Most candles on the market these days are made of petroleum-based paraffin and scented with artificial fragrances created in a laboratory. While the benefits of beeswax candles is that they are made of one ingredient; beeswax, pure and simple. Beeswax is one of the most desirable waxes for candles. It’s heartening to see that many people are beginning to turn to this natural alternative.
One of the biggest benefits of beeswax candles is that it burns and combats indoor air pollution by releasing negative ions into the air, refreshing it with its sweet honey scent.¹ Today, the federal government has established regulations to ensure that the volatile organic compounds emitted from other candles are at a “safe” level. Choosing to use beeswax candles with simpler, gentler ingredients reduces exposure to toxic compounds in the household and prevents those compounds from making their way into your environment.
Paraffin candles are shown to negatively affect indoor air quality because of the chemical by-products in their soot. All paraffin candles produce soot.² Another benefit of beeswax candles is that they burn cleanly, without soot. Even vegetable waxes, like soy wax. can go rancid in storage. Beeswax candles are stable in storage and will not deteriorate at normal room temperatures, even after thousands of years.
Candles have evolved over time from a utilitarian source of light to a decorative accent that has many different uses and benefits. Candles can help you relax, feel calm, energized and help your brain get into a more productive mindset. Beeswax instantly changes the ambiance of any indoor or outdoor setting by adding a strong light to any space without the harshness of a bright electric bulb. The soft flickering of candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere and adds a sense of warmth.
Health Benefits of Beeswax Candles
1. Hypo-allergenic
About one in five people reports reacting to candles with symptoms that include sneezing, a runny or stuffed-up nose, itchy eyes, sinus problems, head pain, hives or other skin rashes, coughing or wheezing. Unlike paraffin candles, beeswax candles’ benefits include them being hypo-allergenic. This makes great for people with allergies or other sensitivities.
2. Easy to Make at Home
While some stores sell candles for under $30, the industry is chock-full of candles that cost double or triple the price. And once you light that pricey, extravagant wick and it burns quickly, it’s easy to feel like you’re burning your money away. Beeswax candles are easy to make at home. From candles made from beeswax sheets to novelty molded candles, beeswax is versatile and easy to use. You can save so much money by making your own beeswax candles.
3. Negative Ions
That smell after a spring rain is the negative ions doing their job. Beeswax emits negative ions when it burns. Negative ions clean the air of odors and bacteria. Falling water, like waterfalls, rain, and snow, also gives off negative ions. In a similar way, beeswax candles clean the indoor air.
4. Natural and Non-Toxic
Some types of candles produce minute traces of chemicals known to be carcinogenic. A growing collection of research suggests that scented candles are toxic, burning enough chemicals to make them comparable to second-hand smoke.³ Beeswax candles are all natural, they do not produce toxic byproducts and heavy soot when burned. Beeswax candles contain none of the harmful chemicals found in paraffin wax.
5. Naturally Scented
Beeswax releases a sweet honey scent as it burns, which becomes more pronounced when the candle flame is extinguished. Volatile organic compounds also known as aroma compounds are the ones responsible for the honey aroma. The volatile compounds found in flowers’ nectar are transferred to honey and provides a happy relaxing feeling. Essential oil scents can be added to beeswax candles to offer ambiance and natural fragrance.
6. Lasts Longer
Beeswax candles are naturally long burning without the addition of hardeners. This is unlike paraffin or ‘natural’ candle waxes other than beeswax. A benefit of beeswax candles is that they a high melting point (one of the highest among all known waxes) which allows them to burn significantly longer.
7. Cleaner
You won’t have to clean up runny wax when using a beeswax candle. You will find that when a beeswax candle is burned in an environment without drafts (a closed home) and properly trimmed it does not drip. If the wicks are properly trimmed on beeswax candles and they are burned in a draft-free environment there won’t be a sticky soot residue left on your walls or furniture
8. Longer Shelf Life
Many people think that candles never spoil. However, this isn’t always the truth. The easiest way for a candle to spoil is to lose its scent. Candles, if they are scented or colored may spoil easily if they are left unsealed or placed on a sunny windowsill for long periods of time. Beeswax candles can last for years and will not go rancid.
9. Burns Brighter
The light emitted by a beeswax candle is much stronger and brighter than that of any other candle. A beeswax candle is much with a light that is similar to the light spectrum of sunlight. This is thanks to beeswax’s high melting point of approximately 149° and brighter than that of any other candles. Since paraffin wax has a lower melting point, it has a weaker, less brilliant flame than a beeswax candle. Since paraffin wax has a lower melting point, it has a weaker, less brilliant flame than a beeswax candle.
10. Renewable Resource
Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource. A renewable resource is a resource which can be used repeatedly and replaced naturally. Renewable energy almost never runs out. Beeswax’s non-toxic properties make it perfect for use as a clean-burning and bright fuel source in beeswax candles.
11. Relaxation
Beeswax candles are scientifically proven to soothe us. The gentle, mesmerizing quality of their light makes them a perfect aid for any relaxation routine. When you add essential oils to the mix, they are proven to transform your mood. The essential oils in beeswax candles can help you chill out and unwind with their relaxing aromas.
12. Proven Track Record
Beeswax candles are the oldest candle known to man and prized since ancient times. Ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in beeswax.⁴ The resulting candles were used to light their homes, to aid travelers at night, and in religious ceremonies. Beeswax candles are a trusted source for your home.
13. Safe for Respiratory Problems
They may smell nice and look cozy on a dark evening. But, perfumes or scented candles can trigger asthma symptoms. Individuals who suffer from breathing difficulties such as asthma or allergies should consider burning only pure beeswax candles, and burning the candles for 30-60 minutes in the bedroom before sleeping can help clear the air for more restful sleep.
14. Air Deodorizer
The negative ion from beeswax candles can remove formaldehyde, bacteria, dust, and smoke. Beeswax candles are beneficial in kitchen where they will help neutralize odors without tainting food with artificial aromas or any other area where there may be a large concentration of use and lingering odors.
15. Supports Small Businesses
There are more artisans and local businesses that specialize in making beeswax candles. By choosing to purchase a beeswax candle and buying them locally you will be contributing to a marketplace to open up opportunities for your own neighborhood.
These beeswax candles benefits make them the healthiest and most durable candles you can own. Beeswax candles are very special and have been valued for hundreds of years.
Where to Buy Beeswax Candles
If you find very inexpensive beeswax candles, be extra cautious. Chances are that this candle will not be pure beeswax but remember you can easily make your own if you are into DIY or just trying to save money. You may also find beeswax candles at local craft fairs
Are Beeswax Candles Ethical?
Beeswax is the wax from a bee’s hive. Simply put, beeswax is not vegan by the standards of most vegans. They create it by either secreting it by worker honeybees from four pairs of glands on the underside of their abdomens, or by secreting droplets of wax called ‘scales. You can find many cruelty-free sellers who work with adopted hives to ensure you are choosing an ethical solution.
You’ve probably heard of colony collapse disorder. Honey bee populations worldwide reached a critical low point. The key pesticides blamed for the decline in the western honeybee and wild bee populations are neonicotinoid pesticides. When bees forage these plants, individual bees are poisoned. These bees bring the nectar from these plants back to the hive. Many of these forager bees die from exposure to neonicotinoids.
There are a few things you can do to help the bees.
- Grow an organic garden.
- Plant nectar-producing plants, with the bees in mind.
- Buy local beeswax
- Adopt a beehive
Beeswax candles are the most popular and well-known type of natural candles. The benefits of beeswax candles go far beyond a simple light. It is important to be aware of beeswax candle health benefits so you can choose candles the fit your lifestyle and health needs.