Candles are a tradition in many cultures, a mainstay in many homes, and even a luxury to treat yourself and others — but are there any real benefits to burning them? In short: yes. Scented candles create a soothing atmosphere and help boost your mood, while also calming your mind and relieving stress.
"It is scientifically proven that scented candles can play an essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall mental health," Chryssa Chalkia, an accredited clinical integrative psychotherapist and cognitive behavioral therapist, said. Chalkia wrote an article on the effect scented candles have on reducing anxiety, but we spoke to her directly about her findings.
"The soothing effect that candles have is based on how the brain processes smells. The smell of scented candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced to help regulate mood. Therefore, our emotional state is influenced by the relationship that exists between scents, memories, and emotions."
In short, certain scents can be attractive to you because of the memories you associate with them. Yet some scents trigger the same hormones over and over again in many different people, making them widely popular as calming home scents. These aromas, like geranium, lavender, and peppermint, have "proven to be useful for the treatment of various psychological and physiological disorders," according to Chalkia.
Chalkia explains ylang ylang "promotes feelings of joy and ease," while jasmine "improves positive feelings and energy levels." Peppermint and spearmint, meanwhile, wake up your mind, enhance focus, and improve memory. But if you're looking for something to calm your anxiety, rosemary, lemon, chamomile, and geranium are for you.
For those struggling to maintain a positive outlook, Chalkia suggests lighting citrus-scented candles, which are proven to "lift your spirits and boost your energy." She recommends Diptyque's Choisya, "an orange [blossom]-scented candle with notes of sweet citrus fruit, fresh oranges, and green leaves" or the True Grace 27 Wild Lime classic candle for a bit of energy stimulation. There's also the NEOM Happiness Scented Candle, "which has a wonderful zingy lemon smell, can help you feel more positive," she said.
Here are a few more candles with aroma notes proven to calm anxiety so you can create your most relaxing atmosphere.
Mersea Sun Kissed Canister Candle
This glass candle was crafted to bring light into your space with its bright packaging and orange clove and lemony cardamom aroma.
To buy: mersea.com
Siblings No 05
Pour your own candles in any heat-safe container with Siblings' bagged candle wax. This scent has transportive lavender and cedarwood for a calming aroma that will bring you down to Earth.
To buy: siblings.co
Dehv Candle Co. Blush Seasonal Concrete Candle
Dehv's Blush scent will fill your home with geranium and peony for a delicate freshness that will uplift your mood.
To buy: dehvcandleco.com
Homesick New York City Candle
Reminiscent of "spring days in Central Park," this scent encompasses a beloved season in one of the greatest cities in the world. With notes of bergamot, jasmine, and concrete, Homesick's city-inspired scent is designed to bring you back to that place of comfort.
To buy: homesick.com
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