Lighten Up: Your Guide to Calming Down and Chilling Out with Hemp Candles

Aromatherapy candles have been a popular form of relaxation for a long time now. Once you've experienced the calming effect a scented candle can have on your mood, and the luxurious fragrance it can disperse in your home, you'll become a fan. With the rise in the trend of scented candles in almost every household, it was only a matter of time before hemp candles caught on too.

There is now a massive range of hemp candles available on the market to suit almost any taste. Manufacturers make the candles by using blends of distilled CBD oil and terpenes (naturally aromatic molecules). These uniquely-blended ingredients produce the relaxing scent of cannabis in the hemp candles.

Although these candles are made from hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant, they will not produce a "high" feeling. The THC component found within cannabis, which causes a "high" sensation, is not present in essential oils or hemp candles. Hemp plants used for CBD oil and hemp oil are a unique strain which contains only trace amounts of THC. The cannabis Sativa oils then used in hemp candles have been extracted so that no THC is present. You can rest assured, knowing that inhaling the aroma of hemp candles will not cause any unwanted psychotropic effects in the slightest.

Hemp candles are a great way to introduce the potential properties of refined cannabis Sativa into your life, especially if you are not a fan of ingesting it. The super-earthy taste you get from hemp oil is not for everyone, but that does not mean you can't reap the potential benefits.

Research suggests that when hemp is included as part of a healthy lifestyle, and simply knowing this can help you unwind after a busy day. When you light the candles, you may notice that the change in ambience causes a therapeutic effect enveloping your surroundings. We know you must be interested to learn a bit more about why hemp candles are so popular, so read on to learn more about how to and chill out with this alternative cannabis-derived product.

Content Overview

What is Hemp Oil? Potential Benefits of Hemp Candles For Chilling Out How to Use Hemp Candles How To Make An Aromatherapy Hemp Candle At Home Go Chill Out With A Hemp Candle

What is Hemp Oil?

Due to hemp oil deriving from the hemp plant, which is part of the cannabis family, there is some stigma around this substance. You may already be familiar with hemp oil's famous cousin, CBD (short for cannabidiol) oil, which is a naturally-occurring compound found in the female hemp plant. It is one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids which are unique to the plant. However, hemp and CBD oil are very different substances- CBD oil is derived from the stems and leaves of the cannabis Sativa plant, while hemp oil (also known as hemp seed oil) is derived from- you guessed it- the seeds of the hemp plant. Both are, however, safe, non-addictive substances which have no psychotropic effects. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound accountable for the psychotropic effects cannabis famously known as causing. Hemp extracts, however, typically contain less than 0.3% THC, as many plants are harvested before they reach their full maturity, in order to ensure there are no psychotropic effects from the THC content. CBD itself is thought to have the ability to actually reduce and neutralise the psychotropic effects of THC, depending on how much of# each compound is taken.   

Hemp oil can interact with our bodies in a variety of ways. Hemp seeds themselves are full of nutrients and can be used as food supplements or as part of a balanced diet. Many choose to include hemp-infused food products, such as yoghurts, snack bars, and salad dressings, in their diet. 

Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of amino acids and fatty acids, such as omega-3 (which is thought to be able to supplement heart health). In addition, hemp seeds also contain the following minerals and hemp nutrients:

• Arginine - A type of amino acid which is vital for regulating blood flow.

• B vitamins - A great dietary addition for maintaining good health and wellbeing. B vitamins have a direct impact on brain function, energy levels, and cell metabolism.

• Calcium - Essential mineral for building and maintaining bone health. It also helps to enable our muscles to contract, our heart to beat, and blood to clot.

• Gamma-linolenic acid - This naturally occurring fatty substance found in hemp has been discovered to supplement the symptoms of particular skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and sclerosis.

• Iron - A mineral which our bodies need for growth and development. We need iron to make haemoglobin and myoglobin.

• Magnesium - This much-needed nutrient is essential for many human body processes, including regulating blood sugar levels, blood pressure, making protein, and regulating muscle and nerve function. 

• Vitamin C - An excellent vitamin for helping to protect cells and keep them healthy. It also plays a part in maintaining healthy blood vessels, bones and cartilage, and healthy skin. Hemp seed oil has become a popular ingredient in many mainstream natural skincare ranges, as it is known to have the potential ability to moisturise, unclog pores (thereby possibly preventing acne) and purportedly helping to maintain well-hydrated and healthy skin.

Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil could have a positive effect on our overall wellbeing when introduced as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you are new to hemp products or not keen on the idea of ingesting it, hemp candles could be an excellent option for you.

Potential Benefits of Hemp Candles For Chilling Out

Candles, in general, have evolved hugely over time. They were once just a useful source of light, and are now generally being used as a decorative accent to a room. For over 5,000 years, candles have been used as a source of light. It has been reported that the first candles were developed by the ancient Egyptians, who used torches made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These torches, however, did not have a wick. 

Most of the developments impacting contemporary candle making occurred in the 19th century. In the 1800s, paraffin wax was introduced after chemists figured out how to separate the waxy element from petroleum, and refine it efficiently. Unsurprisingly, candle-making declined following the invention of electricity, and the introduction of the light bulb in 1879.

Although many of us no longer rely on candles to provide our primary source of light, they continue to grow in popularity as we learn there is more to candles than just illumination. They symbolise celebration, signify romance, provide a soothing ambience to otherwise darkened rooms, and can help define a ceremony. Candles are also great when they include infused essential oils for us to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and transdermal wax therapy.

Here are some examples of benefits associated with using soy wax hemp candles:

• Ambience - The flicker of candlelight produces a lovely atmosphere which is almost impossible to replicate. Lighting a few carefully-placed candles in an indoor or outdoor space can create a cosy and intimate environment. Candlelight brings softness to a room, and can instantly make one feel warm and welcomed.

 At the end of your next stressful day, sit down in a slightly darkened room and light a candle. Watch the natural movement of the flame, and breathe for a few minutes. This practice can make a massive difference to your mood, and help you unwind. There is a good reason why therapists introduce candles to their treatment rooms.

 Candles are known for their calming, therapeutic properties, and, when aromatherapy oils are added, they can create another sense of relaxation and serenity. Depending on the fragrance, scented candles may also give you an infusion of energy, and possibly help your head get into a more productive mindset.

 Fragrance – Hemp candles are a great way to add a subtle scent to your home and even cover-up unwanted odours. There is a wide variety of hemp candles combined with other essential oils - for example, sandalwood, lavender, lemongrass, and white patchouli are all popular partner-scents.

 Hemp candles are also ideal for housing addition scents as they can be made with soy wax. Candles made from soy wax are non-toxic, soot free, burn clean, and last much longer than traditional paraffin. Traditional paraffin candles produce black soot, and can release toxic carcinogens into the air- not a very relaxing thought at all!

• Self-Expression – Fragrance preferences can be as personal as taste in music or fashion. Although your choice may differ from those of your friends and family, you should still embrace your individuality and embrace the scents you love, too. Scented hemp candles can be a great way to show off your individual taste and personality while enjoying the potential benefits of hemp. 

• Romance - Candles are perfect for creating a romantic setting. The sensual glow with the comforting, earthy hemp scent can help make you feel relaxed. 

There are also particular scents which are thought to encourage and enhance libido. These scents are designed to awaken our receptors when the fragrance is released and evaporates into the air. Some of the most popular aphrodisiac scents include rosewood, lily of the valley, cinnamon, rose, vanilla, and ginseng.

• Meditation - Lighting candles during meditation is a great way to support your peaceful practice. There are several visualisation exercises and manifestation techniques that involve focusing on the flame of a burning candle. Being in a relaxed and calm state of mind is beneficial for meditation, and burning a hemp candle during your next session might just help get you there.

• Remembrance – The human sense of smell is strongly linked to memory, so much so that we regularly associate a specific scent with a feeling or memory. It can take us rushing back to a childhood recollection of a grandparent's kitchen or the smell of your partner's old leather jacket when you first met.

Candles don't only prompt specific memories. They can also be applied when conducting a remembrance of the people we have lost. It is known for some communities to even hold candlelight vigils in order to show support for an important cause. Lighting a hemp candle can be a great way to potentially help you calm your senses and spend some time reflecting, remembering, or simply having some alone time with your breath and thoughts.

• Travel – If candles have become part of your wellness routine, you will be happy to learn that they usually travel pretty well. It is best to stick to hemp candles made in a tin container. If your favourite relaxation candle is in a glass jar, ensure it is wrapped in something to protect it during transportation (bubble wrap or a thick scarf will work well).

Next time you have to spend some time away from home, you should take your hemp candle along. Lighting a candle with your favourite scents infused into the wax can make you feel at home wherever you are, turning an unfamiliar space into your own special sanctuary.

• Health – Burning hemp candles to help you chill out could be potentially beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing. Taking care of your mind should be a central part of living a healthy lifestyle. Lighting a candle can provide the environment you need to bring calm and a sense of wellbeing. Many people that get anxious or tense on a regular basis find candles can give them some comfort.

It is worth remembering that not all candles are created equal. It is best to buy hemp candles made from soy wax and all-natural ingredients. Better yet, why not put an afternoon aside and learn to make your own hemp candles? Regardless of how you go about acquiring your candles, let's learn a bit more about why you should in the first place- what makes hemp candles so unique?

What is Hemp Oil?

With hemp oil now being legal in several countries, it has been added to a variety of products to potentially help support people's overall health. We have been experiencing the general benefits of candles for decades, and now, with the ongoing research into hemp extracts,  hemp and CBD candles are being reported to be a positive addition to many relaxation practices. Lighting a hemp candle could possibly help you chill out and in turn, alleviate anxiety. Here are some of the reports of the purported benefits of hemp candle users: 

• Relaxed – With people finding life more stressful than ever, many of us are searching for new ways to help us wind down. Traditional methods, such as yoga and meditation, are great anxiety-busters, but sometimes we need just a little extra after a difficult day. Hemp-infused candles can potentially help clear your mind, and bring a warm glow to your relaxation space at the same time.   
• Energised – If you are finding a post-lunch energy drop hits you most days, lighting a hemp candle on your desk and taking a few deep breaths could help you refocus and feel more energised as a result. It could also help you get a couple of hours of that essential work done.
• Sleep – If you find yourself pacing the floors at night, you might have insomnia. Using hemp-infused candles (with some CBD content) before bed and after a warm bath may help you relax enough to get a better night's sleep. Sleep quality is essential for our overall health. Sleep deprivation does not only make you look rundown; it can also lead to high blood pressure, low sex drive, obesity, and many other problems.
• Menstrual pain – Women who suffer from menstrual cramps and pain can find it really debilitating. Staying active during your period can make a big difference in relieving period pain. Exercise has been found to increase blood circulation and loosen muscles. Once your hard workout session is done, incorporate a hemp candle into your cool-down routine. It could help you possibly relax further, and potentially ease up the menstrual cramping. 
• Glowing skin – In addition to the potential benefits of breathing in the relaxing hemp candle's essential oils, using a CBD-infused soy wax transdermally (on the skin) can bring a healthy glow to your skin. There is a good reason why hemp candles are a popular feature in massage and beauty clinics across the world- though we don't suggest pouring hot wax over your face directly from the candle! 

How to Use Hemp Candles

The majority of hemp candles are made from soy wax and essential oils for the purpose of not only enjoying them as traditional candles, but having an additional therapeutic component to them, as well. When made out of the right natural ingredients, the hemp-infused wax can be used like a lotion and massage oil. They may be enjoyed as a soothing hemp oil for the skin while the candles are melting. Hemp candles are great for moisturising and otherwise pampering your skin, just like regular essential oils.

 

To use hemp candles as a topical, simply light your favourite candle and let some wax melt, and you're ready to go. The hemp oil is absorbed through your skin (transdermally) and goes to work where you need it. It is a simple way to target an external source in the places you need it most- though we would recommend avoiding hot wax on sensitive skin, such as that of the face.

Many find the hemp-infused soy wax coupled with the essential oils (and possibly some potentially relaxing CBD), a welcoming soothing warmth for the skin. Use a spoon, dip some out with your hand, or, if you are feeling brave, pour the wax directly onto the skin. If you are going for a hard-to-reach place, it might be best to have someone there to help you. Whichever way you choose to apply the infused hemp and soy wax, ensure you are doing it safely, and using a candle made for the specific purpose, with the option of being used as a topical.

If using the hemp candles transdermally, ensure it has been made for the purpose and not from paraffin wax. You could cause injury to yourself or others if you use a candle which contains ingredients which were not intended for use on the body.

Conventional candles are typically made from paraffin wax, and they burn at a very high heat. It is best to buy ready-made hemp soy-wax candles, or create your own. Soy wax melts at a considerably lower temperature than paraffin wax. It actually melts at a temperature which is just above the average resting body temperature, and so can be applied directly to the body.

How To Make An Aromatherapy Hemp Candle At Home

There are some beautiful hemp candles on the market; however, if you are into homemade remedies, why not try making your own? All the materials can be safely sourced online, and you can get some additional chill time during the candle making process. Grab your best hemp oil, and/or your favourite CBD oil, and let's get started!

Materials:

• Glass mason jar - 1 large
• Hemp wick
• Food thermometer
• Double boiler (or two small saucepans)
• Oven mitts
• Hot glue gun
• Hemp oil (or a mix of 1 part CBD oil and 3 parts hemp oil- 30ml
• Organic coconut oil - 130g
• Soy wax - 450g

 

Method:

1. Start by sticking the wick to the bottom of a jar with the hot glue gun. Make sure the length of your wick is long enough to pull up over the lip of the jar. It will be trimmed later on.
2. Set the double boiler on medium heat, and melt the soy wax and coconut oil. If you do not have a double boiler, two small saucepans will do.
3. Keep an eye on the coconut oil and soy wax. With the food thermometer, take it off the heat once it gets to 120 degrees.
4. Combine the coconut oil and soy wax, and then add in the Hemp/CBD-and-hemp oil. Combine as evenly as you can.
5. Hold your wick steady as you carefully pour the mixture into the glass mason jar. Do not pull the wick too hard, as it might come off. Stop pouring when you are 1cm away from the jar top.
6. Hold the wick in place with a pair of tweezers (or between pencils) while the candle sets.
7. After around four hours of cooling down, trim the wick, and enjoy your homemade hemp candle.

If you would like to add aromatherapy oils to your hemp candle for additional benefits, just mix them in at step 4, when stirring in your hemp oil. Some of the more popular essential oils to add to your hemp candle include:

• Lavender – This is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. Lavender is recognised to have possible calming benefits and is most helpful when it comes to relaxing over-stressed minds.

• Eucalyptus – The blend of eucalyptus essential oil is known to help soothe headaches, relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold, and help clear blocked sinuses.

• Cedarwood – This luxurious aroma provides smells of wood. Cedarwood is thought to potentially improve concentration 

• Damask Rose – A seducing scent which is purportedly perfect for getting anyone in the mood for a romantic night and even a good night's sleep afterwards!

• Lemon – If you are feeling a bit sluggish and perhaps nauseous, lemon and hemp scented candles may help ease the discomfort. 

• Vanilla – This is one of the oldest known aromatherapy oils, and has been recognised as having some of the best possible calming effects.

Go Chill Out With A Hemp Candle

With the pressures of everyday life, it is essential to sustain your physical and mental health. Taking time out for yourself, even if it's just five minutes a day, could help reduce your anxiety and stress levels. Lighting a hemp candle and simply sitting in its presence can give you space and the perfect environment to refocus on yourself.

There are so many potential benefits hemp-infused candles have to offer. If you're looking to relax in the evening, get focused for a long afternoon at work, or want to set a romantic ambience for an evening with a loved one, hemp candles could be the perfect addition to your plans. They can be bought online, or made easily at home. For some, a homemade soy wax candle is the first option; as it means you can tailor the scent and hemp/CBD quantity to your personal needs. 

Why not give this relaxation method a try? Hemp candles could potentially help transport you to a place of pure relaxation.