Unexpected Health Benefits Of Lighting A Candle

Many people use candlelight to create ambiance, scent a room, or set a mood. And many traditions use candles as part of rituals or celebrations, like making a wish on birthday candles, holding vigil, lighting a votive at church, or funeral and wedding ceremonies. But burning a candle can be good for your health too. WebMD says lighting a scented candle can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce stress, and balance brain activity, but notes that most of these health benefits come from the scent rather than the candle flame itself. 

Scented candles can affect your memory, thoughts, and emotions through aromatherapy. Scents can also positively impact your mood, mental state, and physiological and cognitive function. According to Healthline, aromatherapy can improve health and well-being in many tangible ways too, from relieving pain to boosting immunity. But you don't need a scented candle to get some unexpected health benefits from lighting a candle.

Science Sensei says the crackling sound of a candle flame can calm nerves and help you relax after a long day, and can help soothe feelings of anxiety. And gazing into a candle flame can help improve memory and attention. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology showed that looking at a candle flame for two to three minutes improved working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention through Trataka. Trataka is a yogic cleansing practice mentioned in the "Hathayoga" that is thought to enhance cognitive processes by focusing on a candle flame. 

Lighting a candle can even help clean the air in your space. A 2005 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that a candle flame effectively reduced amounts of e.coli on surfaces. And adding orange oil and beta-pinene compounds significantly improved the effects of the candle flame alone, reducing Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria) in addition to e.coli. 

But the type of candle wax you burn can negatively affect your health too. WebMD cautions that paraffin candles and synthetic fragrance oils derived from petrochemicals can release cancer-causing toxins like benzene and toluene into the air. Some waxes and compounds can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms, and some fragrances can cause headaches or migraines in people sensitive to chemicals or smells. Choose natural soy, coconut, or beeswax candles scented with natural essential oils instead of artificial fragrances for the healthiest benefits.