Our Little Owl Beeswax Candle

As the oldest candle-making material known to man, we have prized beeswax for its ability to provide us with light in the darkness since Ancient Rome. The Romans are thought to have created these candles by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in beeswax, a technique similar to that used to make tapered candles today.

Beeswax remains a renewable and natural source of wax with many uses, not least of all candles, but few people know of its unique healing potential, simply because it’s not as cheaply available as paraffin or soy wax.

Soy wax, in particular, is today marketed as an ‘eco-friendly’ alternative to the usual paraffin wax candles. The sad fact remains that, according to the WWF, the soya industry is the world’s second-largest driver of deforestation; only second to the beef (largely fed by soy) industry.

In light of this, it is heartening to see that people are rediscovering the merits of beeswax candles and the natural healing effects they can have:

1) Mood-Boosting

Burning beeswax candles generates negative ions in the air. Negative ions are naturally present in high numbers in the air around waterfalls, mountains, and beaches. They are thought to stimulate biochemical reactions in our bodies that increase the levels of serotonin in our bloodstream, a hormone that combats low mood, decreases stress, and increases daytime energy levels.

2) Allergy Relieving

Allergens like pollen, dust, mould, and pollutants are suspended in the air around us because the particles carry a positive charge. The negative ions induced when burning beeswax candles neutralise each of these positive charges, making the irritating particles drop to the ground and away from our noses, eyes, and mouths. The same kind of technology is used in air purifying systems and is especially useful for people with asthma or other allergies.

3) Friendlier to the planet, and to you

Beeswax is 100% natural, biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and non-hazardous.

While soy wax candles may release significantly lower amounts of soot than those made of paraffin wax, beeswax candles actively clean the air in your home, as mentioned above.

Bees, as pollinating insects, are a vital part of our ecosystems. Buying pure beeswax candles is one way of supporting ethical beekeepers, and by extension, all the organisms that rely on hardworking pollinating bees.

4) Long burn and long-life

With its naturally high melting point (64C) compared to that of soya wax (52C) or paraffin wax (60C), a candle made of beeswax will burn considerably longer, providing you with more time of warm light and subtle scent for your money.

It’s not a well-known fact, but artificially scented candles can lose their smell after being stored for long periods. Beeswax carries a natural light honey scent, and being a natural preserver itself, does not go rancid even when kept without use for thousands of years!

5) Natural Scent

Unlike artificially perfumed waxes, bees impart the natural sweetness of the flowers they collect nectar from into their wax. These are the organic compounds that give beeswax candles their distinctive, comforting aroma.

Other naturally derived essential oils can also be added to enhance this natural fragrance with complimentary layers for an enticing olfactory experience. We have found that beeswax, as the subtle sister of honey, pairs fantastically with cedarwood to produce a comforting fragrance that can combat anxiety and insomnia.

6) Natural light in the evening

As well as instantly creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere, using candlelight in the evening also improves our quality of sleep. The blue light provided by light bulbs and tv, phone, and computer screens can negatively impact our bodies’ natural production of melatonin, an important hormone for regulating sleep. This disruption can trigger insomnia and restlessness.

It may be difficult to transition to using candlelight only after dark, but perhaps for an hour or so before bed, it would be useful to use candlelight when reading or meditating to allow your brain and body to enter a truly restful state so that you can experience a rejuvenating night of sleep and wake up fully energised.

7) Cleaner and brighter

Due to the naturally air-purifying properties mentioned above, a beeswax candle won’t leave any soot residue on your walls or furniture, even after years of burning.

The negative ions produced by beeswax candles also attach to odours and microbes in the air, leaving you with a fresher, cleaner home. Consider lighting one in the kitchen to combat lingering food smells.

In the case of taper or free-standing candle shapes, pure beeswax candles also drip much less(when not exposed to wind) than candles made of other types of wax or blends. This is due to their higher melting point, which also allows the flame to burn hotter and brighter, providing you with more light than a similar size candle made from different wax.