| Using naturally scented substances like fresh or | | | | candle wax should be enough. Leave the herbs to |
| dried herbs, flowers, spices is a great alternative | | | | simmer in the wax for 30 minutes, kept at a |
| to commercially available fragrance oils. | | | | constant temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Using Fresh or Dried Herbs, Flowers, or Spices | | | | - this is where your candy making thermometer |
| You can try using any of the following ingredients: | | | | and double boiler comes in handy. After |
| rose petals, lavender flowers, fresh or dried | | | | simmering, you can then remove the herbs from |
| herbs, dried citrus peels, vanilla pods, cinnamon | | | | the wax by straining cheesecloth or you can |
| sticks, or cloves. Most of these ingredients can be | | | | leave the herbs in the candle wax for decorative |
| found in natural food or craft stores. Some people | | | | purposes. Keep in mind that if you add more |
| suggest that herbs and spices purchased at | | | | whole or powdered herbs than necessary and |
| natural food stores are of a higher quality, | | | | then do not strain them out, the burning quality of |
| resulting in more fragrance. | | | | your candle will be affected as will the final color |
| How much do you need to add? | | | | and texture. Finally, the herbs and flowers can be |
| The process of adding natural herbs, spices, and | | | | a fire hazard if not distributed properly so for the |
| flowers to candle wax is slightly different than | | | | purposes of this article, we recommend straining |
| when using fragrance oils. Well just like when | | | | them out. |
| cooking you can use more when the ingredients | | | | Remember to coordinate candle colors with the |
| are fresh then when they are dry as the scent is | | | | scents you intend to add (such light to medium |
| likely to be more potent. One handful of fresh | | | | green for mint.) This will enhance the effect you |
| ingredients or one tablespoon dried per pound of | | | | are trying to create. |