Usually when we think of bees, we think of the delicious honey, however, bees contribute so much more than that. Beeswax is secreted by those industrious insects to build the honeycombs that bees will fill up with honey.
We have used beeswax throughout our history. As a matter of fact, it is considered by some to be as one of the first natural “plastics” because it never goes bad and can be reheated and reused. We’ve used it to create everything from candles to writing tablets; sewing to an ancient form of tooth filling and a way to strengthen/protect reed instruments from cracking. As far back as the ancient Egyptians is has been used to create cosmetics such as natural lip balms, lip glosses and hand creams.
Beeswax and Beauty Products
Lip balms and lip glosses created using beeswax are far superior to their petroleum-based cousins. These balms have no aftertaste and sticks to your lips protecting them from wind, water and saliva. Rich in natural emulsifiers, it moisturizes our skin while allowing it to breath normally, thus giving the skin a healthy glow. It’s also rich in vitamin A, the very vitamin responsible for healthy skin and soft tissues! It even makes our hair look sleek and shiny.
Light ‘Em Up
Beeswax has the material of choice for candles since civilization began. It is highly flammable, they burn brighter and longer, do not bend to the heat and burn cleaner. They are also naturally sweet-smelling which means that your home will smell fresher without artificially created scents. They are so hardy that archaeologists have discovered beeswax candles dating back to the 6th or 7th century. And they still burn — talk about reliable!
This is an amazing substance. Next spring, be sure to plant flowers as a “thank you” gift to those hardworking bees. We benefit greatly from their industriousness. Be sure to plant some flowers his spring to show your thanks!
Sources:
- http://www.naturallivingideas.com/beeswax/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beeswax