Beeswax Facts - Nature's Hidden Secret
Ancient Egyptians and Roman cultures used beeswax for natural skin and beauty treatments. Today, beeswax is still used in the production of many products such as candles, lotions and cosmetic products. If you are looking for a safe alternative to toxic chemicals, homemade products containing beeswax are a great substitute with amazing health benefits.
Beeswax has a variety of uses such as:
- Natural Base for homemade products. Beeswax is a wonderful component to add to your life if you are a DIY enthusiast. Natural products such as candles, chapsticks, makeup and lotions can be made without the use of chemicals and toxins.
- Acne Treatment. Due to its rich vitamin A content and anti-septic properties, beeswax is an amazing natural treatment for acne. It moisturizes the skin without clogging pores and allows skin to “breathe.”
- Natural Remedies. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine performed a 24-week study that revealed beeswax normalized liver function and improved symptoms of fatty liver in the test subjects. When mixed with honey it has also been used as a treatment for candida. Beeswax can be used to naturally lower cholesterol levels as well.
- Anti-inflammatory. Beeswax has been researched to help ease inflammation and joint pain in patients with arthritis and joint stiffness/pain. It is an added ingredient in many topical creams to ease pain and discomfort.
- Skin Care. In his book, How to Use Beeswax and Honey to Cure Skin Problems, Gene Ashburner discusses the healing skin benefits of beeswax. His book explains that beeswax contains vitamin A and is moisturizing to skin yet does not clog pores. It is also used in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, diaper rash, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Beeswax has been researched to help the body produce collagen which can aid in the healing of stretch marks and scars.
Which Beeswax should you use?
Choosing the right beeswax product is dependent on what you are using the beeswax for. It is important to choose a pure, 100% organic natural beeswax product that does not contain other filler ingredients. Be sure you research the quality of the beeswax you are purchasing. Beeswax comes in two forms, white and yellow pellets. White and yellow beeswax pellets differ in color based on the filtration process. White beeswax is turned white after undergoing a pressure-filtration process. Yellow beeswax is typically processed less and therefore left in its more natural state.
White beeswax is great for projects such as candle making because you can create lots of different colored candles with natural mica powder. Beeswax candles are naturally hypoallergenic and emit negative ions into the air, which have various health benefits.
Yellow beeswax can still be used for candles but will not showcase the colors in the mica powder as well as a white beeswax base will. White beeswax is typically chosen for aesthetic reasons.
Both yellow and white beeswax can be used for creating holistic products such as lip balms, lotions, soaps and candles.
Candles made from beeswax also have many health benefits unlike traditional candles made from substances such as paraffin. Paraffin is a common candle ingredient. It is a waste product created from petroleum and is typically used as candle wax. When heated, paraffin releases a carcinogenic chemical in the air. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that, “Pure paraffin wax is widely regarded as non-toxic, but may possess some carcinogenic properties.” (Source: OSHA- Ref 5.3)
Beeswax candles are a great replacement for the toxin filled candles in your home. Beeswax candles are a natural, safe alternative you can add to your household instead. When heated, Beeswax candles emit negative ions. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed data demonstrating how negative air ions can impact the health of living things and improve air quality. Their findings stated, “…NAIs [negative air ions] had multiple health benefits on humans/animals, might inhibit the growth and/or kill some of microorganisms and promote plant development…”
Negative ions are believed to increase the body’s production of serotonin, which is the brain’s “happy chemical.” The release of negative ions can aid in stress relief and improve our moods. Negative ions also purify the air and can be especially beneficial to those with respiratory issues such as asthma, emphysema and lung diseases. Negative ions emitted into the air are also good for plants and can help your indoor herb gardens and other houseplants flourish.
Mary Tylor Naturals is proud to offer a 100% organic, premium Beeswax product available in both yellow and white beeswax pellets. We stand by our motto, “Better Ingredients for a Better Life.”