The Remarkable Benefits of Beeswax Candles

This non-toxic waxy substance is naturally derived from bees. It is safer to burn than most candles. It burns cleaner which is better for the air. Also, it is a renewable source and one of the oldest candles around.  As long as you get the beeswax from a good source of honey bees, the beeswax should not contain toxins that are harmful.

Having a natural light to use that does not require power can be a virtue. Outages provide a time when an alternative light source is needed, and beeswax candles warm glow and bright light easily solve this dilemma. These types of candles burn brighter on average that others.

Additionally, pure beeswax candles are great for setting a mood and calming the body. They are known for being the purest light of any candles. The light spectrum of the candle is similar to that of natural sunlight.

A beeswax candle does not give off a smoke trail when burned. Paraffin candles create smoke, black soot, and release harmful chemicals into the air. A beeswax candle on the other hand burns cleanly, free of soot and air pollutants. Therefore, air quality is not negatively impacted. 

Among the other benefits, a sweet scent fills the air when beeswax burns. A pure Beeswax candle omits a natural scent. They are better than synthetic fragrances given off by other candles including paraffin wax candles which are a petroleum by-product. Also, allergy sufferers will not be negatively impacted by the natural honey scent of beeswax candles.

The Science Journal "Frontiers in Pharmacology" makes the following statement concerning the effects of beeswax on air pollutants:

A beeswax crude extract has shown inhibitory effects against S. aureus, Salmonella enterica, C. albicans and Aspergillus niger, while effects against pathogenic bacteria and microscopic fungi have been reported for methanol and ethanol extracts. This kind of effects could depend at least in part on beeswax compounds of plant origin.

According to the above study, burning a candle may help improve air quality due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The Romans and Greeks used it for centuries due to these attributes. 

Another common candle product used during ancient times was tallow from animal fat.  It would be beneficial for more scientific studies to be done on the effects of beeswax candles on indoor air pollution.

Another benefit of beeswax candles is its density. Candle burn time is usually longer than most other candles including soy candles, however, it is usually more expensive too. Although this is the case, the environmental benefits of beeswax candles with the longer run time may be worth it. Also, beeswax produces a brighter flame, making it worth the additional cost.

This renewable resource from honey bees is also great for relieving stress in the body. Toxic chemicals from traditional candles add additional stress elements to the body when breathed in whereas natural beeswax candles do not. Additionally, the bright light given from beeswax candles is relaxing and uplifting. The cleaner air provided by the antimicrobial attributes of beeswax creates less toxic stress on the body.

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In order to add essential oils to this natural product, candle makers sometimes mix beeswax with other oils. Coconut oil is a great oil to add to beeswax when you want an essential oil scent to permeate through. Soy wax is another ingredient sometimes added, however, I personally do not use soy due to the high contaminate rate of soy production.

The toxic compounds, chemical processing, and artificial dyes used in traditional and cheap candles are awful to breathe in and irritate asthma symptoms. In order to naturally color beeswax candles, white beeswax should be used. Additionally, there are natural dyes available to add to beeswax candles.