Natural aromatherapy candles are different to most scented candles
I don’t often refer to my candles as aromatherapy candles because it can sound a bit prescriptive or off putting. I prefer to let you discover the scents yourself and simply enjoy them without too much explanation.
However there is a reason I make my candles only with essential oils and not synthetic fragrance.
Lighting a scented candle at home is usually done to create a relaxing, inviting or uplifting atmosphere.
Our instinct to change the atmosphere or mood in our homes using scented products is correct. The natural aromas of plants can do all this and more.
However filling your home with scent from synthetic fragrance has a very different effect that doing the same thing with natural fragrance.
Essential oils have aromatherapy benefits
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their wide ranging healing and beneficial properties. They can support overall wellbeing by aiding relaxation and mood regulation and relieving anxiety.
Many skilled aromatherapists believe the reason our nose leads us to inhale scents we like is because of their therapeutic and healing properties. Our senses lead us to smell nice things for the same reason that we have the ability to taste salt or seek calorie dense food - because it is an important part of our overall wellbeing. The wisdom of our bodies draws us to what we need which is why it is so nice to take a big deep breath of something that smells good.
Synthetic fragrances do not have any aromatherapy value
Synthetic fragrance is designed to trick your nose, but will not have a healing effect on your body.
Chemical or synthetic fragrance is manufactured for scent only. Putting them in our homes with a good intention of creating restful or healing environment does not achieve the potential benefits of that idea and in some cases can have harmful effects.
But some people like the smell of synthetic fragrance, so why is it not healing?
A very good point. My theory is that it is because we are so over exposed to chemical fragrance our noses become desensitised.
Chemical fragrance is present in almost all household products, from detergents to cosmetics and even food.
The more that I remove products containing these ingredients from my life, the more I notice how strong and oftentimes nauseating their presence can be. My nose is absolutely not drawn towards these smells any more and actually rejects them. I find them tiring and noisy to be around.
It’s a bit like becoming desensitised to the amount of salt and sugar in processed food. Or being happy with fast fashion garments until you get to experience what a truly well made shirt or pair of trousers feels like. Slowing down, listening to what our bodies need and making intentional decision about the items in our homes will usually lead us towards the most authentic and well made items.
