3 Health Benefits of Burning Candles

 

 

 

A candle is much more than a fragrant piece of décor. It’s iconic, evoking complicated thoughts and feelings through its simple presence. It is many things — an olfactory object of expression, a time-machine, a therapeutic tool.

Sometimes the only thing that can make the stress of a long day melt away is the delectable scent of a candle. But did you know that candles do more than just fill your home with a pleasant aroma? They actually help you relax and enjoy life more, too!

Researchers have found that there are about 300 active olfactory receptor genes "devoted to detecting thousands of different fragrance molecules through a large family of olfactory receptors," according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientia Pharmaceuticals in 2016.

"The sense of smell plays an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, and working capacity," the study researchers wrote.

Candles emit scents that create specific feelings in the mind and body. Using an electroencephalograph to record brain activity, the research "clearly revealed that fragrances significantly modulate the activities of different brain waves and are responsible for various states of the brain."

This means that candles change your mental state by literally altering your brain waves. How's that for power?

Okay, Well what are the benefits then? Let us tell you!

1- Creates Ambience

Sometimes, lighting a candle is all it takes to transform a space and evoke the feelings you want for a special moment or event.

It's no secret that scent evokes memories and feelings. A certain smell can bring us back to our childhood home, or remind us of the smell of our lover's skin. We can get lost in a scent, and sometimes simply inhale deeply to feel better when we're having an off day.

And since candles are made up of a combination of wax, oil, and fragrance, they help set the tone for whatever you're doing—even if you're not paying attention to them! They come in all sorts of scents and colors that can help you build the atmosphere you want for your meditation practice, bubble bath, romantic dinner for two (or four!), or any other purpose.

2- Mood boosting

When you're feeling anxious or depressed, it can be hard to get out of bed. It can also be hard to turn on the light and face your surroundings, so when you want to make your home a little cozier and more inviting, try burning an aromatherapeutic candle instead.

The beautiful aroma of a candle can help you feel comforted and at peace. The scent will fill up your space, making it a warm and welcoming place when you need it most.

3 - Triggers memories

You know the feeling: you walk into a room and suddenly you're hit with a flood of memories. You remember being in that same room, with the same people, doing the same things. It's like deja vu, but instead of just feeling like you've seen or heard something before, you feel like you've actually lived it before.

What gives? Well, my friend, there's a scientific explanation for those moments when your brain is trying to figure out if it's experiencing a memory or an actual event: It has to do with how certain scents interact with parts of the brain called the limbic system.

The limbic system is the part of our brain that houses our emotions and memories. Scent, emotion and memory are deeply intertwined in this part of our brain, according to The Harvard Gazette. When we smell something from our past—like your grandmother's perfume or your college roommate's laundry detergent—the scent can trigger all kinds of memories from that time period.

So what does this mean for you? If you want to boost your memory and trigger some positive emotions, light a candle!

 

Its not just 'me time' ritual - its science.