Did you know that the scent in wax melts and candles can affect your mood? And there’s science behind it? Some home fragrances are meant to relax the body while others will inspire the mind. When we smell something familiar, the information is sent to the parts of our brain that controls memory, basic emotions, learning and more (Murdoch, 2013).

Aromatherapy is defined as inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes (1). Aromatherapy can affect our emotions. Smelling a candle scented like pipe tobacco can trigger memories of Christmas at Grandpa’s house. Or taking in the fragrance of a peony bush can remind you of childhood summer vacations.

I’ve always heard of lavender helping with stress relief and calming the mind. But as I was researching this topic, I was surprised to see how many other benefits there are, just by inhaling a fragrance.

Below is a short list of fragrances and how they affect our emotions (Murdoch, 2013)

Scents to Relieve Anger: Chamomile, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose and Ylang-ylang.

Scents to Relieve Anxiety: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Peach, Rose, Rose Geranium and Violet Leaf.

Scents to Increase Confidence: Frankincense, Jasmine, Patchouli and Sandalwood.

Scents to Ease Depression: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, Tangerine and Ylang-ylang.

Scents to Improve Memory: Bay Laurel, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary.

Scents to Ease Sorrow: Clary Sage, Cypress, Fir, Marjoram, Rosemary and Sage.

Scents Used as Aphrodisiacs: Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Ylang-ylang.

Scents to Invigorate and Overcome Fatigue: Angelica, Benzoin, Camphor, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove Basil, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Sage and Spiced Apple.

Scents to Deal with Stress, Nervous Tension and Insomnia: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cloves, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Melissa, Valerian, Vanilla, Violet, and Ylang-ylang.

Scents to Calm Irritability: Chamomile, Neroli, Rose, and Rose Geranium.

Now that you have a better understanding of what fragrances can help with your moods or ailments, which will you choose for everyday home fragrance?

Most of the wax melts and candles I pour for you have essential oils infused into the fragrance oil and soy wax. Do you have a favorite scented melt? Does it help you calm your brain after a long day? Or get you revved up for a big project? Let me know!

If you need any suggestions on what melt or candle you should use, please comment below!

Thanks for stopping by!

<3 Tara