UTILIZATION OF EUCALYPTUS (*EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS*) AND PATCHOULI (*POGOSTEMON CABLIN* BENTH) ESSENTIAL OILS IN AROMATHERAPY CANDLES AS ALTERNATIVE THERAPY FOR MENTAL AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30867/aich.v3i1.1579Keywords:
aromatherapy candle, Pogostemon cablin, Eucalyptus globulus, essential oil, complementary therapy, mental health, respiratory healthAbstract
The utilization of natural products as complementary therapy has increased significantly, particularly in the field of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy employs volatile plant-derived essential oils to promote relaxation, improve mood, and enhance physical and psychological well-being. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) leaves are important sources of essential oils with recognized calming and respiratory-supporting properties. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate aromatherapy candles containing a combination of patchouli and eucalyptus essential oils as an alternative complementary therapy for mental relaxation and respiratory comfort. An experimental design was employed using three formulation ratios of patchouli to eucalyptus essential oils, namely 1:2 (F1), 1:4 (F2), and 1:6 (F3). The prepared candles were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, burning time, melting point, hedonic acceptance, and perceived therapeutic effects. Organoleptic evaluation demonstrated that all formulations produced white candles with smooth surfaces, free from cracks and fractures, while maintaining the characteristic aroma of patchouli and eucalyptus oils before and after burning. The burning time ranged from 139 to 170 minutes, and the melting point ranged from 51.9°C to 55.6°C, indicating acceptable physical stability. Hedonic testing revealed that Formula 3 (F3) achieved the highest level of participant preference. Furthermore, F3 received the most favorable
responses in the therapeutic assessment, with participants reporting greater feelings of relaxation and freshness after aromatherapy sessions. These findings indicate that patchouli and eucalyptus essential oils can be successfully formulated into stable aromatherapy candles. The formulation containing 1% patchouli essential oil and 6% eucalyptus essential oil demonstrated the best overall physical characteristics, user acceptability, and perceived therapeutic benefits, suggesting its potential as a complementary product to support mental well-being and respiratory health
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