Making your own candles at home is a fun and relaxing hobby regardless of how experienced you are.  You get to express yourself creatively and in the end, you've got a beautiful candle you can burn or give away as a unique gift.  However, it's not just the look of your candles that you should be experimenting with.  While many home candle-makers are most concerned with learning how to mix colours and create unique shapes, you should bring your focus to the candle's scent.  Here are a few you should try adding, and why.

Jasmine

This essential oil is expensive for a reason.  A recent study declared that the scent of jasmine is so good for anxiety and depression that it's comparable to valium – but of course, without having to put any chemicals into your body.  As such, if you or anybody in your family suffer from these ailments, it may well be worth a try.  Even without these reported effects, the scent of jasmine is very pleasant, and quite hardy too; it will hang around for a good long time after you stop burning the candle.  However, be careful; it is not suitable for pregnant women.

Ylang-Ylang

A very distinctive scent, ylang-ylang is said to be both a stress-buster – perfect for calming you down after a difficult day at work – and an aphrodisiac.  Putting it into a candle for your partner on Valentine's Day could make a lovely gift, or you could burn them during a romantic dinner.

Tea Tree

One of the most affordable essential oils, tea tree is also very versatile.  You may have seen it used in face creams and anti-acne treatments because of its cleansing properties.  It is also said to boost the immune system, so it's perfect for putting into candles during cold and flu season.  Because it is so affordable, it's also a nice way to dip your toes into the world of aromatherapy if you're new to it.

Rosemary

If you're looking to be productive, crafting yourself a few candles made with rosemary is the way forward.  It's a fresh and stimulating scent that is widely said to improve your energy levels and help you get through difficult tasks.  However, like jasmine, you should avoid this scent during pregnancy.

There are a whole world of scents out there to play with, and you'll have fun finding your favourites – but these are certainly a good place to start.  Just be sure to add the right amount to your candle so as not to create an overpowering scent.  In this case, it really is possible to have too much of a good thing!

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