Positive Impacts of Scented Candles on Your Mental Health

A candle is a simple yet effective mood regulation, ambiance, and self-care tool. But did you know that sure scented candles also positively impact your mental health?

Specifically, candles can benefit your memory because scent, emotion, and memory are all interwoven in our limbic brain. This is why scented candles are so popular during meditation and yoga practices.

Boosts Your Mood

Scented candles are famous for mood-boosting, relaxation, and ambiance. Depending on the scent, they can even boost your health.

Our sense of smell is closely connected to our memory and emotion centers of the brain. When you inhale a particular fragrance, the odor molecules trigger a recollection of past emotions or experiences, influencing how you feel at any moment.

This is why many people associate certain scents with specific memories or feelings. For example, the scent of grapefruit can instantly make you feel joyful, optimistic, and energetic. Likewise, the smell of lavender can instantly bring you back to a peaceful time in your life.

Aside from triggering memories, scented candles can also help improve your mood. They can reduce stress and tension, increase the release of serotonin and dopamine, and alleviate PMS symptoms. They can also promote relaxation and help you get a better night’s sleep. Using scented candles with aromas like frankincense, chamomile, and peppermint can induce a feeling of peace and tranquility.

In addition, burning scented candles can help you fall asleep faster. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, lavender or sandalwood can create a calming atmosphere that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep all night. This will help you wake up refreshed and energized in the morning.

Reduces Stress

The right aroma can make a world of difference in our mood. While some may dismiss aromatherapy as wishy-washy, science has proven that certain scents can improve mental health and help reduce stress. Scented candles like those from Brooklyn Candle Studio are a great way to bring these positive effects.

When choosing a candle, look for one infused with essential oils. These concentrated oils are extracted from various plants and have specific impacts on the body and mind. For example, a candle containing rosemary helps fight fatigue and improve focus, while one with eucalyptus encourages energization. Candles integrating the smell of jasmine boost positive feelings and memory, while ylang-ylang promotes relaxation and calmness.

Another popular candle scent is lavender, known to ease insomnia and lower blood pressure over time. Other calming scents include sweet vanilla, purifying citrus, and revitalizing chamomile.

If you want a head-start on the day, consider burning a lemon verbena or peppermint candle. These scents stimulate your brain and improve focus and concentration. Candles incorporating the smell of ylang-ylang promote feelings of joy and optimism. They also enhance cognitive stamina and memory, making them perfect for studying.

Lastly, a candle infused with the smell of vetiver can induce relaxation and decrease anxiety. Although vetiver is not a flower (tropical grass), it calms humans and alleviates the “fight or flight” response during stressful situations.

Promotes Self-Care

Many people use scented candles to create a relaxing atmosphere, but did you know they promote self-care? By lighting a candle, you indicate that you are dedicating time to unwind and prioritize your mental well-being. Plus, candles are often associated with aromatherapy, which can help you relax and find serenity.

Aromatherapy uses scents to stimulate the sense of smell, which substantially impacts mood and memory. For instance, the scent of tobacco may trigger memories of your grandparents’ farm, or a flower like geranium might remind you of your grandmother’s perfume. Similarly, the scent of lavender can remind you of calm, peaceful moments and is known to reduce stress.

The scented candles you use to decorate your home or create a soothing atmosphere will likely contain aromatherapy essential oils, which have many benefits for your mental and physical health. For example, the scent of a cinnamon candle may help reduce stress and tension, while the smell of citrus can boost your mood and promote happiness. When choosing a scented candle, opt for one that contains natural ingredients and is chemical-free. Also, choose one made from natural waxes, such as beeswax or organic vegetable waxes. 

Reduces Anxiety

Candles can offer instant relief with their comforting fragrances, whether you’re anxious or stressed. This is because the scent of a candle can bypass cognitive mental health defenses and hit directly at the limbic system, which triggers mood-related responses. When choosing a candle to help reduce anxiety, opt for one that uses essential oils to promote relaxation. For example, valerian is known as nature’s valium and has a natural calming effect. You’ll also find bergamot in many stress-relieving candles, as it makes you feel less agitated.

Other popular stress-resistant scents include cedarwood, orange, lavender, chamomile, and frankincense. These are often used in combination to create a powerfully relaxing blend. You’ll find a selection of soothing, calming, and relaxing scented candles.

Remember to choose a high-quality scented candle, such as one made with soy or stearin, because burning paraffin candles increases the number of toxic air pollutants in your home. These include particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and lead. Look for a label that lists all ingredients and avoid any candles that emit black smoke, which indicates they are not burnt cleanly and can cause irritation. You can also try a natural, non-toxic alternative like scented beeswax candles. These burn without creating toxins and emit a subtle glow perfect for meditation or sleep.