How to Effectively Incorporate Herbs Into Your Handmade Candles

Incorporating herbs into your handmade candles is one way to add unique scents and visual appeal to your creations. Herbs are a natural and versatile ingredient that can provide aromatherapy properties.

Ordering wholesale candle supplies from a reputable company can be cost-effective and allow you to experiment with different herbs and combinations. Here are some steps for effectively incorporating herbs into your handmade candles:

Choose the Right Herbs

Select herbs that complement the desired fragrance of your candle. Consider the potency of each herb and how it may interact with other scents in your candle.

Choose visually appealing herbs, such as lavender and rosemary, that will not burn or melt too quickly when used in a candle. Buying wholesale candle supplies allows you to experiment with different herbs you may not have considered before.

Prepare the Herbs

If using fresh herbs, dry them thoroughly to prevent mold formation. Remove any stems or impurities and crush them gently for better distribution. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their scent and freshness, keeping the container away from sunlight and moisture to improve longevity.

Consider labeling the container with the name of the herb and its date of storage. This will help you keep track of their shelf life and potency.

For a more potent aroma, try lightly crushing or grinding the herbs with a mortar and pestle before use. You can also purchase pre-dried herbs from a wholesale supplier to simplify the preparation process.

Infuse the Herbs in Oil or Wax

Infusing herbs in oils or wax allows the fragrance and properties of the herbs to be extracted and incorporated into the candle-making process.

To infuse herbs in oil, choose a carrier oil such as olive, almond, or coconut oil. Heat the oil in a double boiler and add the crushed herbs.

Let them steep in the warm oil, stirring occasionally. This allows the oil to extract the fragrant properties of the herbs. The infusion process is similar when using wax but may have a shorter infusion time, depending on the desired fragrance strength.

Strain the Infused Mixture

Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate any solid pieces of herbs. The straining process also helps to remove any impurities or debris that may have been introduced during the infusion process. Consider straining your infused oils or wax multiple times to achieve a smooth and pure end product.

There are different types of strainers available on the market, from fine mesh and cheesecloth to coffee filters and muslin cloth.

Consider a strainer with a fine mesh to avoid unwanted particles in your final candle product. Rinse the strainer after each use and allow it to dry completely before using it again.

Combine With a Candle Base

Stir the infused oil or wax into your melted candle wax base, blending it thoroughly to distribute the herbs evenly.

When measuring the infused oil or wax, you can experiment with different ratios until you find a combination that suits you. You can also add dried herbs or flowers directly into your melted wax base to change the aesthetic of the candle.

Consider adding colorants to your melted wax, using shades that complement your chosen herbs. Natural dyes like beetroot powder, turmeric, and spirulina can provide vibrant and unique colors to your herb-infused candles. You can also use candle-safe liquid dyes for precise color control.

Pour and Set the Candle

Carefully pour the hot wax mixture into your chosen container, avoiding spillage or drips. The cooling process may take time for the wax to set completely. As the wax cools and solidifies, check for any herb clumps, air pockets, or holes that may have formed.

These can be fixed by reheating the wax and gently pouring it back into the container. Check for any uneven surfaces or bumps on your candle’s surface, which can also be remedied with a quick reheat and pour.

Get Creative With Wholesale Candle Supplies

Incorporating herbs into your handmade candles can add a unique and natural aesthetic to your creations. With the right techniques and supplies, you can create a variety of aromatic candles using herbs. Explore wholesale candle supplies today for cost-effective options and to experiment with different herbs.