Beneficial properties and harm of beeswax, use at home

Beeswax is an organic substance produced by the wax glands of honey bees to build honeycombs. This product is a multicomponent solid that may have a white or yellowish tint. It is characterized by a pronounced honey aroma. When exposed to sunlight in thin layers, beeswax becomes lighter in color. If the composition includes propolis, the mass may turn greenish.

What is it and how do you get it?

Natural beeswax is considered a complex organic compound, which is a waste product of bees. It is a solid substance with a characteristic honey aroma. This mass has a white, yellow-brown or greenish color.

The substance does not mix with water, is practically insoluble in alcohol and begins to melt at +70 degrees. In its soft form, the mass can take almost any shape.

Wax is secreted by honey bees from special glands. This substance is required for the construction of honeycombs. Young individuals produce mass most intensively. Spring wax has a white tint, while later wax has a yellowish tint.

Composition and benefits of beeswax

This beekeeping product is characterized by a rather complex composition - it includes more than 50 different ingredients and compounds. The beneficial properties of the substance are associated with them. So, it includes the following components:

• 75% esters;
• 10-15% saturated hydrocarbons;
• 10-15% free fatty acids;
• 2% water;
• 1-2% vitamins and minerals;
• 1-2% impurities in the form of propolis, pollen, larvae.

The percentage of useful components may vary - it all depends on the seasonal factor and the type of bees. The main part consists of esters. It is these components that allow the mass to be preserved for a long time without changing the structure.

The substance is very beneficial for the human body. It can be successfully used to treat the following pathologies:

• peptic ulcer;
• wounds;
• burns;
• pathologies of the upper respiratory tract - in particular, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and others;
• dysbacteriosis;
• gynecological pathologies;
• joint damage;
• dental disorders - with the help of wax it is possible to get rid of plaque, stomatitis, periodontal disease;
• age-related skin changes, the appearance of wrinkles and decreased elasticity of the dermis;
• acne;
• calluses, corns, warts.

In addition, wax has other applications:

• In cheese production, the substance is used to coat fermented milk products. This helps protect it from moisture loss and deterioration in taste.
• Furniture and parquet industries use wax as a natural polishing material.
• The product is used in the production of mastics, lubricants, and candles.
• In the cosmetic industry, the substance is used to produce natural skin and hair care products.
• Beekeepers use the mass to make foundation.
• In foundry, the substance is used to make molds for further casting.

Application

Today there are many wax-based recipes that help cope with various disorders in the body.

For sinusitis

Even in ancient times, wax was used to combat sinusitis. To cope with this unpleasant disease at home, you need to take 20 grams of wax and 2 tablespoons of yarrow. Plant material must be crushed to a powder state.

Places where the product is applied should be insulated with a warm cloth. The procedure must be repeated morning and evening until the sinusitis goes away.In addition, traditional healers advise chewing pure wax to get rid of sinusitis, tonsillitis or rhinitis.

For periodontal disease and weak tooth enamel

Beeswax is useful for strengthening gums and protecting tooth enamel. It needs to be chewed and spat out. This manipulation should be carried out for a specific period of time once a day.

For joints and tissues

The honey product successfully copes with joint pathologies. To do this, it must be used to prepare compresses and ointments.

To achieve the desired results, you should melt the wax in a water bath, apply it to thick cotton and leave for 10-15 minutes.

After this, apply the compress to the affected joints for a quarter of an hour. It is important to wrap this area with a warm woolen scarf. After application, it is important to avoid hypothermia of the joint. The procedure should be carried out every day. The course of treatment is 10-14 days.

Skin diseases

Beeswax is an excellent remedy for eczema, psoriasis and other dermatological pathologies. To improve your condition, it is recommended to take the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax;
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 5-6 white lily petals.

It is recommended to peel the garlic, grate it, place it on cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice. Beeswax should be placed in a separate container and melted in a steam bath. Then add honey, garlic juice and crushed lily petals to the substance. Heat the resulting composition for a quarter of an hour in a steam bath. Then the mass needs to be cooled, filtered and applied to the skin for half an hour. After which it needs to be washed off with warm water.

To combat trophic ulcers, psoriasis and eczema, you can make a remedy from the following ingredients:

• 200 grams of wax;
• 200 grams of resin;
• 1.4 liters of olive oil;
• 100 grams of thistle;
• 100 grams of nettle;
• 40 grams of budra;
• 40 grams of burdock;
• 100 grams of marsh arrow;
• 20 grams of hemp seeds.

It is recommended to add 1 liter of oil to fresh herbs and cook for 2 hours. In another container you need to melt the wax, resin and remaining oil. Then strain the herbal decoction and mix it with melted wax. Keep the finished mixture on low heat again for 1 hour. After which it needs to be strained and poured into glass containers. Store the mixture in a cool place.

To get rid of dermatological pathologies, the product must be applied to the affected areas and kept for half an hour. The composition must be carefully removed with a cotton pad soaked in vegetable oil, and then washed off with warm water and soap. You need to use the product until the problem disappears.

To speed up the recovery process after wounds and burns, it is recommended to mix wax with olive oil in a 1:2 ratio. The finished composition must be applied to the damaged area. However, it is recommended to first treat this area with hydrogen peroxide. To achieve the best effect, it is recommended to alternate treatment of wounds with honey ointment.

Corns and calluses

Beeswax is often used to combat calluses and corns. To achieve good results, it is recommended to take 100 grams of wax and melt it in a steam bath. Then mix the composition with the same amount of propolis and add the juice of one lemon.

Make thin cakes from the resulting product and apply them to problem areas. Then secure the mass with a medical plaster and keep it for several days.To make the procedure more effective, you should steam your legs. To do this, you need to make a bath using soda.

Colds

Beeswax is often used to prepare remedies for colds and strengthen the immune system. Wax contains many substances that can relieve acute symptoms of diseases and strengthen the immune system.

One of the most effective remedies is dry inhalation, which can be done for colds. To do this, do the following:

• Take 50 grams of wax and heat to 40 degrees.
• Roll the mixture into a flat cake.
• Inhale medicinal vapors for a quarter of an hour. This should be done before bed.
• Carry out the procedure every day for a week.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Natural beeswax is often used to make home remedies that are used to combat stomach and duodenal ulcers. With the help of a bee base, it is possible to speed up the healing process and achieve a slight antibacterial effect.

For cough and sinusitis

Beeswax is perfect for preparing inhalation formulations that help relieve coughs and runny noses. Also, compresses are made based on the product, which are used to combat bronchitis and pneumonia. In addition, the product successfully treats pharyngitis, stomatitis, and tonsillitis.

Sedative

Adding a small amount of wax to homemade compositions can achieve a relaxing effect. With its help, it is possible to restore normal sleep and strengthen the nervous system.

For the treatment of the nail plate

Beeswax perfectly restores the structure of weakened nail plates. This substance saturates them with nutrients and has a strengthening effect.The mass is also characterized by disinfecting and anti-inflammatory properties.

The natural bee product can be used in many ways. The most common options include the following:

• paraffin therapy - involves performing warm wax baths;
• rubbing the mass into the nail plates;
• using a cream based on natural wax containing essential oils.

The procedures for sealing and polishing nail plates are very popular. They involve applying a thin wax film that does not wash off. Thanks to this, it is possible to protect the nails from the influence of external factors.

You can make cosmetic wax at home. To do this, it is recommended to do the following:

• Take 20 grams of cosmetic wax and melt it in a steam bath.
• Add coconut, almond or olive oil to the composition. This ingredient must be the main fat component.
• Take distilled water and heat it to +37 degrees.
• Add 3-5 drops of essential oils to the composition. At the same time, it is worth choosing a specific remedy taking into account the existing problems. For brittle and dull plates, it is worth using cedar oil, bergamot, and thyme. To improve the color of yellowed nails, use lemon oil. If the plates flake, cedar or pine oil will do. To combat inflammation, you should use chamomile or rosemary oil.

It is recommended to keep the finished cosmetic product in a glass container. Before applying to the nail plates, the mass must be cooled.

For hair strength and growth

A natural beekeeping product can be included in hair care cosmetics. With its help, it is possible to saturate the strands with vitamins, seal split ends and make the curls more shiny.The composition holds the structure of each hair together. This makes it amazingly smooth. Natural wax can also be used as a hairstyle fixative.

To restore the structure of damaged hair and get rid of dandruff, you can make a useful mask. To do this, you need to take half a glass of crushed bee product and melt it in a water bath. Add 1 cup of olive oil and 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the liquid mass. Then you need to remove the mask from the stove and add 10 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil.

The finished composition should be applied to damp hair, moving from the ends to the scalp. The product should be left on for 30-40 minutes, then rinsed off with warm water. Then you need to wash your hair with shampoo. Thanks to this procedure, your hair will become smoother, more manageable and shiny.

Balm is considered an equally effective remedy. To make this product, you need to grind and melt 50 grams of wax. Then you need to add 10 grams of warm oils - shea, cocoa, palm - to the warm mass. Then pour 1 tablespoon of liquid oils into the mixture - papaya, broccoli, argan, almond.

It is important to consider that homemade balm hardens quickly. Therefore, immediately after cooking it should be poured into a small container. To use the substance, you need to take a little product and rub it in your hands. Then, using gentle massaging movements, distribute the mass over the ends of the hair. This balm can also be used to moisturize the skin of your hands and lips.

Other Applications

Beeswax can be used in other areas of life. So, most of this substance is returned to the hive in the form of foundation.The bees build their honeycombs on the basis of this mass. A lot of wax is also used for the production of church candles.

This beekeeping product is also used in official medicine. It is used to produce suppositories, which are prescribed to combat urological, gynecological and other types of problems. In addition, wax is added to creams and ointments that are used to treat dermatological pathologies, joint diseases, and muscle lesions. Often this component is present in remedies for throat and cough diseases.

Natural wax is actively used in soap making. This substance binds the components. In addition, it has protective, anti-inflammatory and softening properties. In addition, it is known that beekeeping products are used in the paint and varnish industry, metallurgy, printing and other industries.

Contraindications

High-quality beeswax does virtually no harm. The main contraindication to its use is considered individual intolerance. The product is also prohibited for use by people who are prone to allergies.

In addition, it is worth taking into account that getting an excess amount of wax into the body can provoke unpleasant symptoms. These include skin itching, rashes, peeling, and hives.

How to spot a fake

Natural and artificial wax are available on sale. The second variety does not contain useful components, and therefore the mass does not have the desired effect on the body. To buy a natural product, you should pay attention to the following features:

• The shade should be yellow - lighter or dark enough.If the wax has a greenish color, this indicates a high content of propolis in the composition.
• If you place a natural product in water, it will not sink.
• When kneading a quality substance in your hands, it does not leave a feeling of fat.
• When cutting the mass, you can see a matte coating on the cut.
• The natural composition does not stick to teeth or gums.
• A high-quality product has a honey aroma.
• Natural wax in a jar or ingot has a flat, not concave shape.
• When burning, the substance does not smoke and does not form sediment.

To purchase a high-quality and natural beekeeping product, it is recommended to do this at an apiary or at a honey fair.

Storage rules

For cosmetic purposes or for the treatment of diseases, wax is recommended to be used for 3 years. For domestic purposes, the composition can be used for an unlimited period of time. This beekeeping product should be kept in a dry and dark place. It is important to protect it from foreign odors, since the mass easily absorbs them.

Wax is a very valuable beekeeping product that can be used in various areas of life. It is used to treat various pathologies - joints, digestive organs, nervous system. The composition can also be used for cosmetic purposes. With its help, it is possible to improve the appearance of skin, hair and nail plates.