Beeswax - what's all the buzz about?

We all know that honey is a healthier (and yummier) alternative to sugar but did you know that it has so much more to offer? Outside of baking and cooking, this liquid gold is a must have in every DIYers tool kit. Nope, we’re not referring to the golden, sticky stuff that we drink in our tea or drizzle over our wheat bix. Instead, we’re referring to beeswax which is what worker bees use to build honeycombs.

Beeswax pellets or blocks can help you bee (sorry, we couldn't resist) on your way to a toxin-free and zero-waste lifestyle. You can use it to create almost anything from personal care products to art supplies and food wraps!

What can I use beeswax for?

Short on ideas for how to use your bee by-product? Check out these ideas:

 

It looks like a lot but believe us when we say we’ve barely scratched the surface! Below are a few fun recipes to get you started with using beeswax at home. If you don't have any beeswax in your wellbeing kit yet, grab some here.

Boo Boo Healing Salve for Pets

Makes approximately 120ml of salve.

Add to a mixing bowl: 

• 30ml Sweet Almond oil
• 30ml Hazelnut oil
• 30ml Sunflower oil
• 30ml Olive oil
• 14g Beeswax

Instructions

1. Gently heat base oils and beeswax over low heat (a double boiler setup is ideal) until beeswax is thoroughly melted. Add 20 drops of vitamin E oil, a natural antioxidant preservative.

2. Allow to cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then add the following essential oils and stir thoroughly.

• 6 drops Ravensare (Ravensare aromatica) essential oil
• 3 drops Labdunum (Cistus ladaniferes) essential oil
• 2 drops Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
• 5 drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil
• 5 drops Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) essential oil
• 5 drops Thyme thujanol (Thymus vulgaris ch. thujanol) essential oil

3. Pour into a dark (cobalt or amber) glass jar. Allow to cool completely before putting on the lid.

Boo Boo Healing Salve is a wonderful all-purpose first aid ointment to all sorts of wounds and irritations. Excellent for paw care.

To increase therapeutic value, the base oils can be infused with a variety of skin-soothing herbs. Try: calendula petals, rose petals, chamomile flowers, and lavender flowers.

Source: Holistic Aromatherapy For Animals A Comprehensive Guide to Using Essential Oils and Hydrosols with Dogs, Cats, Horses, and other Animals Kristen Leigh Bell

 

Beeswax Moisturizing Lotion Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup beeswax pearls
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 25 drops of your favourite essential oil(s)

Instructions

1. Melt your beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler on medium heat.
2. Once these are melted stir in your Vitamin E Oil. 
3. Remove from heat and mix in your favourite essential oil(s). 
4. Pour into silicone moulds and let harden. 

 

Salve for Cracked Heels

Ingredients

• ¼ cup shea butter
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 3 TBSP beeswax
• ¼ cup magnesium flakes + 2 TBSP boiling water (or ¼ cup of magnesium oil)
• 10 drops oregano essential oil 
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions

1. Add boiling water into the magnesium flakes in a small container and stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
2. Melt coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a double boiler on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Let the mixture cool until room temperature and slightly opaque and then put into blender.
4. Blend on medium speed. Slowly (a drop at a time) add the dissolved magnesium mixture to the oil while continuing to blend.
5. Continue until all of the magnesium mix is added and well mixed. Add the essential oils and whip until combined.
6. Refrigerate for 15 minutes and re-blend to get body butter consistency.

Store in fridge for best consistency (and a cooling lotion feel), or at room temperature for up to two months.

Sourced from the Wellness Mama

 

Have fun with your projects and don't forget to tag us on them on Instagram!