Is It Safe To Put Dried Herbs In Candles?

Are you worried about different chemicals that are used in candle-making due to their bad effect on your health? To kill your worries, many manufacturers go for different organic alternatives instead of commercially manufactured scented candles.

Natural scents are not only beneficial for health but also eco-friendly as well. But the question arises here is it possible to use natural extracts in candles? The simple answer is yes, you can use the extracts of different herbs like Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon, etc.

However, is it safe to put dried herbs in candles? Yes, it’s safe to incorporate fresh or dried herbs in candles to enhance the appearance, aroma, and texture of the candle. In this article, we will thoroughly explain different aspects of using herbs in candle manufacturing. Let’s get started…

Why Add Herbs To Candles?

Before we talk about how to add dried herbs into candles, let’s first talk about why to add herbs into candles. There are plenty of reasons for adding herbs into candles as follows:

For Getting a Natural Sent: As we have already mentioned that using organic material for candle manufacturing is eco-friendly and economical. Unlike artificial air fresheners, natural scents are a clean, healthy, and fresh alternative for you and your beloved ones.

For Decorating the Candle Jar: Herbs have wonderful colours that can create amazing patterns when infusing in the candles. These patterns give a fresh and unique look to the candle and jar and the candle looks enticing through the glass.

For Getting a Stronger Scent: You can get a stronger and long-lasting scent by adding herbal extracts into the hot wax. As a result, the fragrance will be more earthy and fresh as compared to commercially made fragrances.

Is it Safe to Put Dried Herbs in Candles?

Below is a quick overview of whether or not it's safe to put dried herbs into your candles or not! We'll go into more detail later on..

1. Dried herbs can be a natural and safe way to add fragrance to candles, as long as they are used properly.
2. It's important to note that some herbs can be toxic or allergenic, so it's important to research the specific herbs you plan to use before adding them to candles.
3. Dried herbs should always be added to the wax before it hardens, as adding them to a hardened candle can cause the candle to crack or lose its shape.
4. It's also important to use the correct amount of herbs in your candles, as too much can cause the candle to burn unevenly or release too much smoke.
5. Some popular herbs that are safe to use in candles include lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
6. You can also use herbs that have been infused with essential oils, as this will add an extra boost of fragrance to your candles.
7. To make a herbal candle, you can mix dried herbs with beeswax, soy wax or other vegetable waxes.
8. Always use a wick that is appropriate for the size and type of candle you're making, and be sure to trim the wick to the correct length before lighting the candle to ensure a safe burn.

Using dried herbs in candles won’t be safe if you don’t use them carefully. Because herbs can catch fire and can turn into a smoky disaster.

However, the usage of dried herbs is still safe generally if you use them correctly. If herbs don’t come directly into contact with the wick when you lit it, herbs won’t catch flames. As a result, you and your house will be free from smoke.

You will see sporadic to smouldering flames, crackling, eruption of tiny sparks, sputtering, and emitting soot as soon as herbs touch the wick. To avoid such unpleasant events, you should be a little bit careful when adding herbs into the wax. Follow the steps below for the safe usage of herbs in candles:

Grind the dried herbs into smaller pieces before using them. Larger pieces will result in the angrier the flames. As a result, you will get a more disastrous candle.

Besides, try to use a jar with a larger diameter to keep the wick away from the dried herbs as much as possible. It is a very useful safety measure that you should adopt for getting a safe candle.

Never use dried herbs right on top of the candle that is ready to use. Adding herbs into the molten wax can be the safest option.

How to Add Dried Herbs into Candles?

During the candle-making process, the addition of dried herbs into hot wax not only gives stunning texture to the candles but also fragrance. Different herbs like savoury, germander, hyssop, and others are very suitable for candle-making. Choosing a herb totally depends on your personal preference.

First and foremost, choose your desired type of herb for adding to candles. Take fresh herbs in bunches and place them in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area for some weeks until herbs dry completely. Then, follow the steps below to add dried herbs in candles:

Take a sharp knife and make small pieces of herbs having almost ¼ inch length or less preferably. Herbs should be visually appealing when adding to the wax to manufacture candles. However, wax should be enough to hold everything together.

Now, melt the wax completely over simmering water in the top pan of a double boiler. Then, remove the heat source once the wax melts completely. Add the pieces of herbs into the melted wax and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or something similar to blend.

After blending herbs with wax, take the candle moulds having wicks already in their place and pour the molten wax into them.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t melt the wax at a direct flame because the wax is flammable. Plus, some herbs burn when you burn the candle. So you should be very careful when manufacturing herbal candles.

Things to Remember When Adding Herbs To Candles

Below are some important tips you should consider when adding herbs to candles:

• Placing herbs too close to the wick increases the chances of them catching fire when you lit the candle. These herbs emit soot when burnt that may counter the fragrance. That’s why you shouldn’t place herbs very close to the wick.

• Certain herbs can add a aesthetic look to your candles but my not necessarily add scent 

• The colour of the wax should match the scent. For example, you should match the vanilla with purple and mint with green. However white waxes are timeless and look great in any environment. 

• You can also add essential oils to really bolster the scent.

• Finally, keeping a lid on the candle in between use can help retain the herbal aroma.

Top 6 Best Herbs For Candle Manufacturing

Everyone chooses herbs totally based on their personal preferences. Whatever herb you choose, you will get a rich, earthy, and unique aroma for a long-lasting duration. Below are some of the best herbs you can try for candle-making:

1. Mint: Nothing matches with the fresh minty flavour wafting everywhere. Candles that are made of Mint have a clean and stunning fragrance that makes them one of the greatest gifts for your beloved ones.

2. Lemon: If you are looking for a unique citrus scent that dispels any other unwanted scents from the air, nothing is the best option than a lemon-scented shrub.

3. Chamomile: Chamomile is another great option for candle manufacturing. If you want a scent to calm your nerves, it is the best option for you. You should incorporate its flowers in the candles for producing amazing fragrances.

4. Lavender: If you have a little bit of know-how of using herbs in candles, you will be familiar with the usage of lavender in candles. This scent is quite popular for aromatherapy. If you have any sleeping problems, all you need is to light a candle made of lavender. You will sleep in no time.

1. Rosemary: Rosemary is quite popular due to its aromatic leaves. After harvesting, place them at a ventilated place until they dry completely. Then, add them into candles for getting a long-lasting earthy scent.

2. Thyme: Thyme is known for spice. However, its medicinal properties make it one of the best scents available to make you calm and for the smoothness of respiration.

All of the above-mentioned herbs are unique. You can use any part of the plant for candle manufacturing like leaves, flowers, and stems. However, blend them before using them for creating a powerful aroma.

Advantages of Using Herbs in Your Candle

If your mind is not clear about the usage of dried herbs in the candles, these benefits might change your mind. Below are some benefits of using dried herbs:

1. Low Costs and Availability

The cost of growing different types of herbs in your backyard is very low. Because these natural scents are much cheaper than commercially manufactured fragrances. Above all, growing herbs is also eco-friendly. In simple words, these organic scents are not only great in terms of fragrance but also economically as well.

2. Use in Medication

According to research by John Hopkin’s Medicine, these herbs are amazing for aromatherapy. These natural scents can give you relief from anxiety and depression. Some medical experts also recommend some essential oils to further enhance their rehabilitation ability. Therefore, inhaling these scents are very beneficial for you and your family's health.

3. For Recreation

Candle-making activity is a great way to involve your family members. Therefore, it would be fun if you involve your family member in this creative activity. Simply, you will not only get earthy and unique aromatic candles but candle creation is also a beautiful bonding activity.

Some of the health advantages of using dried botanicals and herbs in your candles are:

1. Using botanicals and herbs in candles can have a therapeutic effect on your mind and body. Some popular plants used in candles, like lavender and chamomile, have calming and relaxing properties that can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Incorporating botanicals and herbs in candles can also have a positive effect on your respiratory system. Some plants like eucalyptus and peppermint have menthol which is known to help clear the airways and soothe breathing.
3. Using natural plants in candles can be a great alternative to synthetic fragrances. These natural ingredients don't contain harsh chemicals like some commercial candles that can cause allergic reactions.
4. Incorporating botanicals and herbs in candles can be used to create a desired ambiance in your home. For example, using rosemary and sage can create a sense of grounding and serenity, while using peppermint and eucalyptus can create an energizing and invigorating atmosphere.
5. Using botanicals and herbs in candles is eco-friendly. They are a natural and renewable resource, unlike synthetic fragrances that are often derived from non-renewable petrochemicals.

Wrapping Up

Using dried herbs in the candles is completely safe for your environment and health as well. In this way, you can directly get your desired scent from the source. The resulted fragrance will be free from chemicals that will improve your well-being.

You can choose one or mix up two are more herbs to get a great aroma. Remember the tips when manufacturing candles at your home. However, some people are allergic to some scents. So you should seek medical help for any allergic reactions.