The use of beeswax in various fields of human activity
Beeswax is a waste product of bees, which they secrete through special glands. They build honeycombs from it, in which they then store honey, bee bread and raise offspring. Beeswax is used in many ways. It is an indispensable component in cosmetic preparations, various mastics, candle making and even a food additive with E-code 901, the permissible dose of which is not limited.
Beeswax composition
Also includes:
- hydrocarbons - inert alkanes (10-14%);
- glycerin and free fatty acids (13-14%);
- water (0.1–2.5%);
- free fatty alcohols (1–1.25%).
The wax composition can contain up to 300 elements:
- Lots of carotenoids. There are 12.8 mg of them in 100 g.
- Vitamin A - 4 g in 100 g.
- Minerals.
- Other impurities in the form of aromatic substances, propolis, larval shells, pollen, vitamins.
The shelf life of beeswax used for technical purposes is not limited, and for medical or cosmetic purposes - no more than 3-4 years.
The percentages of the constituent substances in the wax are variable. They change and depend on the season, climate, terrain, bee species.
Useful properties of beeswax
The wax produced by bees is a medicinal product. There are no restrictions on the use of beeswax. Its benefits have been known to people for a long time. Even in ancient times, warriors covered their wounds with a layer of wax in order to protect them from the penetration of infections and moisture. The antibacterial substances in its composition prevented the possibility of various inflammations and contributed to the early healing of injuries.
Honey wax cannot be dissolved in water, as well as in glycerin or cold alcohol. It interacts only with chloroform, turpentine, gasoline, boiling alcohol, fatty and essential oils.
One of the important properties of wax is chemical resistance, but compounds with metals make it possible to obtain multi-colored salts.
The boiling point of beeswax is 100 ° C, and the burning temperature is 300 ° C.
The hydrophobic qualities of wax are still used in everyday life. It is a natural preservative. On the basis of the E 901 additive, capsules for medicines and containers for packaging many food products are made.
Why beeswax is useful and what diseases it cures
The wax that begins to accumulate in the nest in the spring is white, and the wax obtained later is yellow and even brown. The changes are believed to be related to differences in nutrition and the specific biology of the bees. The darker, with use, the wax becomes, the more ballast substances it contains.
In addition to the widely known antiseptic, there are other medicinal properties of beeswax, which are successfully used both in traditional medicine and in traditional methods of treatment:
- the ability of beeswax to be easily absorbed into the dermis (skin) makes it indispensable in the manufacture of many creams and medicinal ointments, as well as plasters;
- when chewing, it cleans the enamel of the teeth well and has a beneficial effect on the gums and massages them, but it should not stick to the teeth;
- it is used for angina, myositis, stomatitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, pharyngitis.
Beeswax for joints is used as applications and hot compresses, and with the addition honey treat arthritis. It is necessary for the treatment of burns, promotes healing of the dermis, is useful for bruises, and also accelerates the resorption of hematomas.
The most healing wax is yellow. It contains more valuable elements, although anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties are also found in white wax.
The benefits and harms of beeswax
Among the valuable qualities of wax is the fact that the human body does not assimilate it and it acts as a unique sorbent, namely:
- improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- removes toxic substances;
- improves intestinal microflora.
The biological activity of wax is of great importance, which is why it is considered a valuable supplier of valuable trace elements and vitamins for humans.
You can not use wax in any of its types and compositions for those who have allergic reactions to beekeeping products or suspected of individual intolerance.
External use of beeswax
It would seem that with the modern development of the chemical industry, why do we need wax in cosmetics? Its benefits are so great that it is even worth using wax on your own at home, which people did many centuries ago. The use of the properties of beeswax in cosmetology provides a number of unique advantages. It repairs dry, damaged hair.
Beeswax face masks with a pleasant and tasty scent help to eliminate skin imperfections such as:
- flabbiness and decreased skin tone;
- areas with severe dryness;
- remaining traces of acne and boils;
- acne;
- peeling;
- black dots are comedones.
The wax, which is part of face creams, enhances the processes of skin regeneration, it tightens, small wrinkles are smoothed out.
With the use of beeswax, an effective remedy is produced that helps against corns and corns. Mix 100 g of wax melted in a water bath with the same volume of propolis. Then add lemon juice to the resulting mixture. Thin cakes formed from this mass are applied to sore spots. Fix with a plaster for several days. Before this, the feet should be kept in very warm water containing soda for some time.
To combat small, but very painful cracks on the lips, use a special balm based on beeswax. There is a lot of this unique substance in the formulations of expensive face creams, as well as in the formulations of tanning products.
Wax storage rules
Even without special conditions, in an ordinary room, the wax is perfectly preserved for 4 years. After all, he himself is a preservative. But this is only a pure product. Raw wax: cuttings interspersed with honey, bee bread, larvae can be destroyed very quickly wax moth.
Fresh refined wax (melted) is stored practically indefinitely and does not lose its useful properties:
- remains the same dense;
- retains its original color and taste;
- does not interact with moisture;
- does not oxidize in air, under the influence of oxygen.
White plaque that forms on beeswax during long-term storage can be easily removed by placing the product in a sunlit place.
The wax is best preserved in a hermetically sealed glass or plastic container. The storage area should be free of foreign odors, dryness and humidity should be normal.
Beeswax remains in demand in the 21st century. It is essential for covering expensive types of cheese. Its layer does not allow the cheese mass to lose moisture - to dry out. Until now, natural wax is used to lubricate individual parts of crossbows and make molds for casting.Along with honey, it is very important for maintaining a person's health and brings him invaluable benefits.