One need only log on to the World
Wide Web to see hundreds of listings for aromatherapy candles. That should mean
that these candles are made with the purest of essential oils and complement
their use. As with the oils themselves you must be careful that the oils are
pure, the plants were grown in an area where they naturally thrive, and are truly
organic and safe to use.
With candles, there are extra
worries as they can be made with other dangerous chemicals. If you visit http://www.candledance.com/, you will
see examples of what to look for in candles. This is not an endorsement of the
company as we haven’t actually used the product, however their claim of 100%
pure essential oils, the use of vegetable based soy rather than petroleum based
paraffin wax, lead and metal free, wicks of hemp or cotton only, and no added
chemicals or animal by-products are all things to look for when you choose
scented candles.
By the way scented candles are a lot different than those made
from essential oils, the same way that essential, aromatherapy oils are
different from perfumed oils.
Just as when you’re choosing your
oils, beware of companies that don’t give explicit details of where and how
they are made.
That in itself is a problem as there is no current requirement
for labeling candles. Chances are good that unless you ask some questions and
do some research that you’ll end up with some nasty smelling candle once you
light it.
Lead free wicks are now required
in many regions of the world because studies have shown how poisonous lead can
be. Unfortunately, there are candles manufactured in some countries that still
use lead or other metals to strengthen the wicks. This is unacceptable and once
again you need to do your homework. You can find candles lovingly made by
caring people with wicks of natural fibers such as cotton and hemp. The size of
the wick and the insertion method also affect how the candle will burn, another reason to
know your retail source.
If you plan to make candles you can find them in a variety
of lengths and with the little metal tabs at the bottom already attached. Some
wicks are coated in wax to help them burn with more control. As you will see
below, non-petroleum based waxes are recommended. When metal is used to keep
wicks straighter, zinc cores now replace lead.
