Blair Bracken
Why Hand-Poured Candles Make All the Difference
Why Hand-Poured Candles Make All the Difference
the joy of candles, lifestyle
Blair Bracken
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere with Scented ...

Finding moments of peace and relaxation at home is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. One of the most effective ways to create a calming atmosphere is through the use of a good, scented candle. At White Dove Marketplace, my clean-burning soy candles are crafted to not only fill your home with delightful fragrances but also to help you unwind, de-stress, and create a serene environment.

Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere with Scented Candles: Tips and Ideas for Enhancing Relaxation and Well-Being
candle care
Blair Bracken
Soy Wax Candle Care and Wick Trimming

scent

The Role of Scent in Mood and Memory: Exploring the Connection

At White Dove Marketplace, we believe that candles do more than just light up a room; they can also light up our lives in profound ways. The scents our candles emit are meticulously crafted not only to create a pleasant ambiance but also to evoke specific emotions and memories. Come to find out, there is a fascinating connection between scents, emotions, and memories!

The Science of Scent

Our sense of smell is closely linked to the brain's limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory. When you inhale a scent, the olfactory receptors in your nose send signals directly to this part of the brain, bypassing the thalamus (the brain's relay center). This direct link explains why scents can trigger immediate and powerful emotional responses and vivid memories.

How Scents Influence Emotions

Different scents have been scientifically proven to affect our moods in various ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and restful sleep. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that inhaling lavender essential oil reduced anxiety in patients awaiting dental treatments .

  • Citrus: Scents like lemon, orange, and grapefruit are invigorating and uplifting, perfect for boosting energy and improving mood. Research from Chemical Senses revealed that the scent of citrus oils had significant positive effects on mood and perceived energy levels .

  • Vanilla: Often associated with comfort and warmth, vanilla can create a sense of coziness and reduce stress. A study conducted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that vanilla reduced anxiety during MRI scans .

  • Peppermint: This refreshing scent can enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity. Research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that peppermint scent significantly improved memory and alertness .


The Power of Memory

Scent and memory are intricately connected. Have you ever caught a whiff of a particular fragrance and found yourself instantly transported back to a specific moment in time? This phenomenon, known as the "Proustian memory effect," illustrates how scents can evoke vivid memories from our past. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published a study showing that smells have a unique ability to trigger detailed autobiographical memories.

For instance, the scent of pine might remind you of a childhood Christmas, while the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon could bring back memories of your grandmother's kitchen. At White Dove Marketplace, we create scents that not only delight your senses but also help you relive cherished moments and create new memories.

Creating the Perfect Ambiance with White Dove Marketplace Candles

Our candles are crafted with pure, natural ingredients to ensure a clean burn and a true-to-life scent experience. Here are a few ways to use our candles to enhance your mood and memory:

  • Relaxation and Stress Relief: Light our “Lavender” or “Eucalyptus” essential oil candle during your evening bath or meditation session to create a tranquil atmosphere.

  • Comfort and Coziness: Use our “Creme Brûlée” or “Autumn” candles in your living room or kitchen to create a delicious, warm and inviting environment for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

  • Nostalgia and Joy: Choose a scent that reminds you of happy memories, such as “Winter “of “Colorado Pine” for the holiday season or a floral scent like “Lilac” or Blue Bonnet”  reminiscent of a favorite garden.


At White Dove Marketplace, we understand the profound impact that scents can have on our lives. By carefully selecting the finest ingredients for these candles, we strive to create an olfactory experience that not only enhances your home's ambiance but also nurtures your emotional well-being. Whether you're looking to soothe, relax, or evoke cherished memories, WDM candles are designed to support your journey.

Explore the collection and discover the perfect scent to transform your mood and awaken your memories.

Burn Responsibly <3



References

  1. Lavender and Anxiety: Kritsidima, M., Newton, T., & Asimakopoulou, K. (2010). The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: A cluster randomized-controlled trial. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. Link

  2. Vanilla and Stress: Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., Johren, P., & Deecke, L. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiology & Behavior. Link

  3. Scent and Memory: Herz, R. S., & Cupchik, G. C. (1992). The emotional distinctiveness of odor-evoked memories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Link