Beeswax is a naturally occurring wax produced in the bee's hives by honeybees A. mellifera. Glands under the abdomen of the bees secrete this wax and it is used to build the honey comb. There are eight glands in the bee abdominal segment (4–7) of female worker bees that produce the wax.
Common Uses of Beeswax Today
Beeswax is an incredibly versatile substance. It can be mixed into solutions to create a host of medical, cosmetic and home care products, made into candles, eaten, melted and molded into ornaments and used as a sealant. Beeswax is likely safe for most people when applied directly to the skin. While rare, some people may have an allergic skin rash after applying beeswax. Research shows that the long-chain fatty acids and alcohols found in beeswax may reduce high blood cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease.
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Beeswax
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Organic Beeswax from Armenia
See also[edit | edit source]
- Bees and Their Management (Household Cylopedia,1881)
- Candles
- Grafting wax
- Leather
- Skin lotion
- Wood finish
