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You’ve just wrapped up a very stressful day at work and you’re ready to unwind, destress and rid yourself of any bad omens – so what do you do? Easy. You light yourself a candle. But have you ever considered whether the candle burning on your shelf hour by hour is actually providing you with any health benefits?
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment whereby essential oils extracted from plants are either breathed in through the nose or put on your skin to improve a range of conditions. Whether you’re anxious, head-achey or sleepless, aromatherapy could help. And while you might expect that candles play a big role in the world of aromatherapy, it might surprise you to hear that candles containing actual therapeutic properties are hard to come by.
Don’t worry, we’re not saying that healing candles don’t exist – they do. But many factors mean that candles suitable for aromatherapy are few and far between.
For starters, aromatherapy is centred around the use of natural substances, while most candles on the market are made of synthetic ingredients such as paraffin wax which emit dangerous toxins. Also, a considerable amount of essential oils is required in candles for the fragrance to evaporate into your room and be detected. As a result, most companies opt for harmful artificial fragrances with potent scents.
Unfortunately, brands have now become experts at tying buzzwords such as ‘natural’ and ‘aromatherapy’ to products that are anything but. So, what should you look out for? Opting for beeswax, soy and vegetable-based candles with cotton wicks is one safe way to ensure you are not about to inhale a load of toxins every time you light a candle. Reading the fine print to make sure your candles include pure essential oils made from plant material - rather than synthetic fragrances - is another fail-safe method to put you on the path of natural aromatherapy.
We understand the frustration of trying to figure out what’s what in the world of clean candles. To make it easier, we’ve created a list of the best aromatherapy candles currently on the market.
The Best Aromatherapy Candles on the Market
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If you feel like something is missing from your self-care routine, itu2019s probably this 100% essential-oil candle. The Scentered brand was invented to help customers mindfully transition through different emotions throughout their day, promoting feelings of calmness and control. The award-winning Destress candle beautifully mixes chamomile, neroli and mandarin to uplift, soothe and relax you. If you are looking to surface other emotions, worry not. Scentered has a host of candles to offer including Happy, Sleepwell, Escape and Love, all expertly blended to induce positive emotions and free the mind.
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Photo: Eym Naturalswww.eymnaturals.com
It would be criminal to create this list without including our next option. The creator of Eym was pregnant with her first child when finding out about the toxic effects of synthetically made and fragranced candles. Unwilling to give up her obsession with candles (we can relate), she and her husband began their own journey of creating 100 per cent natural products. While there are many to choose from, the Rest candle combines pure essential oils of chamomile, lavender and orange to soothe your nerves and help you relax. The gentle aroma therapeutic scent promotes wellbeing and is just what you need before you call it a day.
Pioneering the art of essential oils since 1974, itu2019s no surprise that Tisserand is responsible for some of the most well-crafted aromatherapy candles on the market. This Amazon recommended Total De-stress candle balances geranium, orange and nutmeg to add a beautifully calming aura to your life, making the overwhelming factors in your life seem more manageable. The purely infused essentially oils ensure a natural, non-overpowering scent and the beautiful frosted glass jar adds an elegant touch to any room.
YMing has created an aromatherapy candle which is equal parts natural, therapeutic and luxurious. Made from soy wax and pure essential oils, the lavender and French cade wood notes are the ideal remedy for stress and insomnia. The uniquely natural blend allows you to enjoy the uplifting fragrance free of any toxins and impurities, and its embellished packaging also makes it the perfect gift for loved ones looking to enrich their lives through aromatherapy u2013 or for those who simply enjoy a good a candle.
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Photo: NEOMwww.neomorganics.com
NEOM has been truly knocking it out of the park with their all-natural candles, which combine pure essential oils leaving any room with a heavenly aroma. Offering five different candle ranges, our pick is from the u2018Scent to sleepu2019 range which includes a special blend of 19 essential oils such as jasmine, basil and lavender. We donu2019t know where we would be without a good nightu2019s sleep, and this dreamy combination of soothing oils is just what you need before bed. If youu2019re looking for something to re-energise you instead, you can check out the u2018scent to make you happyu2019 range which mixes mimosa, lemon and neroli for the ultimate boost of positivity.
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www.irusu.co.uk
This much-loved and raved-about aromatherapy candle is what dreams are made of. Created by London-based company Irusu, this candle combines everything youu2019ve ever wanted in a therapeutic aroma. Lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus are masterfully mixed together to create a powerful and lasting scent that is 100 per cent organic and free of impurities.
Photo: Holland and Barrettwww.hollandandbarrett.com
A brand synonymous with the words natural and ethically sourced, Aromaworks creates candles composed of the finest and purest essential oils to enhance your wellbeing experience. The basil and lime candle combines sweet and spicy notes to induce feelings of clarity and contentment, helping you push away the stressors and anxieties of your day. The long-lasting aroma will easily fill your room, leaving you with a feeling of calm and bliss.
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Marina Avraam is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest, and also works for Mother&Baby. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.