Discover how you can embrace the natural power of lavender candles to reduce stress, relax your body and soothe your soul. Nowadays, most of us lead hectic lives filled with tension and pressures that can quickly take a toll on our mental and physical health.
Lavender candles offer an all-natural solution to help us relax, destress and achieve a sense of balance.
The Science Behind Lavender Candles
The connection between lavender and stress relief is a well-documented one. Anecdotal evidence has long suggested the calming aroma of lavender is beneficial, but recent medical studies have provided concrete confirmation of its efficacy. Lavender has been found to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and even lower blood pressure.
In terms of its stress-relieving effects, research suggests that the chemical linalool found in lavender oil is to thank. When linalool is present, the body more easily produces Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which helps to relax both your muscles and mind, easing feelings of distress and tension in the process.
Lavender candles are one way to take advantage of the scientific benefits you can get from lavender. The heat generated by the flame helps release essential oils into the air which can then be inhaled and absorbed by your body as you relax. Just make sure that whatever candle you’re using contains only pure essential oils as certain artificial fragrances can actually be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through your skin.
Benefits of Lavender Candles
They are a popular option for those looking to reduce stress and promote relaxation. These natural fragrances have been used for centuries to help improve moods and counteract negative emotions. Lavender scents can:
Create a calming atmosphere -The aroma helps create an atmosphere of calmness, promoting feelings of relaxation. According to an article by the American Psychological Association, research has shown that inhaling lavender can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, both of which are associated with physical signs of stress.
Induce sleep -Studies have shown that the natural aroma of lavender can soothe the mind and body, helping induce sleep. An article in the Journal of Health Psychology found that when exposure to lavender was part of a relaxing bedtime routine it improved sleep efficiency and reduced restlessness in students with insomnia issues.
Reduce feelings of anger -Lavender has been linked to decreased feelings of anger and aggression among research participants in various studies. An article on The Huffington Post cites one study in particular wherein participants who were exposed to aromatherapy featuring lavender reported feeling less angry and less aggressive than those who weren’t exposed to any scent at all.
Reduce anxiety -Research has also linked exposure to lavender aromas with decreased levels of anxiety among study participants. A 2008 study revealed that patients being treated for major depressive disorder experienced significant reductions in symptoms when they were exposed to lavender aromatherapy sessions twice a week for four weeks.
In addition to these benefits, many people use these candles as part of their home décor or for special occasions such as weddings due to its association with purity, love, elegance, peace, happiness and even luck! Whether used for scent or decorum purposes, this timeless natural fragrance is sure to bring many benefits into your life!
How to Use Lavender Candles for Relaxation
They are popular for their delightful scent, but burning them can also be beneficial for relaxation and stress relief.
Before lighting the candle, take a few moments to close your eyes and take deep breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly. Let go of any worries or thoughts that arise and relax into the moment. When you’re ready, light the candle. As it burns, it will release an aroma of lavender essential oils into your space. This smell has a calming effect as your body naturally relaxes in response to its fragrance.
Let the warmth and smell fill your senses fully before releasing each breath slowly back out again. You might choose to add in some soft music or even just sit in peaceful silence while you allow yourself to melt into the atmosphere created by the lavender scent and gentle flame of your candle. Allow yourself this time each day as part of a routine that is focused solely on relaxing, calming your mind and recharging from stressors or life’s struggles.
As you burn through more of the candle wax, don’t forget that its aromatherapy can help with other aspects such as sleep promotion, relief from headaches or even encouraging physical healing from injuries or conditions like arthritis pain— simply open yourself up to its benefits with calm intention during use!
When selecting the right candle for your needs, there are a few things to consider.
First, check the label on the package to ensure that the product contains natural lavender oil as opposed to an artificial fragrance. The bigger the candle, the longer it will burn, so if you need a long-lasting scent or if you simply like having candles burning in your home, then opt for a larger size.
Additionally, pay attention to the type of wax used to make the candle—different waxes burn at different speeds and deliver varying degrees of scent throw (or how far it will fill your room with fragrance).
Finally, note if there is a colorant added—natural colors will be best as they won’t interfere with the natural aroma of lavender or produce any potentially harmful fumes.
Conclusion
In summary, this is a versatile herb with many proven health benefits. They are one of the best ways to enjoy all that lavender has to offer and to ensure a safe, spa-like environment at home or in the workplace.
The relaxing and calming aroma of lavender is perfect for creating a restful atmosphere anytime you need a little extra help with relaxation. Combining aromatherapy with candlelight can also offer an enhanced level of stress relief while providing an array of other positive benefits.
Try using a lavender candle in your own home or workspace to unlock its soothing powers and enjoy all it has to offer!