Benefits of Beeswax Candles

What is Beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural product that is made by honey bees.  It's the substance that forms the outer shell of the honeycomb, which is the structure in which they store their food.  Beeswax has been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in candles and cosmetics, but it also has other uses:  beeswax can be used to waterproof leather goods and make furniture polish.  

Why Choose Beeswax Candles?

Beeswax candles are a great choice for several reasons.  First, they burn cleanly and slowly, which means you can enjoy your beeswax candle for longer than other types of waxes.  They also produce little or no soot or smoke when burned properly - a benefit to both the environment and your health!  Beeswax candles are non-toxic and natural in scent; this makes them ideal for the use in homes with children or pets who may be sensitive to synthetic fragrances.  Finally, beeswax melts at a higher temperature than paraffin or soy waxes do; this means that beeswax candles will last up to three times as long as paraffin or soy candles!

Benefits of Burning Beeswax Candles

There are many benefits to burning beeswax candles, including:

*Air purification. Beeswax candles have been show to improve air quality in your home by absorbing toxins and allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, pollen and pet dander.

*Relaxation and Stress Relief.  Beeswax candles release negative ions when burned.  Negative ions have been shown to relieve stress, reduce headaches, and aid in relaxation.  Negative ions are released by such things as waterfalls, the surf at beaches and in the mountains and are said to increase mood and energy levels.  Check this article out for more information on negative ions https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes

*Hypo-Allergenic.  Beeswax candles are typically safe for people and pets who react to other types of candles.  

How to Choose the Right Beeswax Candle

When choosing a beeswax candle, there are a few things to keep in mind.

*Wick Type.  Nature's Garden Herbals & Beeswax Candles only uses 100% pure cotton wicks.  Some companies use wicks with a zinc core or wicks that are coated in a cheaper wax that could impart toxins into your home.

*Size & Shape.  Candles, by nature, burn in a circular pattern.  Tapers, pillars and other round candles will typically burn longer than shaped candles.  Shaped or carved candles may drip or leak due to the natural way candles burn.  Nature's Garden Herbals & Beeswax Candles test burns every beeswax candle we make and custom wicks each candle to achieve optimal burn times.  

*Scent.  Beeswax candles do not hold scents or fragrances well.  If you find a 'beeswax candle' that is scented, it is likely mixed with another type of wax to help it hold that scent.  Also, many scents are somewhat toxic, especially when burned.  This can cause anxiety, stress, headaches and breathing difficulties.  All Nature's Garden Herbals & Beeswax Candles are just the natural honey scent of the beeswax and have not been altered in any way.  

*Purity.  Pure doesn't always mean pure with beeswax candles.  If a candle is 51% beeswax, it can be marketed as a 'Pure Beeswax Candle'.  It can contain up to 49% of paraffin or soy and still be marketed as 'Pure'.  All of the beeswax candles at Nature's Garden Herbals and Beeswax Candles are 100% Pure Beeswax Candles and no other wax is ever added to our candles.  

How to Burn a Beeswax Candle

You should always keep your wicks trimmed to 1/4".  This will help the candle burn more completely without producing any soot.

Beeswax candles are not recommended for hurricane glass or other walled glass containers due to it's high melting point and the fact that it burns hotter than other waxes.  Containers can cause them to burn unevenly, melt quickly and become messy or it could even crack the container.

Put a heat safe plate or candle plate under your candle when burning and use a candle snuffer to put the candle out with it has about 1/4" to 1/2" of wax left.

Initial burn - you should burn the beeswax candle approximately one hour per inch of diameter (3" round candle = 3 hours burn time) for optimal results.  Candles have a 'memory' so a shorter burn time will create a narrow wax pool in the center of the candle, which will decrease the overall life of your beeswax candle.  

Hug the edges of your candle in after burning.  Gently and carefully roll the warm wax slightly inward toward the wick after burning.  This will help the candle burn completely and evenly.

Keep your candle away from drafts and fans or cold areas and walls.  If your flame blows to the side, the candle will not burn as efficiently as it was meant to.  Cold walls or areas can also make the flame draft and cause it to burn more on one side.

What is the white, dusty appearance my beeswax candle gets after setting for a period of time?

This natural process is called 'bloom'.  100% natural beeswax candles do this over time.  It does not affect how the candle burns and is simply the softer oils in the beeswax oxidizing on the outside of the candle over time.  Many people enjoy the more rustic look of the bloomed beeswax candle, but it can be removed easily by rubbing the sides of the candle with a soft, lint free cloth or lightly heating the outside of the candle with a hair dryer or heat gun set to low and 'buffing' the outside of the candle, being careful not to over heat or melt it.