It is difficult to pin down exactly when the first "scented" candle was created, though it is safe to say the pairing of burning candles with various scents dates from a time long, long past. Strictly speaking, even the earliest candles made from tallow and the pith of rushes, along with the colza and rapeseed candles that followed, had a scent of their own. It wasn't until the advent of paraffin candles in the 1830s that people had access to truly "unscented" candles.  How interesting, then, that in the twentieth century we would see a prevailing return to candles that burn with a specific scent.

Today's candle market is a madhouse of colors, shapes, and scents.  Everyone from the mega-market companies like Glade (who, in their generosity, bring us a candle scented to resemble "Cooking With Grandma,") to the smallest homemade operations have heard the clamor for scented candles and responded accordingly.

The soy candle market is no different. Today, there are literally thousands of varieties of scented soy candles available for a consumer. And, since soy candles often burn more slowly than traditional paraffin candles, the scents with which the soy is infused can be dispersed more slowly and uniformly into a space. While some retailers will push the "strongest" scented soy candles, a true candle lover will recognize that the strength of scent is not really the most important thing. Instead, the key aspects of a soy candle are the balance of color and rate of burn, and the effect the finely-tuned scent has on not only a rooms atmosphere, but on each person within its reach.

While there are soy candles available today that are scented with essential oils, those who are looking for a truly powerful aromatherapy experience are advised to find essential oils and use an essential oils burner with them.  However,  one cannot discount the experience that can be created simply through burning a soy candle that has been infused with balancing and centering herbs and essential oils.

There are so many different methods that are used to scent candles, and it is important to make sure that the scented soy candles that you purchase are of the best quality and are scented with the best possible ingredients.  Mass produced candles are often scented with harsh chemicals which are released into the air and which enter your lungs.  There is no real regulation regarding the ingredients of candles, so burning something that is scented with these chemicals can do more harm than good for your body.

On the opposite side of this coin, however, burning essential oil candles that are infused with pure essential oils and plant extracts may actually have a very healthful and healing effect on the body!  Soy candles, especially, burn very cleanly and have no negative effects on the body when they enter the air.  If your candle is scented with healing plants such as sage, eucalyptus, lavender, sandalwood, and so forth, plants which have been used for centuries as medicines by many different peoples, then releasing the essences of these plants into the air in the form of flame is sure to have a positive and balancing effect on the mind and body.

These days, too, given the popularity of scented soy candles, it is possible to find a tremendous variety of scents which you can use to completely alter the energy of a room, and your energy along with it!  There is nothing quite so fun as trying different scented candles and figuring out what sorts of plants and flower essences make you feel energized, what sorts make you feel calm and meditative, and what sorts set a romantic and seductive mood in a room.

If you are looking to bring your mind to greater tranquility and to find inner peace and purity, why not consider trying a scented soy candle containing plant essences such as lavender, sage, rosemary, or frankincense.  If you are looking to stimulate your sensual side, why not try soy candles infused with blood orange, or other citruses, and exotic spicy herbs such as cardamom and nutmeg.  If you are looking to relax, de-stress and embrace peace and tranquility, look for candles scented with chamomile, ylang-ylang, and perhaps cedar wood or patchouli.

Whatever sort of mood you are looking to create in both your external and internal spaces, scented soy candles are an amazing tool.  They are so popular these days that you are sure to find just the right combinations of scent to create exactly the energy you need, no matter what the occasion.  And the best part is that just by taking a few seconds to light a scented candle, you can completely change your state of mind!  So enjoy, explore, and if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to drop us a line here at Spiritual Scents!