I had a very unusual high school job: I poured beeswax candles at a Greek Orthodox convent!
Although an unconventional (pun intended!) experience, I loved the quiet afternoons I spent at the convent. I deeply inhaled the thick, honey-fragranced air in pouring room as I meditatively poured golden, molten beeswax into the cups. Next, I gently placed a wick in each candle, meticulously nudging it into the center.
Step 1: Pouring the candle
Step 2: Placing the wick… and trying to get it centered!
Both photos are courtesy of the convent, and used with permission.
Some may argue that four years of beeswax candle making experience doesn’t translate to useful experience in the real world. I beg to differ! As a matter of fact, I will be forever grateful for the knowledge I took away from that job.
Here are beeswax candle facts everyone needs to know:
Never burn paraffin candles… ever
As the name implies, paraffin candles are made from paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax starts as the sludge at the bottom of the barrel of crude oil. Even asphalt is extracted before paraffin in the refining process! The black sludge, already filled with numerous toxins, undergoes bleaching and treatment by carcinogens benzene and/or toulene.
And the chemicals don’t stop there. Chemists mix in toxic concoctions of colors and fragrances to make this waste product marketable and appealing. The final result is a innocent looking candle which releases seven documented toxins –two of which are carcinogenic–when it burns.
Dangerous Paraffin Soot
Over time, repeatedly burning paraffin candles leaves black soot stains on walls, ceilings, furniture, and drapery. The microscopic soot particles at fault for the cosmetic damage also cause serious health problems. These tiny particles are easily inhaled and get trapped in the deepest part of the lungs, which may cause respiratory irritation.
Beeswax Candles: Ambience with Health Benefits
Beeswax candles, on the other hand, actually clean the air when they burn. Beeswax releases negative ions when it burns. Pollen, dust, dirt, pollutants, and any other junk in the air all carry a positive charge, and that is how they can be suspended in the air. The negative ions released from burning beeswax negate the positive charge of air contaminants, and the neutralized ions are sucked back into the burning candle or fall to the ground. Many air purifiers and water filters harness this effective negative ion technology.
Beeswax candles effectively reduce asthma, allergies, and hay fever by drawing pollutants out of the air. One of the most rewarding parts of my candle pouring job was listening to customers tell me miraculous stories of how the beeswax candles changed their quality of life. The most common thing I heard was, “these are the only candles I can burn,” or “these are the only candles my husband will let me burn,” since the beeswax didn’t release irritating toxins and fragrances. Here are two of the most memorable stories.
Beeswax Candles and Asthma
As I was ringing up one woman’s candle purchase in the candle shop, I struggled to fit all of her candles into the three large canvas bags she provided. “Wow–you must be stocking up!” I observed. “I am never running out of these candles again!” she exclaimed, and told me how the candles changed her young son’s life. “He has always had terrible asthma that acts up at night. The other day, I burned one of these candles in his room two hours before he went to bed. He had no asthma symptoms at all! Now we do this routine every night.”
Beeswax Candles and Allergies
One woman told me that her granddaughter’s cat allergies interfered with visits to grandma, because of her cats. After learning about the convent’s candles, this woman burned two beeswax candles in the living room a couple of hours before her granddaughter arrived. Her granddaughter, while in the living room, experienced no allergic symptoms! They now practice this routine for comfortable visits each week.
BUT there is a catch!
Sneaky Labeling
In the U.S., the term “pure” on a label means only 51% of an ingredient (and that goes for food, too). Often, companies sell “pure” beeswax candles which contain a combination of 51% beeswax and 49% toxic paraffin. Look for the key phrase “100% Pure Beeswax” on candles.
100% pure beeswax candles have a natural orange color and sweet honey fragrance. Again, this photo is courtesy of the convent and used with permission.
A healing investment
100% pure beeswax candles come with an unexpectedly large price tag for those used to buying 100 paraffin tea lights for five bucks at Ikea. No one should pay money, however, to poison their home!When you buy 100% pure beeswax candles, you are making a health investment.
What about soy candles?
As you can imagine, I also got the scoop on soy candles. You can read how soy candles compare to beeswax candles here.
UPDATE – How do I get these candles?
Previously, I did not post the Sisters’ info on this post and asked people to email me if they wanted to know how to purchase the candles. After a discussion with the Sisters, however, we’ve decided to put their information on the post.
The Sisters sell their candles online here, at Quiet Light Candles. Their website also gives important tips about how to get the longest burn time from the candles. You will get a helpful brochure in your order, covering a lot of what I’ve written in this post. You can also ask for a few extra brochures to give to family and friends, or include with the candles you give as gifts.
For those asking about how to make their own beeswax candles:
I do not usually recommend it. The sisters spent 9 months figuring out the correct type of beeswax (it varies depending on season, pollen content, etc), the correct temperature for pouring the wax, the correct diameter for the candle, and the correct wick. And they are constantly perfecting all these variables. Making beeswax candles at home can be a fun project, but it is not as cost effective as buying the candles, since homemade ones will have a significantly reduced burn time.
In response to questions about lead in wicks:
If a candle has a metal wire in the wick, it may contain lead. Lead is banned from use, but many imported candles, especially from China, still contain lead. Burn only candles with 100% cotton wicks. If it has a wire center, it will put zinc and other metals into your air.
For questions regarding soy candles, read my Soy vs. Beeswax Candles: The Inside Scoop
shared at: Rural Thursday, SImple Lives Thursday, Freaky Friday,
Fascinating! Can’t wait till part two!
Love this! Can you please share how to select a wick? I know a lot of them contain lead which would obviously be counter productive . . .
Yes! That is another big issue that I forgot to cover! You want to use 100% cotton wicks. Avoid wicks that have the metal stick in the center of the cotton. Avoid all metal wicks, even if it says, “Lead free” because it will still put metals like zinc into the air. Regarding the wicks we use at the convent… I’ve been sworn to secrecy regarding the type of wick and where to find it
But they are, of course, 100% pure cotton.
so beeswax just burns all by itself? nothing added? so i could order beeswax online, melt it, add a wick, and presto?
Yes, the wax just burns by itself… but unfortunately, it’s not as easy as presto. The sisters spent 9 months figuring out the correct type of beeswax (it varies depending on season, pollen content, etc), the correct temperature for pouring the wax, the correct diameter for the candle, and the correct wick. And they are constantly perfecting all these variables. I don’t recommend making beeswax candles at home, because it is usually just a waste of money.
Any brand recommendations? Or does the convent have a website to purchase?
So, where can a person purchase truly 100% beeswax candles? I am very interested in this as my daughters have severe allergies, and I did not know this. Thank you for this story.
Since you don’t recommend trying to make them ourselves can you recommend a place to order good quality candles at a reasonable price?
This is very interesting!
Can you let me know where to purchase? I found one on Amazon which says 100% pure beeswax, 100% cotton wicks at the following link: It appears ok – do you agree?
http://www.amazon.com/Long-lasting-Hand-cast-Beeswax-Candle-Pillar/dp/B0055PJAKQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1347542261&sr=8-3&keywords=100%25+pure+beeswax+candle
Why don’t you recommend making your own candles? Unless I’m raising bees, it will be too expensive? I’d be interested in ordering from these sisters. What an awesome job to have had!
What a great post ~ very informative and makes me what to get some beeswax candles ~ (A Creative Harbor)
i would love to know where to buy them as well.
I have good quality beeswax and tried making tea candles. However, the candle burns very low, not throwing much light. Any tips? And if you don’t mind, I’d like the source for candles as well. Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I plan on buying some of these as Christmas presents. Do you mind if I copy this post to give with the candles? I’ll be sure to note your website. I’ve posted this to my fb page. https://www.facebook.com/learningandyearning Great information!
You’re welcome! And I would be tickled if you shared this post in the gifts! You can also ask the Sisters to include extra brochures (just ask for as many as you need) in your order. Their brochures are full of helpful information, too. And thanks for sharing this on FB!
where can I buy the 100% beeswax candles?
My husband taught me how to make beeswax candles and they smell so wonderful. Thank you for sharing your tutorial at Rural Thursdays. xo
Can you give some recommendations on where to buy? My 2 year old son has seasonal allergies and I’ve been searching for natural remedies. Thanks for the info!
These are EXCELLENT tips. And who would have thought that beeswax candles would cure allergies. I guess it makes sense though. It also makes me wary of soy candles that are promoted as being friendly to allergies even by WAPF. Since I have a soy allergy I stay FAR away from them. I will be looking into these or even trying ot make them myself!
Jen and Lauren,
I was thinking the same thing about the soy candle. I have allergies to soy, wheat, sunflower seeds, just to name a few and trying to stay away from foods that cause trouble is a challenge. I don’t burn candles often but do have some and worry about the toxins in the air. A soy candle seems like trouble waiting to happen for an asthmatic. Soy is one of the foods that make me wheeze almost immediately.
I will definitely check out the Beeswax candles from the convent!
I would like to know where to buy them as well. Thank you for sharing such helpful information.
Can you email me where to buy beeswax candles also?
Where can I buy 100% beeswax candles with cotton wick?
Great article… I had no idea! I would also love to know where to get these great candles!
I really want to know the best place to buy these candles in your opinion (or better yet how to make them myself!)
I would love to make theses as gifts this holiday season:) Do you have any sources?
Thanks for the great info!! I am interested in hearing what you have to say about soy candles… I have been making them for over 16 years (since the wax became avaible) and would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
I would love to make theses as gifts:) Do you have any sources?
Add me to the list of interested people who want to know where to find them! My husband gets horrible asthma and allergies, especially in the fall… i’d love to try this!
Wow…so very informative! (especially since I love to burn candles) Would you mind sending me the information for how I can purchase these candles? Thank you!
Fascinating! Would love to know how to purchase some. You sure are blessing the good sisters with business!
Mary, please email me the request per the directions under the UPDATE section
Please also email me with the info on where to buy. I’m purging all my toxic candles right now!
Cari
Cari, please email me the request per the directions under the UPDATE section
Hi,
I have horrific allergies and for the last two months I have been burning the paraffin wax candle, no wonder I feel cruddy. Could you email me the place to get these candles.
Thanks, Pam
Pam, please email me per the UPDATE instructions
Where can I purchase 100% pure beeswax candles?
Please email me per the UPDATE instructions
Hi,
I just read your article about beeswax candles…..we burn olive oil lamps in our house. We also have beeswax candles. They are hard to find. Also, what type of cotton wicks and holders do you use? It is very hard to find pure cotton that is not made synthetically or genetically modified. Do the nuns sell them? Do you soak your wicks before using them? May I have the convents address and contact information?
Thank you!
Celeste
Celeste, please email me per the UPDATE instructions
I am interested in the beeswax candles also due to severe seasonal allergies in our family. Also, do you know about the Scentsy warming candles? Are they any safer or not?
Email me per the instructions, please
I am interested in purchasing the beeswax candles for my family. Please e-mai me the details. Thanks!
Follow the directions and email me, please
Lauren: This is to request the update instructions where to buy beeswax candles.
Please email me like I explained in the UPDATE section
I am fascinated by your site, so informative and inspiring! I would also like to purchase the beeswax candles and many other things from your site. I can’t wait to order them ….Thank you and God Bless you for sharing such life giving information!
Follow the instructions and email me. I won’t answer if you leave me a comment asking me to email you.
where can i buy 100% beeswax candles?
At the Sisters’ website, Quiet Light Candles!
could you please tell me how to buy?
Thank you!
Nicole, follow the instructions and email me, please.
Please send me the instructions for these candles for my daughter’s allergies and asthma. Thank you!
Email me, please!
I am interested in purchasing the beeswax candles for my son. Please e-mail me the details. Thanks
I’ve just read this post after receiving your newsletter. I have tried the link to the sister’s candle business, but it just comes up with a page not found on your website. I would love to see what all they have available.
I just fixed that this morning! Thanks for letting me know! It should work now.
Thanks so much for this post and their shop info. I thought I would try to make some because they are so expensive… now I won’t! I’ll buy some from them and support them as soon as I am able (and the prices are very competitive).
Yes–they really do have competitive prices, but it many people are still shocked at the price because they are used to buying dirt-cheap paraffin candles. The Sisters are grateful for your business!
Can the beeswax be used in a candle warmer? I have young kids and open flames are not an option for me. Thanks,
Yep! I haven’t tried it, but I think it would work. And you would still get the air-cleaning properties and the lovely honey smell.
Hmm. I live in Asia and there is no way I can afford shipping candles here. We can find cheap beeswax though, so I might be forced to figure it out. I was wondering about tallow candles as well. Anybody know anything about making those?
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account seem to get something done.
Hello! I made a purchase the other day after reading your beautiful post! Do you know when packages are shipped? I’m super excited to receive the candles!
I love me some beeswax! I haven’t ever made my own candles though, and now I want to!
As a sufferer of both allergies and asthma for my entire life (19 yrs old) AND a candle fanatic, it was hart wrenching reading this post and realizing how many toxins I’ve been breathing in all these years and how it might have affected my allergies and asthma. But thanks to you, I have now purchased my first set of Quiet Light beeswax candles! I threw out my candle collection of candles that aren’t natural (so basically all of them except for a few soy ones I couldn’t part with hehe). I’m excited to see how they smell and work. Hopefully they will help purify the air in my home/dorm and ease my symptoms. When I get them in the mail I’ll update you and let you know how things go!
Thanks for introducing me to this!
Have a beautiful day
-Marlee-
Hello Lauren,
I have to say that you have an excellent site here. I just wanted to let you know that I will be citing the work that you have done on beeswax candles here as it pertains to the subject matter in the latest book that I am working on titled Air Purifiers Exposed. I’m in the process of finishing it up as we speak but still have quite a bit left to do such as all of the various marketing aspects of it all but I’m very excited if you wish to get a taste of what it covers you can follow this link to a breif 3 article series I did called Do You Know the Truth About Air Purifiers? at this link http://blog.seizeithealthmatters.com/health/.
Anyhow keep up the good work.
Julian