Relax with Lavender

Aromatherapy claims to solve many problems that range from depression to ankle sprains, but is it really all it's cracked up to be? Candle-4-U a an online store that focuses on selling aromatherapy products claims that aromatherapy candles can "quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest." (Http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy-products.htm)Scented candles are not the only thing that can evoke memories or take you to a different place. Photographs can evoke the same reaction as scented candles when it comes to conjuring up old memories of foods grandmom used to make or taking you to that beach trip you had 5 years ago. Candles-4-u states that candles used in aromatherapy produce a chemica; that goes through the air, flows into the brain, and goes directly into the blood stream. Their products also claim to "alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind."(Http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy-products.htm)Empirical evidence shows that aromatherapy does not improve your state of mind.
People use aromatherapy in their bath to relax, but there is no evidence that the scented oils are making you relaxed instead of the warm bath. One of the most popular aromatherapy scents is lavender. Candles-4-U claims that lavender "is a fragrance that is calming, helps promote sleep, and relieves anxiety."."(Http://www.candles-4-u.com/lavender.htm) The website even claims that there are studies to prove that lavender can have these effects. The only problem is Candles-4-U only lists a few studies in which lavender improves sleep which is not enough evidence to say that it will work for everyone.Scented candles smell nice, but it seems as if that is the only benefit they have.
By Lauren Raddi