If there was a list that ranked the most versatile items, then candles would probably be in the top 10.
A flickering candle is a whole experience – it provides illumination, adds personality and warmth as a decor item, and helps to uplift our spirits.
You may choose candles made from paraffin wax or natural alternatives such as coconut, soy, palm and beeswax.
If you are picky about shapes then you can’t go wrong with options such as pillars, tapers, tea lights and novelty.
Best of all, candles come in a range of fragrances that are either spicy, floral, warm, woodsy, gourmand, etc.
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Of all the characteristics, scent may be the deciding factor when buying a candle. It’s undeniable that there is a strong connection between smell and mood.
The perfume industry as well as the candle industry have taken full advantage of this fact by developing fragrances that evoke an array of emotions and feelings such as desire, vitality and nostalgia.
Perhaps the number one reason we purchase scented candles is for relaxation. We know that no spa is complete without that comforting look, feel and smell of a candle.
What we may not know however is which of the candles has the most relaxing scents. Keep on reading if you want to know what the most relaxing candle scent is.
Lemon
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One whiff of this scent may get you in the mood for a slice of lemon meringue pie or a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Infused with lemon essential oil, lemon scented candles are perfect for those of us who need a burst of energy.
As you focus on the flame, you may experience a boost that will lead to better concentration and more productivity.
The lemon scented candle is also praised for its calming effect. Those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression can light this candle at the start of the day or anytime we need relief.
You will enjoy those little moments as the air in your house is permeated with a zesty, crisp and fresh smell.
You could also picture yourself exploring an orchard on a bright sunny day.
Honey
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Gourmand lovers are in for a treat with this one. Some people may even be tempted to take a bite out of the candle, thanks to the syrupy smell.
Honey scented candles have a rich, warm and sweet smell which fills a room and transports your mind to a happy place.
Symbolically, honey means “the sweet life” and prosperity. So, lighting a candle with this fragrance may help you to be grateful and will give you peace of mind.
Along with adding luxury and comfort, the honey scented candle can help you to unwind and relax.
It may also be one of the indulgences that you cannot do without.
Cinnamon
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Here’s another scent that instantly adds warmth to your surroundings. Don’t be fooled – there is no complimentary apple pie or a cup of hot cocoa around (unless you made them).
As the aroma from the distinctive cinnamon scented candle fills the air, you may experience increased alertness, improved memory and sharpened mental focus.
This is due to it being a spicy scent which has enough kick to increase your overall cognitive function.
It may be argued that it is the most relaxing scent because it can help you whenever you get a headache.
There’s no surprise that many swear by its ability to gradually relieve headaches – a testament to its healing properties.
Additionally, if you are looking for a candle to help you focus while you work or study, then look no further.
If allowed, you could consider lighting a cinnamon scented candle in the office. It may even help you to refocus for your meetings after lunch.
Rosemary
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Rosemary is not just excellent as food seasoning – its scent provides an instant boost of energy.
It falls in the greens, herbs and fougeres group of fragrance notes, and has a minty profile.
The mint may be responsible for rosemary’s ability to increase alertness and reduce mental fatigue.
Its stress reducing properties are praised by many who have lit the candle before or during situations of high stress.
If you are anxious or nervous about an upcoming exam or meeting the parents of your partner for the first time, then relax with a candle infused with rosemary essential oil before you go.
It has also been proven to reduce levels of cortisol – a stress related hormone that affects sleep and weight management when increased.
Lavender
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It would be remiss of us not to mention this contender. For some people, the words ‘relaxation’ and ‘lavender’ are synonymous.
It’s immensely popular because it’s effective. Lavender is featured in a variety of products such as baby shampoos, fabric softeners, body washes and all-purpose cleaners.
We also love it because it has a beautiful scent that is as reassuring as a warm blanket on a cold and stormy night.
It’s calming scent permeates rooms at massage parlours, spas, salons, meditation and yoga sessions and the therapist’s office.
They rely on it because it’s a great stress buster and is very beneficial for those of us who struggle with anxiety and depression. It can also be your go-to for the relief of migraines and muscle tension.
Do you have trouble sleeping? Consider lighting a lavender scented candle an hour or two before bedtime.
But be sure to extinguish the candle right before you drift off to dreamland.
Peppermint
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Do you need to be perked up? If you have consistently been “burning the midnight oil” then you might as well burn a peppermint aromatherapy candle.
It awakens your senses, serves as a great pick-me-up, and has been found to increase memory and alertness.
As an energy booster it invigorates the mind and body and stimulates clear thinking. Go ahead and light a peppermint scented candle as you relax in the bathtub or take a shower.
The steam created can even enhance its power by blending with the fragrance to help you breathe easier.
Rose
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You don’t have to go outside to “smell the roses” if you don’t want to. Not only is the rose one of the most beautiful flowers in the world – the essential oil it produces is amazing as well. Its alluring scent is perhaps why it continues to be a top fragrance used by perfumers.
Its soft, delicate and feminine aroma can certainly add a “woman’s touch” to a bachelor pad or other settings. Even though it’s girly and elegant it may be enjoyed by both men and women.
In addition to the enchanting aroma, a rose scented candle can promote a sense of balance, harmony and calm. It is also believed to help people to attract love and happiness.
You may light it when you are in the mood for romance, or if you want a sense of well-being. It generates positive energy and is often used to aid with stress relief and depression.
So cozy up and enjoy the soothing and luxurious scent that is sure to charm its way into your heart.
Vanilla
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This fragrance note may never experience a decline in popularity. It will continue to be a favourite because it’s sweet, cozy and comforting.
Perfumes with this spice is directed to teenyboppers, young chic women, classy men and sophisticated and mature women.
It’s the same for candles. A lit vanilla scented candle warmly greets your guests and encourages you to put your feet up, let your hair down, and reminisce about the good times while sipping on a cup of your favourite tea or hot beverage.
We also can’t get enough of vanilla because the smell has a relaxing and calming effect on the brain and nerves, which in turn gives us relief from anger, restlessness and anxiety.
Rest assured that a long and hard day at work is no match for the soothing smell. Light a vanilla scented candle and feel your troubles melt away.
Final Comments:
Scented candles have been credited as mood enhancers and are praised for their amazing positive effects.
They may act as air fresheners and are an excellent source of light, but it’s their fragrances that are the unique selling points over the years.
Undoubtedly, there are aromatherapy candles that help us to relax, feel calm, be energized and boost our productivity, cognition and efficiency.
So which candle scent is the most relaxing? It may be easy to look to lavender because it’s relaxing to the point where it can induce sleep.
Others may argue that rosemary has the title due to its ability to help calm nerves prior to and during moments of high stress.
We should bear in mind that people have varying personalities and preferences. Therefore, there is a scent for everyone.
The candle that is most relaxing to you may be the least favourite for someone else. We put the debate aside and hail scented candles as one of life’s simple pleasures.
It goes without saying that they create ambiance and seem to make the world a little brighter. Light a scented candle so that you too can escape to a place of serenity.
