What could define a loving home environment better than the smell of a burning scented candle? Imagine walking into your home on a cold winter’s evening and being greeted by the aroma of French Vanilla or Gingerbread. It paints a warm, inviting picture; doesn’t it? Would you be shocked to find out that soot particles from 98% of candles sold in the United States today contain many of the same compounds as those given off when burning diesel fuel?

I was shocked to learn that these candles introduce pollutants and sometimes even carcinogens into your home. So much for ambiance! Unfortunately, most consumers are not aware of candle ingredients and most candles, unless they’re labeled to the contrary, are manufactured using paraffin wax. One reason for our ignorance regarding paraffin and its dangers is that candle makers are not required to list ingredients on their candles. Even when they are listed, they are often worded so that buyers are lead to feel as though they are purchasing healthy, aromatherapy candles when, in fact, the candle is mostly petroleum wax.

Paraffin wax is made from petroleum wastes which have been bleached. It has long been popular for candle making because it’s cheap, relatively easy to work withy and has a colorless translucence that is beneficial when creating different types of candles. The ugly reality is that it also produces smoke and soot and, according to the American Environmental Protection Agency, releases carcinogens such as benzene and toluene as well as other toxic substances into your home when burned. Again, these hazards are not required to be disclosed on candle warning labels.

Can you protect your family from these dangers and still burn candles in your home? Rest assured, the answer to that question is yes. There are safe solutions available to you. One of the most popular alternatives today is soy wax. Produced from soy beans, it burns cleaner than paraffin wax, emits almost no soot and is a renewable resource. The purchase of soy wax also supports the American farmer instead of the oil conglomerates. Soy candles burn cooler and longer, and produce no known carcinogens, which make them a better value for the money when compared to similar-sized paraffin candles.

The next time you purchase candles for your family home or as a gift for another household, check the labels carefully. Please make choices that will keep the indoor air quality safe for humans and their pets. What could define a loving home environment better than the smell of a healthy burning scented candle?

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Before I started my own business, I thought that making candles was a very long, tedious process. Then I discovered Soy candles, which are so easy, anyone with the time and energy can do it! Soybean based wax candles are a very soft wax, therefore, it is easy to work with and easy to clean up if there are any spills.

Soy wax can be melted in the microwave, so there is really no need for a double broiler, and you can melt if faster as well. To begin we will need to have these items on hand.

1. Glass measuring cup. (16 oz. to 32 oz.)
2. 1 lb. (16oz. ) of soy wax
3. a wax thermometer
4. 1 oz. of fragrance
5. a glass container
6. Wick and wick tab (or you can glue it with a glue gun).
7. Newspaper (to help make clean up easier).

You can purchase soy wax at any of the online candle supplies places. They can be bought in 1 lb. increments, 10 lb or 50 lb. There are also soy wax candle kits that you can purchase which will have instructions in them.

First, you need to measure out the wax flakes into the glass measuring jar. Usually you will need to have approximately 30 to 31oz. to make 16oz. melted. You put it in the Microwave for 5 minutes.

While the wax is melting, you can attach your wick to the center of the jar. You can either use a wick sticker or a drop of glue from a hot glue gun. Typically you will want a wick that is compliant with soy wax, and jar size. I would recommend an http cotton coreless wick.

Take the melted wax out of the microwave with pot holders, as the glass will be very hot! Put the thermometer in the wax to make sure it has reached a temperature of at least 140° F.

You can then add your dye, which would be approximately 7-8 drops per pound of wax. (You made add more if you are looking for a darker affect).

Now you need to let the wax sit and cool down to about 100° F and add your fragrance, because if it is exposed to high heat for too long, you will lose the potency of the fragrance.

Lastly, you want to make sure the wick is going to stay centered. You can either wrap the wick around a pencil tightly, or use a clothespin. Let your candle cure for 24 hours and you have a wonderful soy candle!

Don’t forget to trim your wick to approx. ˝ inch. Soy wax burns cooler, so it needs to create the melt pool with a longer wick.

Thank you until next time.

Beth Hefferon
Owner, Firefly Soy Candles
www.fireflysoycandlesonline.com

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Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your patience over anything? Everything seems to be shattered and you think that you cannot handle it anymore. This is definitely the perfect time to lighten the burden! Aromatherapy is a great conclusion. Some scented aromatherapy candles will help you out! What are aromatherapy candles anyway? Let’s find out about them in here.

However, before we jump into aromatherapy candles, it’s better to get to know what aromatherapy is and how it works. Aromatherapy is a body healing treatment that uses essential oils with certain scent or aroma with the intention of physical as well as psychological comfort.

Candles are just one of the varieties of aromatherapy diffusers. The aroma of essential oils will be dispersed by the candles and therefore will fill up an area or a room with the natural fragrance. You can also use other diffusers available in your household equipments like clay pot, electric heat, and fan. Of course each has different advantages and disadvantages. You can pick up what suits you best.

Aromatherapy Candles Benefits

One clear benefit you can get by using aromatherapy candles is that you won’t need batteries or electricity. Moreover, aromatherapy candles are not expensive. In short, it’s definitely economical. However, you should be careful with the risk of fire while using this candle diffuser as you do the same to other usual candles.

The scents or aroma you’ll get from aromatherapy candles are widely varied. You can ask for particular scents that offer certain help for your body and soul. For example, lavender is a recommended aroma for relaxing, while you can have jasmine for sensual atmosphere.

Where do you get these aromatherapy candles then? They’re absolutely easily found in beauty outlets, especially those that offer health and beauty treatment. You can also get them at online stores. Just search on what you need and you’ll soon get the answers! Live healthy with aromatherapy!

About The Author: Martha Carles knows aromatherapy very well. She has helped people with aromatherapy. You can visit her Website: MyAromatherapyGuide.com at http://www.myaromatherapyguide.com

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