RE: [CH] chile candles
Riley J. McIntire (Riley@ChileGarden.com)
Tue, 8 Oct 2002 12:36:42 -0700
> So... does anyone know how to creat the scented oils used in candle
> making? Surely it's just a matter of infusing some clean-burning,
> neutral-scented oil with the essence of whatever you want to smell.
> But, what oil, and how to infuse? Then, of course, does anyone know
> Chad Gard, KB9WXQ
Try "Pure Cap". Nice oil, mild aroma. Theme and variation. ;-)
A bit more seriously, iirc essential oils are extracted from vegetable
matter mainly by solvent extraction or steam distillation. Sometimes both
in various sequences. Either can be done on a small scale with simple
equipment but if you've never done it do a _lot_ of research first. Come to
think of it I'd bet liquid chromatography's involved a lot now. Do a Google
search on Essential Oil Chemistry. Candle making too. The oils would, I
think, then be added in small quantities to your candle wax, a mixture of
beeswax and paraffin. Classical solvent/steam extraction techniques would
probably get the capsaicin along with it and despite the statement above
wouldn't go over well. If the cap is fairly easy to separate out you might
get some very pleasant scents depending on the type. Or possibly some of
the more aromatic bell peppers would be good to start with.
Hmmmm, this started as an attempt at humor. Oh well.
Hot regards,
Riley