A fragrance has the power to change energy, mood, and motivation completely. Thankfully, tapping into this superpower is as easy as lighting the aromatherapy candle of your choice. As the wick catches the flame, the scent unfolds. The room—and everyone in it—transforms. 

But it’s more than just a change of ambiance (although these candles are beautiful too). Unlike their mainstream counterparts, aromatherapy candles provide concentrated doses of natural plant extracts known to promote physical and emotional well-being.  

The Mayo Clinic recently published an article explaining that aromatherapy “works by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions.” Ultimately, aromatherapy plays a small, but vital role in living a holistic life.

Candles are a simple addition to an already established holistic (wellness-based) lifestyle (or an even simpler first step in that direction). And now, more than ever, we could all use a little help balancing our emotions (and the energy that follows). Aromatherapy offers us a holistic, natural way to take back control of our lives. Replace stress with comfort or anxiety with excitement; design the life you want with scent. 

Of course, not all scents are the same. Understanding more about aromatherapy can help you enhance, and create, an environment that supports you. The more you become familiar with scent and aromas you can easily improve your mental state, immunity, and home environment.

If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend first deciding how you want to feel or what you want to accomplish. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite aromatic groups for any desired outcome. Whether you wish to be relaxed or rejuvenated, intentional candles will do the trick!

If you want a candle to…

Help You Focus and Find Clarity

Setting your mind to a task is challenging with the number of distractions we have built into our busy lives. 

When you need to focus, look for candles with aromatherapy oil notes that include grapefruit, lemon, ginger, eucalyptus, jasmine, or sweet orange. These fragrances are stimulating and are known to enhance mental focus while energizing your mood. Try adding a candle with these notes anywhere you desire increased productivity, like a home office or a library. Or try lighting a candle whenever you’re completing mundane chores; you’ll find yourself extra focused on the task at hand.

Enhance Your Mood and Increase Cheerfulness

Life can be overwhelming but using aromatherapy is one of the best self-care treatments — used for centuries — to improve your mood. If you’re looking for a scent to help trigger a state of optimizing, cheerfulness or well-being look for notes like patchouli, sage, jasmine, neroli and rose. Try burning a candle in your office during a busy workday, or keep one by the tub to help you release from a chaotic day.

Deepen Your Meditation Practice

In today’s world, settling down for your meditation practice can be difficult. Eyes close, but thoughts buzz. Your body may be tense, and your energy may be agitated from a long day or a restless night. Sound familiar?

If so, look for candles with grounding scents. Scents with grounding notes like frankincense, cedar, vetiver and patchouli are known to help to settle your mood. Place candles in this scent group wherever you practice meditation (or yoga!). We also recommend leaving one on your bedroom’s nightstand to help you calm down before sleeping. (As an added bonus, it’ll make your bedroom feel extra luxurious.)

Relieve Anxiety, Tension and Insomnia

If you’re looking to relax the nervous system and reduce anxiety look for candles with aromatherapy notes like mandarin, blue spruce, lavender, sandalwood, orange, frankincense and chamomile. Try lighting a candle next to your bed stand a few hours before sleep to help relax as you create a slowdown/unwind exercise. Turn off your devices and read something positive or listen to relaxing music. Be sure to blow out the candle before falling asleep.

Create a Mental Escape from Burnout or Exhaustion

Whether it's quarantine, dreary winter weather, or a super-long day at work, we all know what it feels like to want to escape now and then. 

For days when outdoor adventures are simply out of the question, take a mental break with candles like cypress, peppermint, lemon, rosemary or frankincense. These nature-inspired scents will relax your body and simulate the calming experience of being in the great outdoors. The best part? These candles are perfect for anywhere: bedrooms and offices alike. 

Help You Be Present

Think about your daily routine—what did you do with intention, and what did you just…do?

If you’re looking to improve your mindfulness, consider burning a candle with notes like clove, vetiver, frankincense, sage, patchouli and cinnamon. These types of candles help us cultivate a connection between the moment, the breath, and the now. 

We recommend lighting a candle as both a visual and olfactory reminder of your dedication to a mindful life. Each time you pass by the lit flame or inhale the sultry aroma, you’ll remember the intention you set for that day: be present in every moment.  

How could a candle make a difference in your life?

If you’re interested in working with home aromatherapy, shop Made by Yoke’s complete collection of wellness candles here. We’re proud to note that our candles are vegan, cruelty-,lead-, alcohol-, and phthalate- free.  

WRITTEN BY VERONICA