Beeswax - more useful than you'd ever expect!
Many people do not realize just how versatile beeswax can be. This by-product of honey production is a favourite in the candy industry, used to seal flavour and give texture to a lot of delicious, chewy treats like gummy bears and jelly beans. Beeswax has been commonly used to make drip-free, fragrant candles that burn longer and brighter than ordinary wax candles. But there are many other ingenious uses for this beautiful golden wax. If you're looking for a more natural alternative to a lot of today's toxic, chemically-laden products on the market, beeswax is a great choice.
1. Beeswax as a lubricant
Beeswax has been used in carpentry for many years to lubricate machinery. It also serves as a great wood finish or polish when added to boiled linseed oil. Applied beeswax also has a lot of convenient household uses like unsticking zippers, window sills and drawers.
2. Beeswax as a temporary filling
Beeswax fillings may be the oldest hint of therapeutic dentistry recorded. A cracked tooth from a Slovenian man over 6,000 years old was discovered filled with beeswax. Due to the fractured nature of the tooth, scientists suggest that beeswax may have used as far back as this neolithic man for tooth pain relief [1]. For those with a cavity who cannot immediately get or afford a dentist appointment, beeswax may serve as a temporary at-home tooth filler. While it won't stop decay on its own, some use it to ease pain until they can get the cavity properly cleaned and treated.
3. Beeswax for dreadlocks
Beeswax is often used in salons for creating dreadlocks. When applied to the hair it helps you shape the hair the way you want, whether it is straight or curly, and helps to hold the hair together. Because of the natural moisturizing properties of beeswax, it helps keep hair moisturized and gives it a desirable smell.
4. Beeswax for cigarette cravings
Chewing gum or tobacco aren't the only things to help fight your smoking habit. Chewing tobacco is even harmful because of its link to mouth and throat cancer. Some people prefer to chew all natural beeswax with a little honey in it, or buy a natural beeswax chewing gum. A quick recipe for beeswax chewing gum is a ½ cup of beeswax and three tablespoons of honey.
5. Beeswax for waterproofing
Water damage to leather can be frustrating and costly. Wet feet from leaky boots can also lead to unsightly health issues. Beeswax is great for waterproofing leather shoes or boots. Coat the shoes or boots all over with beeswax and either melt it into the fabric with a blow-dryer or leave it on overnight in a dry place, wiping off any excess wax the following day. If your boots are synthetic or of a combination material, play it safe by using a water-based wax waterproofer specifically designed for that material.
6. Beeswax for skin rejuvenation
If you have dry, rough skin, beeswax may be a good addition to your skincare regime. It has natural moisturizing properties, and because it is an emulsifier (which means it stops other ingredients from separating and also seals them well), you can combine beeswax with your own favourite nourishing oils like palm oil, olive oil, and almond oil to make great soaps or lotions.
7. Beeswax as earplugs
If you've ever used earplugs, you know the irritation that comes with trying to find a perfect, comfortable fit. Beeswax earplugs are becoming more popular because they're softer and more workable than some other harder plastic materials. New products claim to allow a custom fit every time as your own body heat molds the plugs "exactly" to the contours of your ear canals [2] . Beeswax earplugs may just be the comfy fit you need for your next good night's sleep.
8. Beeswax as an air purifier.
Beeswax candles work as an air purifier. While regular paraffin candles may release other allergens and toxins into the air, 100% all-natural beeswax candles purify by releasing negative ions into the air which bind with toxins and help remove them. People with allergies or asthma may find more daily relief by switching to beeswax candles [3].
Whether you're looking to add a few more healthy alternatives into the home or just looking to get a little bit closer to Mother Nature, beeswax on its own has a lot of great uses. When combined with more of Mother Nature's gifts like pure oils, beeswax may work even better. Unless you suffer from an allergy to bees, why not give beeswax a try for your needs?
REFERENCES
[1] Bernardini F, Tuniz C, Coppa A, Mancini L, Dreossi D, et al. (2012) Beeswax as Dental Filling on a Neolithic Human Tooth. PLoS ONE 7(9): e44904.
[2] Earplug Station Online. 30 July 2014.
[3] Wright, Jonathan V. "Beeswax Benefits--Beat Nagging Allergies and Sinus Problems." Tahoma Clinc Blog. 30 July 2014.
