All About Beeswax Candles
If you stroll into any run-of-the-mill gift store that happens to sell scented candles, you’ll likely notice that a wide majority of them are made from paraffin wax—not surprising, given that 95% of the candles sold today are composed primarily of the substance.
While paraffin produces a desirable consistency and appearance for candles, it does have some drawbacks. A by-product of petroleum, it’s been known to produce more soot, smoke, and potential toxins than other types of waxes. Also, because it’s oil-based, melted paraffin wax is tougher to clean up and virtually impossible to remove from carpets and fabrics in the event of a spill. Because of their higher burning temperature, paraffin candles don’t last as long as other waxes, making them a lesser value in the long run.
Fortunately, paraffin isn’t your only option. As the disadvantages of the widespread wax have become more widely acknowledged, many scented candle lovers have turned to alternative blends. Although more expensive in the short-term, these other options provide a more enjoyable, cleaner, and longer-lasting candle burning experience. In addition to the widely acclaimed soy candles, beeswax has grown in popularity among eco-conscious candle enthusiasts in recent years.
The Harvesting of Beeswax
The honey bee works hard to produce this precious wax, visiting and feeding from a staggering 33 million flowers to collect the amount of honey needed to produce one pound of beeswax. After ingesting 10 pounds of honey, the bee then uses the wax to create a honeycomb. To retrieve the beeswax, beekeepers submerge the honeycomb in hot water, which causes the wax to liquefy and rise to the surface of the water. It is then scooped out of the water and allowed to harden. Later, it can be melted and used to make beeswax scented candles.
A Spiritual History
First used during the Middle Ages by aristocrats, beeswax candles have long been revered for their mystical and therapeutic properties. Many consider honey a sacred secretion—in fact, some religious denominations and mythologians believe that all by-products of bees, including honey, pollen, and wax, are holy substances that promote longevity and a closeness to higher powers. For centuries, beeswax has been used during consecrated ceremonies to add an air of piety.
Benefits of Beeswax Candles
Manufactured from purely all-natural materials, beeswax offers a wide array of advantages over conventional paraffin:
- Unique, long-lasting fragrance: Beeswax candles are favored for their distinctive, easily identifiable honey scent, which has been linked to increased feelings of tranquility and overall well-being. Even without the addition of aromatic oils, beeswax candles emit a subtle, pleasing fragrance for as long as they’re burned.
- Cleanliness and purity: With none of the chemicals or soot of paraffin candles, all-natural beeswax candles emits no toxins or carcinogens into the air, making it an ideal scented candle option for those who suffer from allergies. In fact, it’s been shown that beeswax releases negative ions when burned, which actually work to remove airborne pollutants and improve the cleanliness and quality of the air we breathe.
- Long-lasting value: Beeswax candles burn much slower and longer than paraffin scented candles, and at a lower temperature. Although they may have a higher sticker price than paraffin, their longevity makes them an overall better value.
- Aesthetically pleasing ambiance: With a bright, steady golden flame and warm, creamy wax composition, beeswax scented candles serve as a beautiful source of light and create a rich, soothing atmosphere.
When shopping for a beeswax candle, opt for pure yellow beeswax, which is not treated with the bleaching chemicals of white beeswax. Also, be sure to check the label to make sure yours is blended from pure beeswax, not a beeswax/paraffin blend.
Topics: Types of Candles |