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Only the Right Amount of Essential Oil: Optimizing Aromatherapy

Only the Right Amount of Essential Oil: Optimizing Aromatherapy

People use essential oils and aromatherapy for a bunch of different things - like relaxation and self-care, or to heighten energy and uplift the spirit, or even boost the celebratory feeling of special occasions. At Lily Ladue, we believe strongly in the science of aromatherapy, which is why we infuse the optimal level of aromatherapy oils in all of our products. That way, you can maximize the relaxing, revitalizing, or celebratory use of different essential oils, to aromatize your space and help you feel really darn good.

You see, at Lily Ladue, we get the benefits of aromatherapy through beautiful decor that will elevate your space through sight and smell. Our mission is clear: to bring our trademark warmth and wonder to every home through the effects of aromatherapy and the use of essential oils, by way of products that boost the spirit and brighten your day.

Read on to find out how pure essential oils combine with the optimal levels of fragrance to result in aromatherapy that will make any house - a real home.

How We Use Essential Oils and Aromatherapy in Our Candles

So, let's start with the basics. What are essential oils? Also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetheroleum, or the oil of the plant from which they were extracted (for example lavender essential oil), essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids containing chemical compounds from plants. These evaporate at normal temperatures and release the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it was derived. Essential oils can be used in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, air fresheners and candles, or even in flavoring food and drink.

So, why do we use essential oils in our products? We'll have to answer that question with another question: who doesn't like candles? Our candle decor boosts the vibe of a space by way of sheer aesthetic; we go through great pains to make sure that each candle vessel is something you'd be proud to display in your living room, bathroom, bedroom, or patio. Now, when you add essential oils to that mix, you get a stunning home piece that makes a huge impact.

Also, the chemical properties of essential oils contain no phthalates or synthetic musk - they're naturally derived from plants, so you know exactly hat you're using. Furthermore, production is more eco-friendly, and EO biodegrades over time. Essential oils are a safer bet vs. artificial or synthetic fragrances, especially when you dilute essential oils in 100% soy wax, the way we have done, for all-natural candle decor that would make your eco warrior niece proud as peaches.

Essentially, essential oils contribute to the scent throw of each candle, and its overall quality. Every time you light a Lily Ladue candle, you get the aromatic scent of an essential oil meant to relax, revitalize, or help you celebrate - in the gentlest of ways, never to overwhelm or overpower, but to provide an ambient fragrance to delight the senses and beautify your space.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Safety in Candles

Essential oils are generally considered safe and necessary ingredients in candle making - but the optimum amount of aromatherapy is crucial. The reaction to any essential oil differs per person; one person might find the scent overwhelming, while another might struggle to smell anything at all.

Several drops of essential oils go into our 100% soy wax. We've tested the amount at length, because we're fully aware that scent lands on people in different ways. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated, so too much will lead to an overwhelming fragrance - like that elderly fellow that splashed on way too much aftershave this morning. Many people suffer headaches and nausea when the aromatherapy is too strong for their liking.

On the other hand, a too small amount of essential oil will result in a weak scent throw. You might smell the candle when it's right beside you, but definitely not if you're across the room. Furthermore, you won't get the full benefit of the aromatherapy that the candle was made for.

Now, there are also safety risks to over- or under-use of essential oils. Too much essential oils usually results in poor candle performance, an uneven burn, or even a fire hazard. Too little, and you defeat the purpose of a scented candle altogether.

It's so important to find that happy balance. That way, you can position your favorite candle in the far corner of the room, knowing it'll still aromatize the space, whether you're taking a relaxing bath or entertaining friends - or augmenting that delicious pine tree scent of your Christmas tree!

    The Benefits of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy in Candle Decor

    We've made it a point to guarantee the quality of essential oils in each of our candles. We only go with vetted suppliers who really make essential oils - no woo-woo crazy stuff here, only the safest and best quality oils for each and every product. Then, we apply essential oils to hand-poured soy wax, applied carefully to each Lily Ladue vessel. The result is candle decor that you can give as a gift, or display with pride in your home.

    So, not only are these products aromatic; they're also beautiful - so beautiful, in fact, you'll want to repurpose each vessel after use and make it truly yours. Think of storage items, fruit bowls, or even pet water bowls! The possibilities depend entirely on your own creativity.

    Now, our products could be categorized into 3 main lines with their own distinct benefits:

    1. Relaxing, Soothing, and Nurturing:
      1. Aromatherapy and essential oils can also help you chill! Choose your favorite vessel - wooden, metallic, or glass - and find the aroma that appeals to you. How about a trio of corrugated tins in Jasmine, Eucalyptus, and Gardenia? Or a stunning silver luxury candle in white eucalyptus? We've got a variety of curated scents to help you breathe in, breathe out, and enjoy that cup of cocoa, novel, or warm bubble bath.
      2. Have you heard of the effects of aromatherapy on sleep? According to this study done by the British Association of Critical Care Nurses in 2015 conducted on patients in intensive care units in Turkey, lavender essential oil improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels in patients with coronary artery disease. Granted, it's never wise to keep a candle burning while you sleep, and we hope you're not suffering from coronary artery disease in an ICU, but we believe that aromatherapy and essential oils can help you relax! An hour before bed, turn down the lights, and light up your favorite relaxing candle. Let the smell waft around the room and help you calm your mind and senses. Then, just as you drift off to sleep, blow the candle out.
    2. Revitalizing and Energizing:
      1. Essential oils can cause you to feel more alert and enhance memory! In this study by Mos, Hewitt, Moss, & Wesnes, peppermint essential oil was proven to enhance memory and increase alertness. We've got a bunch of energizing scents to help you get the day rolling - so it's a perfect pick-me-up when you're brewing your morning coffee, or getting started on those emails. Check out our corrugated tins in coffee, or our 3- or 6-wick dough bowls/
    3. Celebratory and Fun:
      1. Eager to up the ante on an intimate anniversary dinner, Valentine's Day celebration, Thanksgiving get-together, prayerful Easter, or unwrapping the presents on Christmas Day? We've got a bunch of candles to add aromatherapy to boost that feeling! Each of our celebratory candles contain certain essential oils to amplify the mood without ever being cliche - think of Hot Apple Pie in a 3-wick dough bowl for an autumn party, or a heart-shaped candle with the sweet fruity-floral aroma that'll add a romantic touch your special dinner. These candles are great for all year round, too; don't restrict them to special occasions, and use aromatherapy to help you recall memories of happy celebrations any time of the year.

    Tips and Guidelines for Aromatherapy Candles with Essential Oils

    We've infused essential oils into soy wax - so, depending on the candle you've purchased, and the wicks it comes with, you may need different types of care.

    For cotton wicks, it's best to trim the wicks first to 1/4 or 1/8 of the initial wick size, to minimize soot, protect your air quality, and prolong your candle's life. A long wick can cause the candle to burn unevenly, meaning the aromatherapy may not work as well. In fact, the National Candle Association recommends trimming your wicks every couple of hours to extend your candle's life up to 25%! You can trim the wicks easily with scissors or a nail cutter.

    Wood wicks can be a little trickier because they tend to be shorter than  cotton wicks. Trim off any burnt pieces, and relight the wick at an angle. That should allow the flame to spread across the wick evenly.

    So, how to create the perfect atmosphere with your new candles?

    Think about what you're aiming for. Do you want to relax at the end of a tiring day? Or do you need a quick pick-me-up to get your day going? Perhaps you're hosting a get-together with friends and need some clever multipurpose decor items? We love how this candle decor combines sight and smell, ushering in all the benefits of aromatherapy without having to inhale essential oils by applying them directly to the skin or using a diffuser. 

    You can place them in the middle of the dinner table as a stunning centerpiece that will complement that delicious dessert you've got baking in the oven. Or, place them on the bathroom countertop, and light it up as you melt your worries away in a soothing bubble bath (don't forget the Epsom salts!). How about carving out a niche on your desk for your favorite energizing candle, and lighting up those wicks every time you start your day? The aromatherapy and essential oil may help those emails go down easier!

    Now, lots of our candles contain a mix of complementary scents. This is a big convenience; instead of combining an essential oil with a carrier on your own, or looking for the perfect complement for your lavender oil, we've done the thinking for you. Our scents are meant to help you escape to times gone by through fond memories, or evoke feelings of those cherry blossoms in Japan, or infuse your space with that relaxing beach aroma. Choose products with citrus oils, like our heart candle, for a sweet fruity-floral romantic feeling, or mahogany teakwood for that masculine aroma.

    Some of our candles come in trios! Light the candles in unison for a complementary aroma, or space them out in different areas of your home for fun little candle aromatherapy.

    Explore Lily Ladue's product line, and find the combination you love the most. Don't forget to share your combinations with us on social media!

    Breathe in Essential Oils and Aromatherapy with Lily Ladue's Candle Decor!

    Aromatherapy and essential oil will help boost your day, elevate your mood, encourage relaxation, or augment the celebratory feeling of a special occasion. Thanks to Lily Ladue's careful formulation, you can trust that the essential oil and aromatherapy in each candle is balanced and nuanced, so we don't overwhelm your senses - yet, you get the full use of each adorable candle.

    Talk about optimizing aromatherapy - through sight and smell!

    We hope you enjoy your growing candle collection. Reach out to us on social media and tell us which candles are your favorites!

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