Beeswax is produced by worker bees and is necessary for the construction of the hive. Bees use this substance to shape the walls of their habitat. It is by using the hexagonal pattern on the sheet of wax that the bees will build the cells.
This substance is produced only by bees that have never benefited from food outside the hive. These are bees that are between 14 and 21 days old. It is the specialized glands of the latter that produce the wax, these are located under their abdomen. To activate the glands properly, the bees must consume a lot of honey. Once these glands are mature, small scales of wax are secreted. The latter are then transformed to become malleable and thus allow the construction of the alveoli.
What are the characteristics of beeswax?
Wax contains no less than 300 different molecules, including vitamin A, fatty acid esters and alcohols. Composed of pollen and propolis, the latter is a real little gem containing the treasures of the hive.
Wax, solid at room temperature, melts from 65 degrees. It is white in color when pure but tends towards brown when associated with pollen and propolis.
What is the role of beeswax in the hive?
The primary role of wax is to structure the habitat. The cells (built using wax) will be used to store honey, eggs and pollen. These hexagonal shelters make it possible to optimize space as much as possible while using as little material as possible for construction.
Wax is not only useful in the construction of honeycombs, it also helps protect the inside of the honeycombs. It prevents moisture from penetrating into the combs and helps maintain a constant temperature, which is essential for the proper development of the larvae and the survival of the bees. As a result, the quality of the honey is not affected by external events.
Wax is one of the treasures of the hive because it requires a lot of work from the bees. For example, to produce 1 kg of wax, the little workers will need 10 kg of honey.
What are the benefits of beeswax?
Beeswax has many advantages and benefits, so it would be a shame not to take advantage of them.
Antibacterial properties
Beeswax is known for its antibacterial properties. Containing fatty acid esters, it has a strong protective effect. It is therefore not surprising to find beeswax in care products.
Hydration and protection of the skin
Thanks to its protective properties, beeswax is an excellent moisturizer.
It also helps speed up the healing process when applied to lesions. It is ideal for protecting wounds from external aggressions. Its protective layer helps prevent infections and maintain the moisture necessary for healing.
We recommend using it during winter to avoid chapped lips and dry hands.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Beeswax also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for soothing skin irritations and inflammations. It's a great way to combat eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
Can we consume beeswax?
Beeswax can be eaten without any problem. Even if it is not a food in our daily lives, it does not represent a danger to health.
The wax contained in a piece of comb can be consumed directly in the hive. The comb is composed of honey and wax, it contains several cells filled with this sweet elixir. Biting into a piece of comb will give you many benefits that we can summarize in one: strengthening the immune system.
Wax is also used as a “grandmother’s recipe”. Chewing a piece of wax helps soothe sore throats or coughs.
Note, however, that wax is difficult to digest. Although it acts as a cleanser, it is not absorbed by the digestive system. It also has no calories or nutrients.
What can we do with beeswax?
Beeswax, rich in benefits and very easy to use, can be used to create many products. Here are some of the most common and interesting uses of this substance:
Making natural candles
Beeswax has been used for a very long time when it comes to making candles. Being natural, these do not release any toxins when burned, which is not the case with traditional candles made from paraffin (obtained from petroleum residues). Also note that candles made from beeswax diffuse a warm scent reminiscent of honey and nature.
Manufacture of cosmetic products
In addition to its strong moisturizing and regenerating power, beeswax is used in the cosmetic industry to allow products to adhere more easily to the skin.
We frequently find it in soaps, anti-aging creams, deodorants, lipsticks, sunscreens.
Protection of furniture and wood
Beeswax can be used to polish wood. It gives it shine by nourishing it. As with wounds, it protects it from humidity and helps preserve it. Beeswax is used by many craftsmen, particularly to preserve precious woods.
Food protection
An excellent alternative to aluminum, bee wraps, made from wax, are just as good for wrapping your food. They preserve your preparations and thus replace disposable plastic films.
These reusable food packagings represent a real innovation designed to promote a more responsible world.
Note that this eco-responsible product has many advantages; it is a natural element that is in contact with food, forget about plastic and aluminum residue. Being more expensive to buy than other materials, it is then profitable in a few uses due to its reuse. The wax present on the fabric allows the packaging to take any desired shape, this is how it perfectly covers each food or preparation!
Waterproofing of fabrics
Wax can also be used to waterproof fabrics. To do this, you can combine beeswax with a few drops of essential oils or any other wax. All you have to do is apply the preparation to the desired fabric and that's it! You can then go out in the rain without any worries.
Skin Protective Mask Recipes
Cold weather and dry skin? No way, we have the solution!
Here we offer you an excellent remedy that will allow you to keep your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long.
To do this, you will need:
- 70ml coconut oil
- 30ml aloe vera gel
- 50ml of a mixture based on water and orange blossom.
- A few drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 10g yellow beeswax pellets
Start by melting the oil and wax in a bain-marie and mix. Then place everything in a salad bowl and add the water/orange blossom mixture.
Then whisk until you get the consistency of cream, add the essential oil and finish with a few drops of vitamin E for better preservation.
Winter Moisturizing Balm Recipe
This balm will deeply nourish your skin and prevent damage from the cold.
Ingredients
- 50 g of shea butter
- 30 g of beeswax
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 30 ml coconut oil
Preparation
Start by melting the wax in pieces in a double boiler. Mix gently while monitoring the heat.
Once the wax is melted, you can add the other ingredients. Add the coconut oil and shea butter. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth.
Then remove the mixture from the heat and add the drops of essential oil (optional), this will allow your balm to give off a soft and pleasant scent.
Pour your preparation into a small jar and let the cream cool to room temperature. The balm will be ready to use when it has solidified.
Once solid, apply your cream to the driest areas of your body to deeply hydrate them all day long.
Natural Candle Recipe
Ecological and very easy to make, these natural candles will bring a pleasant fragrance to your interior while enhancing it.
Ingredients
List of ingredients for a candle.
- 1 candle wick
- 100 g of beeswax
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice
- A glass or a mold
Preparation
Start by melting the wax in a bain-marie over low heat; it should not boil.
Then add the essential oils, you can use those of your choice (rose, eucalyptus, lavender, etc.). Mix so that the preparation is well combined.
Take a glass or a candle mold and place the wick in the center. You can stick it to the bottom of the container with a little melted wax.
Then gently pour the hot wax into the container, making sure to keep the wick centered.
Allow the wax to cool until completely hardened.
All you have to do is light your candle and enjoy a warm atmosphere lulled by the sweet scent given off by your creation.
Beeswax is a natural resource with multiple virtues. Its ability to be used in various fields makes it a highly sought-after and appreciated product. Its exceptional properties, safety and versatility make it a valuable ally in everyday life.
To strengthen your immune system as much as possible, Royal Jelly will also be your ally against the cold this winter. The combination of the different elements of the hive can only be beneficial for you.
