The Healing Power of Candles

In the last few decades, holistic health supporters and even the medical profession have proclaimed the benefits of candles. This confidence contributed to the candle's popularity, which is now a billion-dollar industry, and led by companies like Yankee Candle, PartyLite and Colonial Candles.

Skeptics

Although many tout the benefits of candles, skeptics remain unconvinced; however, it is difficult to argue with the placebo effect. If people honestly believes candles positively affect their health, then they likely gain a positive health benefit from the candles.

Aromatherapy

One of the most popular delivery methods of aromatherapy, scented candles have demonstrated positive effects on heart rates, concentration, anxiety and even depression. Some college professors have recommended peppermint candles to college students before exams, to sharpen the mind. Comfort scents, like apples, cinnamon, grasses and sandalwood, are utilized by some hospitals and mental health facilities to calm patients, and the results are encouraging. In China, lemon scented candles are commonly used to treat depression.

Visual benefits

Several studies have shown that people who suffer from migraines can blame lighting for the pain. Doctors routinely attribute poor fluorescent lighting for this effect. To combat migraines, replace harsh fluorescent lights with burning candles to decrease suffering. Although reading is not recommended in the dim light, simply relaxing can relieve the horrors of a migraine.

This billion dollar industry continues expanding to other companies and mediums. Yankee Candle now has lines of car air fresheners and even room sprays. Studies show that candles do have a slight health benefit, but even if a skeptic does not believe it, they cannot argue with the popularity.