Article date: May 16, 2020

Many of us have been burning more candles lately than we ever have before. Candles are a tradition in many cultures, a mainstay in many homes, and even a luxury to treat yourself and others with, but are there real benefits to burning them? Especially at a time like now, when many of us have been quarantined for over a month, can candles truly affect how we feel about our space?

"It is scientifically proven that scented candles can play an essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall mental health," Chryssa Chalkia, an accredited clinical integrative psychotherapist and cognitive behavioral therapist, said. Chalkia wrote an article on the effect scented candles have on reducing anxiety, but we spoke to her directly about her findings.

While ylang ylang "promotes feelings of joy and ease," jasmine "improves positive feelings and energy levels." Peppermint and spearmint "wake up your mind...enhance focus...and improve memory," but if you're looking for something to calm your anxiety, rosemary, lemon, chamomile, and geranium are for you.

Chalkia suggests, for those struggling to maintain a positive outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of citrus-scented candles, which are proven to "lift your spirits and boost your energy." She recommends Diptyque's Choisya, "an orange [blossom]-scented candle with notes of sweet citrus fruit, fresh oranges, and green leaves" or the "True Grace Wild Lime Scented Tin Candle for a bit of energy stimulation. The NEOM Happiness Scented Candle, "which has a wonderful zingy lemon smell, can help you feel more positive."

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