Bees belong to the family of Apoidea, related to the wasps amongst the insects. (3) They play a crucial role in the pollination and production of honey. Bees assumed responsibility not only for their survival but also for the survival of other plant and animal species due to pollination. There are 16,000 known species of bees approximately.
How Beeswax is made
The worker bees have wax producing glands on their abdomen, from where they produce wax in the form of thin sheets called scales. Beeswax, also called Cera alba, is secreted by the genus Apis of the honey bees. The worker bees also convert the nectar collected during pollination and the honey into the wax. Beeswax is composed of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, which is present as long carbon chains, giving shape to the thin sheet structure of the wax produced. (2) Beeswax, thus made, is essential for the bee; it is used to build the beehive, store the food, and shelter the young larvae. (1)
Benefits of Beeswax
Beeswax has numerous healing and therapeutic benefits.
- Skincare and Cosmetic Compositions – Primarily, beeswax makes an excellent ingredient for skincare products, as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It works well as a skin cleanser and keeps it bacteria-free. It also helps to heal bruises, treat burns and reduce inflammation. (2) It can lock in moisture. It is rich in Vitamin A, so it helps in softening and rehydrating the skin. It keeps the skin calm and soft.
- Beeswax improves the skin’s softness, apart from keeping it hydrated and protected against bacteria and viruses. Hence, it is a sought after and significant component of creams, lipsticks and lotions. The anti-allergic properties of Beeswax also make it worthwhile for these cosmetics to be used on sensitive skin.
- Liver Protection – Beeswax has alcohol content in the beehive’s honeycomb, with inherent antioxidant properties. It helps protect the liver, and beeswax is used in compositions to combat a fatty liver.
- Lowers Cholesterol levels – Beeswax is known to possess the ability to lower cholesterol in humans due to its nature of long-chain alcohol chemical structure. It is associated with its ability to combat fatty substances.
- Helps in treating skin infections like eczema and dermatitis – Being Rich in Vitamin A, beeswax has a softening effect on the skin. Mixed with Olive oil, it is helpful in the treatment of diaper dermatitis, common dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
- Anti-Acne Treatment – Beeswax is a very useful post-acne for restoring the soft texture of the skin. It possesses antiseptic properties used to treat acne.
- Treat Fungal Skin Infections – Due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, beeswax can reduce Fungal infection and Jock Itch too. Used with olive oil and honey, it can have marvellous effects.
- Ability to Reduce Stretch marks – Beeswax based creams are helpful for pregnant mothers to reduce stretch marks on the skin.
(1)(2)
PRECAUTIONS
Though beeswax is considered safe for the general public, there is no reliable evidence about safety in pregnant women and breastfeeding cases. (4)
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Disclaimer:
Shubham Pharmachem’s blog posts have been written with the information gathered from approved medical journals and websites online. Our research and technical teams strive to provide relevant information through such articles. We strongly advise readers to not consume or administer any medication without prior consultation with their doctor.
