What Can Scented Candles Do For Your Body?

Did you know that candle scents can do wonders to your body? Did you ever feel nostalgic about your favorite memories when you smell a certain scent? How about feeling tired and suddenly feel invigorated?

 

Scents are processed through the olfactory bulb which starts from the nose and runs along the bottom of the brain. The olfactory bulb is a neural structure of the vertebrate forebrain involved in olfaction which is the sense of smell. It sends olfactory information which is further processed in the amygdala (which has a primary role in the memory), the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (which has a primary role in emotions and decision making), and the hippocampus (which has a primary role in short and long term memory).

 

If the orbitofrontal cortex plays a role in emotions and emotionally healthy persons are often healthy also physically, this could be the scientific reason why aromatherapy is now becoming popular in many health spas. Combined with relaxing music, you can also find that scented candles are common in the wellness centers as well as in the homes.

 

Here is a list of scents and the health benefits they can do to your body:

 

Lavender is the most popular scent and has been used for many years for its health benefits. It is known for its relaxing and calming effect that is why it is often used for alleviating insomnia. It also relieves anxiety, lowers blood pressure and sometimes even the blood sugar, manages dementia, and is known to be also effective in decreasing heart rate.

Aside from lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, geranium, and rose also have soothing and relaxing properties. These are known also for relieving stress, treating insomniac and those suffering from depression. Rose is also associated with feelings of hope, joy, and love. That is why it is best to give rose flowers when courting or expressing love to someone.

 

Eucalyptus is effective as a nasal decongestant and is effective in relieving colds and flu.

 

Peppermint is being used for relieving certain types of pains such as headaches and stomach pains. It can also be used for alleviating pre-menstrual abdominal pain.

With its sweet scent, vanilla is good in relieving stress and weight loss management. Vanilla is also aphrodisiac and please take note: men are usually attractive to this type of scent.

Citrus is found to be good in enlivening the mood and is anti-depressant. If you are feeling low and depressed, light up citrus- scented candle to brighten up your day and regain that energetic spirit. It also helps in treating Alzheimer's.

 

Some use cinnamon scent to relieve fatigue. After a long tiring day, light up a cinnamon-scented candle to ease your body from weariness. Cinnamon can also be good for students for it makes the brain focus more on any activity.

 

Citronella may not directly affect your body because this is usually being used as a mosquito repellant. Your body can benefit from it by reducing the chance of getting mosquito bites when you light up citronella scented candles, especially when you are in the woods.

 

Have you decided so far the type of scent that you want for your scented candles? Some candles mix scent to achieve a different fragrance. Let that list be your guide whatever you wish for your body - whether to enliven your mood throughout the day, ease that pain, achieve a relaxed state of mind and body or even to drive those mosquitos away. Try different scents and see the difference.