Candles are a combination of wax and wick that emit a flame. They are often scented and can be used as decorative items. They are also used as a light source for heat and to keep time.

Besides being decorative and functional, candles have many surprising health benefits.

Light

Candles provide light, heat, and a method of keeping time. They also create a mesmerizing ambiance and can help to relax the mind and body. The soothing flicker of a candle can lower blood pressure, reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, lower heart rate, and release muscle tension.

Candlelight is an integral part of religious services and festivals around the world. The enchanting ambiance of candles can enhance spirituality and bring comfort to those who are grieving. It symbolizes the remembrance of loved ones who have passed on, and many churches have altars dedicated to this purpose.

Aroma

The scent of a candle can have an impact on how you feel. This is why people use candles to celebrate events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays, but also as part of their self-care rituals such as meditating and yoga.

Different scents affect the body and mind; some even offer physical and emotional healing benefits. Lavender is a relaxing and calming fragrance that helps relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Eucalyptus has a refreshing minty scent and helps ease cold, sinus congestion, headaches, and allergies. Geranium is a soothing and uplifting scent that can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

When choosing a candle scent, be aware of what ingredients are used. Many mass-produced candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances that emit toxic fumes when burned. Aim for all-natural candle options with high-quality fragrances. Many choices are available, including soy, coconut, and other vegetable-based waxes. Be sure to look for the word “aromatherapy” on the label, which indicates that a candle is designed to be used in holistic aromatherapy.

Decoration

Candles do more than illuminate and create a cozy ambiance; they also enhance home decor. They can be used in the bathroom for a spa-like touch, in the living room to create a romantic feel, and in the kitchen for an elegant dinner-party setting.

Add bobeches (drip-catching rings) to your candle holders to keep a tidy and polished display. This prevents wax from spilling onto the table or floor.

A snuffer is essential for keeping a candle looking and smelling its best. It helps to avoid smoky, smelly wax and reduces the risk of soot from too much burning.

A decorative tray is a great way to unify a collection of candles and elevate them as home decor pieces. Try a modern or vintage tray that complements your home decor and has a mirrored surface to reflect the light from the candles.

Cleanliness

Candles add a lovely fragrance to our homes, but we may not be aware that those candles are releasing harmful pollutants into the air. Many candles are crafted from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that creates and releases toxic benzene and toluene when burned. Some candles are scented with synthetic fragrances that can irritate our respiratory systems, while others have metal-core wicks that release dangerous metal particles into the air.

These contaminants can cause headaches, aggravate allergies and sinus problems, and even contribute to poor indoor air quality. So, choosing clean-burning candles free of chemicals, such as phthalates, petrochemicals, and lead, is essential.

You can also help reduce soot production by trimming wicks and choosing candles made with vegetable-derived waxes, such as beeswax or soy. Using a snuffer rather than blowing out the flame is also a good idea, as this will help prevent toxic smoke and fumes. Once your candles are free of dust and dirt, please give them a new look by cleaning them with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball or disposable duster.

Relaxation

It is known that candles are used worldwide to add an ambiance, create romantic moments, mark special events, and relax the mind and body. They emit a warm flickering light and a soothing aroma that instantly makes you feel relaxed, soothed, and cozy.

Although aromatherapy is considered alternative medicine, research has proven that fragrances have relaxing characteristics and can help individuals relax. The candle’s scent stimulates the olfactory receptors in your brain and sends calming signals to the limbic system. It helps to lower blood pressure, mild symptoms of anxiety and stress, relieve muscle tension, and help you sleep better. Candles that are scented with oils such as lavender, chamomile, and valerian promote relaxation and can aid in helping you fall asleep faster.

Candles also offer the perfect setting for relaxing meditation, yoga, prayer, and mindfulness practices. They help keep your attention focused and bring you back to the present moment. When calm and relaxed, receiving messages and connecting with intuition is easier. This is why candles have become central to different spiritual rituals and practices.