Karen’s thoughts on Beeswax

Beeswax is the purest and most natural of all waxes, and is secreted from special glands on honeybees abdomens - the wax droplets harden into flakes when exposed to air. The worker bees take these flakes in their mouths to soften into a workable material that attaches to the honeycomb. The youngest bees cluster in large numbers to raise their body temperature so that they can slowly secrete slivers of wax (flakes) which are about the size of a pinhead, other worker bees then harvest these wax flakes and take them to the part of the hive requiring the new wax. Bees can produce 8 wax flakes in around 12 hours, so that gives you an idea about how patient and hard working they are! Beeswax is the purest and most natural of all waxes, it is hard and breakable when cold but soft and pliable when warmed. For each pound of beeswax, the bee visits over 30 million flowers and to produce one pound of wax requires the bees to consume about eight to ten pounds of honey.

Why choose Beeswax?

When burned, beeswax emits a natural light, surrounded with a beautiful golden halo - which is the same spectrum as the sun. This also helps to minimise eye strain and reduce headaches.
Beeswax is one of the densest waxes available and so lasts longer than paraffin and vegetable waxes in its purest form. It is also the least processed and 100% biodegradable and sustainable.
By choosing beeswax, you are not only supporting local beekeepers but using a wax from a natural, renewable resource from an industry which helps the environment.
Antifungal & Antibacterial - like honey, beeswax has antibacterial properties helping to keep things clean and reducing risks of contamination. This makes it a common ingredient in skin treatments, salves and more. It is also thought to have antifungal properties preventing the growth of yeasts and other fungi.

What can Beeswax do?

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.
It purifies the air - unlike candles made from other wax, beeswax candles burns brighter and cleaner as they emit negative ions that are known to help purify the air. These negative ions help to relieve stress, boost energy levels (helping you feel more alert), reduce the amount of dust, allergens and airborne germs and odours by attaching to the positively charged ions that are keeping them airborne. It has been suggested that burning a beeswax candle 30-60 mins before sleeping, will purify the air and aid sleep.
It is waterproof - beeswax has been used throughout history as a sealant and waterproofing agent for items like belts, tents, jackets 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.
Moisturising - a common ingredient in lotions, soaps and balms, beeswax helps lock in moisture making it a great defence against dry skin, lips or hair.

Beeswax vs other materials

It never goes bad - 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 “defence of the city.” These protective qualities are so effective that unspoiled beeswax has even been found in ancient tombs.
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.