Don’t confuse essential oils with fragrance oils. Essential oils are extracted directly from plant materials. [3] X Research source Essential oils are not really oils. They are highly concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants. This makes them unique from fragrance oils, which are created specifically to smell good. Essential oils should come in dark tinted bottles as exposure to light can degrade their chemical structures. Look for the Latin names of the plants on the bottles as this will let you know exactly what you are getting. Check the scent of the oil. If it doesn’t smell good or it differs from what you expected, it may not be a high-quality preparation.
Don’t confuse essential oils with fragrance oils. Essential oils are extracted directly from plant materials. [3] X Research source Essential oils are not really oils. They are highly concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants. This makes them unique from fragrance oils, which are created specifically to smell good. Essential oils should come in dark tinted bottles as exposure to light can degrade their chemical structures. Look for the Latin names of the plants on the bottles as this will let you know exactly what you are getting. Check the scent of the oil. If it doesn’t smell good or it differs from what you expected, it may not be a high-quality preparation.
Read up on any scent you choose so that you are informed of possible risks. Cinnamon bark, for example, has been shown to cause allergic reactions in people who have seasonal allergies. [5] X Research source
Cedarwood, lemon oil, grapefruit, wild orange, and lavender are also good options. Try them out to see which ones you prefer or use a blend that you enjoy. [7] X Research source
Try adding a few drops of an oil that smells good, like lavender, to your preparation to improve the overall effect. Rose essential oil is associated with reducing stress and anxiety. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Patchouli essential oil is another fragrance many people find pleasant. Like tea tree oil, it may have some antimicrobial and antifungal effects. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Don’t do business with aromatherapists who claim to be able to cure health conditions or charge large amounts of money. Always exercise caution when evaluating health claims about essential oils, because there is currently little evidence for their effectiveness. The vast majority of essential oils are not very expensive and should not cost a fortune. [15] X Research source
Oil burners of this type are inexpensive, easy to find in stores or online from retailers that sell home goods or health and beauty supplies. You can even find these in some grocery stores. Look for a burner that has a deep bowl so the contents won’t evaporate too quickly. [17] X Research source
Using regular tap water is fine, but if you have high mineral levels in your water you may prefer to use distilled water to minimize the build-up of residue. [19] X Research source
If you’re mixing oils, keep the total number of drops to 10 or less as you don’t want to overdo it. You can always add more later if you think the aroma is not strong enough. Experiment to find the concentration of oil to water that you like best.
Oil is flammable, so keep your oil bottles away from the flame. Never leave an open flame unattended and keep the burner out of reach of pets and children. [22] X Trustworthy Source National Fire Protection Association Nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Go to source
Built-up residue contributes to an accumulation of scents that will ultimately make the burner unusable for different oils. Leaving your burner unwashed may also result in an unpleasant burnt smell when you use it.
Electric burners eliminate the need for an open flame, but electrical hazards can still cause fire risks and the heating element can cause burns. Operate these with care and never leave them unattended. [27] X Research source Avoid using an extension cord as this increases the risk of fire. Choose a burner that has a cord that is long enough to reach your outlet. Do not place more than three electrical appliances into any one outlet at a time. It’s also a good idea to unplug your burner when it’s not in use.
Fill the ceramic bowl with water, using distilled if your tap water has a high mineral content. Add approximately 10 drops of your essential oils.
Don’t burn your oils for more than an hour or so at a time. Cycle between periods of burning and not burning so that you don’t overwhelm your space with too much oil.
Turn off and unplug your burner before cleaning it. Leave it to cool for 15-20 minutes after turning it off before you attempt to clean it as it could cause burns. To remove built-up residue that you missed, try a mixture of 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil, 2 tablespoons (28. 8 g) of baking soda and ½ tablespoon (7. 5 mL) of water. Spread this over the affected area and let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a sponge. [31] X Research source
Look for cotton wicks when you are shopping for candles. Keep your wicks trimmed to 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm). This lessens the amount of soot the candle produces while it’s burning.
Experiment with the concentration of essential oil in your DIY candles until you get the result you want.
Look for candles with multiple wicks. This will help speed up the melting process, diffusing oils more quickly and efficiently. Just like with oil burners, don’t burn your candles all day long, every day as this can have negative health effects. Burn until the wax is evenly melted, then take a break. The exact times will vary based on the size of your candle.
