Essential oils

form the basis of aromatherapy. These essentials oils are the extracts of plants and their parts and form their life force. These oils are extracted by the means of steam distillation, cold expression, or fixed oil or alcohol extraction. They are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. These oils can be blended together and this blend is called synergy. The synergy is more potent than the individual oils combined. To reduce the potency of these oils, you can dilute them by mixing them with carrier oils.

These oils affect your mood. They enter through our olfactory system and affect the nervous system, thus improving mood and relaxing or energizing us. This helps is alleviating stress and speeding up healing. These essential oils also have cosmetic properties and can be used in skincare and hair care products. Many of these oils have known anti-viral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. They are also used in household products for cleaning and antiseptic uses. These oils can be inhaled, massaged onto your body, added to the bath or shower or sprayed in the room.

Aromatherapy Accessories - Your Budget, Your Choice!

So, you're thinking of getting into aromatherapy. There are many things about serenity aromatherapy and the accessories that go along with the hobby that you should know. Aromatherapy accessories are an important part of carrying for your whole body through essential oils.

Aromatherapy Accessories

Here are some of the basic aromatherapy accessories you will need to delve into the world of serenity aromatherapy and accessories.

Containers

There are basically two types of containers you can use to store your essential oils, either aromatherapy glass bottles or plastic jars. Glass bottles for aromatherapy are double walled, which protect the contents from the damage caused by the changes of temperature in the environment. Also, quality jars and bottles will have smooth inside edges. This prohibits any creams or oils from adhering to the inner portions of the container. These are great places to mix your own aromatherapy mixtures and lotions.

Storage Boxes

One challenge with aromatherapy is keeping all of your oils, lotions, and other supplies organized and protected. An aromatherapy storage box is a great way to do this. They are wooden boxes with dividers inside that keep all of the jars and vials protected from each other. Also, these oils can be damaged by both heat and light, and having them in a box that keeps out the elements is a great way to extend their life.

Vaporizers

A vaporizer is a great way to enjoy the effects of your aromatherapy oils. There are two basic types of vaporizers - oil burners and electric diffusers. Oil burners combine the traditional elegance of a burning candle with the healing properties of the essential oils. Many of these burners are very attractive additions to your home. When the candle heats up, it causes the oils in the container above the flame to heat as well, releasing the oil as steam, which creates the mood and ambiance in your home. There is the danger with these vaporizers of having an open flame in your home.

Aromatherapy Candle

Candles provide a glowing history as an object of exoticness and reverence; its use is as old as the human history itself. Many great civilizations and modern societies have held candles as an instrument of radiance; its radiance properties surpass any other similar objects. Candles have long been used as a ‘mood-setting’ addition to a room or occasion and now more innovative aromatherapy candles enhance that goal.

Aromatherapy practice uses natural essential oils that are absorbed through massage, ingestion or olfaction (also called sensory). Aromatic oils are also use to make candles, which candles have a physiological or therapeutic effect on mood through their fragrance.
How ever, scented candles should not be confused with aromatherapy candles. Scented candles simply contain a fragrance, most probably artificial, whereas aromatherapy candles contain natural essential oils.
Probably, one of the most well-known aromatherapy oils for alleviating stress and anxiety is lavender. A bowl of floating lavender aromatherapy candles to accompany your bath will help you relax after a long day. A small candle on your dining table will sway your desolate mood in to feeling of satisfaction.

For every mood and moment, there is an aromatherapy candle. Some of these top-rated essential oils might be found in aromatherapy candles:

• Sage: This oil helps with insomnia and relaxation;
• Chamomile: Exciting oil used for relaxing, helps with sleeplessness and anxiety;
• Rosemary: An out of the world oil, which is stimulating and uplifting and good for mental stimulation;
• Grapefruit: Freshly uplifting and refreshing
• Eucalyptus: A strong oil which helps with respiratory problems and boosts the immune system;
• Ylang Ylang: Soothing oil as a good antidepressant that helps you relax and sleep;
• Geranium: Its sober effects help with relaxation while also being uplifting; helps balance hormones in women;
• Peppermint: Sweet aroma helps with digestive disorders, headaches and muscle aches;
• Lemon: Invigorating oil which uplifts and relaxes you senses;

As with any health product, you should understand what you are using when burning aromatherapy candles. You must know which type of oil is used in your candles. Certain essential oils can be harmful; it is always advised to be careful. Any type of candle can be formulated to serve as an aromatherapy candle, whether it’s a floating, pillar, gel, votive or even jar candle.
Even though the doubts around the effectiveness aromatherapy are still present, all of us do know that candles and aromas are effective for evoking mood and emotions. You will notice candles labeled as “aromatherapy” candles range greatly in price; the price ranging from a low to high cost depending on the quality and availability of oil. Several factors effect the price such as types and qualities of wax, additives or purity, as well as other factors related to manufacturing. How ever, one main ingredient which can make or break the success of a candle as well as the price is its fragrance.

You can make your own aromatherapy candles too at your home! The best waxes for aromatherapy candles are of course a bit more expensive. Many natural waxes such as soy, palm and beeswax burn cleaner and do not emanate soot and are not petroleum or polymer based such as paraffin or gel waxes. More natural cotton or zinc core wick should be used instead of leaded wick because of health hazard issues.
Instead of adding dye to color the candle, include natural substances like herbs and flower petals. Always use pure essential oils for fragrance. This is definitely expensive, but worth it plus you can mix and match your own blends. Palm wax or palm/beeswax blend candles are always better, because they burn so long and clean and they blend quite easily with your oils. Essential oils should be added after the wax has melted and started cooling to preserve the integrity of the fragrance as they easily breakdown and evaporate.

Decorating your candle can be as easy as tying a ribbon around it to adding pressed flowers to it. Make several small motifs or round candles and add to a basket for a great gift idea. Candles attach emotional importance to any occasion and moments; a great aromatherapy candle has that great ability to enhance the mood and ambience of any environment.