Beeswax Health Benefits
Beeswax refers to the natural wax produced by honeybees in their beehives. The honeybees produce this wax either to build their honeycombs or to repair it. Beeswax generally comes in colors like yellow, white, orange, brown, or red and the changing color depends on the age of the honeycomb or its usage to raise a brood. The main ingredients of beeswax are fatty acids and long chain alcohols. Some of the interesting information and facts about beeswax is as follows:
- It is a tough wax formed from a combination of various compounds
- The main chemical ingredients of beeswax include hydroxypalmitate, palmitoleate, palmitate, and oleate esters
- The melting point of beeswax is quite high ranging between 62- 64 degrees Celsius.
When heated above 85 degrees Celsius, it changes color. - It is brittle when cold and tenacious at normal temperature. It is dry and granular when it breaks.
- Beeswax is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.
- It is used as a cheese coating to preserve the cheese as it ages
- It is used to make candles
- It is used as an ingredient in making shoe polish, furniture polish, and modeling waxes
Being inert, there are no benefits of consuming beeswax directly. It is edible but quite chewy in nature. Some people include beeswax in the diet because it is a good source of roughage. In ancient times, herbal practitioners used it in medicinal preparations but these days it is used mainly in cosmetics, topical applications, and commercial products like candles. There are several health benefits of beeswax when used as a topical application. Some of the main health benefits are as follows:
- Allergies: It is a common practice to use beeswax for the treatment of allergies. It contains non-allergenic properties that help protect the skin from airborne allergies. Candles made from beeswax are also helpful in providing relief from allergies and their symptoms. When lit, these candles produce negative ions that clean the air of dust particles, dander, pollen, and other allergens. Beeswax is therefore a good treatment for allergies like hay fever and asthma. It is also a good remedy for relieving the symptoms of insomnia and depression.
- Hemorrhoids: Beeswax is a natural remedy for problems like hemorrhoids. Experts recommend combining it with calendula oil and olive oil for the treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. You can also combine it with honey and olive oil to make a topical application for hemorrhoids. This remedy is very effective in relieving itching and reducing bleeding caused by hemorrhoids.
- Hair: Beeswax is also a natural treatment to stimulate hair growth. Furthermore, being a good thickening agent, beeswax helps add volume to your hair while keeping it soft, shiny, and more manageable. It is also beneficial in protecting the hair from environmental damage. Beeswax is therefore commonly used in hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, balms, pomades, emulsifiers, and products for hair repair. Beeswax is a natural, safe, and hypoallergenic ingredient to use on both the hair as well as the scalp to add strength, luster, and volume to the hair.
Beeswax For Skin
Beeswax is commonly used in various skin care products to improve the condition and texture of the skin. It also has a number of benefits in treating skin problems like acne, eczema, and dry skin. Beeswax helps in locking skin moisture, fostering the skin cells and protecting the skin from environmental damages. It contains powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are all beneficial to the skin. Some of the main benefits of beeswax in skin care are as under:
- Acne: The effectiveness of beeswax for acne treatment and control is well known. It has strong antiseptic, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in the treatment of acne. Beeswax contains vitamin A, which is an added advantage in the treatment of acne. It is also an excellent skin softener and emollient that helps maintain a smooth skin texture after acne elimination. A combination of non-comedogenic skin care products, diet, and exercise is the best way to control and prevent acne.
- Dry skin: The ability of beeswax to lock in moisture has made it an important ingredient in a variety of lotions and creams for treating dry skin. In addition, its rich vitamin A content and emollient properties help in the healthy development of skin cells. It is a natural moisturizer that not only treats dry skin, but also helps prevent it. You can combine beeswax with almond oil and a few drops of vitamin E oil to prepare a homemade remedy for dry skin.
- Eczema: Beeswax is a great treatment for skin problems like eczema that cause an itchy skin rash. Eczema is a common skin problem especially during the colder months that results in extremely dry skin. A mixture of beeswax, olive oil, and honey is effective in relieving the symptoms of eczema as well as psoriasis. The medicinal properties of beeswax help in reducing eczema inflammation and prevent further infection.
- Lip care: The natural moisturizers in beeswax make it a good balm for the lips. You can easily treat problems like cracked or chapped lips with the help of topical beeswax applications. You can make your own lip balm by combining beeswax with vitamin E oil, coconut oil, honey, and essential oils of either orange, peppermint or lemon.
- Stretch marks: Stretch marks are a common complaint especially after pregnancy or because of weight gain or weight loss. You can combine beeswax with wheat germ oil, vitamin E oil, apricot kernel oil, and cocoa butter to prepare a natural remedy for preventing and treating stretch marks.
Side Effects Of Beeswax
Although beeswax is non-toxic, it may cause certain side effects on health, especially when consumed in large quantities. Some of the main side effects are:
- Intestinal blockage when swallowed in large quantities
- Allergic reactions especially in people who are allergic to honey and other related products
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