Beeswax
Cera Alba
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A Brief History of Beeswax From Greek Mythology to the Bible, history has been written in, and of, beeswax. Some of the first beeswax uses ranged from medicine and light to food and communication. In fact, many of the traditional uses for beeswax still hold true today.
For thousands of years, many farmers participated (and still do) in beekeeping. They kept bees because the honey and wax produced from a hive could provide a substantial supplement to one's income. Today, beeswax alone is reported to make up to at least 5% of a beekeeper's income. |
These ancient beekeepers would sell the honey as sweetener and flavoring. But just as popular as sweetening an evening tea, as was using a beeswax candle to light a room. And it wasn't just other farmers and townspeople that were interested in these candles. Every home, church, and castle would soon welcome these sweet-smelling sticks and find refuge in their dancing illumination of fire, wax, and wick.
The general interest in beeswax is on the rise around the world. From the legend Burt Shavitz of Burt's Bees (rest in peace) to the surprisingly popular bee venom therapy to treat MS (multiple sclerosis).
The general interest in beeswax is on the rise around the world. From the legend Burt Shavitz of Burt's Bees (rest in peace) to the surprisingly popular bee venom therapy to treat MS (multiple sclerosis).
Beeswax: The Amazing Product of Bees
Beeswax is an extraordinary all-natural wax. If you are wondering what beeswax is or how it is made, or if you can make it yourself at home, I have some advice for you; the only way to make beeswax is by investing in a bee hive! The process is complex and beautiful. I'll break it down:
Advice: Can beeswax be "organic"? The process above is better described as natural, while the term "organic" relates to the soil, fertilizer, and pesticides used during plant cultivation. I would consider beeswax to be natural.
- Bees ingest pollen for protein (pollen is considered to be one of nature's most nourishing foods).
- Pollen is digested and wax is secreted from the glands of worker bees.
- At the beginning, beeswax is clear.
- Honeybees assemble the wax into honeycomb shaped cells.
- These cells are their home where they raise their young in a pool of honey (yum!).
- Flower pollen and propolis eventually change the color of the wax.
- Propolis is a resin-cocktail of beeswax, bee saliva, and elements from the natural environment in which the bee colony is located.
- Propolis increases the structural integrity of the hive, reduces noise inside the hive, and is a tool for general hygiene and disease control. (These guys are smart!)
- Beeswax color transitions from clear to opaque, and then from yellow to green and even brown.
- Eventually, a bee colony will swarm or is divided to begin anew.
- The beeswax is then ready for harvest.
Advice: Can beeswax be "organic"? The process above is better described as natural, while the term "organic" relates to the soil, fertilizer, and pesticides used during plant cultivation. I would consider beeswax to be natural.
The Benefits Of Beeswax In Skin Care
It's all about the propolis
Emulsifying Wax
Many lotions use an emulsifying wax, or e-wax, to create a specific texture. We do not use e-wax because of the controversy behind how e-wax is sourced (some of them are made from animal fat) and from there because of the debate that generates on whether or not e-wax can be labeled organic or vegetarian. While beeswax may not work as effectively (I can't say "well" here) as e-wax, it is indeed an emulsifier.
What Is An Emulsifier?
An emulsifier, explained simply, is a material that helps break apart an oil into smaller particles, and then disbands and "suspends" those particles throughout the partnered liquid (water). The process of blending an oil and water together is known as emulsification.
Not only is beeswax an emulsifier, but so is apple cider vinegar. Vinegar, in general, is an emulsifier. This is an old culinary trick I picked up from a decade of work as a cook in the restaurant business. I've made many a dressing, aioli, custard, and cream. In fact, part of why I started Soul Salve was to blend my passion for food with plants (pun intended). It's worked out well.
Not only is beeswax an emulsifier, but so is apple cider vinegar. Vinegar, in general, is an emulsifier. This is an old culinary trick I picked up from a decade of work as a cook in the restaurant business. I've made many a dressing, aioli, custard, and cream. In fact, part of why I started Soul Salve was to blend my passion for food with plants (pun intended). It's worked out well.
- Beeswax is a stabilizer in skin care products.
AntibacteriaL Properties
To explore the antibacterial properties of beeswax we must refer back to the term Propolis.
Is Propolis Antibacterial?
A study performed at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, by the Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering, focused on the chemical structure and antimicrobial properties of the beeswax produced by the Australian honey bee, Apis mellifera ligustica.
- Propolis is a resin-cocktail of beeswax, bee saliva, and elements from the natural environment in which the bee colony is located.
- Propolis increases the structural integrity of the hive, reduces noise inside the hive, and is a tool for general hygiene and disease control. (These guys are smart!)
Is Propolis Antibacterial?
A study performed at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, by the Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering, focused on the chemical structure and antimicrobial properties of the beeswax produced by the Australian honey bee, Apis mellifera ligustica.
"Propolis preparations have been used for millennia by humans in food, cosmetics and medicines due to its antibacterial effects. Within the hive, propolis plays an important role in bees' health, with much of its bioactivity largely dependent on the plant resins the bees select for its production." (1)
When a baby bee is growing they are very susceptible to disease and pests, as is anything "in vitro". It is agreed then that the bee hive must be built of clean and sanitary conditions. But how?
"This study aimed to determine the chemical composition as well as in vitro antimicrobial effects of propolis harvested from honeybees in subtropical eastern Australia." (1)
The idea is that the propolis gains its antibacterial properties from the ingredients in which it is comprised; bee saliva and flower pollen.
"The two propolis crude extracts showed bactericidal effects at the minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.37-2.04 mg mL(-1) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923." (1)
Conclusion:
Yes, beeswax exhibits minimal antibacterial qualities.
Yes, beeswax exhibits minimal antibacterial qualities.
WATER RESISTANCE
A study organized by the College of Material Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, and multiple other universities in China (see works cited), tested a method to make paper products water resistant and antibacterial. The antibacterial intention was to prevent possible bacterial transfers such as Escherichia coli (E-coli) from being transferred from the paper plant and then exposed to the consumer.
"An effective method of preparing composites containing inorganic (Ag) and organic (beeswax) particles was established in this study." (2)
The combination of inorganic and organic beeswax prepared for the experiment resulted favorably for both water repellency and antimicrobial activity:
"The dynamic contact angle and antibacterial activity tests indicated that the contact angle of coated paper reached 113.06° and the growth inhibition of Escherichia coli increased to 99.96%, respectively, at a coating amount of 21.53 g/m.
When applied onto paper surface by coating, the CNC/Ag/beeswax composites can impact paper with antibacterial property and improved water resistance." (2)
Conclusion:
Using this beeswax mixture improved the paper's water resistance and provided the paper with antibacterial properties.
In a skin care product, beeswax helps to "seal in" a moisturizer on the skin, resisting water penetration which would potentially remove the moisturizer.
Using this beeswax mixture improved the paper's water resistance and provided the paper with antibacterial properties.
In a skin care product, beeswax helps to "seal in" a moisturizer on the skin, resisting water penetration which would potentially remove the moisturizer.
Natural Preservative
Did you know, beeswax was an integral ingredient used in mummification? Did you know that bees use beeswax to mummify? It is true. A bee hive is typically nestled high on a tree branch or in an inconvenient location for something that does not fly. This is to prevent pests such as lizards, mice, and insects from invading the hive.
Occasionally a creature will successfully invade the hive. When this happens, the creature usually dies inside, either by the bees or by getting stuck inside the comb, or both. The creature will then decay and rot, jeopardizing the sanitary conditions required to grow more bees and run a healthy beehive.
However, bees have developed a way to prevent that decay and the spreading of any disease that would force the hive to evacuate and begin anew. It's simple; they mummify the dead creature in propolis. When they do this, they are able to completely seal the dead creature away from the hive, and no disease spreads. The hive is safe and continues on.
Occasionally a creature will successfully invade the hive. When this happens, the creature usually dies inside, either by the bees or by getting stuck inside the comb, or both. The creature will then decay and rot, jeopardizing the sanitary conditions required to grow more bees and run a healthy beehive.
However, bees have developed a way to prevent that decay and the spreading of any disease that would force the hive to evacuate and begin anew. It's simple; they mummify the dead creature in propolis. When they do this, they are able to completely seal the dead creature away from the hive, and no disease spreads. The hive is safe and continues on.
"prevent putrefaction within the hive. Bees usually carry waste out of and away from the hive. However, if a small lizard or mouse, for example, finds its way into the hive and dies there, bees may be unable to carry it out through the hive entrance. In that case, they would attempt instead to seal the carcass in propolis, essentially mummifying it and making it odorless and harmless." (3) - Wikipedia
Fun Fact: Despite everything we have learned from Winnie the Pooh, bears are not there to eat the honey, they are there to eat the brood! Brood is the term given that entails the egg, larva, and pupa stages of the baby bee. And bears love them. A beehive brood contains a high level of fat and protein, which is extremely nourishing for a bear.
Conclusion:
Beeswax, specifically propolis, has been used throughout history for its preservation qualities.
How Beeswax Is Used Around The World
Skin Care:
As described previously, beeswax is used commonly in many skin care products:
Hair Maintenance:
Seals, Stamps, And Coatings:
Candle Making:
Waterproofing And Shoe Polish:
Oxidization:
Culinary / Food:
Let's start by asking, is beeswax edible? Yes! Beeswax is definitely edible, although our body is actually incapable of digesting beeswax. Our bodies are incapable of digesting wax in general. We simply lack the appropriate enzymes to break it down in our stomachs. But we process it nevertheless. Here are some items that use or require beeswax:
As described previously, beeswax is used commonly in many skin care products:
- lotion
- cream
- body butter
- lip balm and salve
- beard balm
- shampoo
- soap
Hair Maintenance:
- People all over the world use beeswax as a natural way to moisturize and style their hair. Many pomades are made with potentially harmful chemicals. But with beeswax, an all natural pomade can be created.
Seals, Stamps, And Coatings:
- Beeswax is said to make the best seal for cheese! Stamps are sometimes sealed in wax, like the seal we use to package our Soul Butter. And a nail or screw is less likely to splinter wood if it is coated in beeswax. Can also be used on fishing rods and wire, and kite strings!
Candle Making:
- While there are many other waxes available for candle making, beeswax still remains a favorite for consumers and producers. The scent that is emitted is distinct, and the melting point for a beeswax candle is perfect
- There are some parts of the world where beeswax remains the only wax available for candle making. Beeswax candles are still very popular despite the use of modern waxes.
Waterproofing And Shoe Polish:
- A long-time favorite for leather. Just rub beeswax or the appropriate beeswax conditioner on your shoes and boots! The propolis in the beeswax helps repel the water.
Oxidization:
- Coating beeswax on bronze statues prevents corrosion. A coat can also be applied to prevent metals from rusting and wood from drying out.
Culinary / Food:
Let's start by asking, is beeswax edible? Yes! Beeswax is definitely edible, although our body is actually incapable of digesting beeswax. Our bodies are incapable of digesting wax in general. We simply lack the appropriate enzymes to break it down in our stomachs. But we process it nevertheless. Here are some items that use or require beeswax:
- Cakes and pastries - the beeswax's unique ability to block out moisture helps keep pastries tasting fresh. The famous Canelés pastry, for example. Wouldn't be a Canelés without beeswax!
- Beeswax candies
- Some organic fruits and vegetables are coated in beeswax as a natural, chemical free way to preserve them
Works Cited:
1) Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of honeybee (Apis mellifera ligustica) propolis from subtropical eastern Australia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26521267
2) Preparation of the CNC/Ag/beeswax composites for enhancing antibacterial and water resistance properties of paper. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26917389
3) Propolis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propolis
2) Preparation of the CNC/Ag/beeswax composites for enhancing antibacterial and water resistance properties of paper. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26917389
3) Propolis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propolis