You would think that buying scented candles would be a no-brainer. You’d think you could just add “candles” to your grocery list and pick them up at your neighborhood grocery store. Unfortunately for those of us that enjoy candles and aromatherapy, it’s not that simple, especially if you’re looking for a scented aromatherapy candle.

What Makes It Aromatherapy?

There is a difference between a scented aromatherapy candle and other scented candles. To make it even more confusing, some candles that are sold as aromatherapy candles aren’t. They may have similar aromas, but aren’t scented with botanicals. True aromatherapy candles are scented with essential oils from plants, or botanicals.

You’re probably wondering, “Who cares? As long as it smells the same, what difference does it make what it’s scented with?” The short answer is that a scented aromatherapy candle is healthier to burn than other types.

In the first place, aromatherapy isn’t just pretty scents. It is an herbal medicinal therapy. Essential oils, the ones used in a scented aromatherapy candle, have healing physical and psychological effects when they are breathed in. It’s not the scent that is doing the healing; it’s the botanical oils that create the scent.

In the second place, when you burn candles, you breathe in whatever creates the scent. In regular candles a chemical substance usually creates the scent.

Avoid Paraffin

Most candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum product. When paraffin candles burn, they produce an oily, sooty smoke that is harmful to breathe. It’s even worse with paraffin based, scented aromatherapy candle, because the essential oils break the paraffin down, making it even sootier.

Don’t give up! You can enjoy the ambience and healing effects of a scented aromatherapy candle, without fouling the air with candle soot. Candles made of beeswax, soy or vegetable oil burn smoke free. Make sure the wicks are wireless, or lead free, too.

The best scented aromatherapy candle:

* Is made with 100% essential oils; and

* Is made of beeswax, soy or vegetable oil; and

* Has a paper or cotton (wireless) wick.

You probably can’t buy these candles at the neighborhood grocery store, but they are readily available at home interior stores and on the Internet. A scented aromatherapy candle made with soy or beeswax may cost a little more, but they last longer, burn cleaner and have added health benefits.