Honey, flowers, nectar, beeswax. All of these things are part of a bee’s daily life.
What exactly is beeswax? I’ve seen it on beauty product labels but I don't think that I’ve ever really known more about it than the fact that it comes from bees.
In this blog post, we will not only find out what beeswax is, but we will also learn a few fascinating facts about beeswax!
Let’s get started!
*** Disclosure: The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any sickness or disease. Please reach out to a medical professional for any medical advice.***
- Beeswax is natural wax created by bees that they then use to form honeycombs. Simple enough, right? Surprisingly, beeswax also has several uses when living a natural lifestyle.
- Beeswax is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties! Pretty, neat! Beeswax can reduce the risk of contamination and prevents the growth of fungi and yeasts.
- Beeswax is used in many natural products like lip balms, healing salves, and moisturizers.
- Maybe you’ve heard of a beeswax candle before, but did you know that these candles burn brighter and cleaner than candles made from other wax? Cool, right?
- Beeswax was an ancient form of dental filling! Australian Scientists found a set of teeth from the New Stone Age (6440 and 6650 years ago!) that had beeswax filings. Can you image your dentist pulling out a honeycomb today, to fill your cavities?!
- Beeswax can be used as a waterproofing agent, for things like shoes and tents.
- Pure beeswax doesn’t rot! This is because it contains a natural protective substance called “propolis”, which comes from the Greek meaning “defense of the city”.
- Although it doesn’t taste very good, beeswax is actually edible! This is why it is safe to use in products like lip balm.
- Beeswax is made from honey bees who collect pollen from flowers and then drop it off at the hive.
- It takes roughly 8 pounds of honey to make just 1 pound of beeswax! Talk about hard work for the honeybees.
- Refined beeswax is sometimes used as a stabilizer in oil paint. Isn’t that amazing?
- Slumgum is a funny word used to describe the leftover, “dirty” beeswax that is not used in commercial beeswax products, however, it does make for a good fire starter!
- Honey bees have few predators. Some small mammals, birds, and reptiles eat honey bees, and also bears have been caught destroying hives to eat honey!
- Do you like drawing with crayons? Some crayons actually include beeswax as an ingredient!