Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural type of wax which is collected from the bee hive of honey bees. When the bees make their hive, they also produce wax. It is the female bees that have wax producing glands on their bodies. These glands are of different sizes which depend on the age of the bee. These glands begin get damaged upon taking regular flights and therefore, as the bees age, they are not able to produce as much wax as they used to.

The wax glands of young bees are usually clear. However, as the bee grows older, these glands become opaque with use.
Natural beeswax is almost white. However, with propolis and the oils from pollen being constantly incorporated into the wax, in a short period of time, the wax begins to turn yellow, or in some cases, brown. Honey bees produce wax in such a manner that only 1 pound of beeswax is obtained from 10 pounds of honey. The bees secrete wax to build their bee hives and raise their young ones in. This wax is taken out and clarified by heating it in water. Once the wax is clarified, it can be used to make a number of things. Candles are some of the most common items that beeswax is used to make.

Apart from that, beeswax can also be used to make cosmetics, bone wax, and pharmaceuticals. Beeswax is also present in a large variety of modeling waxes and polishing materials. Adhesives used in the assembly of pool tables or for filling seams between slates, also contain beeswax. Organic beeswax is often mixed with pine rosin in order to make the internal structures of a squeezebox. Candles made from pure beeswax burn without creating any residue or smoke and therefore, they are popular in churches and papal ministries. The candle’s flame is not only more yellow, but is also warmer than regular paraffin wax. Depending on the season in which the wax was harvested, the color of the candle may change. Organic beeswax may also be used as a coating on cheese to protect it from spoiling with age. Though cheese can also be protected with cling on plastic wraps, bees wax doesn’t allow odor to build up in cheese. Beeswax is also a common glazing agent and is used in foods as an additive. Though it does not add to the nutritional value of the food, it also is not harmful.