Soy Candles

Natural healing uses an alternative method known as aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy can be used to relax and soothe the body and mind and to energize and to arouse.  Essential oils are used in this method of natural healing.  They are the aromatic compounds of plants that have been extracted by steam distillation or other methods.  Your feelings and moods are affected by the aromas of essential oils through your sense of smell.  Certain scents can bring about a state of relaxation, romance, healing or comfort.   Ways this might be accomplished is by the use of oils, inhalers, diffusers and scented soy candles.  Since aromatherapy has the ability to affect your mood, it can be used to enhance your romantic life.

Jasmine, Gardenia, Rose and Geranium are associated with love and romance.  Oils from these herbs can excite your romantic life.  You can find scented soy candles with these fragrant aromas in many different sizes and styles.  A great way to experience aromatherapy is by using body massage soy candles.  These candles are made with natural soy wax.  They leave behind no soot and are non-toxic, meaning they have no pollution type materials in them.  Spice up your life with romance and try aromatherapy soy candles today.

Most practicing Jews begin their celebration of Sabbath with the lighting of the Sabbath candles.  It begins on Friday night and is a time of rest, no work and inner reflection.  It begins precisely 18 minutes prior to sundown and is started with a prayer, usually spoken in Hebrew.  The oldest woman in the house is responsible for the lighting of the candles.  When there is not a woman present then the oldest man will light the candles and say the prayer.  It is then customary to cover their eyes, so not to see the light.  Two is the traditional minimum number of candles used, but more is OK.  The two candles represent two important texts in the Old Testament or the Torah.  During the Sabbath the candles are also an important source of light, as even electricity is shunned. 

Soy candles can be used as a source of light in areas where there is no electricity.  It is always a good idea to have a few on hand, especially during the stormy weather ahead.  Scented soy candles come in pillars, votives, containers, tart melts, aromatherapy, body massage and wood wicks.  Pick your favorite fragrance, color and size.  Soy candles are made from natural soy wax and are non-toxic, biodegradable, affordable, a renewable resource, and are a healthy choice.

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.

Simply put, votive candle holders are designed to hold votive candles.  The holders come in an array of  sizes and shapes.  The material used to make them can be from metal, wood, stone, glass, or ceramic.  You can find them in home supply stores, from companies who deal in candles and lighting, or even make them yourself. 

A votive candle is a small round pillar candle of standard size, usually 2 inches high by one and a half inches.  They can come in other sizes and shapes also.  A votive candle is used in religious services in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.  They can be made from paraffin, beeswax, soy wax or other waxes.

Candle holders made to hold votives are designed to allow the candle to burn freely without guttering in the wind.  A classic holder is tall and cylindrical with a closed bottom, is made from glass that is clear or colored.  Since the flame is contained in the tall glass holder, making it relatively safe, you can use votives in a large display for parties.  Since a single votive doesn’t give off much light, used in large numbers you will have a nice lighting effect.  A votive candle holder can also be found shaped like a lamp, a candlestick, a candle tray, and a candelabra.  Many holders are versatile and can also hold tea-lights, and taller pillar candles.

For a truly economical and environmentally safe votive candle, try one made of natural soy wax.  Scented soy votive candles are non-toxic and clean up with just soap and water.  They produce little to no soot and burn 50% longer than paraffin wax candles.

An unscented candle is just the opposite of a scented candle.  This candle was created for the purpose of not having any fragrance, scent or aroma.  If burning candles is for the only purpose of providing light, then maybe an unscented candle is the best choice.  Unscented candles tend to be less expensive.

For anyone with allergies, unscented candles are the way to go.  Scented candles can cause headaches and breathing problems if you are sensitive to certain scents.  If storing the candles for a period of time, unscented candles will not attach their aroma to the drawer or cupboard being stored in.  Scented candles will leave behind their aroma and will even spread it onto neighboring candles in the same area, leaving a mixed fragrance. 

If you are burning a scented candle and just want additional sizes to accent your decor but not interfere with the fragrance, then adding unscented candles is an option.  When you burn more than one scented candle at a time they can cause an unpleasant aroma as they are fighting each others fragrance.   Unscented candles come in all sizes and shapes, as well as colors.  Having a colored candle, does not mean it has to have fragrance associated with it.  For beginners in candle making, unscented wax is the easiest to use as it is very basic.  Once you have mastered this step, move on to adding dye to make colored candles and then essential oils for fragrances.

You can find unscented wax in different kinds; beeswax, paraffin wax, gel and soy wax are a few.  Soy wax candles can be found scented or unscented.  The benefits of using soy wax candles are: they are non-toxic, a renewable resource, burn 50% longer than paraffin wax, produce little to no soot and clean up with just soap and water.  The natural soy wax also burns at a lower temperature thus reducing the risk of burns from hot candle wax. 

The purpose of a candle warmer is to heat up scented candles without using a flame.  The warmer is plugged into electricity.  There are advantages to using a candle warmer.  The scent produced by the candle when used in a warmer, is more pure and crisp since there is no burning soot to interfere with the scent.  When you are done with the candle simply unplug the warmer and avoid the after smell of the extinguished flame.  The entire candle will be utilized in your warmer.  When there is a flame the candle sometimes burns through the middle and you have wasted candle.  In a warmer the candle will last longer as it burns more slowly.  The very bottom of the candle will also be melted.  When burning with a flame the bottom portion often times can’t be burnt.  Sometimes the warmer will have a built in fan to help spread the aroma more efficiently.  They are designed to be quiet.

Using a candle warmer prevents soot making it environmentally friendly.  It is also better for the health of those in the home since there is no burning of smoke byproducts.  For this reason, aromatherapy candles are often used in a warmer.  There is no danger of fire from a flame, or worry about the candle being knocked over.  Since you are not lighting the candle but just plugging the warmer in, there is no chance of being burnt by the flame.  

Soy tart melts are a great way to introduce a pleasing aroma into your home with the use of a candle warmer.  The warmer and the soy tart melts are Eco friendly.  They are a renewable resource being made from soy wax which is made from soybeans.  You can mix your melts to create your own personal scent or simply use one scent at a time.  When your melts are gone, your warmer is easy to clean with just soap and water, and your warmer is ready for a new set of soy tart melts.    

Candle jars are as versatile as the stars in the sky.  They come in all shapes and sizes and materials.  They are among some of most attractive holders for candles and make lovely room accessories for the home or gifts for loved ones.  In making your own candles you have a great deal of choice in choosing what container you can use.  Be creative!  Metal tins, glass jars, whimsical looking containers the list is unending.  The glass can be clear, colored, textured, apothecary jars, jelly or Mason jars, square or round jars.  Tins can be round, square, rectangular or hexagonal.  Provided the container you use is heat safe and leak proof, almost any container will work for your candle.

There are various candle molds also available for use in making and shaping your candles.  They range from metal candle molds to any container lined with wax, as an old clean milk carton.  Aluminum molds are popular due to their durability, heat resistance, and are seamless.  If you want to save money in making your candles, then use any wax lined materials you have on hand.  The great thing about them is they are recyclable.

There are many methods availabe in making candles, depending on your mold or container being used.  Using candle containers or jars are the easiest.  You must select what type of wax you prefer to use.  The three most popular types are paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax.  Paraffin can get messy to work with while soy wax is easily cleaned up with soap and water.  Beeswax is produced from honeybees and comes in sheets so there is no need for melting, simply wrap it around a wick and press to seal.

What is soy wax?  It is a vegetable wax made from soybeans.  The vast majority of soybeans are grown in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.  After the soybeans are harvested they are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes.  Next the oil is extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated.  During this process some of the fatty acids in the oil are converted from unsaturated to saturated.  This is what alters the melting point of the oil and allows it to be a solid at room temperature.  The nice thing is that all of the soybean is put to use.  The leftover bean husks are used as animal feed.

Natural soy wax can be used by candle makers in many different ways.  It can be mixed with paraffin to create a para-soy blend, or used as straight soy wax, or mixed with other natural oils.  As you can see the great advantage of soy wax is that it is a renewable resource.  The only limit to it is how much WE decide to grow in soybeans.  Paraffin wax is in short supply with the worlds oil resources shrinking, thus also causing the price of paraffin to increase.  Remember paraffin is made from the by-products of oil refinement.  Soy wax is Eco-friendly, renewable, American grown, non-toxic or carbon neutral, burns 50% longer than paraffin and produces much less if any soot when burnt.

So make this year 2009, one filled with new choices, new ideas and health conscious decisions.  Burn soy candles in your home, work environment, office, on vacation, wherever you would think of burning a paraffin candle.  You can help to make the world a healthier place to live with the choice of using soy wax candles.

Resolutions, resolutions, resolutions.  How many have you made in the past and never kept?  Plan on making some for this new year?  How about the resolution to turn over a healthier lifestyle!  Start it with soy candles.  They burn cleaner and are better for your health.  They produce very little to no soot, are easy to clean up with soap and water, create no toxins in the air, last 50% longer than paraffin candles, and are a renewable resource being made from soybeans.

Jar candles or tins make a lovely addition to any room.  These candles are easy to move from one place to another.  You won’t have to worry about the wax dripping onto a surface.  The candle holder is a part of the package, so no worrying about purchasing a holder.  When the soy candle is all burnt, you have a beautiful container for yet some other use. 

If you want a different presentation of a soy candle try a pillar soy candle.  They come in different sizes, so you can make a beautiful arrangement with them on your table.  For a truly creative option, try a chunky soy pillar candle.  They are made using richly scented chunks that are over-poured with scented wax of a complimentary fragrance and color.  These soy candles are a marriage of artistry and fragrance.  The result is a pillar soy candle that is a work of art, visually appealing and aromatically pleasing.  When lit they become even more beautiful as the flame dances behind the multi-colored translucent wax.     

Then if you are looking for a smaller version of a pillar, try a soy votive candle.  The up side of burning a votive is you will never get tried of their fragrance.  You can keep trying a new scent often, and find your favorite one.  For elegance, try putting your votive in a beautiful holder and set several around your home, and let their aroma burst forth.

Looking for a flame-less soy candle, try gourmet soy melts.  Just add them to a candle warmer dish, plug it in and let them melt down.  Soy melts come in several fragrances.  Mix and match till you find your favorites.  Remember the warmer dish will clean up with just soap and water.

Aromatherapy soy candles bring the healing power to your mind and body.  These fragrant candles are made with pure essential oils.  Their aromatic fragrance is captivating, beautiful and sensual.  Each one is designed to provide a gourmet aromatherapy soy candle experience.  The powerful scent of orange is held to be invigorating and renewing while lavender has a calming effect.

Soy wood wicks offers a level of ambiance beyond that of traditional soy wax candles that use a cotton wick. The wood wick melts the scented soy wax faster and disperses the soy candle fragrance into the air much quicker.  With a wood wick soy candle you can hear the soothing sound of the organic wood wick, softly crackling as it burns.

Gourmet body massage soy candles will heighten your senses; of touch (as the warm skin-nourishing and moisturizing massage oil is gently massaged into your skin), of sight (by setting the mood with the mesmerizing glow of candlelight) and smell (from its deliciously soft fragrance).  They will ignite your love life, helping to make those special moments even more intimate.  The candle oil is irresistible!  The nutrient rich oils contained in the soy candle will rejuvenate, soften and hydrate your skin.  Along with improving skin resiliency and texture, the massage soy oil blend will leave your skin luxurious, silky smooth and delicately scented.

Try a fragrance oil that is 100% pure and undiluted.  You can add fragrance oil to potpourri or use them in a scent burner.  They are perfect to use in a lamp ring.  Simply pour a small amount of your favorite scent into the lamp ring, set it on top of the light bulb and turn on the lamp.  The heat from the bulb will disperse the scent from the fragrance oil throughout your home. 

Whatever your choice of soy candle is, you can’t go wrong.  Mix and match styles, sizes and fragrances for a truly, enjoyable, healthy, soy candle experience.  Happy New Year!  

Ylang-ylang grows on the cananga tree.  It is a small flower that is greenish yellow, on rare occasion pink and curly like a sea star.  The tree is fast growing and reaches a height of 12 meters.  It grows 5 meters per year.  It grows in full or partial sun and grows best in the rain-forest where the soil is acidic.  The flower yields a very fragrant essential oil.  Its fruit is a staple food item for several types of birds.  It has been cultivated in temperate conditions in the laboratory. 

The plant is native to the Philippines and Indonesia.  Ylang-ylang either means “wilderness” where it prefers to grow or “rare” pertaining to its alluring delicate scent.  Its fragrance is rich and deep with hints of rubber and custard and bright with traces of jasmine and neroli.  Neroli has a refreshing, distinctive , spicy aroma with sweet, flowery notes.  Steam distillation is used to obtain the essential oil from the flower. 

In aromatherapy the essential oil is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems.  It is a common ingredient in the motion sickness medicine, Motion-Eaze.  It is also considered to be an aphrodisiac.  Chanel No. 5, a floral themed perfume uses ylang-ylang in it.  Ylang-ylang blends well with most floral, fruit and wood smells.  Ylang-ylang flowers are spread on the bed of newlyweds in Indonesia.  Filipino women use the flowers along with sampaguita flowers to make a necklace that they wear.  The necklace is also used to adorn religious images.

Scented soy candles also use the essential oil of ylang-ylang in making a very relaxing fragrance.  Its aroma is a sweet floral smell, similar to jasmine.  Remember it is a potent aid to romance and has its use in aromatherapy.  You can find this scent in fragrance oils, gourmet soy candle containers, soy tart melts, gourmet body massage soy candles, soy votive and aromatherapy soy candles.  Look for this fragrance in the scents of Ylang-ylang, Enchanted Journey or Sensual Moments.