Did you know that every product that a honeybee makes can be used in some way to benefit other people? We all know the benefits and uses honey provides. Honeybees make more than honey. They also make regal jelly as well as beeswax. Although it may not receive as much attention as honey, beeswax has a major role in the success or failure of a colony.
Honeybees live in a very orderly way if this isn’t obvious. Each has its specific job within the colony. There are foragers, cleaners, and even the queen. It’s not surprising that their homes look as organized and functional as the honeybees. Their hives consist of tiny, hexagon-shaped containers that are precisely designed to offer the most storage space with the least amount of possible beeswax.
This article will discuss beeswax. It’s a natural product that is used in skincare products, cosmetics, and personal care.
What Is Beeswax Exactly?
Beeswax makes up the core of a honeybee hive. Honeybees belonging to the genus create it to build hexagon-shaped honeycombs where bees can live, work, rear their young, and store food. In its raw form, beeswax looks translucent or white. When it is stained with propolis or pollen, the beeswax turns to a golden hue. Beeswax consists of more than 300 different compounds. It can vary in composition depending on where honeybees live.
How Do Bees Make Beeswax
The first step is when a worker honeybee leaves the hive, looking for nectar or pollen. These bees transfer nectar, honey, and pollen to other bees that will eat it and convert it into wax. To make wax, honeybees must have a lot of nectar. It is estimated that a honeybee will consume 6-8 lbs of honey to make 1 lb of beeswax.
After the sugar has been converted into bee wax, the special glands in the bees start to secrete the wax. The wax begins as small flakes. However, the bees shape and mold it in an amazing way. The bees will make a chain and spread the secreted whey down the line. Each bee will then take turns chewing on the wax to make sure it is soft and pliable.
Beeswax Has Many Benefits
Beeswax like every other product that bees make has certain properties that make them very useful around the house. Beeswax is an all-natural substance. Many people prefer to use beeswax in their beauty, home, and wellness products over any that contain harmful chemicals. Beeswax has healing and nourishing qualities that are loved by everyone around the world.
Beeswax works because:
- It locks in moisture making it an ideal remedy for dry and cracked skin
- This product contains antioxidants that produce glowing, shiny skin
- Sealant for skin protection against harmful environmental toxins
- Protects skin while still allowing for airflow
- It can help heal cuts or bruises.
- Vitamin A is a vitamin that promotes cell recovery.
Twelve Ways Beeswax Can Be Used Around Your House
Beeswax is a common ingredient for natural household products, due to its numerous benefits. It smells amazing! There are many uses for beeswax. The following are our top uses:
- Lotion bars
- Lip balm
- Body balm
- Beeswax candles
- Soaps
- Salve for cracked heels and hands
- Reusable Foods Wrap
- Do not forget to clean out any squeaky or distorted drawers or doors
- How to polish dull furniture
- Natural healing of cuts and burns
- Waxed thread for sewing
- Acne treatment or eczema
