In ancient times a candle’s main purpose was to provide light. Today, we have light bulbs filling that void therefore candles can take on the more important role of making us feel good!
We can all agree our senses play an important role in how we live our lives. However, our sense of taste and smell are different from the others because they are considered ‘chemical senses’ and are only triggered when chemical reactions are present in our surrounding environment. Since we can’t eat soy wax candles (or at least you shouldn’t) your sense of smell is awakened when soy candles are burned. The burning creates a chemical reaction that triggers memories and feelings from the past and present, in addition to creating new ones.
Aromatherapy is the use of selected fragrances or essential oils administered via massage, compresses, baths and inhalation to affect mood and promote health. This means burning scented soy candles infused with specific essential oils can actually change your mood and improve your health. Below is a list of a few essential oils that are commonly added to soy candles and their effect on the human body.
Jasmine– Jasmine is believed to be an aphrodisiac, meaning it arouses sexual senses. It’s also considered to be an antidepressant and very useful for calming tension.
Basil– Basil is known to promote concentration, alertness, and will help create a positive attitude. Basil also stimulates your nervous system which helps relieve migraines and improves digestion.
Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is one of the more common oils and is great at relieving chest problems including coughs, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Eucalyptus is also an important remedy for arthritis and joint pains. As a side benefit, a soy candle with eucalyptus will repel insects.
Lemon– Powerful citrus fragrances such as lemon are known for their stimulation effect. Japanese employers use lemon scent in the mornings to wake up the employees and increase productivity. Next time you have to pull an all-nighter, light up a lemon scented soy candle to keep you alert and focused.
Rosemary – Unlike basil, rosemary has a calming effect on the nervous system which allows for clear thinking. It’s also effective against colds, arthritis, and bronchitis.
Lavender – As with most floral scents, lavender has a calming effect. It can relieve headaches, anxiety, depression, and motion sickness.
Orange Blossom – Also an aphrodisiac that will calm the nerves before any sexual activity. It can also help with anxiety, depression, and motion sickness.
Vanilla – One the most powerful, and appreciated essential oils used today. A few of its benefits include it being an anti oxidant, anti carcinogenic, febrifuge (fever reducer), and anti-depressant. As a side note it can help regularize menstruations by activating certain hormones such as estrogen.
