Soy Candles

Bayberry comes from a species of small trees and shrubs belonging to the family Myricaceae.  They are found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America.  Australasia seems to be lacking in its ability to grow Bayberry.  The proper name is Myrica and common names include Bayberry, Bay-rum tree, Candleberry, Sweet Gale and Wax-myrtle.  They grow from 1 meter shrubs to 20 meter trees.  The majority are evergreen with a few deciduous mixed in.  They are able to grow in soil that is poor in nitrogen content.  The fruit is small and has a wax coating.  Most birds can’t digest the wax coating but the Yellow-rumped Warbler of North America have adapted to eating it.  The wax is energy rich and allows the bird to winter further north in colder climate.

The foliage is a traditional insect repellent, used in camping to keep biting insects out of campers tents.  Gardeners like to grow ornamental plants of bayberry in their gardens.  China harvests the fruit of the Myrica rubra being an economically important crop.  Myrica is used to spice beer and snaps in Denmark. The bayberry wax coating has been traditionally used to make candles.  In a most famous novel, “The Swiss Family Robinson”,  the bayberry wax was used to make their candles.

You can find the bayberry fragrance in these size soy candles: 18 oz, 10 oz, 6.5 oz and 4 oz soy candle containers.  Also bayberry comes in soy votives of a single 2 oz or in a 12-pack.  Soy tart melts in a 6-pack will spice up any room with bayberry fragrance.  And also bayberry fragrance oil applied to a lamp ring will be a delightful addition to any home.  If you like berry scented soy candles and want to try a more exotic twist give bayberry a try this summer. 

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 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.

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. 

Frankincense is used to make incense and perfumes.  It is actually a dried tree sap or aromatic resin.  It has been associated with the story of the birth of baby Jesus as one of the gifts the wise-men brought.  It comes from trees of the “Boswellia” genus, one of which is the  deciduous tree “Boswellia Thurifera”.  These trees can be found in Somalia, Oman and Yemen.  They are known for their ability to grow in unfavorable environments, such as seemingly to grow out of solid rock.  A disk-like growth at the base of the tree somehow attaches itself to the rock, that prevents it from being torn away during the frequent violent storms in these areas.  Trees that are grown in gravel or rocky soil don’t exhibit this bulbous disk-like growth in such extreme. 

The aromatic resin or tree sap is diverse within this species of trees depending on the soil and climate it is grown in and the species of frankincense tree.  Frankincense is tapped by scraping or cutting the bark and allowing the sap to ooze or bleed out and harden.  The sap is then collected and now is called tears.  This process is done 2 -3 times per year.  Younger trees produce a higher quality resin and if opaque is of superior quality.  Resin value is determined by fragrance, color and clump size.  The lighter and larger clumps are more valuable. 

Frankincense was used in the ancient world to make incense, to perfume the homes of the ancient Greeks and Romans.  It was used in religious rituals of the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians and Babylonians, later in Jewish rites and even later in Catholic rites.  It was also know for its medicinal purposes in history: the first antidote for hemlock poisoning; cure for vomiting, diarrhea, fever and tumors; and today in China to treat leprosy and gonorrhea; in Asia used in medicine to treat digestion and for healthy skin.  Frankincense is edible.  It is chewed like gum but must be pure, no black or brown impurities.  It must be translucent, a light yellow with a slight greenish tint.

Frankincense is used today in perfumery and aromatherapy.  It can be mixed with spices or seeds to create its desired aroma.  The chunks of raw resin can also be placed directly on a heat source to create an incense quality aroma that repels mosquitoes.  The essential oil “Olibanum” is obtained through steam distillation of the dry resin.  Perfumes may contain this essential oil that evaporates slowly, thus maintaining its fragrance.  The essential oil is also used in aromatherapy and is known for its stress-reducing properties.  It has a fresh sweet fragrance that is characterized by a balsamic-spicy, slightly lemon, slight conifer-like undertone.

For a simple way to enjoy the scent of Frankincense try scented soy candles.  You can find this aroma in the scent of “Oh Holy Night”.  This fragrance comes in a variety of styles and sizes of gourmet scented soy candles, soy container candles, soy jar candles, soy candle tins, soy votive,  gourmet soy tart melts, and fragrance oils.

Eucalyptus is a broad group of trees and sometimes shrubs that grow mostly in Australia.  The word means “well covered”.  In Australia there are over 700 species of eucalyptus.  It also is found in small numbers in parts of New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, America, England, Africa, Middle East, China, the Indian Subcontinent and the Mediterranean Basin. 

Uses of the eucalyptus tree include:

1. A wood source that has made them economically important in poorer regions of the world.
2. Its oil serves as a natural insecticide and cleaner.
3. Since it sucks water from the ground it is being planted to drain swamps.  In the process it reduces the malaria risk in those areas.
4. The leaves are beneficial in that they contain compounds that are natural disinfectants. 
5. There is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves.  In large quantities, however this compound is toxic.  Steam distillation is used to extract the eucalyptus oil from the leaves.  This oil is used for cleaning purposes, deodorizing, in small amounts in food supplements as cough drops, sweets and decongestants. 
6. It is an active ingredient in some commercial mosquito repellents as it has insect repellent properties. 
7. The nectar of some trees produce honey. 
8. The wood is used in making Australian Aboriginal wood instruments. 
9. Dyes can be made from all parts of the eucalyptus and the material left over from the processing can be used for mulch and fertilizers.

Scented soy candles uses the fragrant essential oil of eucalyptus in making a pleasing aroma for your home.  You can find this fragrance in soy candle container jars, 4oz travel tins, gourmet soy melts, soy votive, fragrance oil, and in the fragrance of “Cool Breeze” in aromatherapy and body massage soy candles. 

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.    

The definition of a flameless candle usually refers to a battery powered candle.  It does not have a wick or plastic appearing flame.  They produce a luminescent glow, similar to that of a votive, tea lights or tapers.  They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  There is no fire hazard when using a battery powered candle.  The look of a flameless candle is more life-like when you purchase one that resembles a votive, tea light or round oblong candle.  These kinds of wax candles have the flame and wick sinking below the top of the candle, thus emitting a glow when lit.  With a taper wax candle the wick and flame are more visible.  Therefore using a flameless taper is not as effective in fooling people.  You can even find a battery powered candle that emits a fragrance.  You can use these candles in the same way you would use a soy votive candle, in a pretty glass holder, in a Halloween pumpkin, in an unused fireplace, the bathroom, any room in your home or office.  When your flameless candle goes out, simply replace the batteries.

Soy tart melts are another type of flameless candle.  They are small chunks of soy wax that have no wick.  Their intended purpose is to place them into an electric tart warmer and allow them to melt.  Their fragrance is emitted as they are melting.  You have no flame to worry about, no dripping wax to clean up, no batteries to replace.  You can even mix different scented melts in your warmer, to create your own special scent.  Another excellent use of melts are to break apart the chunks and place one in each closet or dresser drawer to keep those garments smelling fresh.

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!  

We all have our favorite fragrances in perfumes, soaps, shampoos and even candles.  Fragrance is a major part of our lives today.  Over 75% of the candles sold on the market are scented.  Candle manufacturers and fragrance companies have begun to work together to create pleasing scents for our homes and our lives.  They want to also increase our quality of life by increasing our comfort levels with scented candles. 

To really increase your quality of life and keep your health optimum, soy candles are the way to go.  They are non-toxic to your health, a renewable resource, affordable since they last 50% longer than paraffin candles, and Eco-friendly.  They come in all sizes and shapes, and various containers. 

Here are some popular scents to think about as you decide on what fragrance you might like to try.  They rank from the most popular as number 1 and on down the list.

1. Scents for the kitchen: vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, gingerbread, pumpkin, apple pie, and brown sugar.
2. Scents from fruits: citrus and apple have a wide range from the light and airy scents to the warm comforting scents, also found are melon, peach and black cherry.
3. Scents of floral: lavender, lilac, rose, jasmine and gardenia are soft and light scents.
4. Scents for the spa: mint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, green tea and ylang ylang were created for relaxation and mood elevation.
5. Scents for real life: rain, fresh linen, ocean mist, baby powder and many more that remind us of familiar day to day scents.

Whatever your favorite scent might be, there is probably a fragrant scented soy candle just waiting to find a place in your home.  Won’t you give a homeless soy candle a place to throw back and let their scent go for the holidays.  Enjoy, as it permenates you with its essence of pure bliss.