Anxiety is becoming more and more common across many age groups among people across the United States. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in America, affecting over 40 million people, or over 18%of all people in the United States. People who suffer from anxiety are also five times more likely to seek medical treatment than those who do not. However, the good news is that anxiety is a highly treatable mental illness. One method of treatment that has become quite popular lately is aromatherapy. But what scents are most effective in treating anxiety? Let’s find it out together, shall we?
Here are six of the most helpful candle scents used in aromatherapy to help in the treatment of anxiety:
- Orange
- Lemon
- Chamomile
- Sage
- Lavender
- Rose
As you can see, these smells are fairly ordinary scents and can be commonly found in a variety of different candles both online and in just about any candle shop across the United States. Let’s read along and find out why each of these fairly common smells is used to treat anxiety, as well as the reasons why these smells are so effective in treating this mental illness that affects so many people in our country.
Oranges
Of all of the different smells found on this list, there may be none more common than the smell of orange. This is a smell that is easily identified, most people will agree that it is also an aroma that they find to be quite pleasant as well. The most common orange scent is used in the skin of Bergamot orange. Most people identify the smell of oranges with summer, which generally makes them feel much warmer and happier, which makes it quite effective for reducing anxiety.
How effective is the smell of Bergamot orange in reducing the effects of anxiety? A study conducted in 2013 showed that patients who used the essential oils found in this orange were far less anxious about upcoming minor procedures than those who inhaled water. If you are looking for a pleasant scent that can significantly reduce the effects of anxiety, picking up an orange-scented candle can have impactful results, as well as filling your home with the sweet, summery smell of fresh, juicy oranges.
Lemon
In the spirit of continuing with the citrus theme of different aromas that are used to help in the treatment of anxiety, the next scent on our list is another one that is quite commonly used in candles everywhere. This smell is the unmistakable scent of lemon. So, what is it about the strong citrus scent of lemon that has such a calming effect on people who suffer from anxiety and other forms of mental illness?
Perhaps the most obvious answer to this question is that most people associate the smell of lemon with warm weather and sunshine, which are also known as natural remedies for anxiety and depression. A study conducted in 2015 showed that the oils extracted from the rinds and the leaves of the lemon tree had a significant impact on reducing anxiety. So, if you feel like your anxiety levels are increasing, pick up a lemon-scented candle and put yourself in a more relaxed state of mind.
Chamomile
This fruity and sweet-smelling fragrance is extracted through the steam distillation of this daisy-like herb and has been used for years as a way to reduce anxiety and depression. Chamomile has been used in a variety of products to help people who suffer from mild cases of anxiety. Some of those products include bath oils, body washes, massage oils, and candles. Originally used by the Romans for its beneficial properties, chamomile has become one of the most popular scents used in aromatherapy.
So, how effective is chamomile when it comes to reducing anxiety and mild cases of depression? Well, the results may shock you with how much they can help people who suffer from anxiety. According to a recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society, cancer patients who were exposed to the aroma of chamomile were far less anxious about their cancer than those who were not exposed to this smell. If you are one of the many people who suffer from anxiety (and may not be particularly fond of the smell of citrus), a chamomile candle may be exactly what you need.
Sage
While this herb is believed to have several medicinal properties, its ability to help reduce anxiety is the most beneficial for mental health. How effective is sage when it comes to helping those who suffer from anxiety? A small study conducted in 2013 found that when compared to lavender and almond oil, sage was far more beneficial at helping reduce blood pressure and respiratory rate among those who were exposed to its aroma.
When the study reached its conclusion, it was determined that sage helped people to relax during stressful medical tests such as bladder examinations. Sage has been used for quite some time in helping people to be more relaxed, and aromatherapy has helped to bring this herb back into the public eye. So, if you happen to find yourself a little more stressed than usual, picking up a sage-scented candle may be quite effective at helping relieve that stress and anxiety.
Lavender
The relaxing benefits of lavender have made their way into available products lately, such as bubble baths and body wash. A few of the many benefits of this purple flower are that it is commonly used to help reduce anxiety; it is used as an anti-inflammatory treatment, and it is also a natural muscle relaxer. As you can see, lavender can be used to treat both physical and mental ailments, which makes it one of nature’s most versatile plants, and its pleasant smell makes it a popular choice in aromatherapy.
However, the many benefits of using lavender were not uncovered until a clinical review that was conducted in 2017. In these clinical trials, it was discovered that aromatherapy using lavender helped to reduce anxiety levels in patients who were about to undergo surgical procedures, as well as patients who were in the intensive care unit of the hospital. If the smell of lavender c can help ease the anxiety of these patients, placing a few lavender-scented candles around your home can do wonders for the stress and anxiety of everybody who lives there.
Rose
I’m sure that most of you are familiar with the expression, “Take the time to stop and smell the roses.” While I have heard this saying throughout most of my life, what I hadn’t noticed until recently was that there are two meanings to this expression. Not only does it mean that you should take the time to do the little things in life that bring you joy, but it also provides a clue to the anxiety-reducing properties contained in the smell of roses. If you stop to think about it for a while, it makes perfect sense.
While there are no conclusive studies that were conducted on human beings, a 2015 systematic review found that the scent of roses had a calming effect on the mice used for this study. If you give it some thought, ask yourself if you have ever seen anybody appear to be an I or stressed after inhaling the pleasant scent of roses. I know that I certainly haven’t. The scent of roses has become a very popular smell used in many stress-relieving products, such as candles and air fresheners. I would recommend picking up a few rose-scented candles for your home and enjoying the anxiety-reducing benefits they can provide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several scents can be beneficial in helping reduce stress and anxiety. Most of these smells have been used for decades, if not centuries. The one common thread that all of these different aromas have in common is that there are studies that were conducted showing how helpful they are to people who suffer from anxiety. However, personal preference will play a substantial role in which smell is most helpful to each individual. I suggest finding the scent that you find most pleasant and picking up a few candles to fill your home with the pleasant aroma and feeling of reduced anxiety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular candle scents in the United States?
While there are a number of scents that are popular among candle enthusiasts across the United States, the most popular selling candles in America are those that have sweet or spiced smells. The second most popular candle scents in the country are those that have clean or fresh smells.
How long has lavender been used?
There are many uses for lavender, and it’s use dates back to Biblical times. In fact, there has been documented use of lavender for multiple purposes dating back at least 2,500 years. The first use of lavender is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, although it was referred to back then as spikenard.
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Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Candle Business Fan.
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online candle business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a candle business owner at a craft fair, farmers market, retail location or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to obtain and retain clients, finding good employees all while trying to stay competitive. That’s why I created Candle Business Boss: I want to help candle business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.