12.14.23
The National Candle Association (NCA) is bringing awareness to the health benefits of lighting candles. The NCA, which is a trade association representing U.S. candle manufacturers and their suppliers, emphasizes the various ways candles improve our lives and the significant impact they have on consumer health.
Learn about the five health benefits of lighting a candle, per the NCA:
Consumers can stay up to date this fall with a safety guide for all the tips and tricks to enjoy candles confidently this holiday season.
Learn about the five health benefits of lighting a candle, per the NCA:
Improves Mood
Candles place you in a good headspace and provide ambient light into your surroundings. When looking at a candle’s flame as it flickers, it can regulate your mood and aid you in feeling less anxious. Mood and scent are closely linked. The odor molecules in fragranced candles stimulate your nose and create electrical signals. These signals trigger the area of your brain (limbic brain) and affect your emotions, thoughts and memory.Aromatherapy
Scented candles offer a therapeutic outlet for their calming properties. Fragrance will affect your mood, reduce stress and help improve both physical and mental abilities. For example, if you’re sad or upset look for rose or jasmine-scented candles, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious go for chamomile, sandalwood or hints of sweet marjoram in candles; they are known for their soothing properties.Reduce Stress
Stress can take a toll on your health. To help de-stress and think more clearly - light a candle and take a moment to just breathe. If you’re on-edge, light a lemongrass scented candles to calm your nervous system and heart rate. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine details how people who are exposed to a lemongrass scent have the capability to recover more quickly from stress-inducing situations and are more likely to lower their anxiety and stress levels.Boosts Self-Care
Prioritizing your well-being and mental health involves creating new routines. Set aside time to read a book, write in your journal, soak in a warm bath, or turn on your favorite playlist. Add a candle to your self-care practices and increase the feelings of security, relaxation, and an overall enhanced state of well-being. Lighting a few candles in your bathroom or at home can add a soft lighting effect and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere for any form of self-care.Changes the Atmosphere
The ambiance of a room influences your state of mind. Candles have a way of creating a unique and peaceful atmosphere from the aroma to the warm low light. Research finds that a pleasant scent can elevate an individual’s feelings by up to 40%. By placing candles in certain areas, the ambiance of a room switches to a welcoming space that offers coziness, cleanliness, and tranquility.Consumers can stay up to date this fall with a safety guide for all the tips and tricks to enjoy candles confidently this holiday season.