Candles and Scents Explained

Candles and scents are more than just decorative pieces, they’re a way to create a space that feels personal and comforting.

A familiar fragrance can instantly shift your mood or take you back to a cherished moment in time, making any room feel like home.

While it’s tempting to think there’s something almost magical about the power of scent, the real story lies in the fascinating connection between fragrance and our senses—rooted in science but no less captivating.

Fresh Energy mood candle by Tyler Aromatherapy

Stay Grounded mood candle by Tyler Aromatherapy

What is the best candle scent for your mood?

The way a scent affects your mood often depends on what you’re feeling in the moment and how you connect with the aroma. Each fragrance speaks to you differently, offering exactly what you might need—whether it’s a sense of calm, focus, or comfort.

I’ve handpicked some of the most common ways candle scents are used along with the science behind the smell.

1. Candle scents to boost your energy levels

If you are low on energy and need a quick and natural pick-me-up, then citrus oils are generally the best place to start. Lemon, orange, lime and bergamot oils are filled with positive and invigorating properties that can also help to ease feelings of stress and anxiety.

Research has found that when lemon essential oil is inhaled, it can help to boost mood, while also enhancing norepinephrine, a brain chemical that is believed to play a key role in energy levels, attention, memory, stress reactions and the regulation of emotions. [1]

Other scents you can try:

• Pine essential oil
• Basil essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil

2. Candle scents that promote calm and relaxation

You may already know about the calming, stress-relieving properties of lavender oil, which has been used around the world for centuries. Whether it’s just to relax and wind down or to improve sleeping patterns, igniting a lavender-infused candle can transform your home environment.

The sedative properties provided by the oil most likely come from the presence of two compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate. Not only do they contain anti-inflammatory properties, but they have shown promise for use as antidepressants. [2] [3] 

Other scents you can try:

• Neroli essential oil
• Sandalwood essential oil
• Patchouli essential oil

3. Candle scents for easing a throbbing head

Most people experience headaches to some degree, although there are some who suffer from them on a regular basis. Severe headaches can be debilitating, so having a natural remedy to hand that can help to reduce the pain can make a huge difference.

The sweet scent of ylang ylang essential oil is a popular choice for some, as its scent is known for its soothing abilities. One pilot study suggested that use of ylang ylang led to a significant increase in self-esteem amongst participants, while also lowering temperature and blood pressure. [4]

Other scents you can try:

• Clove bud essential oil (tension headaches)
• Myrrh essential oil (reduce inflammation)
• Lavender essential oil (migraines)

4. Candle scents that help clear the mind

If you’re feeling bogged down after a long day or feel overwhelmed with thoughts, you can use essential oils like peppermint as a natural way to create some headspace. Peppermint oil has a bright and sharp aroma that can help to instantly clear the mind and allow you to think with more clarity.

In an animal study conducted in 2022, researchers found that following the inhalation of peppermint oil, the learning and memory ability of the mice improved. It is believed this is due to the presence of menthol, which helps to reduce brain oxidative damage and protect neurons. [5]

Other scents you can try:

• Frankincense essential oil
• Citrus essential oils (lemon, orange etc.)
• Eucalyptus essential oil

5. Candles scents for combating fatigue

Fatigue can reveal itself either physically or mentally and can suddenly appear out of the blue when you least expect it. Burning a candle and scents infused with rosemary oil, can help to perk you up at the right time.

It was put to the test by researchers in a study involving 80 nurses who learned that inhaling rosemary reduced sleepiness and boosted alertness during their shifts. [6] The participants used a face mask to intake the oil, but the inhalation principle remains the same.

Other scents you can try:

• Grapefruit essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Basil essential oil

Re-fillable Coffee Cup Candles by Tyler Aromatherapy

Can candle scents affect you psychologically?

The limbic system is a group of structures in your brain that take care of your memory, behaviour, emotions and cognition. When it comes into contact with a scent, unique neurochemicals are released by the brain, which then instigates a response.

Inside the limbic system is something called the amygdala, which despite its small size has a big role to play. It serves as a key processing point for your emotions, while also linking your emotions to your memories, learning and other senses. When you experience negative feelings or symptoms, it is usually because the amygdala isn’t working in the way it usually does.

The hypothalamus is another important part of the limbic system that can be affected by smell. Body temperature, heart rate, hunger and the sleep-wake cycle are all regulated here, overseeing your hormones, adrenaline and metabolism.

From the faint salty air washing in from the sea to the strong refreshing scent produced by a citrus fruit, these elements – and more – combine to process and manage our responses. It explains why a simple smell can evoke a long-forgotten memory or feeling, as the scent can serve as a direct trigger. Studies conducted over the years have also shown that smell can provoke a stronger emotional response compared to visual cues. [7]

How to create a beautifully scented home

Whether you use candle scents for making candles, wax melts, diffusers or anything else, the secret lies in choosing the right one to suit the space.

Find a central point

The best place to start is by focusing on the central part of your home, the area you spend most time in. This is usually the living room for most homes, although for some it may be the kitchen.

Try a calming and relaxing scent like vanilla or sandalwood – the two also blend together wonderfully well. Place them on a windowsill, coffee table or mantlepiece, as well as the hallway, which allows the fragrance to disperse evenly across your home.

Complement scents with visual comfort

While it’s true that scent can evoke a stronger emotional response than visual cues, they can still be combined to powerful effect.

Whether it’s using low lighting in the evening, or adding in small accessories (blankets, cushions, throws, rugs etc.) that encourage comfort and relaxation, the colours and tones of the room can make all the difference to the way you engage with it, especially when complemented with the right scent.

Consider the size of the room

The bigger the room, the more scent coverage you’ll need to ensure it isn’t only one corner of the space that is filled with the aroma.

For larger rooms, you can use bigger candles or simply position multiple scented candles throughout the space. Reverse this rule for smaller rooms to avoid the scent becoming too powerful and overbearing, which can quickly turn an enjoyable smell into an unpleasant experience.

Take a seasonal approach

Our moods and emotional states change all the time and can be heavily influenced by the current weather season. So, a scent that works for the summer might not be the right fit for autumn or winter when the temperature starts to dip.

Floral scents tend to work well in spring as nature reawakens, while you may prefer lighter and brighter aromas during the summer. Cinnamon and clove help create a cosy, warm feeling during autumn and winter, making you feel more protected and sealed in once the cold starts to bite.

Final thoughts

Candle scents and moods go hand-in-hand, so finding the right aroma for your home can have a big impact on the way you feel throughout the day. And what we smell doesn’t just affect us emotionally and psychologically, but it can also influence our physical health. Use the tips above to plan how you can transform your home into a space that promotes relaxation and calm.

At Tyler Aromatherapy, we believe in creating candles that go beyond the ordinary. Our fragrances are crafted to help you feel good and bring a little more joy to your day.

Explore our collection of mood boosting candles and find your new favourite scent to transform your space. https://tyleraromatherapy.co.uk/