By Jessicka Nebesni of Mountain Rose Herbs

If you’re not familiar with wax melts or how they are used, they are essentially blocks of aromatic wax and oil that are used with a wax warmer to diffuse scents in the home. When made with organic ingredients, they serve as natural air fresheners and are safer than chemical-laden alternatives found at most stores. The warmers can also add a beautiful aesthetic touch to your space.

Another benefit of using wax melts is that they last longer than standard candles, so they are more affordable and sustainable in the long run. I also appreciate that they are flame-free, which means they are safer, especially for those with young children, dogs, or cheeky cats who may knock them over accidentally (or intentionally — looking at you, cheeky kitties!). Lastly, wax melts don’t put off any of the “soot” that burning wicks do. This makes wax melts a cleaner way to enjoy aromatherapy. Here is how you can make your very own!

How to Make Scented Wax Melts

Ingredients

  • 1 cup beeswax pastilles*
  • 1/2 cup organic coconut oil*
  • 75-100 drops essential oil(s) of choice*

Directions

Add beeswax and coconut oil to a double boiler over medium heat. Leave on heat until ingredients are fully melted together. Remove from heat and add essential oils. Stir well and pour into your mold of choice. Allow to fully cool, then pop out of molds.

Now that you have the basics, I’d love to share one of the first wax melt scents I experimented with: pumpkin spice. I’m not ashamed to admit my love for all things pumpkin spice. The scent of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom creates an ideal aroma blend for the home, particularly during the holidays. So without further adieu . . .

DIY Pumpkin Spice Wax Melt Recipe

Ingredients

  • 20 drops organic cinnamon essential oil*
  • 20 drops organic ginger essential oil*
  • 20 drops organic nutmeg essential oil*
  • 15 drops organic clove bud essential oil*
  • 10 drops organic cardamom essential oil*

Directions: Use essential oil blend in wax melt recipe above.

Pro Tips

  • If you don’t have any molds to use, you can pour wax drops on parchment paper.
  • If you have lots of wax left in your wax warmer but the aroma is dissipating, you can freshen it up with some new essential oils. I like 2 drops each of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and one drop of clove and cardamom to freshen the pumpkin spice recipe above. Simply let the warmer do its magic in melting the solids and then add essential oils.
  • If you love pumpkin spice and don’t want to make wax melts, the essential oil blend can also be used in a diffuser. Use the ratio in the pro tip above.

*These high-quality organic ingredients can be found at the Mountain Rose Herbs Mercantile

Mountain Rose Herbs Mercantile, 152 W 5th Ave., 541/686-8420, mountainroseherbsmercantile.com