Beeswax is an incredible natural substance with a seemingly never ending array of uses. From lip balm to candles, and even as plastic-free food storage, beeswax is an environmentally friendly material that’s a must-have in your non-toxic home.
Let’s see how good is it? It is…
1. 100% natural
Coming from the honeycomb of the honeybee, beeswax is a natural substance straight from Mother Nature. Honeybees consume honey and pollen to produce the wax. It takes about eight pounds of honey to produce just one pound of beeswax.
2. Antifungal & Antibacterial
Like honey, beeswax has antibacterial properties helping keep things clean and reducing risks of contamination. This makes it a common ingredient in skin treatments, salves and more. It is is also thought to have antifungal properties preventing the growth of yeasts and other fungi.
3. You can eat it!
While it wouldn’t provide you many nutrients, beeswax is non-toxic and safe if ingested which is one of the reasons it makes an excellent lip balm.
4. Purifies the air
Unlike candles made from other wax, beeswax candles burn brighter and cleaner as they emit negative ions that are known to help purify the air. Beeswax also smells great when burned without any added chemicals or scents, as it’s naturally aromatic from the honey and flower nectar that’s found in the honeycomb.
5. Waterproof
Beeswax has been used throughout history as a sealant and waterproofing agent for items like belts, tents and shoes. By rubbing beeswax onto a surface like leather or canvas then heating it, the wax seeps into the materials’ fibres and blocks water from passing through.
6. Moisturising
A common ingredient in lotions, soaps and balms, beeswax helps lock in moisture making it a great defense against dry skin, lips or hair.
8. Never goes bad
Propolis in Beeswax
Beeswax contains a natural, powerful protective substance called propolis, which shields beeswax from ever going bad. Made by the bees by combining tree resin with wax flakes and pollen, propolis is used to used fix and strengthen the beehive while protecting the hive with an antiseptic barrier – the name propolis comes from the Greek meaning “defense of the city.” These protective qualities are so effective that unspoiled beeswax has even been found in ancient tombs. That said, it is possible for commercial or homemade beeswax products that also include other ingredients to go bad.
Beeswax and it’s beneficial properties
With so many beneficial properties, beeswax is a healthy and harmless alternative to plastic for storing food in. Beeswax wraps use the natural power of beeswax to protect and store your food in a safe way as a plastic wrap alternative. Since beeswax is waterproof, it keeps unwanted moisture out of food while trapping the food’s natural moisture in. Meanwhile, its antibacterial and antifungal properties keep bacteria and germs at bay while the fact that its all-natural and non toxic mean that, unlike chemical-filled plastics, it’s safe to have close to your food. Many people even use beeswax to seal fresh cheeses for ageing.
