by Vivian Nelson Melle

Beeswax is not only deliciously sweet-smelling and natural, it is a healthy alternative to paraffin candles. This long-burning, soot-free creation has been the lighting staple for homesteading for years and is now becoming popular for modern, urban families as well. Here are 5 reasons to choose beeswax candles.

1. Beeswax is All Natural

It’s hard to believe that the amazingly perfect hexagonal honeycomb is made entirely by bees. Each perfectly shaped space is made to perfect for holding bee larvae, honey and even pollen. For about a week during their short lives, worker bees are able to convert honey into wax. The sugar in the honey is turned to wax by special glands in the bees abdomen. The way flex are chewed up by the bees and added to the colony’s community honeycomb.

2. No Scents Needed

If the smell of fresh honey is on list of favorite smells, than you’re in luck. Unfiltered beeswax made into candles produces that light sweet characteristic scent of honey. While essential oils and fragrance oils can be added, the unadulterated smell of beeswax creates a scent associated with fall, baked goods and even cleanliness. Many of the fragrance additives on the market contain chemicals that can irritate respiratory tracts and even cause allergy and asthma attacks. Natural beeswax smells delicious and has few to no ill side effects.

3. Beeswax Candles are Smokeless

Beeswax candles are smokeless. Unlike paraffin variety which are made from petroleum, beeswax has no additives or chemical-making smoke. you won’t find black soot on the sides of beeswax jar candles or on walls next to beeswax candles. You should always trim the wick before use, never leave them unattended and keep them out of drafts to ensure appropriate and consistent burn.

4. Beeswax Cleanses the Air

Beeswax releases negative ions into the environment which helps rid the air of contaminants like dust and pollen. Here’s the simple science. Dust, dander and other impurities float around on positive-charged molecules. Negative-charged molecules are drawn to the opposite charges, attach and bring them down to the ground. While the elements are not completely eliminated, they are brought down where they are easily cleaned and less likely to be breathed.

5. They are Easy to make

There are two types of beeswax candles, those made with rolls of beeswax and those made with melted wax. Both are easy enough to make but the later requires more precautions and practice where as the first kind is easy enough for children. Simply take a roll of beeswax, purchased from your local beekeeper, and lay the wick long ways making sure to leave enough hanging out of both ends. you can always cut later. As tightly as possible, roll the wax starting by enveloping the wick and continue until your reach the end. Carefully, and firmly, squeeze the candle taper to ensure the end sticks. That’s it, trim the wick and it’s ready to go.

Reprinted with permission from Green Living Ideas