The photo above are the wax flakes forming in the glands of a young worker bee. Bees have eight wax glands on the underside of their abdomens, these glands are largest when the bee is about 12 days old and gradually decline in size after that. Not all worker bees produce wax, this task is usually left to these young bees also known as "house bees".
The worker bee secretes a liquid wax from its glands, which hardens into scales when it comes into contact with air. Bees have to consume around 6 to 8 pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax.
Bees use beeswax to build honeycomb, which they use to store honey, pollen, and nectar, and to raise their young. Wax can vary in color depending on pollen sources, location in hive, and level of refinement. It is difficult to call beeswax "organic" as beekeepers do not have control of where their bees go to forage.
Humans have been using beeswax since ancient times. Here are some of the current uses:
Candles - Dipped, rolled, or molds. Beeswax candles are biodegradable, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly. They burn cleanly with little smoke and release negative ions that bind to pollutant ions. Don't drip or produce smoke.
Crayons - along with color pigments
Lipstick
Beeswax is a key ingredient in lipstick because it hardens the texture, gives it a glossy look, and helps retain moisture.
Rust prevention
Beeswax can be used to coat materials to prevent rusting. It can also be used to coat nails and screws to prevent them from splitting wood.
Waterproofing
Beeswax can be used to waterproof shoes and other cloth items.
Skin and hair care
Beeswax can be used to hydrate, condition, and soothe the skin and hair. It can also help heal abrasions and protect the skin from environmental pollutants. Component for mustache cream.
Food preservation
Beeswax wrap is breathable and can help keep food fresh for longer. It can be washed and air-dried after each use. Wax is also used in hard cheese storage and covering preservatives.
Furniture polish
Beeswax can be used as a natural furniture polish that gives wood a smooth finish and protects it when mixed with other products such as linseed oil and/or mineral spirits. Also used to lubricate old furniture joints.
Medicinally
Soothes irritated skin and is used in salve making mixed with herbal concoctions. Anti-bacterial. Contains Vitamin A - improving the healing of wounds.
Unstick the Stuck
Smooth movement for doors and windows.
Bronze Polishing
Prevents bronze items from tarnishing.
Conditioner for wood bowls and cutting boards.
Used by NASA with an enzyme to mop up oceanic oil spills.
Used by Archery Hunters
Musical Instrument Uses
Cake guitar bodies to boost longevity.
Coat tambourine surfaces for thumb roll playing technique.
Coat reeds for woodwinds to get a tight fit.
To coat the hemp strings on Bag Pipes.
Craft Uses
Egg painting in a Ukraine folk art of Pysanky.
An essential ingredient in Indian art of fabric dyeing called Batik printing.
Encaustic Art Painting.
Used in glass etching.
The worker bee secretes a liquid wax from its glands, which hardens into scales when it comes into contact with air. Bees have to consume around 6 to 8 pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax.
Bees use beeswax to build honeycomb, which they use to store honey, pollen, and nectar, and to raise their young. Wax can vary in color depending on pollen sources, location in hive, and level of refinement. It is difficult to call beeswax "organic" as beekeepers do not have control of where their bees go to forage.
Humans have been using beeswax since ancient times. Here are some of the current uses:
Candles - Dipped, rolled, or molds. Beeswax candles are biodegradable, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly. They burn cleanly with little smoke and release negative ions that bind to pollutant ions. Don't drip or produce smoke.
Crayons - along with color pigments
Lipstick
Beeswax is a key ingredient in lipstick because it hardens the texture, gives it a glossy look, and helps retain moisture.
Rust prevention
Beeswax can be used to coat materials to prevent rusting. It can also be used to coat nails and screws to prevent them from splitting wood.
Waterproofing
Beeswax can be used to waterproof shoes and other cloth items.
Skin and hair care
Beeswax can be used to hydrate, condition, and soothe the skin and hair. It can also help heal abrasions and protect the skin from environmental pollutants. Component for mustache cream.
Food preservation
Beeswax wrap is breathable and can help keep food fresh for longer. It can be washed and air-dried after each use. Wax is also used in hard cheese storage and covering preservatives.
Furniture polish
Beeswax can be used as a natural furniture polish that gives wood a smooth finish and protects it when mixed with other products such as linseed oil and/or mineral spirits. Also used to lubricate old furniture joints.
Medicinally
Soothes irritated skin and is used in salve making mixed with herbal concoctions. Anti-bacterial. Contains Vitamin A - improving the healing of wounds.
Unstick the Stuck
Smooth movement for doors and windows.
Bronze Polishing
Prevents bronze items from tarnishing.
Conditioner for wood bowls and cutting boards.
Used by NASA with an enzyme to mop up oceanic oil spills.
Used by Archery Hunters
Musical Instrument Uses
Cake guitar bodies to boost longevity.
Coat tambourine surfaces for thumb roll playing technique.
Coat reeds for woodwinds to get a tight fit.
To coat the hemp strings on Bag Pipes.
Craft Uses
Egg painting in a Ukraine folk art of Pysanky.
An essential ingredient in Indian art of fabric dyeing called Batik printing.
Encaustic Art Painting.
Used in glass etching.
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