Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, largely for medicinal purposes. Although the medical emphasis started to decline about 100 years ago, aromatherapists stayed focussed and have been studying the effect of essential oils on the body and brain for hundreds of years.

Although the cosmetic and perfume industries had become the major users of essential oils as mainstream medical interest declined, the pendulum started to swing back in 1928, when René-Maurice Cattefossé first used the term aromatherapy.
Other pioneers helped foster renewed focus on essential oils, and there is now greater interest than ever in their use for cosmetic, therapeutic and spiritual purposes.
Today’s aromatherapists can call on at least 90 essential oils, which can be used either singly or combined. Naturally, in this modern age, they are cautious in their recommendations and claims - but they themselves are convinced believers.

Aromatherapy Fragranced Candles

Candle makers have recognised this renewed interest, and provide a wide range of products for those who want to combine a love of candles with an interest in aromatherapy. Obviously, the candles do not give as intense an effect as the direct application of an essential oil, but instead provide a more subtle influence.
As they burn the candles release a continuous stream of vaporized essential oils into the air, which you absorb as you breathe. First they stimulate the olfactory nerves that lead from the nose to the brain, and then they enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
And depending on what you want to achieve, there is probably an oil that will do just what you want it to.

The Abbreviated List

A list of 90 different oils is a bit much for a non-expert to absorb, so here is an abbreviated guide to some of the more common oils, and their associated recommendations:

1. Bergamot - extracted from a citrus fruit. Used to fight depression, and reduce stress and fatigue.
2. Chamomile - calming, refreshing, antiseptic.
3. Eucalyptus - stimulant, antiseptic. Recommended for treating coughs and colds. Used as insecticide and germicide.
4. Geranium - good for the skin, recommended for depression. Found in window boxes (particularly in Europe), it is a good household insecticide.
5. Jasmine - anti-depressant, antiseptic. Used to overcome anxiety and depression.
6. Lavender - the world’s most common essential oil, used since the Middle Ages. Relaxes, calms, antiseptic.
7. Neem - extracted from an Indian tree and is used primarily in health and beauty products. Said to be anti- almost everything - antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antihistamine, among others. One of the major essential oils.
8. Neroli - derived from orange blossoms. Said to be calming and good for treating insomnia.
9. Orange - another product from the orange tree, this time pressed from the skin of the fruit. Relaxes and calms, and is often mixed with other oils.
10. Oregano - another of the majors, with just as many “antis” in its list of properties as Neem oil.
11. Rose - pricey, as all who encounter it in skincare products will know. Also an antiseptic and anti-depressant.
12. Rosemary - physical and mental stimulant, but also very relaxing at the end of a stressful day.
13. Tea Tree - derived from an Australian tree, it has a wide range of uses, and at one stage was even in military first-aid kits. Another of the major essential oils.
14. Ylang Ylang - very fragrant, relieves pain, eases anxiety, aphrodisiac.

Even Aromatherapy Soy Candles

These, and many others, are available in a wide range that includes aromatherapy soy candles.
Of course, sampling this list might lead to a storage area loaded with a large variety of candles. But when it comes to aromatherapy candles, can you really have too much of a good thing?

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Those who use candles around the house should train their children how to safely handle or avoid these wax decorator items. Although candles have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years, there have been occasional mishaps from fires and burns. Kids need to learn that candles are not toys and must be handled in the proper way.

Never let young children play with candles, even the ones that come on their birthday cakes or holiday decorations. Kids should learn that adults are the ones to handle candles. Touching a lit candle can cause a burn, and if one tips, it could cause a fire. Let your kids know in no uncertain terms that candles are for looking at, not touching.

Don’t leave candles unattended. Children have an uncanny knack for finding the things they shouldn’t, and touching them after being told not to. Some kids will say it was “accident” that they found or handled the lit candles. Others will “borrow” the candles to look at, and then experiment with lighting them in the privacy of their bedroom or another secluded area. Simply put up the candles beyond the reach of small children; older ones probably won’t be interested, or they will be trained well enough to avoid the wax temptations.

At birthday parties or during holiday celebrations when candles are used as part of the decorations or at dinner, explain to older children the safe way of using candles. For example, they should learn how to light, monitor, and extinguish candles of all sizes, from tea lights to dinner candles. Kids should be able to use a lighter safely, along with a candle capper to put out the flame without touching it by hand. Explain what to do when the candle burns down, sputters, drips, tips, or goes out. You don’t want kids taken by surprise if any of these things should happen while an adult is out of the room (hopefully this is a momentary absence).

Train your children in fire safety. Whether a fire should start from a candle or another source, kids need to know what to do in case a fire gets out of control. Remind them of what they probably learned in school (”stop, drop, and roll”) as well as the important facts about leaving the house immediately and meeting at a certain area outside the house to ensure everyone’s safety. A burnt tablecloth or drapery is a small price to pay for the safety of all family members.

Candles are a common source of home decorating today. Families with children should take time to explain the beauty and correct handling of candles that they plan to light for special occasions. Since candle use is one of the leading causes of house fires, it is important for children to understand how dangerous they can be, no matter how innocent they appear. Even if you don’t plan to light your candles, teach your kids how to use them wisely.

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Of course, there is a great way to mix Fire and Water (even if it doesn’t seem logical at first) - use floating candles. Then it all makes sense.

Obviously, there are two key elements. The container(s) for the candle(s), and the container for the water. But honestly, the only real limit is your imagination, so here are some ideas to get you started.

Short glass cylinders are ideal for floating candles. Or what about using cut-glass wineglasses, or even water glasses, if you don’t have glass cylinders? If you’re lucky enough to have crystal that can add a shimmering touch, so much the better.

Floating candles look great in large bowls

Large, shallow bowls work well. Brass or copper is great, so is silver, and a large glass bowl will also work well. You can think about mixing flowers and floating candles if the bowl is large enough.

Use normal floating candles, or tea lights in floating holders, or if you’re really pressed, tea lights on their own (because their aluminum containers won’t crack in the cold water, although you’ll need a delicate touch when placing them on the water).

Remember to use a number of candles if the container is of any size; more is definitely better in this type of arrangement.

Translucent gel-based floating candles look particularly good in their clear protective containers. They burn for a long time, so they also make economic sense.

If you set a theme of floating candles at the dinner table or in an entertainment area, you can easily continue the theme into the bathroom.

In a sense, bathrooms are a natural for floating candles. For an initial impact, use floating candles actually in the bath (in your own or the guest bathroom), and then extend the theme using mirrors to reflect the flame and incorporate a windowsill if you have one.

Again, the bath is a natural for a mixture of flowers and candles.

You can then extend the theme into the bedroom. If you are already using pillar candles, incorporating a bowl of floating candles will make a wonderful combination.

Use scented candles carefully

Because they’re often used at the dinner table, floating candles tend to be unscented; no one wants fragrance competing with food flavors and aroma. However, if food is not involved, there is also a wide range of scented floating candles to choose from.

You don’t have to be formal; you can find floating candles in a wide variety of shapes, ranging from flowers in varying colors (and fragrances) through bugs, insects, leaves and butterflies, to animals and novelty items like ghosts and cartoon shapes and characters.

Floating candles can also work outdoors, although some degree of shelter from the wind (and rain!) is needed. I’ve even seen them used to great effect on a sheltered fishpond (although I’m not sure what the fish thought about the whole idea!). Some designs have recessed wicks to shelter the flame from unkind winds.

As regards quality, floating candles can be either poured or pressed. The poured ones can often be a better buy, as they are dense and burn for a long time. As always, you get what you pay for, but sometimes the less expensive versions will work perfectly well. Just remember to check the maker’s description to see what kind they offer.

There are a couple of obvious safeguards. Make sure the container hold the candle is watertight, and make sure it’s not inflammable.

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