Beeswax candles are a natural alternative to traditional candles made from paraffin. They’re made from the wax that honeybees produce to build their honeycombs.
This article will explore the many health and environmental benefits of beeswax candles, including their ability to purify air, burn longer than other waxes, and release fewer toxins into your home.
If you’re interested in natural products, wellness, and environmental responsibility, beeswax candles are a healthier and more sustainable choice that may be right for you. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of beeswax candles.
What are beeswax candles, anyway?
Beeswax is a natural wax made by honeybees. They use it to build their honeycombs, the structures that hold honey and house the baby bees.
To make beeswax candles, the wax is harvested, cleaned, and then used to make candles with cotton wicks. Beeswax candles are 100% natural and renewable, which makes them a sustainable alternative to paraffin and soy candles.
Beeswax candles purify the air
One of the most-touted benefits of beeswax candles is that they might purify the air in your home. As they burn, beeswax candles release negative ions into the air.
Negative ions can help remove pollutants, allergens (like dust and dander), and odors from the air. Some people with allergies and asthma find that burning beeswax candles makes a noticeable difference in their symptoms.
Beeswax candles are also hypoallergenic, so they may create a cleaner atmosphere in nurseries and bedrooms, where people tend to spend a lot of time. This is in stark contrast to paraffin candles, which release toxic fumes when burned.
Health and well-being benefits
Non-toxic and safe
Beeswax candles don’t produce as many toxic fumes as paraffin or soy candles. They also don’t have artificial fragrances or harmful chemicals.
Natural aroma and calming light
Beeswax candles have a light, natural scent from the honey and pollen in the wax. The soft, warm light creates a relaxing environment. The light is similar to sunlight, which can boost your sense of well-being.
Stress relief
The calming light and natural scent can ease stress and help you relax, similar to the effects achieved with a diffuser oil setup. If you light a beeswax candle for 30 to 60 minutes before bed, it may help you sleep better.
If you’re sensitive to smells, make sure the scent of beeswax doesn’t bother you. Some people can be allergic to beeswax, so if you notice any allergy symptoms, stop using the candle.
The practical side of beeswax candles
Beeswax candles don’t just have potential health benefits; they have some practical advantages, too. For example, beeswax candles burn a lot longer than candles made of paraffin or soy wax. Beeswax tea lights can burn for four or five hours, while larger beeswax candles can burn for hundreds of hours.
Also, beeswax candles drip less than paraffin or soy candles, meaning less mess and easier cleanup. That’s always a plus!
Finally, beeswax candles neutralize odors. That means you can use them in your kitchen or other areas that tend to have strong smells, or perhaps explore using a cone incense burner to freshen the air without adding more scent.
What about the environment?
Beeswax candles are a great sustainable choice. Beeswax is a renewable resource, and when you buy beeswax candles, you’re supporting local beekeepers. Supporting local beekeepers helps them continue their sustainable beekeeping practices.
On the other hand, paraffin candles are made from petroleum refining byproducts, and soy production can contribute to deforestation. So beeswax is a good environmental choice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a benefit to burning beeswax candles?
Yes, there are several potential benefits to burning beeswax candles. Unlike paraffin candles, beeswax candles are natural, non-toxic, and burn cleanly. They also emit a gentle, natural honey scent and longer burn times than many other types of candles.
Are beeswax candles healthy?
While not definitively proven to be “healthy” in a medicinal sense, beeswax candles are generally considered a healthier alternative to paraffin candles. They are less likely to trigger allergies or release harmful chemicals into the air. Some believe they may even have air-purifying qualities, though scientific evidence supporting this is limited.
Do beeswax candles remove toxins?
Some sources claim that beeswax candles can help purify the air by releasing negative ions, which bind to positively charged toxins in the air and neutralize them. However, the extent to which beeswax candles effectively remove toxins is still debated. There is limited scientific evidence to confirm substantial air purification benefits.
What are the advantages of beeswax candles?
The advantages of beeswax candles include: being a natural and renewable resource, burning cleanly with minimal smoke or soot, emitting a subtle honey scent, having a higher melting point and longer burn time compared to paraffin, and being less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, they are typically more expensive than paraffin candles.
Wrapping Up
Beeswax candles are a great way to purify the air in your home, and they burn longer and release fewer toxins than traditional paraffin candles. What’s not to love?
If you want to create a healthier, more sustainable home environment, consider switching to beeswax candles. You’ll breathe easier, and your home will smell amazing, or try a DIY shower mist for an enhanced aromatherapy experience.
Plus, you’ll be supporting local beekeepers and the sustainable practices that keep these amazing insects buzzing.