Candles can be part of a tradition belonging to different cultures, a source of light in many homes, and it can even be treated as a luxury to treat others and oneself. The properties of a candle have the power to alter the way we feel about our surrounding space.

It is scientifically established that scented candles play an important role in the psychological aspects of mood, the overall mental health of an individual, working capacity, and stress.

What are the scientific reasons to use scented candles?

Different fragrances or scents have a soothing effect that candles can provide and the combination of scented candles work due to the fact how the brain processes the smells. The scented candle’s fragrance stimulates the limbic system (part of our brain that is responsible for emotions and memory).

Hormones such as dopamine and serotonin are produced that essentially regulate mood. Thus, every individual’s emotional state can be influenced by the existing relationship between memories, emotions, and scents. One can reminisce about a scent related to a person, place, or material, through the help of memories that one has associated with them. Whereas, some scents might trigger similar hormones in different people over and over again, making scented candles widely popular to provide calming benefits to a body.  The aromas such as lavender, sandalwood, peppermint, and geranium are proven to have useful properties that help to treat many physiological and psychological disorders.

Ylang-ylang aroma can promote feelings of ease and joy, jasmine can improve individual’s energy levels and positive feelings, spearmint and peppermint can enhance focus, improve memory, and wake one’s mind up, and while lemon, rosemary, geranium, and chamomile can help one calm ones stress and anxiety. Scented candles work the same way as incense sticks work but the main benefit of scented candles over incense sticks is that the candles do not leave residual ash everywhere after they burn out unlike incense sticks, and candles are reusable as well, whereas incense sticks aren’t. There is something very covet, sensual, and relaxing about scented candles that incense sticks do not have.

What are the purposes of scented candles?

Aromatherapy: It is highly beneficial for one’s mental health as it alleviates anxiety and stress, and prevents panic attacks. One can start with using lemongrass, citrus, lavender, vanilla, or rosemary at one’s home or space.

Source of light: Studies have proven that yellow or warm-toned light is better for the purpose of concentration than white light. Therefore the smell adds to the soothing properties that further add to the concentration-building capability.

Recreate and decorate: Light up one’s space and create a divine ambiance with the lingering fragrance on special occasions or just any day one feels like it.

Gift them: Scented candles can be a beautiful gift to give to someone. They are ideal for carrying (pocket-sized), and they smell great and look presentable.

Conclusion

Scented candles have many solicited benefits and they are not just for show business. Fragrances present in them mostly come from essential oils of real plants and flowers that have many psychological and physiological properties.