There are many different types of candles on the market these days, but if you're looking for the best quality and the longest burning time, beeswax candles are the way to go. Beeswax is a natural substance that is made by honey bees, and it has many benefits over other types of wax. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of beeswax candles and why they make the best choice for your home. We'll also provide tips on how to care for your beeswax candles so they last longer!
Where Does Beeswax Come From
Beeswax is a natural substance that is made by honey bees. The bees collect nectar from flowers and the nectar is turned into honey. The honey is then stored in the beehive, and the bees use it to make wax.
All beeswax is produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. The size of the bee contributes to the amount of wax produced. For instance, worker honey bees are about one-twentieth of an inch long and produce about 8.4 oz (236 g) of wax over their lifetime, while a queen bee can be nearly three times as long and produce about 65 lb (29 kg) of wax throughout her lifetime.
Beeswax is made up of approximately equal parts of palmitate and stearate esters of long-chain fatty acids. The exact composition varies depending on the source and age of the wax, but it typically contains around 30% monoesters, 57% diesters, 10% triesters, and 3% hydrocarbons. Beeswax is produced by bees in order to build the Hexagonal cells that make up their hives.
To do this, they secrete wax from their abdomens in a process known as "scaling." Once the wax is secreted, it hardens into thin flakes that the bees then chew and mold into shape. As the bees add more wax to the cell, they also fan it with their wings to ensure that it is properly ventilated.
The wax is used to build the honeycomb, and the honeycomb is where the bees store their honey and raise their young. When the honeycomb is full, the bees seal it with a layer of wax to keep the honey fresh.
For centuries, beekeepers have relied on beeswax to build sturdy hive structures and to create smooth, delicious honeycomb. But how is this valuable substance collected? The process begins with a frame equipped with thin strips of wax foundation.
Once the frame is placed in the hive, the bees get to work building out the comb. Once the comb is fully grown, the beekeeper uses a tool called a hive tool to pry it loose from the frame. The comb is then placed in a honey extractor, where centrifugal force is used to separate the wax from the honey.
The wax is then collected and melted down, ready to be used again for another batch of honeycomb or for any number of other purposes. Thanks to this simple process, beekeepers can enjoy a steady supply of both honey and beeswax. No matter how it's collected, beeswax is a valuable product that has a wide range of uses.
How Beeswax Candles Are Made
Making beeswax candles is a centuries-old craft that has been passed down through generations. To make a beeswax candle, beekeepers first collect the wax from beehives. The wax is then melted and filtered to remove impurities.
Once the wax is clean and liquid, it is poured into molds with wicks and allowed to cool. After the wax hardens, the candles are removed from the molds and finished by hand. Beeswax candles are known for their natural, honey-like scent and their ability to burn cleanly and evenly. When made correctly, beeswax candles are a beautiful and sustainable way to light your home.
The mold can be anything from a simple container to a fancy candle holder. You can also make your own beeswax candles by pouring the melted wax into a jar or glass container.
Making traditional dipped beeswax taper candles are more complex to make. The process begins with melting the beeswax in a double boiler. Once the wax is melted, the wick is dipped into the wax and then allowed to cool slightly.
This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved. Once the candle is the desired thickness, it is then allowed to cool completely. The result is a beeswax candle that burns cleanly and evenly, providing a warm and inviting glow.
The History Of Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are believed to have been first used by the ancient Egyptians, who also introduced them to the Romans. Beeswax candles were also popular in China and other parts of Asia. In Europe, they were used mainly by the wealthy because they were more expensive than other types of candles.
Beeswax candles were used for a variety of purposes, including lighting homes and public buildings, providing light for reading and writing, and as a source of heat. They were also used in religious ceremonies and as gifts.
Unlike other types of wax, beeswax is naturally scented and doesn't require any additives to make it smell pleasant. In addition, beeswax candles burn cleanly and don't produce any soot or smoke. As a result, they were often used in churches and other places where candles were burned for long periods of time.
Because of their high melting point, beeswax candles are also less likely to drip than other types of candles. This made them ideal for use in chandeliers and other decorative fixtures. Today, beeswax candles are still popular for their eco-friendly credentials and pleasant scent. They are also considered to be more healthful than other types of candles, as they don't release any harmful chemicals into the air when burned.
Today, beeswax candles are still widely used for their beauty and environmental benefits. They are candles are still popular for their beauty, scent, and long-burning properties.
Benefits Of Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles offer a number of benefits over traditional candles made from paraffin wax. For starters, they are far less likely to trigger allergies or respiratory problems. They also burn cleaner and produce less soot, which can discolor walls and furniture. In addition, beeswax candles have a naturally sweet scent that can help to freshen the air in your home.
They last longer than other types of candles. Beeswax candles can burn for up to eight hours, while other types of candles only burn for two or three hours.
Beeswax candles also produce more light than other types of candles.
Beeswax candles release negative ions when they are burned, which can improve your mood and help you relax.
They are non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.
Finally, beeswax is a renewable resource, which means that it is a more environmentally-friendly option than paraffin wax. All of these factors make beeswax candles an appealing choice for many homeowners.
How To Care For Your Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are easy to care for! To care for your beeswax candles, make sure you keep them out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. Also, trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each use. This will help the candle burn evenly and prevent the formation of soot.
If the candle starts to smoke, blow it out and trim the wick again. When the candle is not in use, store it in a cool, dry place.
Relieve Everyday Stress
As anyone who has ever burned a beeswax candle can attest, there is something inherently calming about the scent of beeswax. But did you know that there are actually scientific reasons for this?
Beeswax candles produce negative ions when they are burned, and these ions have been shown to relieve stress and improve mood. In fact, many people use beeswax candles as a natural way to combat anxiety and depression.
In addition to their stress-relieving properties, beeswax candles also emit a subtle sweetness that can boost energy levels and improve mental focus. So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try reaching for a beeswax candle. You may just find that it's the perfect way to relax and recharge.
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Don't have time to make your own beeswax candles? Try a hand poured candle from Calendula Bath and Home!