Beeswax is the all-natural, non-toxic waxy substance secreted by bees after they consume honey. Bees use this wax to construct their honeycombs, and when cleaned and filtered, it can be used for beautiful and beneficial candles.
Many people prefer beeswax candles to paraffin candles because, as an all-natural product, they are more attractive to individuals who practice a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. The bees are not harmed in the production of beeswax candles. Because it takes approximately 33 million visits to flowers for bees to create a single pound of beeswax, many individuals also feel beeswax has a stronger spiritual connection to the power and productivity of nature than other types of candles. The beeswax candle health benefits attract most users, however, and those benefits can be substantial depending on the type of candle and the health of the person burning it.
Types of Beeswax Candle Health Benefits
Beeswax candles are reputed to have several health benefits, including…
- Lower Toxicity: Because beeswax candles are all-natural, they do not produce toxic byproducts and heavy soot when burned. Some types of candles have minute traces of chemicals known to be carcinogenic, but this is not a problem with beeswax candles.
- Neutralizing Pollutants: Beeswax candles produce negative ions when burned, and those ions help to neutralize pollutants in the air. This helps eliminate dust, odors, and mold in the atmosphere, easing allergy and asthma symptoms and improving breathing for anyone nearby.
- Relaxation: Burning a candle has relaxing properties and can aid in stress relief and meditation. The mildly sweet, natural honey scent of beeswax candles can help that relaxation without being as overwhelming as artificially scented candles can become.
- Safety: Because beeswax candles are all natural and produce no byproducts, they are naturally dripless when used correctly and are thus safer to burn. This avoids the risk of burns and other injuries that can result from improperly burning different types of candles.
- Light: Beeswax candles have the brightest, purest light of any candles and are closest to natural sunlight. If the candles are to be used as a light source, this can help minimize eye strain and reduce headaches.
Using Beeswax Candles
There are many ways to burn beeswax candles to take advantage of their natural health benefits. 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. Beeswax candles are also best to use in the kitchen, where they will help neutralize odors without tainting food with artificial aromas, and they can also be used in a home office or any other area where there may be a large concentration of use and lingering odors. Beeswax candles can even be used in a nursery to clear the air for young and delicate lungs, but remember that burning candles should never be left unattended around children.
Where to Buy Beeswax Candles
Many stores offer a range of beeswax candles for sale. Investigate local health food stores, beauty salons, massage therapists, yoga studios, gift shops, candle and home fragrance stores, and natural healing clinics for locally produced candles. Alternatively, check out online retailers for more extensive selections. Online stores offering high-quality beeswax candles as well as materials to make your beeswax candles include:
Candle Cost
The cost of beeswax candles varies depending on the size of the candle, its purity, and the candle design. Still, interested shoppers should be aware that beeswax candles are frequently more expensive than other types made with artificial ingredients. However, this price difference is offset by the candles' health benefits and the fact that they have a significantly longer burn time than paraffin and other inexpensive candles. Buying in bulk may also help you save money on beeswax candles, and many retailers offer periodic sales with substantial savings.
Buying the Best Candle
When shopping for beeswax candles, it is essential to buy high-quality candles to take maximum advantage of their health benefits. The candle should be 100 percent beeswax without added colors or chemicals that can taint the wax and negate its natural benefits. If essential oils give the candle an alternative scent, they should be 100 percent pure. Cotton wicks are best in beeswax candles, as they have the fewest toxins and are the most beneficial.
Beeswax candle health benefits are plentiful, from lower toxicity to cleaner air to better relaxation. By understanding what beeswax candles are and how to buy them, you can easily find a beautiful, natural candle to enjoy.
