Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
S
OME OF
Y
OUR BEESWAX
Pure beeswax is a nontoxic, natural wax secreted by the eight wax glands on the abdo-
men of the honeybees. It is used to build the incredible walls of the honeycomb. When
secreted, the wax is a transparent liquid, which turns into a semisolid substance on con-
tact withtheatmosphere. Ittakes eight poundsofhoneyforabeetoproduceonepound
of beeswax.
Beeswax has many applications for healing. It has been used for centuries as an in-
gredient in natural salves and balms. It is a completely pure, natural, and earth-friendly
wax. As an ingredient, beeswax is known as Cera Alba and Cera Flava and is perfect
for personal-care products. When combined with oils and butters, beeswax is used as a
thickening agent, emulsifier, and humectant. It can be mixed with a wide range of es-
sential oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients to create balms that are more emollient
than many commercially made products. Beeswax tends to feel better on the skin than
other, refined waxes because it allows the moisturizing properties of the product to ab-
sorb and heal.
Thriftybeekeeperssaveeveryextrascrapofbeeswax,becauseregardlessofwhether
it is in the form of burr comb or broken pieces of foundation, all beeswax has value.
Artists,crafters, sportsenthusiasts, andhobbyistsallusepurebeeswaxforawiderange
of applications. I save all my scraps in a plastic bucket throughout the bee season, and
while my bees rest during winter, I melt it all down and filter it for my own crafts.
The Boundless Benefits of Beeswax
Dipped candles
Molded candles
Beeswax foundation (used by beekeepers in the beehive)
Beard/moustache/dreadlock wax
Grafting wax
Crayons
Carving objects
Lost-wax process
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