Economy: Beeswax is the most economical candle wax! When kept out of drafts, beeswax candles are smokeless, dripless and burn up to five times longer than paraffin candles. So while they cost more initially, they save you money in the long run.
Health: Paraffin candles create indoor air pollution! Paraffin is made from petroleum sludge. It is highly refined and treated with carcinogenic chemicals. The black smoke a paraffin candle emits is basically diesel exhaust!
There are a number of major toxic chemicals in paraffin, including the carcinogens benzene and toluene. For more details www.greateducationonline.com Most of the wicks in paraffin candles contain metal cores and lead. When they burn, those metals go up in smoke. You don't want to breathe all that, do you?
Pure Beeswax burns cleanly, is considered hypoallergenic, and is recommended for people with asthma and chemical sensitivity.
Beeswax is the only wax that emits negative ions when it burns. Negative ions help to clean the air of dust, smoke and pollens. Negative ions can help to reduce fatigue. Keep a beeswax candle burning on your desk while you work, and notice how much calmer you feel during the busy day.
Environment: Being a petroleum fuel, paraffin candles are reliant upon foreign oil. American beeswax, on the other hand, is made from a natural renewable resource right here in the USA!
Beauty: Like fine chocolate, good beeswax developes a soft, velvety "bloom" on its surface. Beeswax candles have a brighter flame than do paraffin candles. This golden flame often has a halo around it.
How to be a smart candle shopper:s
1. Make sure the candles are described as "Pure" or "100% Beeswax" and the wicks are 100% cotton. For more details www.greatindustrialguide.com Labeling laws allow candles that have as little as 10% beeswax to be sold as "beeswax candles". Most of these so-called beeswax candles are blended with cheap paraffin in order to cut costs.
2. Make sure the beeswax is American. Many foreign countries allow dangerous chemicals to be used on the beehives as well as in the processing. Some countries ban the importation of such beeswax, but the USA does not.
3. Always buy unscented beeswax candles. "Why?" you say.
Because beeswax candles have their own marvelous honey fragrance!
Because synthetic fragrance chemicals are petroleum chemicals- and are especially toxic when burning! "Aromatherapy" candles made using synthetic fragrances are merely trading on the public's ignorance and trust. The American Lung Association says "Refrain from burning scented or slow-burning candles that have additives."
Essential oils, while of safer origins than synthetics, were never intended to be set on fire. Essential oils turn into unknown chemical compounds when burned, and just because they're natural doesn't mean they're safe. The proper way to use essential oils for Aromatherapy is to inhale their aromas fresh or in steam vapor, not in a burning candle.
A wonderful way to use essential oils for aromatherapy is to use a diffuser called an "oil warmer", "tart warmer" or "scented oil warmer" with a beeswax tea light. You not only get the full benefit of aromatherapy, you also receive the negative ions and golden flame that only a beeswax candle can give.
A pure beeswax candle creates an aura of peace and serenity that cannot be matched by any other kind of candle. Some things just cannot be improved upon!
Most cheap, everyday candles are made of paraffin, but more and more people are looking for beeswax candles. Beeswax candles have been used since the Middle Ages by connoisseurs who prefer their superior scent and other benefits - they have always been a little more expensive than other types, but most would agree that they are worth the extra cost.
Clean and Pure
Low quality paraffin candles can contain additives and chemicals, which some people would rather avoid burning! Paraffin candles are a by-product of petroleum - a fossil fuel and pollutant. Some candles may also contain waste products from animal fats - and for those keen to avoid releasing potentially harmful chemicals and soot into the air, scented candles are the worst possible option. The black soot from cheap candles can be an irritant that is harmful when inhaled - whereas beeswax produces no soot or chemicals and actually acts as an air purifier.
It's claimed that pure beeswax, when burned, releases negative ions that improve the quality of the air and are thus very suitable for people who suffer from allergies and hay fever. No other fuel produces these beneficial negative ions when burned.
Sensual Bliss
Beeswax candles have an instantly recognizable scent - a subtle and deliciously sweet honey-like perfume that induces an instant feeling of calm and wellbeing. There is no need to add synthetic oils or fragrances, as beeswax candles by themselves are a wonderful form of aromatherapy.
Many people also love the appearance of beeswax candles, the warm, natural color and clear flame. Beeswax burns with a much brighter flame than other candles - giving a good, steady source of light. They will not sputter or flicker if they have a good quality wick.
Spiritual Qualities
The evocative scent and high quality of pure, natural beeswax has been used for centuries to give a calming atmosphere that many believe is conducive to healing and spiritual practises. The mystical powers of honey and bees are mentioned in many myths and legends - after all, honey is a natural form of nectar! The act of burning candles is of course also closely tied to many spiritual rituals and ceremonies, and most religions use candles in some form as part of their worship. They are lit for remembrance, and to mark special occasions, as well as to produce a gentle and beautiful source of light and warmth that symbolises the positive brilliance of mankind.
Finally, one of the most obvious benefits of beeswax candles is that they last much longer than other forms of wax - burning slower and giving a much longer burning time. So buying cheaper candles may in the long run be a false economy - when beeswax last longer, burn brighter and ultimately bring clean, beautifully scented light into your home, with all the benefits of a natural product.
Both Bhishma Rani & Cory Willins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Cory Willins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink, Modelling and Gifts for loved ones. Cory enjoys the creative challenge of candle making, and also contributes to Candles-24, a website with information on. Cory Willins's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.