In this article, we will be talking about organic beeswax. But before we continue, I'd like to give a brief review of my previous article, The Survivalist’s Guide to Raising Honey Bees, I covered the process of how to raise honey bees from start to finish!
Organic Beeswax: Its Different Uses And Health Benefits
When raising anything on a farm or homestead, it takes a while to become established. However, once you experience success, it becomes one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. As far as honey bees are concerned…it’s amazing what honey bees can accomplish!
To continue, organic beeswax is the wax secreted by honey bees to make honeycombs. Beeswax possesses so many health benefits and has many uses! Before I go into its health benefits and uses, let’s cover some basic information and other really interesting facts about beeswax.
- Organic Beeswax is only made by honey bees.
- Organic Beeswax can only be made if there is a decent supply of plant nectar around.
- At room temperature, organic beeswax is firm; at 80-90 degrees fahrenheit it starts to soften and becomes ‘putty like’; when it is 145-147 degrees fahrenheit it will melt. In cold temperatures, it will turn to a ‘powder like’ substance.
- It has been around since the dawn of time! Organic beeswax has been found anywhere from a pharaoh’s tomb to sunken Viking ships. It was pretty much considered duct tape back then!
- Beeswax is used to treat medical conditions on the skin such as psoriasis, eczema, poison ivy rashes…and much more!
- Organic Beeswax can also be used in homemade cosmetics such as creams, which will do wonders for your skin.
Now, let’s talk about the many health benefits and uses for beeswax, some of which may surprise you! I will also share a few recipes, using beeswax, so you can make all natural cosmetic and medicinal products at home.
Disclaimer: The use of beeswax is generally safe but, if you experience seasonal allergies due to reactions to pollen, please consult with your primary care physician before you use beeswax for any reason. It is also advised that if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications to consult with your primary care physician before using beeswax products.
Beeswax truly is amazing! Here is a list of some of its many health benefits and uses:
- Treats eczema
- Clears acne
- Heals severely chapped lips
- Protects the liver
- Treats psoriasis
- Relieves pain
- Treats diaper dermatitis
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
- Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
- Treats fungal infections on your skin
Now, let’s talk recipes! Here are some easy DIY recipes for cosmetic and medicinal uses.
Recipes – Beeswax Cosmetic And Medicinal Products
Vitamin E Cream
This cream is perfect for dry and/or chapped skin!
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of beeswax
- 2 ounces of water
- 4 ounces of sweet almond oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of vitamin E oil
Directions:
- In a double broiler, melt the beeswax and sweet almond oil
- Remove from heat
- Add water and stir thoroughly
- Add the vitamin E oil and lavender essential oil and stir until the mixture slightly cools
- While it is still warm, pour into your choice of a salve jar or metal tin. Allow to cool completely before use.
Store covered at room temperature.
Antiseptic Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of beeswax
- 3 ounces of sweet almond oil
- 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 1 ounce of jojoba essential oil
- 20 drops of myrrh essential oil
- 20 drops of wheat germ essential oil
Directions:
- Heat sweet almond oil and jojoba essential oil in a saucepan
- Add 2 ounces of beeswax and stir
- Allow this mixture to start cooling. As it is cooling, add the remaining essential oils, which will give the balm its antiseptic effect. Stir until mixed well.
- Pour slightly cooled mixture into a salve jar or metal tin. Allow to cool completely before use.
Store covered at room temperature.
Itch Relief Salve – Perfect for Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Rashes
Ingredients:
- 1 pint of sweet olive oil
- 2 ounces of beeswax
- 1 tablespoon of comfrey powder
- 1 tablespoon of chickweed powder
Directions:
- Combine the chickweed powder, comfrey powder, and sweet olive oil and simmer for 3 hours.
- Strain and add the beeswax
- Pour into salve jar or metal tin
- Allow to cool completely before use
Store covered at room temperature.
Coconut Body Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of distilled water
- 4 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 4 ounces of cocoa butter
- 2 tablespoons of beeswax
Directions:
- Melt the beeswax with the distilled water over low heat
- Add cocoa butter and blend
- Gradually blend in the oils
- Remove from heat
- Pour into a salve jar
- Allow to cool completely before use
Mixture will thicken as it cools. Store covered at room temperature.
Green Toe Gardens shows a video on Joe Kovaleski – Beeswax and Uses:
Do you use organic beeswax for homemade cosmetics or medicinal products? What beeswax products are your favorite? Share with us in the comment section below.
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