Pros and cons of beeswax candles

6 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Beeswax has been used for thousands of years as a luxury, as it takes an entire hive of bees to produce just one ounce of honey. In ancient Greece and Egypt, beeswax candles were already in use as early as 3000 BC. Thanks to its excellent preservative properties and natural antibacterial effects, beeswax was also widely utilized in ancient medicine and beauty treatments.

In Egypt, it was used in the embalming process for mummies, while in Greece and Rome, it served as a base for ointments and scented oils, highlighting its significant value. Furthermore, beeswax burns cleanly with minimal smoke and emits a subtle, sweet fragrance, making it a prized ingredient in high-quality candles and natural skincare products even today. This golden-hued wax, a true gift from nature, is not only beneficial for beauty but is also favored for being a safe and health-conscious choice.

Pros of beeswax candles

Environmentally friendly because they are made from natural ingredients.
It doesn’t come with that chemical-like scent as long as you do not add any artificial scent to your beeswax candle.
It purifies the air as it burns.
Lights up longer than most other candles.
It does not rot and will last indefinitely when stored the right way.

Cons of beeswax candles

Very expensive because beeswax is expensive.
It requires you to hold the flame over the wick longer because it will take a while for it to light.
Not as readily available as other types of candles.

What are the Health Benefits of Beeswax Candles?

Beeswax candles are sometimes said to release negative ions, but their effect is limited.

The reason behind this claim is that negative ions are generated during combustion. Compared to petroleum-based paraffin candles, beeswax candles are made from natural ingredients, making them less likely to emit harmful substances when burned.

Because of this, beeswax candles are often considered an eco-friendly choice, and the release of negative ions is believed to have a positive impact on health. However, the actual amount of negative ions released is quite limited.

Interestingly, beeswax is also a handy ally in the kitchen!

While buying beeswax candles can be pricey, why not make your own instead?

History of a Bees wax

Beeswax is one of nature's most fascinating creations. For centuries, it has been used for a variety of purposes, from candles to cosmetics, and even as a form of currency. But what is the history of this incredible substance, and how has it evolved over time?The use of beeswax can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for a variety of purposes. In Egypt, it was used to embalm bodies and make cosmetics, while in Rome, it was used to make candles and as a sealant for documents.

During the Middle Ages, beeswax became an important commodity in Europe, where it was used for everything from candles to medicine. Monks in monasteries would use beeswax to make candles for their religious ceremonies, and it became a popular ingredient in a variety of medicines due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

As European colonization spread across the globe, beeswax became an important trading commodity. In North America, it was used as a form of currency by Native American tribes, and it was also used by early settlers for candles and soap.In the 19th century, the invention of the modern beehive and the honey extractor made it easier to harvest beeswax, and it became more widely available. This led to an increase in its use in the manufacturing of candles, soaps, and cosmetics.

Today, beeswax is still used for a variety of purposes. It is commonly used in the production of candles, where it is valued for its slow-burning properties and pleasant scent. It is also used in the production of cosmetics, where it acts as a natural moisturizer and emulsifier.In addition to its practical uses, beeswax also has a rich cultural history. In many ancient cultures, beeswax was seen as a symbol of purity and fertility, and it was often used in religious ceremonies.

The history of beeswax is a fascinating one. From its use in ancient civilizations to its continued use today, beeswax has played an important role in human history. Its versatility and unique properties have made it a valuable commodity throughout the ages, and it continues to be an important part of our lives today.

Environmentally friendly and popular Beeswax wraps, which extends the shelf life of fresh produce, etc. People love it. You can even make it at home without buying a new one. Before that, aren't you curious about the reasons why it's popular despite not being cheap? Beeswax wraps is packed with many 'good' things.

Hot trend! Beeswax wrap

Beeswax wraps are currently trending. In recent times when attention is drawn to news about global warming and environmental protection, reusable Beeswax wraps have become popular. Beeswax wraps are also known by other names such as Beeswax-coated cloth or Beeswax pouches. When they get dirty, you can simply wash them with cold water and a soft sponge, then air dry them until all the Beeswax coating is gone, and they can be used as regular cloth afterwords . They are packed with such appealing features.

Beeswax wraps are adorable!

Unlike transparent film, they come in cute patterns that brighten up the kitchen, making some people use them with a focus on kitchen interior design. Beeswax wraps have a high level of design appeal, and they not only wrap food but can also be used for serving trays or bread storage, adding a decorative touch to the table.

Beeswax wraps have an antibacterial effect

Due to the antimicrobial properties of beeswax, they help preserve the freshness of food a little longer than regular film wraps. They can slow down the oxidation and spoilage of food, making them particularly valuable during the summer months.

Beeswax wraps are adjustable

You can easily cut them with scissors to fit your regular dishes or containers. It's also possible to make larger Beeswax wraps and then cut them to the size you need at the moment.

Beeswax wraps are environmentally friendly

Made from natural materials, they help reduce unnecessary waste and do not contribute to environmental burden as they are not disposable. Since they are free from chemicals and synthetic substances, they are favored by those who want to avoid synthetic additives.

How to make Beeswax wraps

Making Beeswax wraps is easy with materials you can find at home, except for the fabric and beeswax. For this project, I used leftover fabric from the discount store and 100% unbleached beeswax.

Using unbleached, yellow beeswax adds a retro feel to the leftover fabric, making it quite stylish. If you want to showcase the design of the fabric, I recommend using bleached white beeswax. Yellow beeswax is slightly cheaper and can be easily found in holistic shops and other places.

Materials

22g of yellow beeswax
Scrap fabric (I used a piece measuring 30cm x 40cm)
Parchment paper (cooking sheet)
Iron

Direction

Step 1: Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the fabric and place it under the fabric.

Step 2: Sprinkle the beeswax evenly over the parchment paper and fabric.

Step 3: Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the setup from Step 2.

Step 4: Use the iron to apply even heat over the top parchment paper, melting the beeswax and allowing it to penetrate into the fabric. You may need to keep the iron on the fabric longer than usual to ensure proper penetration. The more heat you apply, the better the beeswax will infuse into the fabric.

Step 5: Once it's slightly dry, remove the top parchment paper.

Step 6: From here, start adjusting the fabric edges. Leave the bottom parchment paper in place and use scissors to trim any uneven edges, loose threads, or make size adjustments by cutting along with the bottom parchment paper.