Candles That Captivate: The Allure of Fragrance Oil Soy Candles
Olfactory Stimulation
When you inhale the scent of a burning fragrance oil candle, odour molecules travel through your nose to the olfactory receptors located in the nasal cavity. These receptors send signals to the olfactory bulb, which processes the information and transmits it to various parts of the brain, including the limbic system, which is a
group of structures in your brain that regulate your emotions, behaviour, motivation and memory.
Limbic System Activation
Due to the limbic system playing a significant role in regulating emotions and forming memories, different scents can trigger different emotional responses and memories. For example:
Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Vanilla: Often associated with warmth and comfort, vanilla can evoke feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Citrus: Scents like lemon and orange can uplift mood and reduce feelings of stress.
Psychological Effects
The act of lighting a candle itself can be a ritualistic and meditative practice. This process of lighting a candle, watching its flame, and breathing in its scent can create a calming environment. This ritual can help signal to your brain that it’s time to relax and unwind.
Association and Conditioning
Over time, your brain can learn to associate certain scents with relaxation. If you use a specific fragrance oil candle every time you relax or unwind, your brain will begin to associate that scent with a state of calmness. This is a form of classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (the scent) becomes associated with a positive response (relaxation).
Placebo Effect
The expectation of relaxation plays a crucial role. If you believe that a certain candle scent will help you relax, your brain may respond accordingly. This placebo effect can enhance the actual physiological and psychological benefits you experience.
Conclusion
Fragrance oil candles can help you relax by engaging your sense of smell, activating the limbic system, creating a calming environment, and leveraging the power of psychological conditioning and expectation. While they might not have the same direct biological effects as natural essential oils, their ability to influence your mood and create a soothing atmosphere makes them effective tools for inducing relaxation and enhancing well-being.
Always make sure your candles, wax melts and diffusers are non-toxic, especially when you have pets and children. That is why we always buy our premium grade fragrance oils from reputable suppliers and ensure all our fragrance oils are phthalate free, paraben free and sulphate free.
