Mass-produced candles have been made from paraffin wax for the last hundred years or so. While looking pretty and the scented ones giving off a pleasant perfume, they also release some nasty chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene and soot when they are burned. This is because the paraffin wax is refined from crude oil. It was not until the mid-1990’s that some candle makers in the USA invented a wax made from soybean oil to replace the paraffin wax that they had previously been using. Soy wax is also a renewable source of wax as well as not giving off the poisonous hydrocarbons of paraffin smoke.

There has also been some recent research that links the smoke from scented paraffin wax candles to asthma, eczema and even cancer, especially when used in rooms with poor ventilation, like bathrooms. These risks are minimised if you burn candles made of natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or vegetable waxes, as they use esters, not hydro-carbons, that burn more cleanly and efficiently. Another drawback of paraffin wax candles is that the synthetic fragrances that tend to be used in these candles can also be toxic.

So not only is burning candles made from soybean oil, vegetable waxes or beeswax better for your health, they also use only natural essential oils to fragrance them and create the scent. So you can enjoy the relaxing effects of lavender or sandalwood oil or the refreshing, uplifting effects of bergamot and frankincense oil when breathing in the scented aroma of your favourite candle! Moreover, if you choose organic scented candles, you also get the benefits of the organic farming of the soy or vegetable used to make the wax – so no nasty pesticides have been used.

So where is the best place to buy your organic scented candles? There are now many retail outlets and web stores that now sell organic scented candles and one of the best buys is the new range of scented organic candles from The Fine Cotton Company.

The Fine Cotton Company are more famous for their luxurious but affordable range of 100% organic bed linen, duvets, mattress enhancers, pillows and bedroom accessories, but they have recently brought out a fabulous new range of scented organic candles, that are blended with pure essential oils. The plant waxes that the candles are made from are all 100% organic and from sustainable sources.

The candles come in glass candle holders and are packed in beautiful gift boxes. They come in four sizes. The petites come in a gift pack of four and they have a burn time of fifteen hours per candle, and are a perfect way to try out the different fragrances. The standard is a 200g candle that has a burn time of around forty hours, the medium is a 10cm diameter candle with three wicks and a burn time of about one hundred hours and last, but not least, the large is a 15cm diameter candle with three wicks and a burn time of approximately one hundred and forty hours.

Of course the fragrances are all important and The Fine Cotton Company has a superb range. You get to choose from:

Love Me… In an enchanting fuchsia pink gift box, the scent of this candle is both relaxing yet refreshing and is lovingly blended with rose geranium.

Pamper Me.. If you want to unwind, choose this comforting and self indulgent blend of orange, geranium, ylang ylang and lavender

Relax Me… For deep relaxation light this candle and sink into the the soothing aromas of ho wood, ylang ylang, bergamot, and clary sage

Desire Me… Some nights you just need the sensual, stimulating, warming and slightly exotic mix of orange, patchouli, ylang ylang and caffir lime

Inspire Me… If you need reviving and uplifting, let this candle stimulate your senses with the warm scents of neroli, combined with mandarin, lavender and rosemary

Energise Me… Lacking energy and needing a boost? Light this candle and enjoy this uplifting, stimulating and refreshing blend of lemon grass and tea tree oil. Perfect as a pick-me-up

Calm Me… Need soothing and relaxing? Loosen up with this calming, soothing and mellow aroma of pure lavender oil. All you need to unwind!

Christmas Time... Bring the scent of Christmas into your home with this warming, comforting, slightly spicy blend of orange, clove and cinnamon. What a perfect way to dream away the chill of those long, cold winter evenings!

So are you tempted yet? The Fine Cotton Company's range of Organic Scented Candles make the perfect gift for loved ones, family and friends. Or as a gift to yourself? Imagine long, luxurious baths with the soothing fragrance of essential oils, or a beautifully illuminated bedroom or lounge?

Copyright 2009 CMHypno on HubPages

Please note that no payment was received for reviewing these products, nor were any free products offered as an encouragement to review and promote them