BY: KENDALL CORMISH | MAY 16, 2021
Many of us have been burning more candles lately than we ever have before. Candles are a tradition in many cultures, a mainstay in many homes, and even a luxury to treat yourself and others with, but are there real benefits to burning them? Especially at a time like now, when many of us have been quarantined for over a month, can candles truly affect how we feel about our space?
"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 have in association with them. But some scents trigger the same hormones over and over again in many different people, making them widely popular in calming home scents. These aromas, like geranium, lavender, and peppermint, have "proven to be useful for the treatment of various psychological and physiological disorders."
While ylang ylang "promotes feelings of joy and ease," jasmine "improves positive feelings and energy levels." Peppermint and spearmint "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.
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Here are a few candles with aroma notes proven to help in these areas. We're sure they'll warm your new work-from-home space and bring you comfort during such uncertain times.
Citrus-scented candles which are proven to lift your spirits and boost your energy. Here a few that we offer:
After Hours-with notes of mango & coconut milk
Balancing Act-with notes of sweet orange chili pepper
Starburst-with notes of peach & tangerine
Lavender and chamomile aromas have been shown to reduce anxiety and calm the mind. Here are a couple that we offer with these profile scents:
Alpha Wolf-with notes of white tea, cucumber & sandalwood
Whisper-with notes of lemon blossom, lavender & vanilla
No matter what scent you decide, we know you'll enjoy all of the candles we have to offer.
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