Beeswax is receiving a lot of attention from the scientific community for its health benefits that range from lowering blood pressure to its antimicrobial properties. We have compiled a small sample of findings below.
Table of contents
What is Beeswax?
Is a substance excreted primarily by honeybees for use in the construction of honeycombs. Its color comes from pollen oils that are mixed into the wax.
Uses and effectiveness.
The uses of beeswax range from the art community through to the pharmaceutical industry, see the list below for further information.
- Beeswax is a natural moisturizer: You may have noticed the wide range of beeswax related products appearing in the stores. Beeswax is an excellent way to lock in moisture and so to help heal chapped and dry lips. Rich in vitamin A, beeswax softens the skin without clogging the pores.
- Chapped lips: Because of its moisturizing and skin healing properties, beeswax makes for an ideal lip balm.
- A Treatment for chronic skin conditions: In addition to its moisturizing properties, beeswax, in combination with a mixture of olive oil was discovered to minimize the irritation and soreness that accompanies skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- An effective acne treatment: Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, beeswax makes for an excellent treatment for acne outbreaks. The abundance of vitamin A in beeswax, in addition, help to prevent outbreaks, helps the underlying cells heal, which helps reduce the “pock-mark” effect of severe acne outbreaks.
- Anti-fungal: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, beeswax has been proven to be an effective anti-fungal agent. It has been shown to help reduce the irritation of fungal infections while helping to keep the affected area moisturized.
- Anti-inflammatory pain reliever: Beeswax has been studied for its ability to relieve pain and to help relieve inflammation associated with degenerative Musculoskeletal conditions. After two weeks of treatment patients with the degenerative condition experienced generalized relief from pain and stiffness, improved mobility was also reported.
- Improved liver function: A study using a beeswax derivative was found to help improve and stabilize liver function in patients suffering from decreased liver effectiveness.
- Stress reliever: Many people are turning to the use of beeswax candles as a potent form of stress-relief. Candles that are made from common wax create health problems when the particulates are inhaled. Further, once the paraffin cools it creates a waxy film on nearby surroundings.
Beeswax Who Benefits?
People who have chronic skin conditions or even seasonal skin conditions, such as chapped lips, will benefit most by undertaking a regular regimen of skin care that includes beeswax and its derivatives. As mentioned, beeswax has antibacterial properties and moisturizing properties that both help to heal an existing condition, such as an acne outbreak, as well as help to prevent and reduce the severity of other outbreaks.
Individuals who are sensitive to pollutants in the environment also find beeswax to be very helpful in soothing and protecting sensitive skin.
How to use Beeswax.
Beeswax is typically used in conjunctions with other natural substances like olive oil, borage oils, etc. The use of beeswax depends on the application you intend.
Proper Amounts to be Used in Beeswax Applications.
Depending on the application, the quantity of beeswax to be used will vary. For instance, for use on a skin condition such as acne, a larger amount of beeswax will be required than if simply creating a balm for chapped lips.
Side Effects?
Beeswax has been shown to have few, if any side effects, and this may account for its use in a variety of healthcare products. However, care must be taken when intending to ingest beeswax. As a stand-alone product, ingestion is not advised. Also, some people may experience allergic reactions to topical applications therefore it is recommended to try a small area before treating the entire affected region.
As always, it is good practice to consult your health care provider prior to beginning any healthcare regimen. Your healthcare provider will have access to the latest information on any substance designed for health in addition to having records of your overall health. Armed with such 8information, your health care provider can serve as a valuable guide along your way to better health with beeswax.
Sources:
- BEEWAX
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-305/beeswax - Beewax: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764516301407 - Therapeutic Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5487425/ - Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894/ - Effects of D-002, a mixture of high molecular weight beeswax alcohols, on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712152/ - Are Your Candles Toxic?
https://www.greenamerica.org/toxic-candles
