Aromatherapy Research Paper

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Aromatherapy Candles for Sleep

This article looks at aromatherapy and the possible benefit it may have towards relaxation and promoting sleep. Aromatherapy oils and the different types of candle wax are discussed in order to determine the most beneficial use of aromatherapy candles for sleep.

What are aromatherapy candles?
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of aromatic essential oils from the leaves, roots, seeds or blossoms of plants to promote physical and psychological wellbeing, including promoting sleep. Essential oils contain different mixes of active ingredients, and it’s this mix which determines what the oil is used for. Aromatherapy candles are made by adding these essential oils to the candle wax, and when the candle is lit the …show more content…

Kyphi is a famous Egyptian fragrance which was used for religious purposes and treating illnesses but also to induce sleep, increase dreaming and alleviate anxiety. Myrrh and frankincense were also used as aids to induce sleep and relaxation (Kenville and Green, 2009).

The science of aromatherapy was founded in 1928 by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé who studied the chemical properties of essential oils and how they were used to treat wounded soldiers during World War 1. At around the same time an Austrian nurse, Marguerite Maury, used essential oils for their effects on mood and emotion. In 1948 Dr Jean Valnet (French physician and Army surgeon) reintroduced essential oils into medical practice, and his work along with that of Gattefossé and Valnet helped shaped the modern practice of …show more content…

The oils need to be added when the wax is hot, but not so hot that the oils evaporate. Because soy wax has a lower melting point than other types of wax, it is an ideal wax for blending with essential oils. Soy wax is made from soybean oil which is produced from genetically modified soybeans that are commercially farmed in the US, so although it is a natural product it is chemically processed. Palm wax has similar properties but palm oil is currently harvested from non-sustainable palm plantations. If cost is no issue, then beeswax aromatherapy candles are the cleanest and most eco-friendly

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