CANDLES & INCENSE

Set the Mood with These Fun and Flirty Aromatherapy Accessories

AROMATHERAPY CANDLES & INCENSE

Candles and incense might remind many people of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but the duo is just as popular as ever today, with many options for scents and colors.  When creating candles, the most commonly used candle wax is paraffin. Beeswax, vegetable-based waxes, gels, and synthetic waxes are also often used in candle making. Soy wax candles, which are made from hydrogenated soybean oil, have also become very popular lately. Different blends of these waxes are popular with many manufacturers.

CANDLES

Candles are the perfect accessory for every room in the house. Plus, if you get a scented one, your home will not only smell good, but it will look fabulous as well!  If you’re looking to buy some candles, try these out for size:

• This ripple flare glass candle is made from organic wax.  It burns for 26 hours and is available in 7 scents.

• The Excursion Collection from Archipelago Botanicals blends woodsy, spicy and floral scents for superior candles that have lead free wicks and are hand-poured.

• The Bamboo Basket from Yankee Candle comes with candles and a votive holder.  It makes a great gift and comes in an eco-friendly basket!  Yankee has lots of great candle scents.

• Illumination's Pure Aromatherapy line of candles is custom blended from the finest flower and plant oils and offers all cotton wicks for a slow, even burn.

• Choose this whimsical Danforth pewter snuffer for the art collector in your life. 

Candle Safety Tips:

Here are some tips to keep in mind when burning candles:

• Keep the candle wick trimmed to ¼ inch each time you burn a candle.
  

• There should be no flickering or smoke wisps coming from the candle.
  

• When grouping candles together, place them at least 3 inches apart.
  

• Never use water to extinguish a candle; instead, use a candle snuffer.
  

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

INCENSE

For many years, incense has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals.  Quality incense makes use of substances such as tree barks and saps, roots, flowers, and other botanical products. Incense is available in sticks, cones and bricks. Incense cones were an invention of the Japanese which were introduced at the World's Fair in Chicago in the late 1800's.  Burners for incense vary, depending on which style you are burning.  Always use an incense burner to protect the surface underneath.  Brass, bronze and stoneware burners, with legs to elevate them, are your best bets.

• Korean Chung Shim incense contains pine, elecampane, red sandalwood and other spices. 

• The sweet yet earthy scent of Nag Champa is a favorite in the incense world

• Smudging is popular when moving to a new space or to change energy in a room.  It is often associated with breaking the misuse of power or powerful forces that may be having a negative influence. Try this Desert Sage & Cedar Smudge Stick, which can be burned, worn or held to ward off negative energy!

• This pink ceramic lotus incense burner holds 3 incense sticks in a pretty flower holder. 

• This teepee burner with pinon natural wood incense burns cone incense in a cute teepee design.

Always remember safety precautions when burning candles or incense.  Never leave them unattended or in drafty areas. Use these items as lovely home accents but also to calm you or elevate your mood when needed. The soothing aromas and mood-enhancing feelings that candles and incense bring to our lives are yours for the taking.  Enjoy these simple pleasures often and recommend them to friends and family.  Don’t forget that they always make wonderful gifts!

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Article Written By: Laura Miller; Laura writes on beauty, health and wellness. She enjoys for DivaVillage.