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.