people are very fond, some even obsessed with using scented candles to relieve stress. However, there are also those who argue that scented candles can be bad for health. Why is that? Check out the review below.
As the name implies, aroma candles are a type of candle that is mixed with essential oils or essential oils to produce fragrance. Well, the fragrance that is released is claimed to be able to overcome stress, anxiety and other health conditions.
Actually, the health benefits obtained from aroma candles are from the essential oil content . There have been many studies that reveal the health benefits of essential oils . The aromatherapy content in the candle will evaporate when burned and then fill the air in the room.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Candles for Health
Fatigue and stress problems are an integral part of everyday life, especially for people who work in big cities. That is why, many are then looking for various ways to relieve fatigue, one of which is by using aromatherapy.
Doing meditation with aromatherapy, or simply relaxing and resting in a quiet room with an aroma candle is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to relieve stress. When viewed from this side, aroma candles can be said to provide positive benefits for health. Because, health does not only include physical, but also mental health.
Launching from Medical News Today , a study revealed that the content of essential oils in aromatherapy candles can reduce cortisol levels in the body. The hormone cortisol is a hormone involved in the stress response in the body. When the levels are reduced automatically the risk of stress also decreases.
Another study published in the National Library of Medicine explained that bergamot essential oil, which is often mixed into aroma candles, can actually overcome negative emotions, fatigue, and cortisol levels. When viewed from its effect, aroma candles may have the potential to slightly relieve colds in babies. However, there is no specific research that reveals the benefits of aroma candles for treating colds in babies.
However, what is known for certain, aroma candles can indeed have a calming effect, so that it makes a person more relaxed when inhaling them. Unfortunately, with the increasing popularity of aromatherapy candles, now many aroma candles are circulating whose fragrances are not derived from essential oils and many are made from artificial fragrances. Exposure to artificial fragrances needs to be watched out for because it can actually cause migraines, headaches to asthma attacks.
It can be difficult to tell which candles contain artificial fragrances and which contain only essential oils. Therefore, you have to be more observant when you want to buy scented candles. Also, it’s best to talk to your doctor before using scented candles for baby colds to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Dangers of Aromatherapy Candles for Health
Even though it is considered to have a positive impact on mental health, it turns out that aromatherapy candles also have a negative impact. Experts say that scented candles can harm your health as well as the environment.
Why is that? It turns out that aroma wax can produce toxins that harm the body when inhaled. However, of course not all types of scented candles are like that. Therefore, you should start being critical and vigilant, and need to examine in more detail about the content of the wax ingredients used to make these aromatherapy candles.
In several developed countries, such as England, companies that produce aroma candles have been asked by the government to reduce emissions from these candles. In addition, the government also asked aroma candle companies to warn consumers about the negative impact of their products on health. This is quite a concern in England because quite a lot of people there routinely use scented candles to perfume their rooms and homes.
As additional information, most aroma candles are made from paraffin wax , which has been studied to release chemicals that are harmful to lung health. Several other types of aroma candles also use a metal-core wick, which can also release toxins that are harmful to lung health.
In addition, inhaling aromatherapy is also not good for people with a history of asthma because it can trigger an attack. However, the use of scented candles for people who do not have previous respiratory problems is relatively safe. Keep in mind that scented candles are still a combustion product that creates smoke, so scented candles should not be used in tightly closed (no ventilation) or confined spaces.
You need to make sure you don’t fall asleep or leave the room when the scented candle is burning because it can trigger a fire. Do not light aroma candles near flammable objects. Candles should be placed out of reach of children. Also avoid burning scented candles for more than two hours. Make sure the candle is always clean, including from the remaining burning wick from previous use.
Several types of aromatherapy should be avoided by pregnant women. Pregnant women who want to use aromatherapy should first consult with their obstetrician. The use of aromatherapy candles that cause tumors or cancer on the other hand cannot be scientifically proven. However, some “naughty” aromatherapy candles often claim that aromatherapy candles can treat cancer. This is also not true.
Safe Ways to Use Aromatherapy Candles
So that you can still get the benefits of aromatherapy candles for your mental health without disturbing your body’s health, choose aromatherapy candles made from natural wax , such as soybeans. These natural aromatherapy candles emit much less soot and harmful chemicals than those made from paraffin wax .
Then, also choose aromatherapy candles that have a short wick and no metal core to reduce the production of air pollution and soot. Always check the ingredients listed on the label and do a search whether these substances are harmful to health.
One more thing, you also have to limit the time you use aromatherapy candles to reduce the amount of chemicals circulating in the room. Apart from that, there are actually other alternatives to be able to fill the room with aromatherapy besides using candles. Some of them are by using the essence oil directly or a special aromatherapy steam device. Both tend to be safer for your lung health.
How to Keep Aromatherapy Candles Lasting
Many candles with a scent that you like have a price that is not cheap. Therefore, it’s only natural that you would want them to last longer. When you need it, you can grab a lighter and enjoy its relaxing and pleasant aroma.
The following will explain how to make aromatherapy candles last longer, but you still have to understand that there will be times when they will run out too. To make aromatherapy candles last longer, here are some tips you can do:
1. Choose the Right Candle
In fact, aromatherapy candles with soy ingredients have a lower melting point than paraffin wax. Therefore, if you choose soy-based waxes, they can last up to 50 percent longer. Plus, if you are smart enough to choose one with an interesting scent, you can enjoy the fragrance even when the candle is not lit.
2. Put it in the Right Place
Don’t place a candle on a fireplace, near a fire, near a window that gets a lot of sunlight, or near a radiator. This is because warmth can speed up burning and shorten the life of aromatherapy candles. Also avoid lighting it in a drafty area as this can result in an uneven burner.
3. Don’t Turn On Too Shortly
Burning aromatherapy candles for just a few minutes at a time won’t do you any good. In the end, you’ll only melt the wax in the center near the wick while the outer edges won’t burn, because they don’t have time to get hot and melt. It really is just a waste of wax. So, make sure you always burn aromatherapy candles until all the top layers of the wax melt evenly.
4. Cut the Axis
When you first buy an aromatherapy candle, the wick will be just the right length. However, when the candle goes out sometimes mold can get there which means the candle will burn faster and produce more soot. Cutting the wick reduces the height of the flame, ensuring the candle burns more slowly and lasts longer.
For pillar candles, you can use scissors, but if the candle is in a container, it’s best to use wick trimmers. This will ensure the wick is cut evenly, not crookedly, and the wick trimmer has a small cup to ensure the trimmings don’t fall into the wax.
5. Align the Axis
To keep the burn even, you need to make sure the wick is straight up and down after each burn. If it looks leaning to one side, give it a quick slight adjustment with your finger, once it’s cool.
6. Sprinkle a Little Salt
This is one of the secrets to making aromatherapy candles last. Add a pinch of salt to the melted wax after you blow it out, then stir quickly with a toothpick, chopsticks or whatever utensil you have. The salt will slow down the baking time during the next baking time.
7. Limit Burn Time For Four Hours
This is actually for security reasons. Some unlucky people have reported that aromatherapy candles can explode after being left burning for too long. Ignoring this means that you run the risk of not only losing the candle, but possibly the whole house and the things in it.
How To Choose Aromatherapy Candles
Aroma candles come in several types and are made from different materials. Therefore, we have listed the points that should be considered when choosing a scented candle. Please refer to the detailed explanation of each point below!
1. Choose an Aromatherapy Candle Based on the Type of Container
Scented candles can be grouped by the type of container. Some are packaged in tealight containers, votive , cans, and glass jars. Each type of container has its own advantages. What packaged aromatherapy candles are right for you?
a. Tealight: Has a Short Burning Time
If you want to enjoy a relaxing aromatherapy candle in a short time, you can choose the tealight type. This candle has the smallest size compared to other types of aroma candles. In addition, the light weight makes this type of candle often used as a floating candle .
Tealight scented candles have a burning time of around 4–6 hours. Therefore, this type is suitable for those of you who want to use aroma candles in the short term. Those of you who get bored easily with one type of candle scent can try tealight scented candles.
b. Votive: One of the Easiest Types to Find
Votive type scented candles are often used as prayer candles in churches. The short and thick shape makes the aroma last longer. Generally, this type of candle is sold without a holder , so you have to buy the container separately. However, now there are votive candles that are sold complete with the container. Votive scented candles are one of the easiest types of scented candles to find. In addition, this aromatherapy candle has a burning time that varies from 4-24 hours.
c. Cans or Glass Jars: Easy to Take Anywhere
Candles in tins or glass jars are no less popular. You can start a fire as soon as you open the lid without needing a candle holder. In addition, you can take it with you on business trips or traveling. That way, you can enjoy the aroma whenever you feel tired and need some relaxation.
However, you need to be careful because the container is prone to conduct heat. To prevent the table surface from getting hot or stained, you should use a base made of glass, brick or stone. You also have to make sure the base has a flat surface and doesn’t wobble easily when touched.
2. Know the Ingredients of Aromatherapy Candles
The spread of aroma and the burning time of aromatherapy candles really depends on the materials used. Well, this time we will introduce the types of materials commonly used in aromatherapy candles.
a. Paraffin Wax: Usually Affordable
The price of aromatherapy candles made from paraffin is cheaper than other aromatherapy candles. Paraffin candles are suitable for those of you who are trying aromatherapy candles for the first time. However, this candle will give off a distinctive odor that might interfere with the aromatherapy scent.
Paraffin wax also leaves a residue due to the low level of distillation quality. So, we don’t recommend using it too often because the chemical content is not good for the body.
b. Beeswax: Suitable for Use in Bedrooms or Bathrooms
Do you want to enjoy aromatherapy candles in the bedroom or bathroom? Choose aromatherapy candles made from beeswax . Beeswax is a natural ingredient that is often used in cosmetic and food products.
Aromatherapy candles made from beeswax are safe for health because they do not leave excessive soot or smoke. The candles produced by these bees also have a sweet aroma that will spread throughout the room when lit. Another plus is that this wax is difficult to melt at low temperatures, so it can be enjoyed longer. However, beeswax is usually sold at a high price.
c. Soy Wax: Long Lasting and Diffuses Fragrance Quickly
If you want the scent of the wax to spread faster, waxes with more ingredients are recommended. This aromatherapy candle can quickly spread the fragrance in the room. This is of course very useful, especially for those of you who don’t have much time to relax.
Soy wax also tends to be more durable, so it doesn’t run out quickly. This type of wax is made from 100% pure soybeans and is usually produced by hand. If the melt spills on furniture, the soot is not difficult to clean. Plus, this wax is known to be safe for your kids and pets.
d. Palm Wax: Creates a Bright Light
If you want an aromatherapy candle that produces a bright light, palm wax candles can be considered. This candle is made from pure palm oil, contains no chemicals, and produces no pollutants. In addition, the aroma is also durable, so you can enjoy it longer.
e. Gel Candle: Transparent and Can Be Used as Room Decoration
Gel candles are not only relaxing, they can also be used to beautify a room or home decor. Aromatherapy gel type candles are made from petroleum. The fragrances used are also specially formulated to dissolve in oil.
Those of you who like beauty and serenity will love this type of aromatherapy candle. This beautiful candle is suitable to be placed near the entrance, living room or bedroom. These candles are sometimes decorated with beautiful shells or dried flowers. So that the light, aroma and beauty can be enjoyed optimally, the decoration layer and the layer of the burning candle are usually separated.
f. Japanese Cottonseed, Rice, and Wax: Other Natural Waxes to Consider
Other natural ingredients that are sometimes used as a base for making aromatherapy candles are cottonseed, rice, and Japanese wax. These three ingredients are not used as the main ingredient. Even so, all three can still be taken into consideration because they have different advantages.
The advantage of cottonseed wax is that it does not pollute the air. Meanwhile, rice-based candles can be enjoyed for a long time despite their small size. How about candles made from Japanese wax? This type of wax has all the advantages of cottonseed and rice waxes.
Now, you already know the good and bad effects of aromatherapy candles for health. In addition, by being more careful in using it, you can get the positive benefits of aromatherapy for mental health, while still reducing the risk of experiencing lung problems due to chemicals produced through burning it. Hope it is useful.