How to Make Candles With Essential Oils From Herbs

Homemade scented candles are pretty in groups or individually.

Fragrant essential oils are made from various parts of herbs, such as the flowers, leaves, seeds and pods that grow on the plant. Dating back to ancient Egyptian times, essential oils have been used for medicinal and aromatherapy purposes. Cleopatra is famous for her use of perfumed essential oils. Today, essential oils are used to add fragrance to perfume, moisturizers, massage oil, candles and more. Candle-making is a craft you can enjoy at home and, with the addition of essential oils from herbs, you can create your own scented candles.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler
• 2 cups dried wax flakes
• Spoon
• 4 to 7 drops essential oil
• Muffin tin
• Baking spray
• Wicks
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of water into the bottom portion of a double boiler. Set the top portion onto the bottom and heat the water over medium heat.

2. Sprinkle 2 cups dried wax flakes into the top portion of the double boiler. Slowly melt the wax flakes, stirring the liquefying solution periodically.

3. 

   Herb-based essential oils fragrant aromatherapy candles.

   Remove the melted wax from the heat and add four to seven drops of your favorite fragrant essential oil. Use four drops for a lightly scented candle and seven for more intense, but not overwhelming, fragrance. Stir the essential oil into the melted wax.

4. 

   A muffin tin makes a simple, inexpensive candle mold.

   Spray the inside of a muffin tin with baking spray to coat each individual muffin cup. This will make it easier to pop out the candles after they've hardened.

5. Cut the candle wicks so they will be 1 inch taller than the height of the muffin cups. Dip the wicks in the melted wax, except for the last inch. Pour the melted wax into the muffin tins, then place the wicks in the center.

6. Allow the candles to sit on the countertop for several hours until cooled and hardened. Turn the muffin tin upside down and gently tap on the bottom to loosen the candles. Store the candles in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a few drops of food coloring to alter the color of your candles or purchase pre-colored wax flakes.

• When the candles are semi-hard, sprinkle glitter over the top for a festive touch.

References

• Care2; How to Make Safe Candles Yourself; Annie B. Bond; June 2008
• Aromatherapy At Home: Making Soy Candles with Essential Oils

Resources

• AARP; Health Encyclopedia: Aromatherapy; Paula Ford-Martin et al; 2005