Uses for Beeswax in Health

Although honey is the main substance produced by bees that humans consume, beeswax is used in the creation of a variety of products. Used in the construction of beehives, beeswax exhibits properties that are complimentary to other substances. From candles and food preparation to healing salves and ointments, beeswax can be an important base ingredient.

Background

• Beeswax is the essential component in the architecture of beehives for social colonial bee species. The substance is secreted by glands on the underside of bees and is used to create small hexagonal structures that make up the overall shape of a hive. Beeswax is also used in the hive for protection and to cap off ripened honey. There are more than 300 identifiable chemical compounds in pure beeswax.

Properties

• Beeswax is white when first secreted, but becomes darker with age as other materials are introduced to the wax in the hive. After years of aging, the wax may appear dark brown or black. Beeswax is non-allergenic and has been approved for human consumption in the United States by the FDA. It has high plasticity at 89.6 Fahrenheit, allowing it to be shaped and hold its form. While beeswax is insoluble in water and resistant to many chemicals, it will erode when coming in contact with many organic solvents, ether, chloroform, alcohol and others.

Healing

• Beeswax itself has no effects on the human digestive system and passes through the body unchanged. This property, and its non-allergenic qualities, allow beeswax to be incorporated in a variety of health products. It can encompass medication that is being orally digested, allowing the medicine to be released in a slow or delayed fashion since the wax itself is not digested. Beeswax is typically the substance that holds an ointment or cream together when mixed with other ingredients. It can be the base for home-made lip balms, chest salves and healing ointments. The wax forms a protective layer wherever it is used that allows injuries to heal or prevents other elements from contacting an area.

Food

• Beeswax is also used in the preparation of baked goods and barbecue. Its properties lend itself to be heated and applied in a thin layer on baking sheets as an alternative greasing method. While adding a new aromatic quality to cookies or other items it also allows for a quick cleanup. The same methodology is used when applying beeswax on barbecue grates to allow the warm grill to be wiped clean following use.