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.

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.

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. 

Tallow is made from rendered fat from animals.  Beef is the primary source of tallow.  A vegetarian version is available, made from the tallow tree, but its composition is slightly different.  With the many uses of tallow, it is a product in consistent demand. 

Tallow begins with the process of extraction of suet from a carcass.  Suet is hard fat found around the kidneys and other organs.  Suet can be used as it is but the shelf life is very short and it will turn rancid.  Suet contains many impurities.  Rendering the suet produces tallow.  Tallow can be kept for an extended period of time if kept in an airtight container in a cool place. 

Tallow can also be rendered from pigs, horses and sheep.  Tallow is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, has lesser amounts of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.  Due to the composition of fats in tallow it is solid and at room temperature is odorless and tasteless. 

Uses of tallow: fuel, treatment for leather, base for soaps, base for candles, in lubricants and cooking oils.  It can be turned into bio-fuel, used as a food supplement for animals, and is used in leather dressings and waterproofing compounds designed for leather. 

Making tallow at home is possible but messy and smelly.  It is made by cooking diced fat in water, cooling it, straining it to remove impurities, skimming off the top layer of fat which accumulates after a night of chilling.  It is also possible to purchase plain tallow, removing the mess and smell.

Tallow used as a base for candles was used in our past history.  Now as new products have made it easier to make candles, tallow is not used as much.  Soy wax is a relatively new base for making candles.  It is made from the soybean grown in the United States and other countries that produce soybeans.  It is a renewable resource and helps promote the American farm industry.  It is also easy to clean up with just soap and water.  Soy wax can be dyed and scented producing many soy candle fragrances.  Scented soy candles made from only soy wax  are non-toxic, produce little to no soot  and burn 50% longer than paraffin candles.  You can also make and purchase unscented soy candles.

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.

Those nubs of left over candle wax in the bottom of the jar are excellent for fire starters.  Simply melt the nubs of candle wax and reuse them.  A great idea is to coat a pine cone with the melted wax by dipping the pine cone into it.  Let it dry and now you have a wonderful fire starter for the fireplace or bonfire outside.  If your nubs were scented, you have a wonderful aroma filling your home as well.

Another use is to take a cardboard egg carton and fill the spaces with dryer lint.  Melt the nubs and pour the wax over the lint in each space.  Let the candle wax harden.  Then cut the egg carton spaces into sections, you will have 12 of them, and use one to start your fire.  Once again if your wax was scented it will give off a pleasing aroma. 

Remember using scented soy wax candles makes good sense.  They are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, produce little to no soot, burn 50% longer than paraffin, come in many fragrances and clean up with just soap and water.  Be sure your nubs are soy wax.