As winter has quickly arrived so has the loss of sunlight. Shorter days means less hours of the day with natural light and more nights starting at 5.00 pm. The loss of sunlight and the disappearance of summer days can mean many things for individuals. Many people tend to experience mood fluctuations this time of year and can often struggle with seasonal depression. One way that I fight this inevitable reality is burning candles and creating a different kind of natural light. It is truly amazing what a simple candle can do for the mood and one's environment. Candles create warmth and nourishment especially during those cold days of winter. As I have become a more conscious person, I have realized that having a healthy lifestyle goes farther than the food we eat.I realized that while burning candles over the years I was falling victim to synthetic fragranced candles that were actually burning chemicals and soot into my bedroom. To think that for years I was breathing these chemicals into my lungs while I slept, quickly lead me to ditch any type of chemically filled candle. This left me with the purity and simplicity of one of nature's most incredible gifts, beeswax. Unlike other types of synthetic candles, beeswax emits little if no smoke while it burns. This means that the flame produces no soot unlike all other paraffin candles.
Paraffin is what most store bought candles are made from and what most well-known candle companies use. Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum which, when burned becomes a toxic substance. If you have ever noticed that your candles produce a black soot coming off of the flame while it is burning this is doing none other than emitting toxic chemicals into the air. This soot can stain walls ceilings and more importantly damage the respiratory channels and even act as a carcinogen.The synthetic fragrances that are used as well become toxic when they are burned creating something called toxic fluorocarbons. This is one of the many chemicals that gets released into the air when these candles are lit, acting as little pollutants for our homes and our bodies.
Beeswax on the other hand does just the opposite. Beeswax is produced by honey bees from the natural nectars of flowers. Honey bee pollen, and royal jelly are also made through this amazing process. Beeswax candles are also naturally scented, smelling of the pure and pleasant aroma of natural honey. This is great for anyone that is sensitive to smells or is an asthmatic. When a candle made of a hundred percent beeswax is burned, it produces negative ions. This acts as a natural air purifier. These ions cleanse the air of dust, toxic chemicals and molds that are hanging in the environment. anything that is floating in the air is doing so because it is positively charged. Beeswax cleans these ions creating a cleaning and purer air for us to breath. Beeswax is the only fuel that is known to produce a fully negative ion. Burning beeswax in a home will naturally eliminate odors and almost act as a humidifier.
Beeswax is also non-toxic, non-allergenic, and non-carcinogenic.
Many tests have been done to prove that beeswax not only cleans the air but can drastically improve asthma, allergies, sleep disorders and other types of respiratory problems. It is also said to act as a natural detoxifier when burned, balance hormones, strengthen the immune system and create a general sense of well being. Unlike paraffin candles beeswax has a longer burn time and has barely any wax drip. Because beeswax has a higher melting point of 145% fahrenheit, the candles themselves burn slower. This in turn means the candles last longer, and even though they do cost more than other candles they are an investment in terms of their life span. Beeswax is an incredible addition to any healthy life style and for anyone that wants an added comfort. I have noticed beeswax uplifts my moods and creates a calm and clean space for me to sleep. There is nothing more important for our health than the air we breath, beeswax allows us to breath the clean air we need to stay healthy. Another gift from nature!
