Candles and meditation go together perfectly. If you are looking to enhance your meditation experience, candles are going to be your best option. This is especially true when talking about scented candles. For this reason, we have put together a comprehensive list of the best candle scents that you can use for meditation.
Do Candles Help with Meditation?
Not only can using the right candle scent put you in the mood for a bit of relaxation, but it’s also a great way to settle your mind, help you push everything out of your brain, and get you ready for some meditation.
Scented candles have actually been used for centuries all over the world. Not only to help in meditation practices, but also to help in healing rituals. Having a scented candle around is one of the best ways to help your meditation.
And don’t forget about the flame itself. Having a flickering candle flame sitting in front of you can be very hypnotic and calming, and it can help with your overall meditation experience. It’s kind of like sitting around a campfire, only you’re in your home smelling the sweet scent of jasmine or lavender.
All About the Scent
There is no perfect candle scent for meditation. But there are some great combinations. For example, you might find a fragrance that combines jasmine, chamomile, and musk. This is a very potent concentration that makes for very relaxing aromatherapy.
Almost all the best candles for meditation are going to blend certain aromas. Any aroma that can enhance your focus, relaxation, and clarity are going to be useful. For example, you might want to check out a candle that blends citrus and olibanum for your meditation practice. These types of scents are going to open your mind and centre your thoughts.
Another great combination is frankincense, labdanum, and patchouli. The amazing combo of these three smells is going to give you a meditation experience that is delightful and positive. These types of smells are associated with divine energy and with the realization of one’s self.
Floral fragrances are also ideal for meditation. Any kind of floral fragrance such as lavender, lilac, or cedarwood are going to help melt away all your tension so that you can truly relax. If you’re looking to meditate for a reduction in stress and anxiety, you definitely want to pick up a few candles with some different floral fragrances. These are so relaxing you might find yourself falling asleep by accident.
And on the flipside of this, you can actually use invigorating senses like lemongrass or eucalyptus for a different kind of meditation. If you’re looking to boost creativity, heighten your focus, and build confidence through meditation, you definitely want an invigorating fragrance. Along with eucalyptus and lemongrass, try mint or citrus for this type of meditation style. These kinds of fragrances are inspired by nature, and they really wake up your mind.
What Type of Candle is Best for Meditation?
Now that you have a pretty good idea of what kind of fragrances you should be looking for, it’s time to look at the candle itself. There are lots of different candles that you can purchase, and they’re all made a little differently. Depending on whether you’re going to use the candle as part of your meditation or keep it out of sight on a dresser, the type of candle you purchase and the container it comes in can add to your overall experience.
For example, if you’re going to be placing the candles around the room, you might want to pick up some candles with naked jars. Some meditation candles come without packaging or labels, and these are great for leaving throughout your room, as they are basically invisible.
But if you actually want to focus on the candle, you definitely want to get something that comes in an attractive container. The best containers are going to be natural, something with a dark colour. Maybe consider artisanal candles that come in softwood cradles.
There are even some candles that have special wooden wicks that crackle when they burn. Some people find this extremely comforting while deep in meditation, as they can follow the crackle of the wick and smell the sensual aroma of the candle. But some other people find it distracting. Whatever your preference is, we guarantee there is a candle for it!
Best Scents for Meditation
What is the Most Relaxing Candle Scent?
There are three main candle scents that are particularly relaxing and ideal for meditation. We’re talking about jasmine, frankincense, and lavender.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a sweet and floral smell, and it’s one of the most popular scents for any meditation candle. Jasmine will brighten your mood and help your worries melt away. Jasmine has been used all over the world for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, and other kinds of emotional distress. Because of all these benefits, it’s one of the best additions to any meditation session for someone looking to be calm and relaxed.
Frankincense
Frankincense is not an aroma that many people have heard of. It actually comes from the white sap of the sacra plant and has a very powerful woody scent which is used in a lot of popular perfumes and incense. But it also makes for a very calming experience when used in conjunction with meditation. Frankincense oil has special properties that will reduce your feelings of anxiety. Frankincense is typically better for a morning meditation to ground yourself and get you ready for the day. Source.
Lavender
Lavender is arguably the most relaxing scent in the world. There’s a reason lavender is used in pretty much everything that has anything to do with relaxing, from candles to laundry detergent. It eases stress, it promotes relaxation, and it basically erases any feeling of anxiety or stress.
An even better way to enjoy the benefits of lavender is to simply plant lavender flowers around your home. If that’s not possible, you can always settle down with a nice lavender-scented candle.
Vanilla/Tobacco
Vanilla has long been known as a soothing scent, but also a scent that is know for simplicity and warmth. The tobacco adds an extra element to the scent which can be masculine in nature, but also sweet and mysterious. When meditating it is good to not always use the same scents and travel down the same path. Sometimes you need something different. Try this scent out. Our Friends at the Lewiston Label have a candle called grounded…which obviously is a good thing when meditating.
Best Gifts for Candle Lovers
It should go without saying that the best gifts for candle lovers are going to be more candles! Find out what your friend’s favorite scents and brands are and then go nuts with the candle gifts. There are tons of unique items that will drive candle lovers crazy. Whether it’s your mom or your neighbour, you’ve come to the right place for the scoop on all things candles.
If your purchasing candles as a gift, a normal candle from the department store is not going to do. You need to find some luxury options, like pumpkin-spiced candles for fall or pine candles for Christmas. Try to find some fancy items, like candles with reusable jars, zodiac-themed candles, romantic candles, candles made with expensive wax. The list goes on.
And if you want to get your friend more than just candles, try for anything that can go well when the candle is lit. Anything that can enhance the mood is an excellent gift, like a bottle of wine, a good book, some bubbles for the bath, or a nice box of chocolates.