Historically, it has been used:
- As candles - the oldest intact beeswax candles north of the Alps were found in the Alamannic graveyard of Oberflacht, Germany, dating to 6th/7th century AD
- In the manufacture of cosmetics
- As a modelling material in the lost-wax casting process, or cire perdue
- For wax tablets used for a variety of writing purposes
How are beeswax candles act as a natural air purifier?
Some common sources of air pollution inside include:
- Dust
- Outdoor air pollution leaking in
- VOCs off-gassing from paint, furniture, flooring, etc.
- Pet dander
- Conventional cleaners, air fresheners, and other fragrances
- Gas stoves and other appliances (especially older ones)
- Dampness and mold growth
- Carpet, drapes, and other furnishings that collect dust and dirt
Why does the priest use the beeswax candle?
Realizing the value of the candle in its worship, the Church prescribes that candles be lit for Mass. They must be at least 51% beeswax. The wax produced by the honeybee is considered the sweetest and purist, the most appropriate for symbolizing the humanity of Christ.
What does candle burn faster soy or beeswax?
These are our picks for best throwing soy waxes:
- AAK Golden Brands 464. Our favorite wax and longtime best seller.
- AAK Golden Brands 444. Very similar to 464, but with a slightly higher melt point.
- Cargill Nature Wax C-3.
Why is beeswax so expensive?
First, there’s the quality of the wax. Beeswax is the priciest, according to Christine Flores of the Beeswax Co., and runs 10 times more than the usual paraffin. Beeswax costs more due to the mind-boggling fact that it takes about 8 pounds of honey to net 1 pound of beeswax.
Do beeswax candles give off a scent?
Beeswax candles have a very subtle, natural scent, which evokes the earthy, yet sweet aroma of honey. This makes them perfect to burn on the dinner table, as they don't overpower food. If you want a heavily scented candle, with a strong scent throw, please choose a different candle.
Do beeswax candles purify the air?
When beeswax candles burn, they clean the air like a great, natural, air purifier. Just like lightening, beeswax produces negative ions when burned. These negative ions attach to positive ions (like dust, pollen, mold, odor, toxins) floating in the air and in this process cleans the air.
Are beeswax candles healthy to burn?
Are beeswax candles healthy? Beeswax candles are healthy to burn in your home. Beeswax candles are hypo-allergenic, and can actually improve air quality! They burn with little to no smoke or scent and clean the air when lit.
What is the healthiest candle wax?
Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn. Beeswax candles are dripless when burned properly, and release negative ions which help clean the air in a room.
Is beeswax toxic to humans?
Beeswax is considered nonpoisonous, but it may cause a blockage in the intestines if someone swallows a large amount. If an ointment is swallowed, the medicine component may also cause side effects or poisoning.
What is so great about beeswax candles?
Brighter, Longer Burn Because beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, it emits the brightest, most warm-toned flame. Beeswax candles also last longer than most other candles. Because it is so dense (0.958), it burns slower and drips less, and many consider beeswax candles to be drip free.
Why are beeswax candles so expensive?
First, there's the quality of the wax. Beeswax is the priciest, according to Christine Flores of the Beeswax Co., and runs 10 times more than the usual paraffin. Beeswax costs more due to the mind-boggling fact that it takes about 8 pounds of honey to net 1 pound of beeswax. Then there's a candle's scent.
Why does beeswax smell so good?
Additionally, the wax is initially secreted white and the particles it takes on gives it colour as well as the subtle scent of the pollen, nectar and resins. The purpose of the beeswax also contributes to its aroma. Allowing it to take on the subtle scent of the honey it is in contact with.
What are the benefits of beeswax candles?
Benefits of Beeswax Candles 1 all natural 2 no added colors or fragrances necessary 3 dripless in a draft free area 4 clean burning – no soot 5 may clean air and/or improve mood 6 made from beeswax – renewable resource
How long has beeswax been used as a light source?
The use of beeswax as a light source goes back thousands of years. In Early American colonial times, it was a special treat to have these in your home. Candles were once a necessary part of every homestead. Giving light inside the home after the sun had set, evening chores were possible with candles.
What is a blooming candle?
Any candle made from pure beeswax will develop a white coating known as “bloom”. This powdery patina coating is a natural occurrence. The “bloom” is more pronounced when candles are stored in an area with great changes in temperature. All 100% pure beeswax candles will bloom over time.
What are the chemicals in paraffin candles?
Paraffin candles contain artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances and other toxic chemicals. Many of these chemicals are added to this toxic crude oil sludge to make it look and smell attractive. Some of these toxic chemicals are released into the air when the candles are burned.
Why do bees lose honey?
The main reason for the increased cost is the energy required by bees to produce wax. Honey bees produce wax from glands on their bodies. Worker bees must consume a lot of food (nectar/honey) to make wax. For every 1-2 pounds of wax produced, the bees lose production of around 6 pounds of honey.
Does beeswax neutralize pollutants?
So, the negative ions produced by your beeswax candles helps to neutralize pollutants.
Is beeswax a renewable resource?
Candles made from pure beeswax are a renewable resource. And they produce a bright, white light (in the same spectrum as sunlight). They are also drip less and clean burning. A natural clean light honey fragrance will be present from a natural beeswax candle.
What are beeswax candles used for?
Beeswax Candles are the most known and the most obvious thing when we talk about giving our homes an elegant and sophisticated ambiance.
Do beeswax candles really clean the air?
Our favorite scented candles make our time memorable with our loved ones. They give elegant ambiance on our dining tables and an intimate feeling in the bedroom. But sadly, they possess a health hazard too.
What is the difference between beeswax and candle wax?
Beeswax is far superior to candle wax when it comes to our health. The conventional candles are made from paraffin wax that is a cheap substance.
Are beeswax candles worth it?
Beeswax candles can be pretty expensive compared with regular candles. They often cost 10 times higher than ordinary paraffin candles. Some people are compelled to buy cheap ones, especially when they are low on a budget. First of all, you should know that the source where the waxes are obtained has the largest role in determining their price.
Are beeswax candles bad for you?
You may come across many articles on the internet saying that burning candles are bad for your health. However, they do not show any evidence to support their claims.
Are beeswax candles bad for your lungs?
Candles scented with artificial fragrances release volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde. These compounds form droplets and disperse in your surrounding air. Constantly inhaling toxic chemicals may also cause certain cancers.
Do beeswax candles pollute the air?
As we mentioned earlier, the amazing benefit of using beeswax candles is that they emit negative ions. These negative ions help clear the air from positive ions present in dander, pollen, microorganisms, spores, and dust.
What is beeswax used for?
Beeswax for homemade cosmetics. Take a closer look at ingredients and you will find that beeswax is used in a variety of cosmetics, ranging from lipstick to nail- and skincare products, from hair conditioners to healing salves. Beeswax increases the thickness of oils (lipids), which gives structure to beauty products.
What color is beeswax?
We previously mentioned that beeswax ranges in color from white to bright yellow. The wax you purchase should reflect the project which you aim to carry out. If you are going to be making lip balm, or lipstick, it is better to stick to white beeswax. This way, your carrier color can shine through.
How to turn beeswax into pourable?
Slow and steady heating is the trick to turn your solid beeswax into a pourable version. If you buy beeswax in large blocks, be forewarned that you will often need to use a sturdy grater in order to obtain the quantity you need for a particular project. To avoid this hard work, pay extra for pellets.
Why is beeswax used in cheese?
At the same time, it allows the cheese to retain moisture while aging, adding to the flavor and complexity of the finished product.
What is the melting point of beeswax?
A thermometer comes in handy for this purpose. Beeswax has a melting point range of 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F).
Can you buy beeswax wraps online?
You can buy them online or make them on your own. One thing is for sure, using beeswax wraps will greatly cut down on your use of cling film and aluminum foil, helping you to become a zero-waste, or low-waste, household. If you ask the Earth, that is a wonderful thing.
Do bees need beeswax?
Beeswax is an age-old, renewable material that will never go out of style or out of use. You don’t need a huge amount of beeswax to work with , for example, in order to make an herbal healing salve.
What is beeswax candle?
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.
Why do we use candles?
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.
What is the scent of beeswax?
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.
What was the ancient Romans' use of candles?
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.
What is the melting point of beeswax?
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.
Is beeswax good for candles?
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 ...
Do you have to clean up beeswax?
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
Beeswax and Candle Making
Is beeswax good for candle making? Beeswax is great for making candles and is a much-loved type of wax for those that prefer a more natural approach. It can be a healthier and more pleasant option than using any form of paraffin wax, with the added benefits of a high melting point, molding opportunities, color, and aroma.
Beeswax Sustainability and Environmental Impacts
Is beeswax environmentally friendly? Beeswax is environmentally friendly when used in candles. Beeswax does not contain many of the same toxins that are in paraffin wax and it is naturally sourced and overall, it is one of the cleanest burning renewable waxes available. However, other questions remain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beeswax is a great option if you want to make all-natural and sustainable candles. However, if you are a vegan and want to use only cruelty-free products then beeswax might not be for you. Wax is harvested from bees which can put stress on the hive. However, sustainable producers will always make sure to harvest in a responsible way.
What are Beeswax Candles?
If you’re a candle enthusiast - and even if you’re not - you’re probably the most familiar with paraffin wax candles. These are the most common and can be found in almost every store. However, while it is the most common, paraffin wax isn’t the only wax candles can use.
Beeswax Candles Benefits
When beekeepers harvest honey, they automatically harvest beeswax too. Even before harvesting, though, beeswax is always around honey. This means that even without any unnatural additives and fragrances, beeswax candles are naturally aromatic.
Yellow is the New Green: How Beeswax Candles Help the Environment
When it comes to candles, beeswax is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable waxes you can use.
Why use beeswax candles?
Because of their air cleansing properties, beeswax candles are a great candle option for people with allergies, asthma, sinuses and sensitivities. By choosing Beeswax Co. candles, you can support your local beekeepers. Beeswax is a natural byproduct of the beekeeping industry.
What is beeswax used for?
Beeswax is a natural byproduct of the beekeeping industry. It’s made and used by bees to store their honey and raise their broods. After periods of high honey flow, beekeepers remove the extra honeycombs. Our beeswax comes from the cappings of these honeycombs.
Why do candles have negative ions?
Beeswax candles emit negative ions which bind with particulate matter in the air, causing the floating particles in the air to drop to the ground. Some say negative ions also stimulate the pituitary gland, thus increasing creativity, intuition, and dream activity. Because of their air cleansing properties, beeswax candles are a great candle option ...
Why do we never add artificial scents to candles?
We never add any artificial scents or coloring to our candles because beeswax doesn’t need it. Brighter, Longer Burn. Beeswax candles emit light that is similar to the light spectrum of sunlight. This is thanks to beeswax’s high melting point of approximately 149° Fahrenheit.
Why do bees wax candles last longer?
Because beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, it emits the brightest, most warm-toned flame. Beeswax candles also last longer than most other candles. Because it is so dense (0.958), it burns slower and drips less, and many consider beeswax candles to be drip free. Subtle, Natural Scent.
Where does beeswax come from?
Our beeswax comes from the cappings of these honeycombs. Many other candle materials come from industries that harm or deplete the environment. Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource from an industry that helps the environment.
Does beeswax wax need to be processed?
Here are how those properties translate into a great candle. 100% Pure. Beeswax candles do not require chemical processing. Beeswax is one of the densest waxes and has a high melting point. This means that beeswax doesn’t need any hardeners, additives, or chemical treatments to make a quality product.
1. Supply and Price
Beeswax costs about 10 times more than paraffin. It is estimated that the bees must fly 150,000 miles to collect enough nectar to produce six pounds of honey just to secrete one pound of wax. And for every 100 pounds of honey harvested, the beekeeper can only obtain about 1-2 pounds of the beeswax. Hence beeswax candles are rare and expensive.
2. Amount of Chemical Compounds
Created by the bees, beeswax candles are 100% natural, all chemical-free. They are the oldest candles known to man and prized since ancient times. (Caution: There are no regulations on disclosing candle ingredients. Candles labelled as “beeswax” may be predominantly made of paraffin and contain as little as 5% beeswax.
3. Environmental Friendliness
100% beeswax candles are natural, environmentally friendly, safe, and non-toxic as they undergo no chemical processing and are biodegradable. Being non-oil-based, they burn very clean with little smoke when trimmed properly.
4. Natural vs Artificial Fragrances
Beeswax candles smell great as they are naturally scented by the honey and floral nectar in the honeycomb; theya re carbon-neutral. Paraffin candles however, contain artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances which also produce toxins and stains when burned, adding to the environmental damage. Some paraffin candles also contain lead wicks.
5. Burn Time
With a high melting point (in fact the highest among all known waxes), beeswax candles have significantly longer (2-5 times) burn time and drip very little, if any at all. This offsets their higher cost. Paraffin candles on the other hand, are not as efficient.
6. Brightness
Beeswax candles burn stronger and brighter. Emitting naturally bright light of the same light spectrum as the sun ( Green Rhino Spectrum, Solar Spectrum ), they are a gift from nature! Paraffin candles produce a flame that is not as strong and brilliant, and cannot evoke the same natural ambience of warmth and style as beeswax.
7. Blooming with Age
Beeswax candles burn with even more beauty with age. Over time, beeswax develops a white film (especially in cooler climate), which is deemed as a very desirable feature. Synthetic waxes do not bloom as time passes.
