Scented Candles indeed have a lot of benefits. The sense of smell is, perhaps, the strongest of our five senses. It is strong enough to evoke memories and affect mood. This is because the sense of smell is strongly connected to the brain, especially the part that has to do with emotions. Aromatherapy leverages on these. It is more than just the glowing object in the room or a piece of décor.
Scented candles set the ambience of the room, improve memory, mood, and sleep. The specific fragrance of a candle further adds to these benefits. There are numerous types of fragrances with each distinct scent having its benefits. This article talks about some scents and their benefits.
A jasmine-scented candle probably evokes the same effects as the smell of jasmine tea. Interestingly, aromatherapists have been using jasmine for traditional rituals for very many years. The scent of jasmine improves mood and increases the beta wave activity of your brain. This is responsible for alertness, conscious thoughts, and critical thinking. It helps you focus better and increase work productivity.
Lavender is a relieving scent for anxiety, stress, and depression. Aromatherapists use lavender scents for headaches and insomnia. A lavender-scented candle can put your mind at rest so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. It reduces your blood pressure and heart rate. Some suggestions say it also helps with premenstrual syndrome.
Citrus is a generic name for fruits like orange, grapefruit, lime, and lemon. You might have unconsciously experienced the energizing citrus scent when you are peeling an orange or someone nearby. The citrus aroma is as bright as the fruit – uplifting and energizing. In aromatherapy, the pungent orange scent is used as a mood tonic for managing depression. Citrus scents generate positive emotions.
In addition, some scientific studies have shown that people with Alzheimer’s disease get better with citrus aromatherapy (lavender and rosemary were also used). Citrus scents improve cognitive function in these people with dementia.
Asides from helping with Alzheimer’s, rosemary scent has various other benefits. It has a unique aroma that can help with the development of the immune system to fight off infections better. It improves blood circulation, memory function, and attention. If you need candles to help you work or study better, consider rosemary fragrances for your scented candles. The fragrance further helps you destress and improves your mood. It is also something you should use to cement happy memories.
You can evoke the same experience of the relaxing, soothing feeling of walking through a park with pines. A pine-scented candle releases bursts of fragrance that perfuse the room to mimic the same sensation. That relaxing sensation reduces physiological stress. It is an amazing aroma that helps in uplifting your spirit.
Most of us are familiar with cinnamon as a spice. The taste is not the only beautiful thing about it. It also has a great smell which makes the food smell nice, and also scented candles. Interestingly, cinnamon scent is an excellent mosquito repellant. So, if you are in a place with mosquitoes or going camping, you could pack some cinnamon-scented candles along.
Scented candles serve numerous uses with each fragrance having its distinct benefit. While candles help you sleep better, don’t sleep off with a lit candle. Ensure you put it out before sleeping off. Here is a great article on how to prevent candle fires at home