Have you been feeling anxious lately? The warm glow of a candle may be just what you need to unwind. Aromatherapy candles infused with essential oils provide a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Unlike synthetic fragrances, the natural scents of plants have calming effects on both mind and body that can lower anxiety. With just the strike of a match, stress relief candles make it easy to experience the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy anytime.
The wax melts, essential oils are released into the air, and within minutes tensions start to fade as calming scents like lavender permeate the room. Beyond just setting a mood with lighting, aromatherapy candles engage our senses to quickly shift our emotions and mental state without the need for prescriptions or a spa trip.
From improving sleep to lifting your mood and boosting focus, the science-backed benefits of aromatherapy make scented candles an easy first step to reduce anxiety and feel more relaxed every day.
What are Aromatherapy Candles?
Aromatherapy candles are candles infused with essential oils derived from plants that provide therapeutic benefits when inhaled. The essential oils are added to soy, vegetable, or beeswax which is poured into containers and allowed to harden into candle form.
A wick runs through the center of the wax which is then lit to melt the wax and release the aromatherapy scent into the air. The most common types of aromatherapy candles are jar candles, votive candles, pillar candles, and tea light candles which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents.
Some popular aromatherapy candle scents and their purported benefits include: lavender to promote relaxation and sleep, eucalyptus to relieve congestion, chamomile to reduce anxiety, jasmine to uplift mood, and peppermint to boost energy.
When the essential oils are heated, their aromatic compounds are emitted into the air which can be inhaled to provide a tranquil and therapeutic effect. Aromatherapy candles allow you to experience the benefits of essential oils any time.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy and Scented Candles for Stress Relief
Aromatherapy candles can provide many benefits for stress relief when used properly. The essential oils released into the air from scented candles like lavender and chamomile interact with your sense of smell to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Studies show the aromas from essential oils can lower stress hormones like cortisol, slow racing thoughts, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and induce calmness. The benefits for mood can be rapid, providing emotional relief within minutes of lighting an aromatherapy candle.
Beyond the immediate soothing effects, lighting aromatherapy candles like lavender regularly can also provide long-term sleep benefits. The sedative properties of lavender can make it easier to fall asleep when used before bedtime.
The calming scents help quiet your mind, reduce insomnia, and improve sleep quality so you wake up feeling more refreshed. Relaxing with a lavender soy candle for 30-60 minutes before bed is an easy way to wind down from the day’s stress and prepare your body and mind for restful sleep.
Lavender Candles
Lavender candles are one of the most popular options for relaxation and stress relief. Lavender essential oil has long been used in aromatherapy for its ability to induce calmness, relieve anxiety, and aid sleep. Studies demonstrate lavender’s sedative effects that slow down racing thoughts, lower blood pressure, and reduce insomnia.
The soothing floral aroma from a lavender candle triggers your sense of smell to send calming signals to your brain. Lighting a lavender soy candle in the evening signals your body to start preparing for sleep. The relaxing scent slows your breathing, heart rate, and metabolic processes to make it easier to fall asleep.
Using a lavender candle along with deep breathing and meditation can promote even deeper relaxation. Just 30 minutes with a lit lavender candle can wash away stress and promote restful sleep.
Chamomile Candles
Chamomile is another popular scent used in aromatherapy candles to reduce anxiety and relax the mind. The sweet, fruity aroma of chamomile essential oil has natural sedative properties that induce calmness.
Studies show chamomile effectively alleviates anxiety and irritability while improving quality of sleep. Lighting a chamomile soy candle releases these calming properties into the air to provide a subtle aromatherapy treatment. The scent interacts with your brain to decrease tension, worry, and anxiety, allowing your mind and body to unwind.
Using a chamomile candle along with yoga, meditation, or reading before bed makes it easier to quiet your thoughts and fall into deeper, more restorative sleep. Just 30-60 minutes with a lit chamomile candle can provide effective relaxation without the side effects of medication.
Ylang Ylang Candles
Ylang ylang essential oil is also common in aromatherapy candles formulated for stress relief. This tropical, floral scent offers anxiety-reducing benefits in addition to improving mood and lowering blood pressure.
Studies show ylang ylang effectively reduces anger, tension, and anxiety while boosting energy and positive feelings. The aromatherapy effects kick in rapidly once a ylang ylang candle is lit to provide emotional uplifting.
This makes ylang ylang candles a great option for a midday pick-me-up when feeling stressed or anxious. Lighting a ylang ylang soy candle during work breaks provides a quick aromatherapy mood boost. The scent interaction with your brain decreases irritability while increasing calmness, optimism and relaxation when you need it most.
Using Aromatherapy Candles for Maximum Benefit
To get the most anxiety-reducing benefits from aromatherapy candles, follow these best practices. First, make sure to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and uneven burning. Place the candle in a safe holder on a stable, heatproof surface.
Lit candles should never be left unattended. Light the candle in a relaxing space where you can unwind for at least 30 minutes to get the full aromatherapy experience.
For maximum benefit, light your scented candle in the evening to promote relaxation and sleep. Place it in your bedroom or bathroom as you soak in a hot bath, meditate, or do relaxing yoga poses. This complements the anxiety-reducing effects of the essential oils.
Daily use in the same room allows the calming scents to accumulate over time for a more intense aromatherapy experience. Light your candle for at least 2 hours for long-lasting therapeutic effects as the essential oils are steadily released into the air. Extinguish before the last bit of wax melts to make the most of the candle’s aromatherapy burn time.
Safety Tips for Candle Use
While aromatherapy candles can provide many benefits, proper safety precautions need to be followed when burning any candle. Never leave a burning candle unattended or sleep with a candle still lit. Keep candles safely out of reach of children and pets who could accidentally knock them over and cause a fire.
Always trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and uneven burning. Allow the wax pool to completely solidify before relighting to preserve the candle.
Only burn candles on an appropriate non-flammable surface in a heat-safe candle holder. Avoid burning candles on or near anything flammable or in high-traffic areas. Extinguish candles when 1⁄2 inch of wax remains to prevent breakage and injuries from hot wax.
A general rule is to allow 1 hour of burn time per inch of candle diameter. Properly extinguished and stored candles can have 45-50 hours of total aromatherapy burn time for repeated use. Following basic safety measures allows you to enjoy the full relaxation benefits of aromatherapy candles.
Shopping Guide for Stress Relief Candles
When shopping for aromatherapy candles, look for options made with natural soy, coconut, or beeswax and quality therapeutic-grade essential oils. Avoid paraffin candles with synthetic fragrances. High percentages of essential oils like lavender or chamomile ensure sufficient aromatherapy benefits.
Reputable brands like Aura Cacia, and Edens Garden indicate purity. Opt for reputable candle makers like Yankee Candle that use lead-free, eco-friendly wicks and dyes.
Look for sturdy candle jars made of heat-safe glass rather than thinner vessels. Darker colored jars help preserve essential oils. Interesting jar shapes, textures, and embellishments can enhance the candle experience.
For safety, only use candles with the manufacturer’s warning label specifying proper use. Testing different scents can help find your perfect aromatherapy match to reduce anxiety and achieve restful relaxation.
FAQs About Stress Relief Candles
Do stress relief candles work?
Yes, stress relief aromatherapy candles can be effective for anxiety reduction when scented with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, spearmint, and ylang ylang.
Studies show these scents provide aromatherapy benefits that lower stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate while promoting feelings of calmness. Lighting scented candles for relaxation helps create a peaceful environment that alleviates anxiety.
What candle is best for stress?
Lavender stress relief aromatherapy candles are considered the best for stress and anxiety. Lavender essential oil has sedative properties that reduce restlessness, lower stress, and promote deep calming. Lavender scented candles can also improve sleep when used before bedtime.
What candle scent is best for anxiety?
Lavender, chamomile, and spearmint scented candles are best for alleviating anxiety. These essential oils provide aromatherapy effects that reduce stress hormones, slow racing thoughts, and induce relaxation. Lighting candles with these scents creates a peaceful ambiance ideal for unwinding.
What is a good candle for relaxation?
Some top candle scents for relaxation are lavender, vanilla, sandalwood, and eucalyptus. These candles for home use contain calming essential oils that promote tranquility. Brands like Bath & Body Works have relaxing scented candles to create a soothing environment.
What candles are good for anxiety and depression?
Candle gifts like lavender, chamomile, rose, and spearmint aromatherapy candles can help reduce anxiety and depression. Their calming scents decrease sadness while uplifting mood and promoting relaxation. Using these daily can boost mood.
What candle helps with depression?
Uplifting scents like grapefruit, lemon, and spearmint candles have an energizing aroma that helps counter depressive thoughts. They provide an instant mood boost to help improve feelings of joy and motivation when you are feeling down.
Wrapping Up: Stress Relief Candles
The next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, reach for an aromatherapy soy candle instead of medication. Lighting a soy wax candle infused with calming lavender, chamomile, or ylang ylang gives you an easy way to reduce anxiety and unwind wherever you are.
By activating your sense of smell, the therapeutic scents in these candles for home use go to work quickly, releasing muscle tension, quieting your mind, and promoting deep relaxation. Make aromatherapy candles part of your daily stress relief routine or nightly wind-down for better sleep.
With just a match and a candle, you can create a relaxing oasis and experience the numerous benefits of aromatherapy anytime. These candles also make thoughtful stress relief gifts to share relaxation with friends and family.
Don’t let stress and anxiety take over your day-to-day life. Bring peace and calm into your home with scented soy candles designed for stress relief.
