Soy Candles

There are many reasons to use candles.  There are different waxes available to make candles with.  Of all the choices you could make, scented soy candles will be the healthier and most economically sound choice.  Below are some of the benefits to using soy candles.  I hope you will give them a try and see for yourself.

1. Soy wax burns 30-50% longer than paraffin wax.
2. Soy wax retains color and fragrance better than paraffin wax.
3. Soy wax is made from the soybean, an unlimited renewable resource.
4. Soy wax is a natural product.
5. Soy wax is not made from petroleum like paraffin wax.
6. Soy wax is non-toxic.
7. No carcinogens are produced when burning soy wax.
8. Using soy wax candles helps support the American farmer.
9. Soy wax is water-soluble, meaning just soap and water will clean up spills.
10. Soy wax is biodegradable.
11. Soy wax produces little to no soot when burning.

The use of aromatherapy include the following benefits: it aides in relaxation, relieves stress and boosts energy levels, can be used to treat migraine headaches, indigestion, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other minor physical ailments.  Aromatherapy is the science of using essential oils to promote an improved sense of well being. 

Essential oils are made from natural plant extracts and have pleasing scents.  Don’t confuse essential oils with fragrance oils.  They are entirely different products with different purposes.  Fragrance oils are created in a lab and are synthetic scents.  Only essential oils offer the benefits of aromatherapy.  Essential oils are more expensive since they are highly concentrated and must be harvested with extreme care.

The use of essential oils can be harmful if not used as intended even though they are all natural products.  Many oils have harmful and dangerous side effects if not taken correctly and sometimes the supervision of a trained aromatherapist is recommended.  Certain essential oils can be harmful to children and pregnant women and people with epilepsy, heart disease, asthma or other chronic medical conditions.  These people should ask questions of their health-care provider before using aromatherapy essential oils.

For the benefits of using aromatherapy at home the most common way is with an aromatherapy massage.  You must remember not to apply the essential oils directly to the skin as they can cause irritation and rashes.  They must first be diluted with a carrier oil such as grape-seed oil, sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil.  Body massage soy candles are already diluted with grape-seed oil and are safe for use on the skin.  They are special soy candles made to melt into a body massage oil that are richly scented.  Another way to experience the use of aromatherapy in your home is with scented aromatherapy soy candles made with pure essential oils.

There are two types of electric candles: one that plugs into an electrical outlet and is UL tested{United Laboratories} and the electric warmers.  The one that plugs into an outlet resembles a candle with the bulb representing the flame.  The electric warmers melt real wax candles.  During the holidays you often see the electric candles in windows of homes.  The most popular ones have built-in sensors that turn on at night and off during daytime.  Some use standard night light bulbs and some require specialty bulbs that resemble a flickering flame.

The electric warmers are decorative containers for wax tarts or melts.  They are powered by electricity to melt the candle wax and release the aroma into the air.  Soy wax is a excellent choice for your tarts to put into your electric candle warmer.  Soy wax is non-toxic, a renewable resource, burns 50% longer than paraffin wax, produces little to no soot and is easy to clean up with just soap and water.  Soy tart melts are just one example of scented soy candles.  They come in many different fragrances as well as unscented.

A candelabra is merely a holder for candles that has two or more branching arms.  They were first used as a source of light but continue to be used ornamentally in areas that have electricity.  They are used more frequently during the winter holidays as a reminder that from their glow there will be brighter times ahead.  You can find candelabra at interior design stores, antique stores and auctions.  Sometimes people refer to decorative electric light fixtures as candelabra but this is incorrect.  Candelabra is derived from the Latin “candela”, which means candle not light-bulb.

Candelabra come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles.  There is a solid central column that is connected to a broad base as the support and have branching arms in a row coming out from the central column.  Often there are 2 arms on either side of the central column with spaces for 3 candles.  There are some with many more arms, quite large that are intended for use as free standing pillars of candles on the floor.  Then there are the smaller ones that are ideal for the dinner table.  They can be made from metal, glass, even clay with metal being the most common, since it is very sturdy and easy to shape.  The candles are held in cups that are affixed to the arms and central column.  A special candelabrum with many arms is known as the menorah used during the celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday.

Soy candles can form a beautiful table decoration.  Try several different heights of pillar soy candles, add some artificial foliage, use some decorative pillar holders and presto, you can make your own sort of candelabra.  You can be as creative as you want or keep it simple and plain.  Bring the spring into you home with you favorite floral scented soy candles.

Citronella candles are a candle that is blended with essential oil from citronella.  Citronella is a grass that is native to Asia.  This essential oil is found to be useful as a natural insect repellent to mosquitoes.  However studies conducted at the University of Ontario have found only a 45% efficiency rate in their use.  With this in mind a citronella candle should be used in conjunction with other methods of repelling insects for full protection. 

It is necessary to use a large number of citronella candles to protect from insects, especially in a large area.  If the candles are spaced to far apart the insects will sneak through and if you stray to far from the candles you will find unwanted insects pestering you.  You can find citronella candles in pillars, tapers and various other shapes as well as ones that are able to float in pools and ones in containers to help reduce the risk of fire.  Another option is to pour the citronella essential oil into a diffuser and place it in a strategic place outdoors to ward off unwelcome insects. 

The essential oil of the citronella grass has a strong lemon scent and a bright yellow to brown color.  The candles give off a strong citrus odor and are usually yellow in color.  This essential oil is also used in creams that can be applied to the skin and in torches designed to cover a large area.  The oil can cause rashes, hives and itching in children and adults if coming in contact with the skin.  Test out the cream on a small section of skin first and see if a reaction occurs before using on the entire body.   

Scented soy candles come in all shapes and sizes, colors and fragrances.  You can find them in free standing like pillars or in various containers.  You can mix and match them for elegant table decorations.  They make excellent gifts for the hard to buy for.  There are even ones for romantic occasions.  Soy candles are a safe and healthy alternative to burning the standard paraffin candles.  Soy candles are non-toxic, are made from a renewable resource the soybean, produce little to no soot, burn 50% longer, burn at a lower temperature thus being safer to use and clean up with just soap and water if there is a wax spill.  You can even save the container and wash it out and reuse it for something else.  Give soy candles a try.  You will be pleased with the results.   

An LED or light emitting diode, are so close to looking like a real candle that you might not notice the difference at first.  The wick is recessed inside the candle body, looking like the candle has partially burned.  This allows the LED to be hidden from view, while the top part of the candle glows, giving the appearance of translucent wax.  They flicker to stimulate a real burning flame.  There are several models.  They can be used inside or out, are resistant to rain or wind and can be used as a night light for children.  Some are rechargeable while others are battery operated.  If you love to burn candles and want to try something different, this might be an option for you.

If you are looking for something different and want a healthier choice in burning candles, try scented soy wax candles.  They come in various sizes, shapes, scents, styles, containers and colors.  Soy candles are non-toxic, a renewable resource, burn at a lower temperature thus making them less prone in causing burns, burn 50% longer than paraffin candles and produce no black soot.  Another benefit of using soy candles is easy clean up, just soap and water on any wax spill.  There are so many positive benefits to using soy candles versus paraffin candles.  You will be glad you gave them a try! 

Tart warmers, also know as a tart burner, come in many styles, shapes and sizes.  You will find them made out of ceramic, glass or metal. They can add flair and design to your home.  If used to melt aromatherapy tarts they will benefit your inner being as well.  A tart warmer will melt your tarts without the use of a flame.  There are two types: an electric one and a non-electric one.  They can also disperse the aroma of fragrance oils as well as soy candles.  To melt a soy candle simply remove the tart dish and set your candle directly on the warmer.  When using soy tart melts your warmer will disperse the aroma by melting the soy wax and thus allowing the aroma to fill your home.  The fragrance of your tarts, when melted in a warmer, will often be much stronger than that of a traditional scented burning candle.

The electric warmer works by the use of a small bulb that heats the oil or tart and melts it.  As it is being heated the aroma is released.  A non-electric warmer uses a tealight to melt the oil or tart.  With this style you will have a flame since the tealight is a candle.  The decision is up to you which style you prefer. 

The advantage of using a tart warmer is that your melts will last much longer than a candle would.  When you are done with the warmer simply turn it off or put the tealight out.  The tarts will harden and can be used again and again.  If you want to enjoy a different fragrance simply remove the harden tart wax and store it.  Another advantage is that you can use that soy candle that is to low to burn anymore and put it in your warmer and still enjoy the fragrance as it melts.  No more wasted scented soy candles. 

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between the watermint and the spearmint plants.  It is a perennial plant that flowers from mid to late summer.  Its flowers are purple in color.  It is regarded by some as the world’s oldest medicine.  Archaeological evidence places it in use as far back as ten thousand years ago in the Greek and Roman empires.  They used it to freshen the breath and aid digestion.  It is even featured in the Bible, being used in crowns and bouquets in an attempt to ward off drunkenness.  The ancient world used peppermint in its raw form, leaves or flowers. 

Today it is used in commercial products as gum or mints.  Also it is used in health promoting products such as skin treatments, toothpaste, mouthwashes and essential oils.  It’s high concentration of menthol is the reason it is used in health products.  Menthol is an organic compound that possess a powerful counter-irritant and has local anesthetic qualities. 

Today we use peppermint in a refined or processed form, peppermint essential oil being the most common.  It can be used to treat headaches, toothaches and nausea, heartburn, vomiting and indigestion.  Aromatherapy uses peppermint essential oil to comfort and refresh the skin from its cooling and soothing properties, in a lotion to soothe irritated and painful skin due to chicken pox and shingles and when added to water can treat sunburned skin and refresh tired feet. 

For a refreshing peppermint aroma try the scent of Cool Breeze in gourmet body massage soy candles or aromatherapy soy candles.  Soy candles are a healthy choice to make and environmentally friendly to use.

Jasmine is a member of shrubs and vines in the olive family.  There are around 200 species that grow in the tropical, warm temperate regions of the Old World.  The majority grow as climbers and can be green all year round or have falling leaves in the autumn.  Jasmine is cultivated for its flowers, worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia.  Other uses include using jasmine as a herb to treat a number of aliments, such as fevers, conjunctivitis, topically for corns on the feet, sunburn or rashes using a lotion made from jasmine.  Jasmine provides restored elasticity to the skin by promoting the production of natural oils.   

 A tea called jasmine tisane is consumed in China.  It is made by using a base of green tea and the jasmine flower.  The flower only opens at night during the full moon.  It is picked in the morning when the petals are closed and stored in a cool place till night.  The petals will open as the temperature cools in the evening.  The tea and flowers are put together in a machine that controls the humidity and temp.  The tea absorbs the fragrance of the flower.

Many species of jasmine are used in the production of perfumes and incense.  Jasmine essential oil is commonly used.  Chemical extraction is used on the flowers to obtain the essential oil.  A large amount of flowers are needed to produce a small amount of oil, thus making it very expensive.  India, China, Egypt and Morocco all produce jasmine essential oil. 

Aromatherapy uses jasmine in the form of body oils, incense and scented candles.  It provides a pleasing aroma that is believed to elevate the mood, relieve stress, encourage a healthy libido, treat insomnia, treat postpartum depression and desensitize pain during childbirth. 

Using scented soy candles offers the benefits of jasmine and also the healthier choice of candle usage.  Soy candles are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, a renewable resource and burn 50% longer than paraffin candles.  You can find the fragrance of jasmine in the following soy candle aromas: French Kiss, Colour My World, Ylang-Ylang, Oui Oui, Seduction, Tango, and Jasmine. 

Ylang-ylang is a tropical tree.   Its flowers, when processed by steam distillation, produce an essential oil used in aromatherapy and in making perfumes.  It has a heavy, sweet scent similar to jasmine.  It is often associated with weddings and honeymoons.  The essential oil comes in four grades: ylang extra, ylang I, ylang II and ylang III.  The variance in grades is based on when the oil is removed in the steam distillation process.  The process can take 24 hours and the lengthier it is the lighter the scent of the oil.  Ylang extra has the strongest scent and ylang III has the weakest scent.  All grades have a heavy scent, so be sure to add carefully to any blend you are making.  It can easily overpower other scents.  You can use ylang-ylang essential oil in recipes that call for jasmine.  Jasmine is more costly and many budgets can’t afford it. 

Ylang-ylang fragrance is considered an aphrodisiac.  It is also used in aromatherapy and is considered to have stress relieving properties.  Try a few drops in a hot bath to melt the cares of the day away.  It is believed to reduce anxiety and even relieve depression.  In people sensitive to heavy floral scents the aroma of ylang-ylang can be overpowering and may cause headaches.

If you don’t have time for that hot bath to unwind the day with, try instead a scented soy candle with the fragrance of ylang-ylang.  You can find this fragrance in the soy scents of Ylang-Ylang, Enchanted Journey and Sensual Moments.  A gourmet body massage soy candle with this fragrance is great for that romantic honeymoon getaway.