Apart from adding aesthetic appeal to your home, Vinodini Rao tells you how candles can enhance your life.

Nothing transforms a regular room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few candles.

Light scented candles and your room has never smelt more fragrant... Light aromatherapy candles and you can’t help but have your spirits lifted…

In case you are wondering how breathing in the aromas of a candle can alter your physical and mental state, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, actor and ex-wife of filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who recently launched her line of candles called The Candlelight Company, clarifies, “Candle therapy is essentially the blend of alternate healing sciences of aromatherapy and colour therapy with other metaphysical beliefs like mantra, vaastu, feng shui etc. Sciences like ayurveda and unani use the miraculous properties of plants and herbs for wellness. I am doing the same - with some art and aesthetics thrown in.”

It’s taken Suchitra two years of research and testing to come up with her own therapeutic formulae.

“It’s a secret I guard closely,” she smiles, adding, “I use the finest therapeutic grade oils because otherwise they are not effective.”

She prescribes candles made of various essential oils to:

RELAX: A stress releasing blend of lavender, patchouli, rose and other essential oils calms the mind and promotes tranquility.

MEDITATE: A harmonious blend of sandalwood, vanilla and myrrh promote deeper breathing and tranquility.

CONCENTRATE: An invigorating blend of lemon grass, rosemary, pine and orange promote clarity of mind and direction of thought.

SUCCEED: The powerful alleviating aromas of grapefruit, cinnamon and lemon grass essential oils dispel your unnatural fears and stimulate creative thoughts.

while some essential oils banish…

COLD AND FLU: The strong, cooling effects of eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree with their anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties heal stuffiness, shrink swollen mucous membranes and alleviate lightness of chest.

HEADACHE: A potent blend of peppermint, chamomile and basil cools the head, eliminates tension, soothes stiff muscles and promotes blood circulation.

ANXIETY: The crisp and woody blend of geranium, chamomile, lavender and other essential oils helps stimulate the adrenal cortex and balances the nervous system. and others make you feel…

SENSUAL: A romantic blend of nature’s aphrodisiacs - jasmine, sandalwood, neroli and vanilla - reduces sexual inhibitions and enhances amorous feelings.

PROTECTED: A blend of lemon grass, citronella, tea tree and eucalyptus can help you keep creepy crawlies away.

CONFIDENT: A balanced blend of cinnamon, clary sage and orange essential oils helps regain confidence and boosts self-esteem.

HAPPY: A blend of crisp ‘n’ fruity essential oils helps uplift the spirit, calms the psyche, restores physical energy and creates the perfect festive atmosphere.

CANDLE BURNING TIPS

— Burn for two-three hours continuously to feel the therapeutic effects.

— Do not blow out your candle. Extinguish it by dousing the wick in the melted wax with a non-flammable object.

— Keep candles away from pets and young children.