What wax is made of: where do bees get it for honeycombs and how is it obtained

Bees give people not only honey, propolis or bee bread, but also other useful products. One of them is wax. Many consider it a waste of bee production. However, this is not true. The substance is not only required by the insects themselves, but is also actively used by people. However, not everyone knows exactly what wax is made of. Bees produce it with special glands and use it to create honeycombs.

Composition of beeswax

This substance has a rather complex composition. It includes over 50 different ingredients and compounds.

These include the following:

• 75% esters;
• 10-15% free fatty acids;
• 10-15% saturated hydrocarbons;
• 2% water;
• 1-2% vitamins, minerals and carotenoids;
• 1-2% propolis, pollen impurities and larvae.

The exact amount of the listed components may vary depending on the time of year and the type of bees. In this case, the main part is esters. It is these substances that allow the wax to remain for a long time without changing the structure.

Benefits and harms

The useful properties of the substance include the following:

1. Bactericidal effect. Wax can be used to combat inflammation and accelerate recovery from temperature exposure and damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
2. Cleansing the body of toxins.
3. Accelerated tissue repair.
4. Normalization of the digestive organs.
5. Restoration of normal intestinal microflora.
6. Slowing down the aging process.
7. Activation of metabolism.
8. Improve intestinal motility.
9. Elimination of bacterial infection.
10. Analgesic action.
11. Gradual release of heat. This property allows you to use the composition for wax compresses.
12. Improve blood flow in problem areas.

Also, the tool is often used in cosmetology. With the help of this substance, the following effects can be obtained:

• strengthen nails;
• eliminate age and mimic wrinkles;
• make hair softer, voluminous and shiny;
• fix split ends;
• do your hair;
• clear skin;
• perform depilation.

Most often, wax does not harm people. However, sometimes it provokes allergy symptoms. This is due to the content of a small amount of pollen and nectar in the composition. Therefore, people with allergies to bee products should use wax very carefully. First, apply a little on the back of your hand. If the skin turns red, it is better to refuse to use the product.

Where does bee wax come from

Many people are interested in how bees make wax. Young insects have special glands on the abdomen, which differ in pairs. Substance is secreted through the pores of these glands. It hardens on the surface and forms hard wax plates that weigh no more than 0.25 milligrams.

The process of producing a substance is considered quite complicated. On the 10th day of life, the bee begins to actively absorb honey and pollen. This helps her accumulate a lot of enzymes. People extract wax directly from beehives.

Why do bees need it?

During season 1, the bee colony in the hive produces up to 2 kilograms of such building material. It is taken from special glands and used by insects to build honeycombs. Also, the composition has antibacterial properties that protect unripe honey from fermentation. Due to this, the nectar is not covered with mold in conditions of high humidity.

How bees form honeycombs

Cells are layers that include cells. Their thickness is 25 millimeters. Layers of honeycombs are fixed on the ceiling vertically down. The interval between them is 10-12 millimeters. This helps the insects not to touch each other. The bees start building from above. They hang upside down, forming chains.

The first bee clings to the ceiling with its paws, and the next one clings to its hind limbs. Thus, chains can be formed. Insects that secrete wax are released and move upward. With their jaws and legs, they crush its scales. Then they are moistened and mixed with maxillary secretions. The finished composition is divided into small parts and laid in the place where the cells are built. Thus, honeycombs of the required shape are obtained.

Where and how is it used by a person?

The beneficial properties of beeswax have been known since ancient times. This substance is still used in folk medicine. It is important to consider the following:

1. Rheumatism and other joint pathologies can be treated with creams and gels based on beeswax.
2. The substance is used to make ointments that speed up wound healing. This is due to the antibacterial properties of the product.
3. Wax is a natural antibiotic that helps eliminate colds, dermatological diseases, strengthen the immune system. It also improves liver and stomach function.

Beeswax is actively used in cosmetology. Face masks are made from it, which normalize the appearance of the skin, cope with acne and other rashes. The substance is also added to lip balms.

This unique product keeps skin cells young. This is due to the increased content of vitamin A and other trace elements. The product can be used like this:

1. Women who are breastfeeding can rub wax on their breasts to increase milk production.
2. For diseases of the oral cavity and inflammation of the gums, you need to chew small pieces of wax. It helps reduce pain and fight bacteria.
3. For pain in the back and lower back, you can rub the composition into the body.

Also, wax is used to process shoes and wash floors. It gives shine to car bodies and protects them from corrosion. In addition, the substance is used to make candles.

Beeswax can safely be called a unique product. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing properties. Also, the composition successfully treats many diseases and is actively used in everyday life.

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