Beeswax has been used for thousands of years, previously as a luxury, as it takes an entire hive of bees to produce an ounce of honey. Evidence of beeswax candles found in Greece and Egypt has been dated back to 3000BC.
Most candles are made of paraffin wax, which is a solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. If you burn one for a long period of time, you might notice a dark stain on your wall afterwards. Why? Paraffin wax releases toxic carcinogens into the air akin to the chemicals in diesel fuel emissions. It can clog your pores, induce nausea, produce headaches and generate poor circulation. This is the same pollution that contributes to lung cancer. So much for breathing easy!
Pros of beeswax candles
Environmentally friendly because they are made from natural ingredients.
It doesn’t come with that chemical-like scent as long as you do not add any artificial scent to your beeswax candle.
It purifies the air as it burns.
Lights up longer than most other candles.
It does not rot and will last indefinitely when stored the right way.
Cons of beeswax candles
Very expensive because beeswax is expensive.
It requires you to hold the flame over the wick longer because it will take a while for it to light.
Not as readily available as other types of candles.
What are the Health Benefits of Beeswax Candles?
Along with keeping the environment safer, beeswax candles also help to clean out the air. It generates negative ions as long as the candle burns which increases oxygen flow to the brain and enhances mental energy.
These ions then neutralize the pollutants like dust, mould and odours present in the surrounding air. As a result, people don’t suffer from allergic reactions when these candles burn.
So if you know individuals with asthma and similar breathing issues, beeswax can be a great gift idea on their special occasions.
Using Beeswax Candles
There are many ways to burn beeswax candles to take advantage of their natural health benefits. Individuals who suffer from breathing difficulties such as asthma or allergies should consider burning only pure beeswax candles, and burning the candles for 30-60 minutes in the bedroom before sleeping can help clear the air for more restful sleep. Beeswax candles are also best to use in the kitchen where they will help neutralize odours without tainting food with artificial aromas, and they can also be used in a home office or any other area where there may be a large concentration of use and lingering odours. Beeswax candles can even be used in a nursery to clear the air for young and delicate lungs, but remember that burning candles should never be left unattended around children.
History of a Bees wax
Beeswax is one of nature's most fascinating creations. For centuries, it has been used for a variety of purposes, from candles to cosmetics, and even as a form of currency. But what is the history of this incredible substance, and how has it evolved over time?The use of beeswax can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for a variety of purposes. In Egypt, it was used to embalm bodies and make cosmetics, while in Rome, it was used to make candles and as a sealant for documents.
During the Middle Ages, beeswax became an important commodity in Europe, where it was used for everything from candles to medicine. Monks in monasteries would use beeswax to make candles for their religious ceremonies, and it became a popular ingredient in a variety of medicines due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
As European colonization spread across the globe, beeswax became an important trading commodity. In North America, it was used as a form of currency by Native American tribes, and it was also used by early settlers for candles and soap.In the 19th century, the invention of the modern beehive and the honey extractor made it easier to harvest beeswax, and it became more widely available. This led to an increase in its use in the manufacturing of candles, soaps, and cosmetics.
Today, beeswax is still used for a variety of purposes. It is commonly used in the production of candles, where it is valued for its slow-burning properties and pleasant scent. It is also used in the production of cosmetics, where it acts as a natural moisturizer and emulsifier.In addition to its practical uses, beeswax also has a rich cultural history. In many ancient cultures, beeswax was seen as a symbol of purity and fertility, and it was often used in religious ceremonies.
The history of beeswax is a fascinating one. From its use in ancient civilizations to its continued use today, beeswax has played an important role in human history. Its versatility and unique properties have made it a valuable commodity throughout the ages, and it continues to be an important part of our lives today.
Environmentally friendly and popular Beeswax wraps, which extends the shelf life of fresh produce, etc. People love it. You can even make it at home without buying a new one. Before that, aren't you curious about the reasons why it's popular despite not being cheap? Beeswax wraps is packed with many 'good' things.
Hot trend! Beeswax wrap
Beeswax wraps are currently trending. In recent times when attention is drawn to news about global warming and environmental protection, reusable Beeswax wraps have become popular. Beeswax wraps are also known by other names such as Beeswax-coated cloth or Beeswax pouches. When they get dirty, you can simply wash them with cold water and a soft sponge, then air dry them until all the Beeswax coating is gone, and they can be used as regular cloth afterwords . They are packed with such appealing features.
Beeswax wraps are adorable!
Unlike transparent film, they come in cute patterns that brighten up the kitchen, making some people use them with a focus on kitchen interior design. Beeswax wraps have a high level of design appeal, and they not only wrap food but can also be used for serving trays or bread storage, adding a decorative touch to the table.
Beeswax wraps have an antibacterial effect
Due to the antimicrobial properties of beeswax, they help preserve the freshness of food a little longer than regular film wraps. They can slow down the oxidation and spoilage of food, making them particularly valuable during the summer months.
Beeswax wraps are adjustable
You can easily cut them with scissors to fit your regular dishes or containers. It's also possible to make larger Beeswax wraps and then cut them to the size you need at the moment.
Beeswax wraps are environmentally friendly
Made from natural materials, they help reduce unnecessary waste and do not contribute to environmental burden as they are not disposable. Since they are free from chemicals and synthetic substances, they are favored by those who want to avoid synthetic additives.
How to make Beeswax wraps
Making Beeswax wraps is easy with materials you can find at home, except for the fabric and beeswax. For this project, I used leftover fabric from the discount store and 100% unbleached beeswax.
Using unbleached, yellow beeswax adds a retro feel to the leftover fabric, making it quite stylish. If you want to showcase the design of the fabric, I recommend using bleached white beeswax. Yellow beeswax is slightly cheaper and can be easily found in holistic shops and other places.
Materials
22g of yellow beeswax
Scrap fabric (I used a piece measuring 30cm x 40cm)
Parchment paper (cooking sheet)
Iron
Direction
Step 1: Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the fabric and place it under the fabric.
Step 2: Sprinkle the beeswax evenly over the parchment paper and fabric.
Step 3: Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the setup from Step 2.
Step 4: Use the iron to apply even heat over the top parchment paper, melting the beeswax and allowing it to penetrate into the fabric. You may need to keep the iron on the fabric longer than usual to ensure proper penetration. The more heat you apply, the better the beeswax will infuse into the fabric.
Step 5: Once it's slightly dry, remove the top parchment paper.
Step 6: From here, start adjusting the fabric edges. Leave the bottom parchment paper in place and use scissors to trim any uneven edges, loose threads, or make size adjustments by cutting along with the bottom parchment paper.
Step 7: Once you finish cutting the fabric, remove the bottom parchment paper and let the Beeswax wraps air dry.
Beeswax wraps become soft and slightly adhesive when warmed by the heat of your hands, allowing them to fit tightly around objects.
In addition to food storage, Beeswax wraps can also be used for bakery items and sweets due to their sturdy fabric.
Caution:
Please refrain from using if you have allergies to honey.