Beeswax is produced by the “wax glands” of the latter, which develop between the second and third weeks of life and which produce wax until the death of the bee. The wax is then almost white, resembling fine flakes, then it is kneaded by the bee's mandibles and mixed with its saliva. We ultimately obtain a fatty paste which is used by the workers to make the cells of the hive. Wax is a fatty and compact substance, of a lipid nature, consisting of 3/4 esters of fatty acids and alcohol, 1/4 hydrocarbons, as well as a few other substances (vitamin A, pigments, etc.) . It is a stable compound which keeps very well, although it is preferable to melt it in order to sterilize it. It is then poured and stored in an airtight container.
This article was updated on 25/10/2022Manufacturing and harvesting
Within the hive, the wax can come from two places: the covers which close the alveoli, or old frames already used. Different uses are then distinguished depending on the origin, because the wax of the lids is very pure while the wax of the old frames contains numerous impurities. Thus, in the first case, the wax from the opercula is purified in order to be used in apitherapy or in cosmetic, while the wax from old frames will be used in industry, to make candles for example.
Furthermore, beeswax is a product used since the dawn of time, whether in candles for lighting, for sealing letters, or even for molding sculptures. In addition, white wax (from the lids) was used since Antiquity to make dermatological preparations, such as poultices to apply to burns or infected wounds. Today, white wax or yellow wax is still widely used in cosmetics. We choose it as excipient and protective agent in the constitution of ointments, milks, mascara, lipsticks, anti-aging creams… Wax is a stable and flexible material which constitutes an ideal support for mixing organic products. Furthermore, it also has a revitalizing effect that restores radiance, suppleness and tone to your skin!
Another original use of beeswax combining candles and health: the use within ear candles known as the Hopi Indians (which means “peaceful people”). These are candles made from a long hollow cone of beeswax up to 30 cm long, which are used to treat earwax blockages. In fact, the heat linked to the combustion of the wax (at the base) diffuses to the eardrums, which softens the various impurities present and allows their elimination because this also causes depression in the ear. This way, earwax deposits are sucked out and collected in the beeswax cone. Thanks to its candles which contribute to deep cleaning of the ear and the elimination of earwax blockages, no more ringing! (bee buzz… get it?)
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Bibliography
Work : Cherbuliez, T., Domerego, R. (2003). Apitherapy - Bee medicine. Amyris Editions.
Work : April, G. (2014). Natural health with apitherapy: Honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly... Éditions Terre vivant.
Work : Domerego, R., Imbert, G., & Blanchard, C. (2016). Practical guide to bee medicine: honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly... on a daily basis. Baroch Editions.