Beeswax: uses and benefits

What is beeswax and how is it obtained?

Beeswax is a rather complex product that is secreted in liquid form by special wax glands on the abdominal cavity of young worker bees (12 to 17 days old). This task is performed exclusively by worker bees. The wax glands of adult insects atrophy after they begin daily flights.

Waxy scales form on the anterior part of the sternal plates of the abdominal cavity. Eight wax glands are located above the pectoral plates of the abdomen, 4 on each side. Liquefied wax is released, which when exposed to air hardens into thin scales. Used to build honeycombs and strengthen the entire hive.

The purest and most natural wax is translucent or light in color. Depends on the thickness of the plates. The younger the bee, the thinner they are. Light, golden or yellow shades are more common. The beautiful color is achieved thanks to pollen and propolis, which naturally color the beeswax. The dark brown color is due to excessive amounts of pollen oils and propolis.

The raw material is obtained through the process of reheating and straining honeycombs and cuttings directly in the apiary. To achieve a pure yellow shade, several repeated procedures will be required. Poured into molds. After cooling and removing, it is completely ready for use.

You can purchase a healthy product at highly specialized outlets, at farmers' markets, from beekeepers, and in pharmacies. Differs in color and shape. Sizes depend on target consumption. The use of beeswax is important both at home and as part of medical preparations.

Beneficial properties of beeswax

The modern pharmaceutical industry offers drugs for humans and animals as part of the production. Commonly used in natural remedies. Among the main ones we can mention the following:

1. Oral care. The wax is rich in vitamin A with antioxidants. Has a good healing and anti-inflammatory effect. It can be used to prevent and treat bad breath, ulcers due to inflammation of the gum mucosa.
2. Stomach upsets are resolved by chewing the product. The production of stomach acid and saliva is stimulated.
3. Cures various skin diseases.
4. Gives shine to nails and strengthens them.

The benefits of beeswax for the human body

:

• antibacterial and preservative effect;
• a natural remedy that is destructive to bacteria and microbes;
• antiseptic;
• regenerating agent;
• removes many harmful substances and removes poisons;
• prevents and treats colds and viral diseases;
• removes inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• treats the oral cavity;
• helps get rid of tobacco addiction;
• fully replaces teeth cleaning product;
• indispensable for damage to the skin (abrasions, scratches, burns, frostbite);
• used for trophic ulcers, eczema, scaly lichen;
• relieves joint pain;
• eliminates the accumulation of fluids in tissues and redness of the skin;
• normalizes blood circulation;
• increases appetite.

The chemical and physical properties of beeswax are known in the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, and radiculitis.

Many people ask questions about food consumption and acceptable quantities. When chewed, a small portion may enter the stomach. Even a small dose helps cope with colitis. But the daily dose should not exceed 15 g.

May Promote Heart Health

Honeycomb may improve your heart health.

Research shows that the fatty acids and long-chain alcohols found in beeswax may reduce high blood cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

For example, one review notes that beeswax alcohols can help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by 29%, and increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels by 8-15% (14).

However, the studies in this review used high levels of isolated beeswax-derived alcohols, making it difficult to determine whether small amounts of beeswax in honeycomb will produce the same effects.

However, honey itself may have the same cholesterol-lowering ability (15, 16, 17, 18).

In one small study, participants consumed 70 grams of sugar or honey per day. After 30 days, those in the honey group increased their “good” HDL cholesterol levels by 3.3% and decreased their “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by 5.8% (19).

What's more, replacing sugar with honey can also help reduce triglyceride levels by 19% (15, 16, 17, 18, 19).

Additionally, the antioxidants present in honey can help dilate the arteries leading to your heart. In turn, this can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke (9, 20).

Summary:

Honeycomb may benefit your heart by improving circulation and increasing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol while lowering blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Chemical composition of beeswax

Beeswax is a combination of various long-chain molecules. Consists of over 300 components, although surprisingly pure beeswax is made up of three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Of these 300 components, about 50 contribute to the wonderful honey smell that many people love.

There is no exact chemical composition, like any beekeeping product:

• hydrocarbons (12%-16%);
• free fatty acids (12-14%);
• free fatty alcohols (about 1%);
• linear wax monoesters (35-45%);
• wax esters (15%-27%);
• exogenous substances, which are mainly remnants of propolis, pollen, small pieces of floral components and contaminants.

Remember!

The composition of beeswax may vary between different families and different breeds of bees, as there is a possibility that wax production is closely related to bee genetics and diet.

Beeswax: benefits and harms

Wax is widely used in folk and traditional medicine, cosmetology, and the technical industry. When considering the benefits and harms of beeswax, it is worth paying attention to its chemical content and use for various ailments.

This natural beekeeping product has no contraindications or restrictions for use, except for individual intolerance. It is important to note that in alternative medicine, beeswax can also be used for people suffering from allergies.

Other Applications

In addition to medicinal and cosmetic characteristics, the beekeeping product has technical properties. It is used in the manufacture of shoe polishes and furniture mastic. It is used in the textile and printing industries, orthopedic dentistry.

The plasticity of the material allows it to be used to obtain precise moldings and casts in the manufacture of parts with complex profiles (bas-reliefs, engravings, jewelry, etc.).

The beekeeping product is used in the food industry, in particular, it is included in the coating of cheeses. In small quantities, acting as a glazing agent that serves to prevent water loss, it is used to protect the surface of some fruits.

Wax food additive E901 is used in the manufacture of soft gelatin capsules and tablet coatings. Beeswax is an ingredient in natural chewing gum. Holiday decorative candles are made from it, and it is widely used in the art industry.

The use of beeswax in cosmetology

Beeswax is a good, proven, indispensable ingredient in the cosmetics industry. The possibilities of use are almost endless. Unique characteristics give certain significance to liquid solutions, contribute to the formation of stable emulsions and increase the water resistance of ointments and creams.

Preferred ingredient for lipsticks. Gives natural shine, maintains consistency and color stabilization. Use in cosmetology:

• in cold creams (8-12% beeswax);
• deodorants (up to 35%);
• depilators (hair removal products, up to 50%);
• hair cream (5-10%);
• hair conditioners (1-3%);
• mascara (6-12%);
• blush (10-15%);
• eye shadow (6-20%) and others.

For hair

Used for treatment and as additives in basic care, for hair styling. Restores damaged hair structure, strengthens the hair follicle, adds additional volume, enhances natural shine, and makes combing easier. It also retains moisture and prevents hair loss.

Revitalizing mask:

• melt a quarter of a glass of wax;
• add a tablespoon of basic sea buckthorn, wheat germ, and apricot oils to the warm mixture;
• a couple of drops of essential oils, depending on the type of hair (for dry hair - flaxseed, coconut, for oily hair - grape, almond);
• cool to a pleasant application temperature;
• rub in direction of growth;
• wrap with film and a towel for 20 - 40 minutes;
• wash off with shampoo.

Procedures with masks can be repeated once or twice every two weeks. Depending on the health of the hair.

For facial skin

The unique properties of natural wax are widely known for rejuvenating and maintaining the tone of the face and the whole body, in the treatment of acne and irritations.

Beauty Recipes

:

Universal cream:

• base 50 g;
• retinol 10 drops;
• almond oil and peach oil 10 drops each;
• rose oil and sea buckthorn oil, 5 drops each.

Stir thoroughly. Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.

For dry skin, against flaking:

• wax 50 g;
• retinol 10 drops;
• jasmine and peach oils 10 drops each;
• Avocado and pumpkin oil 5 drops each.

To stir thoroughly. Store in glass containers in a dark, cool place.

For teenage skin:

• Organic material 60 g;
• glycerin 1 tablespoon;
• sea ​​buckthorn oil and apricot oil 10 drops each;
• sesame oil 5 drops.

For lips:

• wax 20 g;
• rose oil, peach oil, wheat germ oil 3 drops each.

Remember!

All oils in creams and masks can be changed depending on the characteristics of the skin and individual tolerance of the components.

For nails

Beautiful and healthy nails are an indicator of well-groomed hands. Often the nail plates are subject to delamination. The problem is eliminated after completing a treatment course of vitamins and minerals. Beeswax helps with local treatment:

• strengthens, prevents possible problems;
• returns natural shine to nails;
• softens cuticles;
• creates a protective coating;
• relieves inflammation, accelerates wound healing;
• prevents infection.

Recovery procedures:

• rubbing into the nail plates;
• baths;
• cream consisting of wax, basic and essential oils.

Sinusitis, otitis, abscess and sore throat

The beneficial properties of beeswax are widely used in the treatment of these diseases. They pester both adults and children. If they are not treated, very unpleasant consequences are possible. So, to prepare a special ointment you will need:

• wax - 30 grams;
• 1 egg yolk;
• olive oil - 1 cup.

To prepare the medicinal product, you need to scoop out the oil into an enamel bowl, add crushed wax there and put it on low heat. The mixture must be stirred constantly until the wax is completely dissolved. Then slowly add the yolk, stirring constantly. After 2-3 minutes, remove the ointment from the heat and leave for 2 hours to infuse. After this, it is ground through a sieve and used for its intended purpose. The ointment is stored in the refrigerator and heated in a water bath before use.

Inhalations

For the prevention and treatment of ARVI, acute respiratory infections, and for the treatment of cough, inhalations based on beeswax are used. Also, simply chewing the product helps to cope with sore throat, rhinitis and asthma.

Place 50 g of propolis and 30 g of wax in an enamel pan. Melt in a water bath. Inhale the vapors for 15–20 minutes twice a day. The procedure lasts up to ten days. After four days you can repeat the course.

Wax treatments

The amazing healing properties of wax have led to a variety of areas of medicine where beeswax is used . Wax is famous for its bactericidal properties; it has no equal in this. It is used to prepare plasters and ointments. The high content of vitamin A promotes accelerated treatment of skin diseases. In addition, beeswax is a natural antibiotic.

Let us give some examples from the field of traditional medicine.

• This is an ointment based on beeswax , which helps to quickly destroy calluses . To prepare it you will need 30 g of any wax, 50 g of propolis and one lemon, from which the juice is first extracted. If desired, you can add 2 tbsp. l. lingonberry juice. The ratio of ingredients is more important, and their quantities may vary. All products are mixed and heated over low heat until the wax dissolves in the substance. After this, you need to cool the mixture and subsequently store it in the refrigerator, preferably in a glass jar. Method of application : the callus is treated with ointment, everything is secured with an adhesive plaster. Repeat for several days depending on the size of the callus and sensitivity to the ointment. Then dilute a 2% soda solution and soften the calluses, which can then be removed.

• If a woman lacks breast milk , you can use the following recipe: Heat wax in a water bath and pour plantain juice into it. The plant growing near the road has certain medicinal properties, but in this case it is better to buy the juice at the pharmacy. As in the previous case, the ratio is important - 5:1. The resulting wax is applied to the breast for 15 minutes immediately before feeding. By the way, the famous scientist Avicenna noticed the positive effect of beeswax on the amount of mother's milk.

• Beeswax is an excellent remedy against juvenile acne . The necessary ingredients are chopped celandine (1 tbsp), the same amount of white wax, peach oil (2 tbsp), glycerin (1 teaspoon). All this is mixed, then melted over low heat and cooled. A cream-like substance is applied to areas of the skin affected by acne.

• For sinusitis , the following remedy will help: yarrow herb, brought to a powdery state, is added to the melted wax. The resulting substance is cooled, then applied to the affected sinuses for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, “Star” is applied.

Wax close up

How to spot a fake

Sometimes a synthetic version of beeswax is found on sale. To obtain a larger volume of goods and benefits, unscrupulous persons dilute the natural product with paraffin, rosin or other ingredients.

Important indicators of the naturalness of beeswax:

• honey aroma is felt;
• pronounced golden shades (from light to brown);
• the cut is matte, on the fake it is smooth with a pronounced shine;
• does not crumble in your hands, flexible;
• does not leave oily stains;
• does not stick to the oral cavity when chewed;
• solid consistency, regular type of block;
• does not change color when heated.

Rules for storing beeswax

The product is highly resistant to external conditions:

• does not absorb liquid;
• does not oxidize;
• low probability of drying out;
• initial weight;
• resistant to various microorganisms.

But it is characterized by high absorption of third-party odors. In case of storage violations, it is exposed to external pests: mice and rats, wax moth larvae.

Should be stored in an airtight, dry, preferably glass or enamel container. Rooms with low humidity are suitable; it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight. Temperature within 20 °C. Shelf-life Unlimited. During long-term storage, a light gray coating may appear, which indicates its natural origin.

Often people do not know all the beneficial properties of a valuable product and classify it as recyclable. Natural medicine is used in many areas of pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and industry, and other areas of human activity.

How to store beeswax

Natural wax is a very resistant substance to external conditions. The product is not afraid of high humidity and does not oxidize from contact with air, does not dry out, does not mold or deteriorate.

You can store wax even without containers, but in this case it may become dusty.

The only weak point of the substance is its high degree of odor absorption. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep wax near spices, seasonings and other strong-smelling products. You also need to ensure that pests and insects do not have access to it. It is best to store wax in a dry glass container at a temperature of about 20 degrees, away from sunlight.

Beeswax has an unlimited shelf life and can be used for years. Over time, a light gray coating may appear on the surface of the substance, but it does not pose a danger, and only once again confirms its natural origin.