What Are Aromatherapy Candles Good For?

Aromatherapy candles are a type of scented candle that contain essential oils, which are aromatic compounds extracted from plants. They are designed to provide therapeutic benefits in addition to ambient lighting when burned. The essential oils evaporate into the air and their aroma is inhaled, allowing the active compounds to be absorbed into the lungs and bloodstream where they can provide effects to the mind and body. Commonly proposed benefits of aromatherapy candles include relaxation, improved sleep, enhanced mood, mental focus, pain relief, congestion relief, and nausea relief among others.

Unlike a regular scented candle that simply provides fragrance, an aromatherapy candle contains concentrated plant essences that are believed to provide the extra health effects. The essential oils are extracted through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing from plants like lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, peppermint, rose, and citrus fruits. The types and amounts of oils are carefully chosen based on their proposed therapeutic actions.

When used properly, aromatherapy candles can be a convenient way to experience the soothing benefits of essential oils. However they are not a substitute for medications and should not be the sole treatment for any health condition. But for overall wellbeing, the scents and effects of aromatherapy candles can be a helpful natural relaxation technique.

Relaxation

Aromatherapy candles can promote relaxation through their pleasant and calming scents. Certain essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot are known for their relaxing properties. When their aromas are inhaled, they send signals to the brain that work to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and promote tranquility. The flickering flame of the candle also sets a soothing mood and ambiance. Lighting an aromatherapy candle after a long day can help create a peaceful environment and provide a ritual that allows you to relax and unwind.

Some of the most popular aromatherapy candles for relaxation include lavender, eucalyptus mint, and cedarwood scents. Brands like Calming Flames and Amazon’s collection of calming candles offer formulas to help create a relaxing space. When used at bedtime, calming aromatherapy candle scents can also aid sleep. The aromas signal the brain and body to relax, unwind, and prepare for rest.

Using Aromatherapy Candles to Improve Sleep

Many people struggle with insomnia and other sleep issues like waking frequently during the night. Aromatherapy candles can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep (https://us.thisworks.com/products/deep-sleep-heavenly-candle). The calming scents from essential oils like lavender and chamomile promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and create a peaceful environment ideal for sleep.

Studies show lavender aromatherapy improves sleep quality and duration, increases deep sleep, and makes people feel more energetic the next morning (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/). The research suggests lavender’s sedative properties come from linalool and linalyl acetate. Burning a lavender candle by the bed releases these calming compounds into the air to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Chamomile is another essential oil known for its calming and sleep-inducing effects. A study found chamomile candles improved sleep quality for ICU patients (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25116460/). The apigenin in chamomile binds to benzodiazepine receptors to reduce anxiety and initiate sleep.

When shopping for aromatherapy sleep candles, look for ones with pure essential oils like lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and vetiver. Avoid synthetic fragrances which can disrupt sleep. Burn the candle for 30-60 minutes before bedtime and keep it away from drafts so the scent diffuses into the air.

Mood Enhancement

Aromatherapy candles can help uplift mood and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression through the power of scent. Certain essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang have demonstrated abilities to reduce stress and promote relaxation in numerous scientific studies (1). The soothing scents from aromatherapy candles containing these oils can have similar emotional benefits.

For example, lavender is well known for its calming and relaxing properties. Studies show lavender aroma can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and aid sleep (2). Bergamot has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. One study found patients receiving bergamot essential oil aromatherapy for a month experienced significant improvements in positive emotions compared to a control group (3).

When inhaled, these essential oils are thought to stimulate the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. This can help elevate mood, ease tension, and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Lighting an aromatherapy candle containing mood-enhancing essential oils can be an easy, effective way to create a relaxing ambiance and provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety and low mood.

(1) https://moodcast.co/collections/all-candles
(2) https://www.calmingflames.com/collections/mood-collection

Enhancing Concentration and Focus

Certain aromatherapy candle scents can help boost concentration and focus. The scent of peppermint, for example, is known to promote clear thinking and stimulate the mind (https://www.earlofeast.com/blogs/journal/5-scents-that-will-boost-your-focus-productivity). Peppermint invigorates the senses and improves alertness. Other popular concentration-boosting candle scents include lemon, orange, and cinnamon. Studies show that citrus scents like lemon and orange can enhance cognitive performance and focus (https://floralessentialoils.com/blog/10-essential-oils-candles-that-can-increase-your-concentration/). The sweet and spicy scent of cinnamon also stimulates the mind and has been shown to improve attention span. When selecting an aromatherapy candle to enhance concentration, look for candles containing these energizing essential oils.

Pain Relief

Aromatherapy candles can provide soothing relief for various types of pain, including headaches, muscle pain, cramps, and joint pain. The aromatherapy oils used in candles have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relax muscles and reduce discomfort when inhaled. Some of the most common essential oils used for pain relief in candles include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and sweet marjoram.

According to one study, aromatherapy massage with lavender, rose geranium, rose, and jasmine was found to significantly reduce pain in the neck, shoulder, and lower back areas (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25536069). The anti-inflammatory compounds in these oils likely contributed to pain relief when absorbed through the skin and inhaled.

Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils contain menthol, which has analgesic effects on muscle tissue and can provide a cooling sensation. When burned in candles, these minty scents may help relieve tension headaches or sore muscles when inhaled (https://bedofnails.org/products/bon-3-set-aromatherapy-candles).

Overall, aromatherapy candles can be an excellent drug-free way to get relief from many types of pain. Just be sure to choose candles with essential oils known for pain-relieving properties. Burning these candles in rooms where you feel pain can provide a soothing, uplifting ambiance while naturally reducing discomfort.

Congestion Relief

Aromatherapy candles with eucalyptus oil are often touted for their ability to help clear nasal and chest congestion. When inhaled, eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus and phlegm so you can breathe easier. The vapor from a eucalyptus candle can also help open up sinus passages and relieve inflammation. Studies show that eucalyptus oil improves airflow and reduces bronchoconstriction, making it easier to breathe when you’re congested or suffering from a cold or allergies.

Some aromatherapy candles specifically designed for congestion relief contain a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and camphor oils. The cooling sensation provided by peppermint coupled with the soothing effects of eucalyptus make these candles effective at temporarily relieving stuffy noses, chest tightness, coughing, and other symptoms of nasal and respiratory congestion. The aromas also create a calming sensation that can relieve stress associated with not being able to breathe properly.

To use an aromatherapy candle for congestion, it’s recommended to place it near your head when sleeping or resting so you can directly inhale the vapors as it burns. The continuous exposure to the essential oil molecules provides ongoing relief throughout the duration of the candle’s burn. Just a few minutes of inhalation can provide hours of easier breathing. However, aromatherapy candles are not a substitute for medical treatment if congestion persists.

Easing Nausea Symptoms

Certain aromatherapy candles can help relieve nausea by using scents known to ease stomach discomfort. The scent of peppermint, for example, has been shown to reduce nausea in some people. One study found that inhaling peppermint oil helped decrease postoperative nausea in women after a C-section (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10706345). Peppermint contains menthol, which has a calming effect on the stomach muscles and digestive system.

Ginger is another scent that can be helpful for nausea. A review of clinical trials found that ginger was effective at reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, after surgery, and during cancer treatment (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginger-for-nausea). The warming and soothing aroma of ginger is thought to ease stomach upset.

Lavender and chamomile aromatherapy candles can also help relieve nausea symptoms through their gentle, relaxing effects. If certain scents seem to make nausea worse, it’s best to avoid those. Opting for unscented or naturally-scented soy candles can provide calming ambiance without aggravating nausea.

Ambiance

Aromatherapy candles can be used to create a soothing or energizing ambiance in a room. The scents from essential oils in candles can evoke certain moods and emotions. For example, scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood can create a relaxing ambiance that helps reduce stress and anxiety (Aromanaturals). On the other hand, scents like lemon, grapefruit, and rosemary can create an uplifting and invigorating ambiance. Using aromatherapy candles to set the mood in a room can be beneficial for relaxation, rejuvenation, and enhancing ambiance before activities like meditation, yoga, or a spa treatment (Herban).

Conclusion

Aromatherapy candles can provide a variety of benefits through the power of essential oils. From promoting relaxation and sleep, to elevating mood, increasing focus, and relieving pain and congestion, aromatherapy candles are a simple yet effective way to enhance wellbeing. When used properly and safely, aromatherapy candles create a pleasant ambiance and allow you to harness the therapeutic effects of essential oils in an easy, enjoyable way. Though more research is still needed, the existing evidence and anecdotal reports suggest aromatherapy candles can be a valuable tool for health and wellness when used judiciously.

In summary, key benefits of aromatherapy candles may include: relaxation; better sleep; mood enhancement; mental focus; physical pain relief; nasal and chest congestion relief; and nausea relief. With proper precautions, aromatherapy candles can be an accessible way to experience the advantages of essential oils in your own home.