What Candle Is Calming?

Calming candles are scented candles that contain essential oils known for their relaxing and stress-relieving properties. When lit, these candles release a soothing fragrance into the air that can help create a sense of tranquility and well-being. The key benefit of calming candles is their ability to reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and promote relaxation. Simply lighting a calming candle and inhaling its aroma can trigger your body’s relaxation response and calm your mind. With aromatherapy benefits and a peaceful ambiance, calming candles are an easy and effective way to unwind at the end of a long day. They can also help enhance meditation practices, improve sleep quality, and provide an oasis of calm in stressful times. If you are looking for a simple self-care ritual to relax and recharge, lighting a calming candle may be just what you need.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular scents used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing effects. The floral scent comes from the aromatic compounds linalool and linalyl acetate found in lavender flowers and leaves. When inhaled, these compounds send signals to the limbic system, the emotional processing center of the brain, inducing feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Multiple studies have shown lavender’s efficacy as a sedative and anxiolytic. Smelling lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and emotional stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improve sleep quality. One study found that hospital patients who received lavender oil aromatherapy experienced significantly less anxiety and better sleep compared to patients who received a placebo. The calming effects of lavender may also help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.

The top reasons lavender is considered one of the most calming scents are its abilities to reduce anxiety and stress, promote relaxation, act as a natural sedative, improve sleep quality, and elevate mood. A lavender scented candle can be an easy, effective way to experience these benefits and create a more relaxed atmosphere in your home.

Chamomile

One of the most popular calming scents is chamomile. Chamomile has a sweet, herbaceous aroma with fruity and honey notes. It’s been used for centuries to promote relaxation and ease anxiety. The scent comes from the flowers and essential oil of the chamomile plant.

There are a few reasons why chamomile is so effective at inducing calmness:

• Contains apigenin – This flavanoid has anti-anxiety properties and binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain which helps promote relaxation.
• Increases GABA levels – GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous system activity. Higher GABA levels lead to a calming effect.
• Lowers cortisol – Cortisol is the stress hormone. Chamomile helps lower cortisol levels which reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.

Multiple studies have shown that chamomile essential oil or tea can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality. One study found that chamomile tea significantly decreased generalized anxiety disorder symptoms compared to placebo over an 8 week period.

Overall, science backs chamomile as one of the best scents for relaxation. The sweet, floral aroma triggers a soothing response in the brain and body.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that is calming and uplifting. The scent is characterized as a middle to base note and has a rich, sensual aroma. Ylang ylang is one of the most popular essential oils used for relaxation.

The fragrance of ylang ylang is effective at reducing stress, anxiety, and tension. Research studies have found that ylang ylang can decrease blood pressure and pulse rate, which induces relaxation. Scientists believe that inhaling the scent of ylang ylang oil triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins in the brain, creating a sense of joy and calm.

The sedative effects of ylang ylang may be due to the active compounds found in the essential oil. These include linalool, germacrene D, and benzyl acetate which have demonstrated sedative effects in trials. The combination of these calming compounds gives ylang ylang essential oil its stress-relieving abilities.

Ylang ylang is commonly added to massage oils, baths, perfumes, and aromatherapy practices for its relaxing scent. When diffused or applied topically, ylang ylang oil can help relieve stress and tension, lower blood pressure, and promote tranquility.

Bergamot

Bergamot is known for its fresh, citrusy aroma that’s both uplifting and relaxing. The essential oil is extracted from the rind of bergamot oranges grown primarily in the Calabria region of Italy. Bergamot has a distinctive floral scent that’s a bit sweet but also tart and slightly spicy.

Studies show that bergamot oil can reduce anxiety and stress by lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Bergamot contains high concentrations of linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have demonstrated sedative and relaxing properties in research. The aroma of bergamot is thought to stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, hormones associated with boosting mood and easing anxiety.

Bergamot is commonly used in aromatherapy for promoting calmness and relaxation. The pleasant citrus scent can help create a more positive mindset when feeling stressed or anxious. Adding a few drops of bergamot essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer is an easy way to fill a room with its soothing aroma.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a sweet, floral scent that is known for its relaxing and uplifting aromatherapy benefits. The jasmine plant originated in tropical regions of Asia and Africa, and its essential oil has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine traditions. When inhaled, jasmine essential oil helps promote feelings of calmness and optimism.

Research has shown that jasmine’s floral aroma can help reduce anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression. One study found that jasmine oil led to greater mood improvement and reduced heart rate compared to placebo. The calming properties of jasmine oil are attributed to its ability to influence brain waves and neurotransmitters. Studies indicate that jasmine essential oil increases alpha waves and GABA levels in the brain which induce relaxation. At the same time, jasmine oil decreases beta waves and catecholamine levels which are associated with stress responses.

With its sweet and soothing floral notes, jasmine essential oil is an excellent choice for an anxiety-reducing aromatherapy candle. Lighting a candle scented with jasmine oil can help create a peaceful ambiance and provide the numerous relaxation benefits associated with this flower extract when its aroma fills the air. A jasmine-scented candle can promote feelings of calm to help you distress.

Vanilla

Vanilla is one of the most popular scents for candles and other home fragrances. The sweet, warm aroma of vanilla is often described as cozy, comforting and relaxing. There are a few reasons why the scent of vanilla can have a calming effect:

Vanilla contains chemical compounds like vanillin and anisaldehyde that have been shown to have sedative and relaxant properties. Studies have found that vanilla can reduce anxiety and restlessness. The compounds in vanilla may interact with receptors in our brains related to pleasure and relaxation.

We also often associate the scent of vanilla with positive memories and experiences. For many people, vanilla reminds them of baking cookies or other sweet treats with their family when they were younger. These nostalgic associations can conjure up feelings of comfort and contentment.

The scent of vanilla is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. Burning a vanilla-scented candle can help create a peaceful environment and provide a soothing experience before bedtime. Its warm, sweet aroma brings about a subtle sense of tranquility and happiness.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil comes from the heartwood of sandalwood trees and has a rich, woody, and sweet smell. The fragrance is known for being very calming and relaxing. Sandalwood oil contains high levels of sesquiterpenes which have been shown in research to stimulate the limbic region of the brain, inducing a sedative effect. The limbic system regulates emotions and can influence anxiety levels, blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, and stress hormones. When sandalwood scent is inhaled, it sends calming signals to the brain which helps relax both the body and mind.

Studies have demonstrated that smelling sandalwood essential oil can significantly reduce anxiety, stress, and levels of cortisol, often called the stress hormone. Research has also found sandalwood fragrance can improve quality of sleep by making it easier to fall asleep and get more restful sleep. Its soothing properties even make sandalwood beneficial for meditation. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of sandalwood oil can additionally support immunity and wellness.

With its woody and sweet aroma that has an amazing calming effect, sandalwood is undoubtedly one of the best essential oils to use in candles for relaxation. The mellow sandalwood fragrance will create a peaceful ambience and help soothe frazzled nerves or a stressed mind.

Top Calming Candle Picks

When shopping for a calming candle, there are many options to choose from. Here are some top picks based on scent, price, reviews, and other factors:

Lavender Vanilla Candle by Yankee Candle

This candle combines the relaxing scent of lavender with warm vanilla. It’s affordable at around $15-20 for a 22oz jar candle. With over 5,000 reviews on Amazon, it has a 4.8 star rating. Customers love the strong lavender scent and how it helps create a soothing environment.

Sleep Candle by P.F. Candle Co.

Blended with essential oils like chamomile, vetiver, and lavender, this candle promotes tranquility. It’s on the pricier side at $36 for a 16oz candle. But it has rave reviews for its long burn time and ability to set the mood for restful sleep.

Tranquility Scented Candle by Thymes

With notes of jasmine, citrus, and vetiver, this option provides a bright, fresh scent. A 15oz candle costs around $30. While the scent isn’t specifically lavender, customers praise this candle for creating a soothing ambience. The soy wax blend also provides an eco-friendly option.

No matter which calming candle you choose, be sure to follow safety precautions like keeping away from drafts and not leaving a burning candle unattended. With the right candle, you can create a peaceful environment and unwind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, candles can have a profoundly calming effect through aromatherapy. Certain scents like lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood have been shown to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, promote sleep, and create an overall sense of relaxation. Burning a scented candle made with these calming essential oils can help you unwind at the end of a stressful day. Taking some time for yourself to enjoy the ambiance and soothing fragrance of a calming candle can be an easy yet effective way to de-stress. With so many options to choose from, you can experiment with different scents to find your own personal favorites that provide the benefits you need to relax and recharge.