UJI HEDONIK PERBANDINGAN BAHAN BAKAR PEMBUATAN LILIN AROMATERAPI DAUN ADAS (Foeniculum vulgare) UNTUK MEREDAKAN STRES

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different formulations of aromatherapy candle fuels in reducing stress, using essential oil from fennel leaves (Foeniculum vulgare) through steam distillation. The essential oil, rich in compounds such as anatole, fenchone, limonene, and Phellandrene, imparts a distinctive aroma suitable for aromatherapy. Three candle formulations were tested, combining soy wax and paraffin wax with citric acid and fennel leaf essential oil. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of soy wax and paraffin wax as fuels in the production of aromatherapy candles using fennel leaf essential oil. A hedonic test involving 20 panelists aged 20-25 years was conducted to assess the aroma and stress-relieving properties of each formulation. The results indicated that the first formulation, which used soy wax, was the most preferred, achieving a 100% preference for both aroma and calming effects. In contrast, the third formulation, which used paraffin wax, received a preference of 63.3% for aroma and 61.1% for its calming effects. The study demonstrates the potential of fennel leaves as an effective for aromatherapy candles, with the soy wax formulation providing superior results in terms of aroma and therapeutic benefits.