The main beekeeping products are made from honey, however, no less benefits can be obtained from the use of cell wax. Beeswax is not used often, but it has many positive properties. Read about how the product is formed, what diseases it treats, how long it is stored, what to do with it and whether it is possible to swallow wax.

Characteristics and composition of wax

Beeswax is an organic substance produced by honey bees.

Did you know? In the food industry, beeswax is labeled as additive E-910.

It is also called wax honey because of the way it is obtained. The product is formed from honeycombs. This happens in this way: honey bees, equipping the hive, build honeycombs in the form of cells, where honey is subsequently stored. Raw materials for the construction of bees are isolated from the glands. Over time, the cells age, accumulate pollen and residues of organic matter. Bees cease to use them for a honey plant. At this point, the beekeeper can process the honeycomb into a wax product.

The chemical composition of the product is as follows:

• essential oils;
• fatty acid;
• saturated hydrocarbons;
• vitamins;
• minerals;
• propolis;
• pollen;
• particles of larvae;
• carotenoids.
  

Externally, the substance meets the following characteristics:

• solid consistency;
• honey aroma;
• the color varies from pale to sand, periodic color is found, close to green.

Beeswax can be melted at a temperature of +60 ... + 80 ° C. In this state, it can be easily kneaded by hands. The product does not sink in water.

Beeswax Properties

Beekeepers talk a lot about the beneficial properties of beeswax. The product has a positive effect on the human body. However, the remedy also has contraindications, which should be considered before its use.

Benefit

• The benefits of beeswax production for humans are significant, because the substance:
• destroys harmful bacteria;
• moisturizes the skin;
• heals wounds and mucosal lesions;
• relieves inflammation;
• promotes cell restoration;
• acts as a natural anesthetic.

Useful properties of the product determine its use in medicine and cosmetology. Also, the tool is used for domestic purposes. So, beeswax is used to protect plants and process wood.

Possible harm and contraindications

The main harm that beeswax can cause is an allergic reaction. If the patient has a history of allergy to bee products, he is contraindicated in the use of drugs based on this substance. Since the reaction can manifest itself for the first time in adulthood, even in the absence of allergy, one cannot think thoughtfully about the use of the drug.

Important! Allergies can manifest as rash and itching, as well as Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. Recent manifestations often lead to death. At the first symptoms of an allergic reaction, consult a doctor immediately.

The use of beeswax

Beeswax is used in evidence-based and traditional medicine. Also, this tool is popular in the cosmetic field.

Manufacturing Medicines

The drug is widely used by pharmaceutical companies for the production of medicines.

The substance is used in the manufacture of:

• candles;
• creams;
• ointments;
• plasters.

Since the medicinal properties of the drug are very extensive, preparations based on it are used to treat diseases of the skin, ears, nose, mucous membranes of the mouth, teeth and gynecology.

Application in traditional medicine

Traditional doctors widely use the substance in medical prescriptions. Experts advise recipes for treating skin, joints, ear diseases, with constipation, for healing wounds, removing warts and other diseases.

Did you know? Scientists found the first mention of wax in the myths of ancient peoples. So, in ancient Greek mythology, in Icarus, from the myth of Daedalus and Icarus, the wings were made of this material.

Patients are often interested in whether it is possible to eat a product. In reasonable doses, beeswax is prescribed for oral administration. The body will not be able to digest the substance, but the work of the gastrointestinal tract will be established. However, do not self-medicate - in case of health problems it is better to consult a doctor. For independent use, the tool is most safe for the following problems.

Skin diseases

Traditional medicine experts recommend beeswax for skin diseases. In particular, the substance cures eczema, psoriasis and erysipelas. The therapeutic effect is due to the fact that biologically active substances penetrate through the pores. Wax applications should be applied to the affected areas. Depending on the disease, doctors determine the duration of the course and their multiplicity.

With warts and condylomas

Warts are benign neoplasms on the skin. More often appear on the hands and feet, less often on the face. A separate type of wart is genital warts. They form in the intimate zone. Many consider them to be an exclusively aesthetic problem, but these are symptoms of a serious illness. Mostly the cause of warts and genital warts is due to papillomavirus infection. An exception is senile warts not related to the virus. In most cases, a doctor’s consultation is required.

Read also whether it is possible and how to eat propolis in its pure form.

Often with the appearance of such formations, doctors resort to symptomatic therapy - save the patient from growths. Conservative methods include the use of nitrogen or laser correction. Traditional medicine experts advise removing unwanted formations with beeswax. For treatment, wax applications are used. More specifically, the specialist will tell about the method of therapy after the examination.

For wound healing

For the wound to heal successfully, you need to neutralize it, relieve inflammation and accelerate skin regeneration. In a complex, all three actions are exerted by the wax production of bees. For wound healing, a melted cooled agent is used as an ointment. Patients note that after this treatment, skin lesions really heal faster than without it.

Ear candles

Hearing impairment often occurs due to sulfur plugs. Ear candles can help clear the ear canal. By design, it is a fabric soaked in wax. It is not difficult to make an ear candle on your own, and cleansing the ear canal will not take much time. However, treatment in this way is possible only for those patients who do not have injuries, suppuration and inflammation in the ear area.

Important! Before treatment, consult a doctor. Self-medication can be harmful to the body.

In the field of cosmetology

Beauticians often offer beeswax to clients for various procedures. This measure is fully justified - the tool helps maintain the beauty and health of the body.

In particular, it is used as a component of cosmetics:

• face masks;
• antiperspirants;
• creams;
• means for strengthening nails;
• wax strips for depilation;
• masks, creams and hair styling products;
• decorative cosmetics - mascara, eye shadow.

Wax cosmetics can be found on store shelves or cooked at home.

How to determine the quality of the product?

The healing effect of beeswax will bring only if a natural substance is used. To determine a quality product, you need to pay attention to how it looks and what reactions it shows.

Real beeswax:

• has a uniform color corresponding to the characteristics described above;
• pleasant honey aroma and taste;
• when chewing, the wax product does not stick to the teeth;
• when heated, the color does not change;
• in the context of the product is matte and homogeneous;
• in water, the substance will sink to the bottom of the tank;
• if you rub it, your hands will remain dry, and there will be no traces of fat;
• when cracked, a piece is broken into pieces.

Also look at the price. Natural bee production has a high cost, so it is sold on the market at the appropriate price. Low cost rather speaks of counterfeit.

How to melt wax?

Melting wax is only a simple matter at first glance. Before the procedure, you need to prepare the raw materials and tools, and only after preparation the main work follows. Some difficulties may arise in the process, which should be known in advance.

Training

Before melting, soak the raw materials in water with a temperature of +22 ... + 25 ° С. When it becomes cold, change it to warm. Before kindling, keep the substance in water for 24 hours.

Melt beeswax in water. To do this, you will need:

• large pan;
• heating element - a household stove will do;
• soft water.

Having prepared the dishes and raw materials, proceed to the furnace.

Read more about how you can melt wax at home.

Main stage

The procedure consists of the following actions:

1. Fill a large pot with water.
2. Put the container on fire.
3. Remove the honeycombs from the frame with a knife and place in a pan.
4. When the mass becomes homogeneous, strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth.
5. After a while, the mass will again become solid.

Thus, beekeepers get clean material.

Possible melting problems

When firing, a number of problems may arise.

Among the most common:

• cooling is uneven and sharp, which affects the uniformity of products;
• hard water leaves a precipitate, which makes the material loose.

With proper kindling, problems should not arise. For confidence, consult with experienced beekeepers.

Storage conditions and features

For storage, it is better to choose a ceramic or glass container. The lid should be in close contact with the container. Before placing the product, it is necessary to decontaminate the container. Store the product in a dark, dry place at a temperature not exceeding room temperature. The exact shelf life cannot be called, but the substance retains its original appearance for a very long time.

Beeswax is an extremely healthy product. It is used in various fields, from domestic purposes to medicine. With proper storage, the substance will store useful properties for a long time.