Saturday, February 23, 2013

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
You would think that candles held a prominent place in aromatherapy. They are a practical yet beautiful light/heat source, and candles can be so wonderfully aromatic. They add a beautiful, ambient touch to a romantic evening, help add an air of relaxation and calmness at bath time and provide a sense of comfort. Candles are used in religious ceremonies, in meditation and in so many other applications where a sense of enlightenment, relaxation or calm is sought.

There's no law or guidelines on the use of the term "aromatherapy" so any manufacturer, even those that include synthetic ingredients in their candles, can slap the word "aromatherapy" onto their label.  You may see "Aromatherapy" in local retail stores.. most likely the products are scented with synthetic fragrances, contain chemicals. You will find major brands labeling products "Aromatherapy" BUT if they are not scented 100% pure essential oils, they will not have therapeutic value.

Also, Soy Aromatherapy Candles will have the same level of fragrance when they are not burning as a candle scented with  a fragrance oil.

For candles scented with fragrance oil or essential oil, Some fragrances are naturally stronger than others and will therefore have stronger scent throws then the softer scents, no matter how long they're allowed to cure.

Holistic aromatherapy focuses and emphasizes the use of all natural ingredients whenever possible. Most candles are not all natural, even if they are marketed with the word aromatherapy. Burn candles made with synthetic ingredients (or even natural ingredients with toxic compounds), and despite how pleasantly fragrant the air is that you breathe, you will still inhale toxins.

  • "Made With 100% Natural Ingredients"
  • "Contains No Synthetic Ingredients"
  • "Fragranced Exclusively With Essential Oils"
  • "Made Exclusively With Soy Wax"
  • "Contains No Fragrance Oils"
  • "Paraffin Wax Free"
 
Starting Sunday February 24th, Aesthetic Candles will be expanding "Aromatherapy to Go"

Currently I offer, bottles containing 30 drops of selected Essential Oils.

As of this week, I will be offering Blended Aromatherapy Oils.  For this I will be blending with Grape Seed Oil

Grapes
Selection of Grapes
Grapeseed Oils are pressed from specific grape varieties including chardonnay and riesling grapes are available. In general, however, Grapeseed Oil tends to be solvent extracted. 
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Grapeseed Oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as it is a fairly all-purpose oil and can be used in a wide array of applications ranging from massage to skin care. 

From a nutrititive standpoint, the most noteworthy aspect of Grapeseed Oil is its content of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Grapeseed Oil, however, has a relatively short shelf life.

Essential oils do not need to be applied “neat” (or undiluted) for every use.

It is quite reasonable to hearken to the axiom that ‘less is more’ when we work with these powerful therapeutic grade healing essences.

 One common mistake with oils is the assumption that more is better.  Quite the opposite, it is reasonable to hearken to the axiom that ‘less is more’ when we work with these powerful therapeutic grade healing essences.  

Essential oils are usually distilled from aromatic elements of plant life including the leaves, flowers, bark, and roots.  These essential elements have a concentrated aroma and never go rancid.  However, most carrier oils or fixed oils usually have minimal aroma and minimal color.  This is due to being pressed from the fatty portions of botanicals such as the nuts and seeds.  Some carriers go rancid with time and therefore have a shorter shelf life.  Grapeseed Carrier Oil: Shelf Life: 6-12 Months.

Carrier oils are useful when working with essential oils because it is sometimes necessary to dilute a neat oil. One example is when applying to the skin.  Powerful, highly concentrated essential oils may cause skin irritations.  Another use for carrier oils blended with essential oils is that they are often applied during massage, acting as a needed lubricating agent when working larger areas and muscles. 
One advantage of carrier oils is that they do not evaporate like essential oils that tend to evaporate quicker when applied neat.  Carrier oils actually aid in absorption.

For all of the products that I offer. General Safety Information: Use caution when trying any new ingredient, including carrier oils on the skin or in the hair. Those with nut allergies should consult their medical practitioner before coming into contact with nut oils, butters or other nut products. Do not take any oils internally. Some of this text was derived from AromaWeb



 

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