Beeswax & Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic medicine that uses the concentrated essential oils from plants. Beeswax is used in aromatherapy as a natural foundation to carry therapeutic oils. The essential oils may be blended with beeswax to create healing topical salves and aromatic diffusers. Studies have found that aromatherapy has beneficial effects on physical and mental well-being. Beeswax is used in aromatherapy as a healthy alternative to paraffin wax.

History of Beeswax

• The many uses of beeswax have been documented throughout history.

  Throughout history beeswax has been used in many ways, by various cultures around the globe. Egyptians used beeswax in cosmetics and medicinal salves. When boiled, beeswax creates a broth, which was used to treat dysentery. Beeswax was also used in religious ceremonies. It was the only wax used to make candles for the Catholic church and was chosen for its purity. Unlike paraffin wax, beeswax burns clean and does not emit black toxic soot. This ensures that the religious artifacts are free from pollutant deposits. Beeswax can also be used to preserve cloth, polish wood, coat weapons and waterproof leather.

History of Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy offered a form of alternative medicine and healing.

  Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a holistic treatment for many medical conditions. The Chinese may be the first culture that used plant oils to promote healing, as well as spiritual balance. The use of essential oils spread throughout the world. Enthusiasts included the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and French. They utilized the essential plant oils for aromatic as well as therapeutic benefits. The term "aromatherapy" was coined by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1928. Gattefossé wrote articles that supported the medicinal and healing effects of essential oils.

Why Beeswax Is Best

• Beeswax is the best wax for aromatherapy.

  Beeswax is the highest quality wax for aromatherapy. It is the purest and sweetest smelling wax. Candles made from beeswax are smokeless and dripless. Another benefit of beeswax is its ability to purify the air. It produces negative ions, which cleanse the air of allergens, odors, viruses and toxins. Unlike paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum, beeswax is a non-carcinogen and completely nontoxic. Beeswax has a high melting point, and when burned as a candle it produces a "warmer" and brighter yellow flame. Many aromatherapists prefer candles made from beeswax because it burns very slowly and produces the most relaxing glow.

Methods of Using Beeswax in Aromatherapy

• Use beeswax to create therapeutic salves and candles.

  There are many ways in which beeswax is used in aromatherapy. Beeswax may be used in aromatherapy salves as a base. The beeswax allows the healing oils to penetrate deep into the skin's layers. It produces a protective barrier to keep the beneficial oils in the skin. Beeswax also can carry the essential oils through diffusion. Beeswax can be melted and then infused with essential oils. It can then be made into an aromatherapy candle or wick-less tart. When the wax is heated, it releases the therapeutic aromas into the air to be inhaled.

Choosing a Beeswax

• Choose only 100 percent pure beeswax.

  The best beeswax to purchase is 100 percent pure beeswax cappings. Beware of wax that claims to be "natural" because it could be mixed with paraffin and contain only about 10 percent beeswax. Always buy beeswax that is labeled "100 percent pure beeswax." The color should be a golden yellow to brown tint, and it will have a very sweet honey-like aroma. Also, only pure beeswax will produce a dusty film over time, which is called "bloom."