Cold and flu season is upon us. This year, more than ever before, we are particularly susceptible to germs, as social mixing commences following years of isolation. If you're struck down by the sniffles, check out these decongesting candles, which are perfect for easing your symptoms this cold and flu season...
Disclaimer: Aromatherapy is an alternative health remedy and should not be prioritised over professional guidance. Always seek advice from a doctor or medical professional if you're unsure about your health or if your condition worsens.
Do candles help with a cold?
Not all candles will improve a cold. In fact, some candles could make your symptoms worse. For example, paraffin wax candles, which release large amounts of chemicals and soot are likely to worsen any respiratory issues.
However, using natural wax candles, like soy, coconut or beeswax candles, could help to relieve a cold, especially if you choose the right scent. Beeswax candles also act as natural air purifiers, removing dust, allergens and chemicals from the air you breathe, which will further ease your symptoms!
Which candles scents are best for a cold?
If you're struggling with the sniffles, try reaching for an aromatherapy candle that is powered by essential oils. Essential oils have been used to relieve cold and flu symptoms for several years.
Studies have shown that many oils can help people to relax and sleep well, which is linked with faster recovery from respiratory infections. Many oils also hold antimicrobial and decongestant properties!
Depending on your main symptoms, these are the essential oil candle scents we recommend:
Congested, blocked nose, sinus pain: try candles with menthol, eucalyptus, or peppermint essential oils
Nausea, headache, fatigue: try candles with lavender, ginger or bergamot to help you relax and sleep well
Generally run-down or struggling to get over a cold: try candles with chamomille essential oils to boost your immune system
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) does recommend using steam inhalation when using essential oils to relieve cold and flu symptoms. However, many people have reported that essential oil candles can also provide relief!
Below, we've rounded up some of the best decongesting, relaxing and immune-boosting candles to try this cold and flu season...
Best candles to try during cold and flu season
This aptly named soy wax candle from Help Me Organics (£12) features an army of powerful essential oils to give you a boost, clear your head and relieve sinus pressure when you're under the weather.
The essential oils include:
Tea Tree Essential Oil - antibacterial, fights viruses, eases congestion
Eucalyptus Essential Oil - excellent to clear your head, ease sinus & fight off feelings of colds
Peppermint Essential Oil - renown for its headache clearing properties, freshens & uplifts
Lavender Essential Oil - very soothing, sleep-inducing
Tangerine Essential Oil - gives a feeling of happiness
If you suffer from sinus congestion due to allergies or colds, then the Vapour Rub Scented Wax Melt from Baby Chum (£3) may offer some relief. Calming and soothing, the soy wax melts contain a cool, crisp blend of camphor, eucalyptus, and mint to clear sinuses.
The highly scented and vegan-friendly wax melts are hand poured with love in the UK. Simply pop on a wax burner, light a candle underneath, and allow the essential oils to relieve the pressure in your head and sinuses.
Made using a blend of pure natural essential oils and natural soy, the 'Breathe' candle from Gifts By Freddie (from £14.99) is designed to help you breathe easy when you've got a blocked nose or other respiratory symptoms.
Hand-poured in London, the candles contains a fresh blend of eucalyptus, bay and clove essential oils, each known for antiseptic and decongestant properties. Each candle is then topped with sparkling glass frit which beautifully catches the light as the candle burns. We also love the look of the stylish matt-clear containers!
The Scent to De-stress Candle from NEOM Organics (from £32) features an expert blend of 24 pure essential oils including lavender, Brazilian rosewood and jasmine. The 100 per cent natural fragrance not only smells gorgeous, but it's also designed to promote relaxation and relieve stress.
NEOM Organics creates a wide range of natural home fragrance products, from aromatherapy candles and room sprays to reed diffusers and pillow mists. The wellness company also creates a variety of luxury skincare and bodycare products. Everything you need for a wellbeing boost!
This 100 per cent natural candle from This is Holistic London (£52) features chamomile and neroli essential oils to help you feel relaxed and calm while you battle your illness this cold and flu season.
In a 2010 study, researchers also discovered that inhaling chamomile essential oil can also help to relieve cold symptoms! Plus, each vegan-friendly candle is made with pure essential oils and sustainably-sourced soy wax.
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