There are few things as relaxing as the soft glow of candlelight and the soothing smell of essential oils. Especially after a long day when you’re ready to just come home, put your feet up, and chill out, something as easy as these Himalayan salt candle diffusers can instantly set the mood.
I recently purchased a Himalayan salt lamp for those times when I want to purify the air and bask in a little mood lighting at the same time. But I quickly learned that it just didn’t feel as nice without my essential oils.
Turns out I didn’t really need to invest in a salt lamp at all—I could have just made these salt candle diffusers instead. Not only do they help cleanse the air, but they also create an inviting candlelit glow and fill the air with the scent of whichever oils you choose.
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Benefits of Salt Candle Diffusers
A sea salt candle diffuser combines coarse Himalayan salt with essential oils in a container, often around a candle. The candle's heat gently warms the salt, releasing the aroma of the essential oils into the air.
Much like Himalayan salt lamps, when heated, these salt diffusers attract water vapor (and the mold, bacteria, and allergens it carries) to its surface and removes it from the air. And by adding a few drops of essential oils and a candle, they offer a nice, warm glow, cleanse the air of impurities, and diffuse relaxing essential oils at the same time.
Here are a few more benefits of salt candle diffusers:
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When combined with the warm glow of a Himalayan salt diffuser, it creates a soothing, tranquil environment that promotes mental relaxation.
Naturally Control Humidity
Himalayan salt can absorb moisture from the air, helping to maintain a balanced humidity level in your home. This can make rooms feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of mold or mildew forming in damp areas.
Promote Mental Clarity
Essential oils such as lemon or frankincense, when diffused with Himalayan salt, can improve focus and mental clarity. This is particularly beneficial for use in workspaces or study areas where concentration is key.
Boost Energy Levels
Energizing essential oils like peppermint and rosemary can be diffused to improve alertness and boost energy. Starting your day with these scents can enhance focus, lift your mood, and make you feel more invigorated.
Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation
While scientific studies on this topic are lacking, Himalayan salt diffusers are believed to emit negative ions, which may help neutralize the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation. This could potentially reduce fatigue and other side effects of prolonged exposure to electronic devices, such as phones, computers, and TVs.
Supplies
To make a salt diffuser, you'll need:
- Coarse Himalayan sea salt
- Essential oils of your choice (see below for 7 essential oil blends we love)
- Votive candles
- Hurricane jar or finger bowls
- Optional: decorative elements like dried flowers or herbs
If you don’t have any Himalayan salt on hand, don’t worry, any natural sea salt will work. In fact, I like to keep things interesting by trying various types of salt and placing the different colored diffusers around the house. You can even place a few together on a table to make a pretty and relaxing centerpiece.
How to Make Himalayan Salt Candle Diffusers
To make them, simply place your salt in a bowl and add your essential oils. Give it a good stir before pouring the salt into a votive candle holder or hurricane glass. Set your candle on top and light it. As it burns, the heat will activate the salt and help diffuse the oils into the air.
And just a word of warning: since the Himalayan salt has to be warm to purify the air, it’s best to choose short votives rather than tall pillar candles. They burn a little bit quicker and bring the heat closer to the salt. But that also means you’ll need to keep a closer eye on your diffusers to make sure they don’t burn down too far and create a fire hazard.
If you have leftover Himalayan salt, check out our list of ways to use Himalayan pink salt in your next DIY project.
7 Fall Essential Oil Blends
When it comes to scents, I find that simpler is usually better.
For a relaxing essential oil blend, try combining cedarwood with its sedative effects [source] and frankincense to relieve anxiety [source], balance the emotions, and bring peace of mind. If you need an emotional boost, mix lemongrass for calming [source], ylang ylang to reduce stress [source], and orange to improve mood [source]. For a nice wellness blend, try a combination of lemon and tea tree oils to naturally kill bacteria [source] and viruses [source] in the air.
If you would like to ring in cooler weather with the help of some fall-scented oils, here are a few warm and cozy essential oil blends to get you started.
Spicy
10 drops cinnamon
5 drops clove
5 drops lavender
4 drops neroli
Woodsy
12 drops Palo Santo
5 drops thyme
7 drops clementine
Cozy
3 drops black pepper
7 drops bergamot
6 drops vetiver
6 drops saffron
Sweet
6 drops cardamom
5 drops nutmeg
8 drops vanilla
Rustic
6 drops cedarwood
4 drops spruce
4 drops cardamom
3 drops blood orange
Fireside
4 drops vetiver
4 drops ginger
6 drops copaiba
Orchard
6 drops hinoki
5 drops juniper berry
3 drops clove
3 drops pettigrain
Different Ways to Use Your Salt Diffusers
Here are a bunch of different ways you can use Himalayan salt candle diffusers throughout your home:
- As a coffee table centerpiece
- On your nightstand to help you relax before bed
- To give your bathroom a spa-like vibe
- In your home’s entryway to greet guests with a warm, welcoming scent
- On your kitchen counter to help tame overpowering aromas
- In your yoga or meditation corner to enhance relaxation and mindfulness
- On a hallway console table to provide a soft glow and subtle scent
- In the laundry room to help get rid of musty odors
- On on an outdoor table or balcony to keep the bugs at bay (just make sure to protect it from the elements)
Candle Diffuser FAQs
I start with 20–30 drops total of essential oil, which makes three small candle diffusers. Feel free to adjust based on your preference and the strength of the essential oil scents you’re using.
The scent from the essential oils can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. You can refresh the scent by adding more drops of essential oil as needed.
After a while, dirt and dust may start to accumulate in the sea salt, which can get pretty gross. I recommend replacing the sea salt and freshening your diffuser once a month.
Yes, you can. While you won't get the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils, you can still enjoy the soothing ambiance of a scented candle combined with the purifying properties of Himalayan salt.
Yes, dried flowers, herbs, or even small crystals can add a decorative and aromatic touch. However, be cautious with items that could catch fire if placed too close to the candle.
Yes, you can enjoy the diffuser without a candle by simply adding essential oils to the salt. The aroma will naturally diffuse into the air without the help of a candle. Just note that you won't get the purifying benefits of Himalayan sea salt unless you warm it slightly.
Himalayan Salt Candle Diffusers
Equipment
- Small bowl
- 3 glass jars or bowls for displaying the candles
Materials
- 1 cup pink Himalayan salt
- 3 votive candles
- Essential oils
Instructions
- Place the salt in a bowl. Add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil and stir to combine.
- Place a candle in a glass jar or small bowl, and pour the salt around the candle until it reaches about halfway up the sides.
- Light the candle and let the heat warm the salts to purify the air and release the essential oils.
Notes
More ways to naturally scent your space
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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