Beeswax is a natural wax produced by female honeybees—the workhorses of the colony. They use it to form cells (honeycombs) within the beehive, where their honey is stored. For centuries, beeswax has had various applications through many aspects of human life.
Good for your skin
When mixed with other natural ingredients (such as essential oils and honey) beeswax is a great choice for natural cosmetics, especially skin products: moisturizing creams, acne remedies, stretch marks and anti-aging solutions as well as fungal and skin infection treatments. Beeswax has an amazing ability to moisturize the skin, protect against irritants, and repair rough, dry or chapped areas while still allowing the skin to breathe. Beeswax is rich in vitamin A and possesses other soothing properties that soften and re-hydrate the skin, assisting in healthy skin cellular reconstruction.
If you suffer from cracked or chapped lips, our Healing Plant lip balm can provide much-needed relief.
Good for your body
Beeswax offers mild anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral characteristics that are not only beneficial for our skin, but for our bodies as well. A study published in the Korean Journal of Internal Medicine found that beeswax alcohols mitigate fatty liver disease and improve cholesterol levels. As a natural remedy, beeswax is used in natural and homeopathic products to assist in relieving pain associated with inflammation. Other remedies include beeswax as an ingredient to treat respiratory-related symptoms like cough.
Good for your Soul
For good reason, many of us think of candles when the topic of beeswax arises. Beeswax candles relieve stress and promote relaxation, and unlike synthetic paraffin-derived candles that could be detrimental to your health, our 100% beeswax candles burn brighter and longer while giving off a sweet, warming honey aroma.
Good for daily use
Did you know that beeswax has a plenty of other uses around our home life? Let’s look at some of them:
Arts & Crafts - Beeswax is used in the ancient folk art called Batik, a method of fabric dyeing using hot wax and dye. Another traditional folk art is Pysanka, or Ukrainian egg decorating, which uses the same wax-resist method. Pysanka roots from the word “pysaty” which means writing, and indeed, designs are not painted but written with beeswax on the eggs. You can also switch from common paraffin crayons to beeswax crayons, which tend to be sturdier than their soy counterparts.
Food Storage - Did you know that according to National Geographic, 91 percent of plastic is never recycled? Luckily, cotton cloths dipped in beeswax and mixed with natural oils and resin are quickly becoming a natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. You can wrap cheese, half a lemon, bread, fruits and vegetables. You can over a bowl or pack a snack for your next adventure. A Vermont-based company called Bees Wrap is making beeswax food wraps that are washable, reusable, and compostable. They provide a versatile and durable solution for sustainable food storage that can be used again and again.
Household & Maintenance - one of the main characteristics of Beeswax is its ability to coat, seal and protect. That’s why it can be helpful in the house in so many ways:
- A fantastic lubricant for old squeaky furniture joints, sliding glass doors, windows or drawers to restore smooth and quite movement.
- Coating nails & screws - once you coat your nails and screws with beeswax, they do not splinter the wood while you hammer them in.
- Coating your hand tools, cast iron, shovels (and their handles) with beeswax will keep them from rusting.
- Furniture polish—Beeswax is a great furniture polisher. Mix it together with coconut oil and use a clean cloth to rub it onto your wood furniture.
- It’s good to keep a small cake of beeswax in your sewing box. waxing the thread before use, makes it easier to thread the needle and will keep the thread from knotting.
Beeswax, in all of its natural versatility, can be purchased in many different places, including many farm markets, homeopathic and health stores, and right here through the Camphill Village Store. Keep some at home. We’re certain you’ll find it useful!