Written by Mallorie Cloum
For as long as they have been around bees have been making honey, and while it's a deliciously sweet treat that we often take advantage of, it is also an essential necessity in a bee's life. It is the food they depend upon and, in one year, a colony of bees is estimated to eat anywhere between 120 to 200 pounds of honey. However, what many people don't know, or realize for that matter, is that the honey, as well as the beeswax, has a multitude of other uses outside of a beehive.
Uses of Honey:
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For thousands of years honey has been known for its powers to heal. It is reported that the Egyptians used honey as a treatment on burns, the Romans used it as a method to clean wounds, and that Hippocrates used honey to cure various skin disorders. Even as late as World War I, honey was used in the treatment of wounds. However, with the introduction of penicillin, as well as a plethora of other antibiotic drugs that were introduced in the twentieth century, honey took a backseat in the treatment process.
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Keeping up with the benefits of honey on the human body, many believe that honey soothes a sore throat, and use it as a treatment.
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Honey is reported to be a beneficial remedy for burns. It releases a hydrogen peroxide that cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation.
Uses of Beeswax:
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Once again, the Egyptians, Greeks, and other ancient societies, learned that the efforts of bee's can be very beneficial. The Egyptians found they could use the wax as a sealant. They often used it to cap wine, and even used it as a protective coating over writing tablets. Traces of beeswax has also been found on the bodies of those embalmed.
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Ancient Greek and Roman jewelers used beeswax in a process called 'Cire Perdue,' French for lost wax. The process begins with the creation of a plaster mold that is coated in wax. The wax is then covered with a perforated plaster mold, after which heat is applied to, and the wax melts out of. After the wax is removed, a filling is then poured in and given time to cool. The seal is then broken and the plaster is removed. The finished product is then filed and/or polished. Since it's discovery, this method has been used in great civilizations for centuries.
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The Romans are reported to have used beeswax as a type of message board. It is said that they would cover a hinged writing tablet with the wax and use a stylus to inscribe a message. After the recipient of the message had read it, the message was then 'erased' and a new reply was written.
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The Romans also found that beeswax could be used as a waterproofing agent.
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During the Middle Ages beeswax was so valuable it was known to be used as a currency.
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Beeswax was commonly used to seal private letters in earlier times.
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Beeswax is commonly known for its ability to be made into a candle. Many churches actually prefer to use candles made of beeswax, because they burn more cleanly than other candles. Beeswax candles are also known for the reported ability to release negative ions into the air, which is said to remove pollution and create a cleaner air environment.
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In the cosmetics world, beeswax plays a role in the making of some beauty products. It is also said to be, when formulated and used correctly, a great emollient and softening to cosmetic products, that won't clog the pores. Nearly sixty percent of beeswax is used in cosmetics, today.
- Beeswax is well-known for its use in the making of candy. It is used during the production of jelly beans and other candies that are gummy. Beeswax seals in candy flavor and adds to the candies texture.
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In a more modern use, NASA has found that beeswax combined with enzymes assists in cleaning up oil spills. Though it is more commonly used on small spills, the product known as PRP (Petroleum Remediation Product) works by absorbing contaminates in water. While the oil passes into a hallowed out tiny beeswax ball, water is unable to penetrate the substance.
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There are many other uses of beeswax: it is used as a glaze by some cheese makers, a natural conditioner for wooden products, it aids in the protection of leather, and can even be mixed with other ingredients and made into soaps.