DIY Valentine gifts are a thoughtful and unique way to show someone how you feel. Consider making your own aromatherapy candles. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer the added benefit of a soothing and relaxing fragrance.
In this article, we will be discussing the process of making your own candles, specifically focusing on the use of essential oils to create a romantic atmosphere. We'll also be discussing the pros and cons of using beeswax and soy candles, and the essential oils that can be used to evoke feelings of love and passion. So, get ready to impress your loved one with DIY Valentine gifts that they'll surely love.
Types of Candle Wax
Beeswax and soy candle wax are two types of candle wax that are popular for their natural ingredients and environmental benefits. Here are some differences between the two: 
- Beeswax candles are made from the wax of bees, while soy candles are made from soybean oil.
- Beeswax candles are generally more expensive than soy candles because beeswax is a more expensive raw material.
- Beeswax candles burn longer than soy candles because the wax has a higher melting point.
- Beeswax candles are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly because beeswax is a natural, renewable resource, while soybean oil is a type of vegetable oil that is often produced using heavy machinery and pesticides.
- Beeswax candles also produce less soot when they burn, making them a good choice for people who are sensitive to soot or who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Overall, both beeswax candles and soy candles have their own unique set of benefits, and the best choice for your DIY Valentine gift will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Choosing an Essential Oil
There are a variety of essential oils that can be used to create a romantic atmosphere with candles. Some popular options include:
Rose Essential Oil
The fragrance of rose oil is often associated with love and romance. Its sweet, floral scent can evoke feelings of passion and intimacy.
Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine oil has a sweet, floral scent that is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Its aroma is said to stimulate sensuality and create a romantic atmosphere.
Ylang-ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-ylang oil has a sweet, floral scent with hints of fruity and spicy undertones. It is said to evoke feelings of happiness, sensuality, and euphoria, making it a popular choice for creating a romantic ambiance.
Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli oil has a warm, earthy scent that can be both grounding and uplifting. It is said to have a calming and relaxing effect, making it a great choice for promoting intimacy.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood oil has a woody, musky scent that is said to have a grounding and centering effect, making it a great choice for creating a sense of calm and tranquility.
Vanilla Essential Oil
The aroma of vanilla is comforting and has a calming effect. It is often associated with feelings of warmth, sensuality, and love.
It's important to note that not everyone likes the same fragrance, so do some snooping before you commit to a scent. Many people default to floral scents, but floral scents could remind someone of a funeral, and your gift won't have the intended effect. Your intended might prefer herbal scents like lavender or bergamot.
Making Your Own Candles
Here are the basic steps for making your own DIY Valentine gifts candles.
Gather your materials: You will need candle wax, candle wicks, essential oils (for fragrance), and candle-making tools (such as a double boiler, thermometer, and pouring pitcher).
Melt the Wax
Use a double boiler to melt the wax. Keep the temperature of the wax between 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add Fragrance
Once the wax is melted, add your essential oils to create the desired fragrance. The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of wax you're using and your personal preference. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 ounce of essential oil per pound of wax.
Prepare the Wick
While the wax is melting, prepare the wick by threading it through the center of a wick tab and attaching it to the bottom of your candle container.
Pour the Wax
Once the wax is melted and fragranced, pour it into your candle container, making sure to keep the wick centered.
Allow the Candle to Cool
Allow the candle to cool completely before handling it. This can take several hours to a full day depending on the size of the candle.
Finish and Package
Once your DIY Valentine gifts (candle) are completely cooled and hardened, you can trim the wick to about 1/4 inch and package it for gift giving. You could add some pink or red ribbon for example to make it more interesting. Hopefully your DIY Valentine gifts will be well received.
Safety Precautions
Remember to always use caution when working with hot wax-use safe containers to avoid fire hazards. It's also important to use good quality essential oils, which have been specifically formulated for use in candles.
Essential oils are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), meaning they contain chemicals that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. If there are pets in the home, essential oils can be toxic to them. Animals have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans do and can be affected by even small amounts of certain oils. It's best to use essential oil candles with caution around pets.
Q: What do aromatherapy candles do?
Aromatherapy candles are said to work by releasing essential oils into the air when they are burned. These oils can then be inhaled, which is thought to have therapeutic benefits.
Q: Do aromatherapy candles actually work?
The answer is affirmative. Aromatherapy, despite being an alternative form of medicine, has been proven to aid relaxation through the soothing properties of certain scents as per studies conducted.
Q: What candles are good for anxiety?
If you're looking to unwind and find some peace of mind, candles with aromatherapy scents may be just the ticket. Calming fragrances like mandarin, blue spruce, lavender, sandalwood, orange, frankincense and chamomile are known for their ability to relax the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
