4 Surprising Health Benefits of Using Scented Candles

The hustle and bustle of the city combined with the demands of work and the trials of personal life can result in stress. While it’s tempting to unwind away from home at the end of day, it’s not always possible. This is why many people find ways to destress and relax at home. Some take on new hobbies, others simply watch a movie or read a book. Whatever method you choose to unwind, wouldn’t it be more relaxing if you could smell something fragrant? This is the appeal of scented candles. Here are four scented candles benefits you don’t want to miss out on! 

1. It Calms the Mind

Are you anxious? Stressed? Tense because of the day’s challenges? Why not light a scented candle? 

One of the clearest scented candle benefits is it might be able to reduce your cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. 

Note, however, that not all fragrances can reduce cortisol. Two scents to keep in mind are bergamot and clary sage. Bergamot was even shown to decrease negative emotions and fatigue. 

2. It Helps Build Healthy Self-Esteem

Having healthy self-esteem is a crucial aspect of wellness. With it, you feel that you are someone who deserves respect. Low self-esteem can make you worry constantly and feel that you aren’t enough. 

One of the potential scented candles benefits is it helps boost your self-esteem. A study revealed that people who inhaled ylang-ylang for 30, 60, and 90 days reported higher self-esteem than those who inhaled placebo. 

3. It Helps Memory Stimulation

Experts say our sense of smell and memory are intertwined. Hence, certain scents might be able to stimulate the part of the brain that’s involved in memory. 

4. It Helps You Meditate

Meditation is a great way to relax, but some people find it hard to focus because they have nothing to ground themselves to. 

Another of the scented candles benefits is it helps you meditate. Many meditation exercises recommend focusing on the flame of the candle. In the case of scented candles, you can also focus on the scent. 

Additional Scented Candles Benefits

Besides these health benefits, lighting scented candles can also:

• Create a romantic or celebratory ambiance
• Serve as a functional decor 
• Allow you to express. You can choose a scent for a specific occasion or emotion. 

How To Choose Scented Candles

Are you excited to reap these scented candles benefits? Before buying scented candles at the mall, please note that not all candles are created equal. 

Many people believe that traditional paraffin candles release chemicals and soot that are harmful to your health and the environment. And while experts say the chemicals they release are not at harmful levels, it’s best to be cautious. 

Instead of paraffin, choose natural candles made from coconut oil, beeswax, or soy. Also, be mindful of the scent. Choose fragrances that come from high-quality essential oils instead of synthetic perfume. 

Safety Tips

Once you’re ready to obtain the benefits of scented candles, be mindful of these safely tips:

• Never leave a lit candle unattended. 
• Make sure that the room is well-ventilated. 
• Trim the wick when it becomes too long. Longer wicks tend to produce more soot. 

Finally, please remember that it’s possible for you to react negatively to the smoke and scent, especially if you have an underlying respiratory condition. If you are concerned, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about scented candles. 

Learn more about Stress Management here.