Beeswax – composition, action, indications, application. Is beeswax edible?

Proven content

Beeswax (Cera apium), next to honey, is one of the most famous beekeeping products. For centuries, beeswax has been used to make fragrant candles for domestic and liturgical use. It is worth taking a closer look at this unusual substance.

How is beeswax made?

Bees produce beeswax thanks to their wax glands. The wax is made by young bees, then scraped from their bodies, chewed, and mixed with bees’ saliva and other enzymes.

After chewing and processing the wax, the bee attaches it to the honeycomb where the pollen is stored and where the bees reside. Wax also helps to safely store the honey produced by bees and can help protect the hive from infections and other unwanted contaminants.

See also: Bee sting – symptoms and first aid in case of stings

Beeswax – composition and action

Beeswax consists of a mixture of organic acids, esters, hydroxy acids, monohydric and dihydroxy alcohols and hydrocarbons. The substances derived from propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid give the beeswax a pleasant smell. The main active substances in wax are: palmitic acid, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, and squalene.

Thanks to the aforementioned alcohols and fatty acids, beeswax moisturizes the skin and protects it against water loss. Palmitic acid creates an occlusive layer on the skin, thanks to which it prevents drying and destruction of the epidermis – it makes the skin soft and smooth, and when applied to the hair, it gives it a shiny appearance. Squalene and 10-hydrix-2-decenoic acid are antibiotic.

Wax also contains carotenoids that have antioxidant properties, which is why they work on the skin in a wide range – removing not only the symptoms but also the causes of some skin diseases. Wax is used in many cosmetic preparations, such as: creams, ointments, dermatological patches, lipsticks, depilatory waxes, cosmetic lotions, sticks. In pharmacy, it is used in the production of ointments, suppositories and patches. In dermatology, beeswax plays a significant role in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, diaper rash, tinea versicolor, abscesses and boils, and sunburn.

Beeswax – application

Beeswax is used externally mainly in the form of ointments and creams. Nevertheless, it can be used in various forms:

1. dressings – gauze dipped in a mixture of wax and petroleum jelly to heal wounds,
2. aerosols – improving blood circulation in diseased skin,
3. ointments – to heal wounds, bruises, boils and eczema,
4. creams – to treat itching and wounds,
5. liniments – for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Beeswax is a valuable ingredient in care cosmetics. Its properties have been appreciated by the iconic brand Embryolisse, loved by women all over the world. Beeswax contained in Embryoderme moisturizes and smoothes the skin and helps maintain its youthful appearance. Also order the global anti-aging cream Embryolisse, which contains, among others beeswax, shea butter and aloe vera, thanks to which it helps to protect the epidermis and strengthens the hydrolipid barrier.

You will also find beeswax in Vianek’s intensely soothing body butter, in which it is combined with avocado and shea butter to keep the skin of the whole body smooth and supple. It is also a component of the Vianek regenerating hand scrub, which smoothes and moisturizes the skin of the hands.

Internally, beeswax is used in the form of:

1. Chewable honey – in sinus and tonsillitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, nose and mouth, hay fever and bronchial asthma,
2. steam inhalations – as an aid in the treatment of oral cavity infections,
3. ointments and liniments – for the treatment of skin erythema, hemorrhoids,
4. compresses – for the treatment of all rheumatic ailments.

Beeswax preparations are usually used from a few days to a month. There is no risk of overdosing with beeswax – nevertheless, the dosage is individual, depending on the disease and the use of other preparations.

Contraindication to use is allergy to beeswax or any other component of the preparation containing wax.

Beeswax and diaper dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema

Beeswax is an excellent choice for many skin conditions. A mixture of honey, beeswax, and olive oil is useful in treating diaper rash, psoriasis, and eczema. A study by the Dubai Specialized Medical Center and Medical Research Labs Islamic Establishment for Education investigated the effects of these three substances and mixtures on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans isolated from human specimens.

Two experiments were carried out in the study: one in which the honey mixture was poured over holes made on seeded dishes Staphylococcus aureus or candida and the second, in which the microorganisms were grown on media made of honey-blend alone, honey-agar broth, and glucose agar (Sabouraud’s broth). Ultimately, the study showed that honey and honey blends can inhibit the growth of bacteria that can affect the skin and cause skin diseases.

See also: Common skin diseases

Beeswax and skin hydration

Beeswax is an amazing way to moisturize the skin and is commonly used in skin care products and cosmetics. It can help protect and repair rough, dry, or chapped skin as it has the ability to retain moisture.

Experts believe beeswax is rich in vitamin A and has emollient properties that soften and hydrate the skin and help promote healthy cellular renewal. Another advantage of its use is the fact that it does not clog pores. It can be used daily to prevent skin dryness. Just combine beeswax with almond oil or jojoba oil, a few drops of vitamin E oil and aloe vera to make a home remedy for dry skin.

Beeswax and the liver

In 2013, a study published in the Korean Journal of Internal Medicine investigated alcohols in honeycombs and whether their antioxidant effects helped protect the liver. Scientists conducted a study using a mixture of alcohol and beeswax to assess safety and effectiveness in people with fatty liver. The study was conducted over a 24-week period, and it was found that this helped to normalize liver function and improve the symptoms of fatty liver.

See also: Liver disease

Beeswax and cholesterol

Research reports that ultra-long-chain fatty alcohols derived from vegetable waxes lower cholesterol in humans. The nutritional or regulatory effects produced by wax esters, or the aliphatic acids and alcohols found in unrefined grains, beeswax, and many plant-based foods lower low density lipoproteins (“bad cholesterol”) by 21% to 29% and raise lipoprotein levels high density (“good cholesterol”) by 8 to 15 percent.

See also: Symptoms of high cholesterol

Beeswax and pain and anti-inflammatory effects

As a medicine, beeswax has been tested to relieve pain and inflammation and has a mild anti-swelling effect. A 2014 study published in the Korean Journal of Internal Medicine reports that beeswax was used to relieve inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. All patients completed the study, and 23 experienced reductions in pain, joint stiffness, and exercise performance. These reductions were significant from week two onwards and increased during the trial.

Beeswax and acne

Beeswax is one of the most famous home remedies for acne. It has strong antiseptic, healing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating acne, in particular because it contains vitamin A.

It is also an excellent skin emollient and emollient to help maintain a smooth skin texture after acne is removed. Combining beeswax skin care, a healthy diet, and daily exercise is the best way to control and prevent acne.

See also: Exercises – 6 exercises for each day

Beeswax and dry, chapped lips

Natural moisturizers in beeswax make it the perfect lip balm. If you suffer from chapped or cracked lips, applying beeswax and a few other ingredients topically can provide much-needed relief. It’s easy to make your own lip balm by combining it with coconut oil, honey, vitamin E oil, and your favorite essential oils like orange, peppermint, lavender, and lemon.

See also: Beautiful lips, or what to do not to be dry

Beeswax and stretch marks

Stretch marks can be embarrassing and prevent you from wearing your favorite summer clothes, so if you’re wondering how to get rid of stretch marks, you might want to try beeswax. Due to its ability to protect the skin and retain water, it can have a positive effect on these unsightly marks.

A study by the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Korea reports that stretch marks are atrophic skin scars with thinning of the epidermis due to reduced collagen and elastic fibers. The study suggests that collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix, which is very important in wound healing. Since beeswax contains vitamin A, which helps in the production of collagen, it can significantly help reduce stretch marks.

By combining beeswax, royal jelly, shea or cocoa butter, grape seed oil and coconut oil, you get a natural remedy for preventing and treating stretch marks while helping to improve collagen levels.

Beeswax and itching of the groin and fungal skin infections

Groin itching and fungal skin infections are definitely annoying, but can be treated with beeswax. Since it has anti-inflammatory effects, it can help reduce the pain of itching in the groin and ringworm, while providing moisturizing benefits to reduce itching.

Early research suggests that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey, and olive oil to the affected area three times a day for four weeks can significantly relieve groin itching and fungal skin infections.

Beeswax and stress

We often think of beeswax candles when we think of beeswax. This is good because candles made of paraffin can endanger our and our family’s health due to the soot of paraffin wax that can be inhaled. It can also cause significant damage to the interior of your home (computers, electrical appliances, and cables).

Instead, choose these natural candles that also work well as stress relievers. If you are making your own candles, check labels to make sure you are getting organic beeswax as they are toxin-free. If you are buying already manufactured beeswax candles, choosing 100 percent beeswax candles with cotton wicks is definitely your best bet.

See also: Ear candling

Is beeswax edible?

Yes, you can eat beeswax. Some people eat it directly as part of the honeycomb, or you can consume it indirectly as an ingredient in processed foods (labeled E901). Consuming beeswax is associated with several health benefits, including pain relief, lowering cholesterol, reducing swelling, and treating ulcers, hiccups, and diarrhea. However, there is little research that shows it is effective for any of these conditions.

However, it is advisable not to consume beeswax in large amounts, as researchers believe it may cause a blockage in the intestines. It may also be harmful, especially for people allergic to bee products.