5 Benefits Of Aromatherapy With Candles

In 2019, the global aromatherapy market was estimated to be worth $1.37 billion. Our obsession with holistic therapeutic care stems from the increasingly busy world around us. In the modern world, we are constantly on the go and surrounded by a mentality that rest is the enemy. In order to be successful and reach our highest goals, we need to stay switched on and constantly work to achieve great results. This continuous running stream, while beneficial for productivity, is at the detriment of our health.

We are also becoming increasingly aware of the negative effects that a dependence on medicinal solutions can have on our bodies. And, instead, look for complementary alternatives to achieve the same results. This is where aromatherapy comes into action. From as far back as the 1930s, we have understood that the power of scent. Moreover, our bodies olfactory reaction to it can alter moods and offer healing benefits. Aromatherapy became the recognised term for using natural plant extracts to create essential oils. Which can be absorbed into the skin or whose fragrance can be inhaled. Some of us step away from applying new formulas to our skin for fear of irritation. While, aromatherapy candles offer all of the positives without the added worry.

What are aromatherapy candles?

Candles made with a blend of essential oils are able to release a continuous stream of fragrance into the air as they burn. During this process, those nearby will inhale these scents, activating their nasal receptors and impacting on the olfactory system. This is a direct line to the brain. Working through the limbic system on the part of our brain that controls emotions. Which is why, when we smell specific fragrances, we can be instantly transported back to a positive memory. Several studies into the effectiveness of aromatherapy for depressive symptoms have found that the scents of certain essential oils can signal the release of serotonin and endorphins. These ‘happy hormones’ help to relax the body and the mind.

5 benefits of aromatherapy candles

As with many forms of aromatherapy, candles offer a host of benefits depending on your ailment.

1.   Relaxation

Inhaling the fragrance of certain scented candles will help to stimulate the limbic system, as we mentioned above. If you choose to light an aromatherapy candle during a particularly stressful period, the smell can instantly bring around a sense of relaxation. These psychological effects can significantly help to reduce anxiety and alleviate negative feelings. Oils including clary sage found in the Malée Limited Edition Peppersage Soybean Candle has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and incite feelings of relaxation in studies. 

2.   Better sleep

Certain essential oils can activate specific areas in the brain, signalling the body to slow down the heart rate and relax muscles. This helps your body to prepare for the deeper levels of sleep (N3 stage) and means that even those with insomnia and other sleep-related issues, can benefit. Floral scents such as lavender or those found in our Malée Polyanthes Soybean Candle are said to improve the quality of sleep, with one study by the University of Southampton reporting a 20% improvement from a controlled study in lavender-scented rooms.

3.   Relieve headache pains

For the vast majority of headaches and migraines, the pain comes from tension within the muscles in the head. Therefore, it stands to reason that by relaxing these muscles, it should be possible to alleviate a percentage of the pain. A study by the European Journal of Neuroscience found that over 70% of participants responded positively to the scents of lavender during a migraine as opposed to those that applied the wax to their temples. Equally, poor sleep is one of the main causes of migraines. With lavender oil recognised for its ability to relax the user, there is a greater chance of deeper sleep as a result.

4.   Ease nausea

Nausea is caused by many external factors, including digestive issues, labour, emotional stress and infections. As essential oils trigger certain messages in the brain, they have the ability to reduce these feelings. The most popular ones for this are lavender which helps the body to relax and ginger oil. In a study into nausea and motion sickness found that inhaling ginger oil had a significant effect on the level of sickness recorded.

5.   Set the mood / create an ambience

And, finally, there is truly nothing like the ambience created by lighting a candle. In many situations, this simple act can be enough to relax our body and minds. They create a softer light while also changing our mood with their scent. Our top tips here are:

• Be cautious of overwhelming an environment with too many different scented candles
• Avoid using very potent candles near food
• Place candles away from the reach of animals and young children to prevent injury or respiratory problems

Conclusion

Aromatherapy with candles is an alternative way of taking advantage of essential oils and their tested benefits. With such a wide range of candles available on the market, it pays to invest in those that use only the highest quality ingredients. Here at Malée, we craft premium sustainable candles that are free from silicones, parabens or animal-derived ingredients. The 100% natural oils, essential fragrance oils and pure cotton wick blend together to produce something that smells as luxurious as it looks.

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