Organic Certification for Beekeeping
To have your beehive certified organic, you need to ensure that no chemicals are used on the land within a three-mile radius of the hive, which is the typical flying range of bees. This process is challenging but worthwhile, as fat-soluble pesticides can accumulate in beeswax.
Uses for Beeswax
Lip Balm
Keep your lips hydrated during the winter months with a natural beeswax lip balm. To make it, melt half an ounce of beeswax in a small double boiler over low heat. Add one teaspoon of raw honey, two ounces of cold-pressed organic olive oil, and two ounces of cold-pressed organic hemp seed oil. Stir the mixture for one to two minutes. For a pleasant scent, add about 20 drops of organic peppermint oil and mix well. Remove from heat and store the balm in tins.
Skin Moisturizer
Beeswax can help lock in your skin’s natural moisture, and when combined with vitamin E, it can protect and repair rough, dry, or chapped skin. Melt four ounces of sweet organic almond oil and one ounce of beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add two ounces of distilled water, stirring well. Incorporate 10 drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil, stirring continuously until the mixture cools. Pour the moisturizer into individual tins.
Candles
Making beeswax candles is a simple way to create ambiance without the mess of dripping wax or the hazards of toxic smoke. These candles also emit a lovely honey scent. To make your own, you’ll need beeswax sheets, a wick, a sharp knife, and a safe cutting surface.
Cooking
Beeswax is useful in cooking for molding and locking in flavors. It is an ingredient in candies like Jelly Belly jelly beans and Haribo gummy bears. Additionally, it helps create the distinctive crunchy crust of canelés, small French pastries that are a delight to make at home.
Itch Relief
Beeswax can be used to make a salve that soothes poison ivy, poison oak, and other itch-causing irritations. In a small saucepan, simmer one tablespoon of chickweed powder, one tablespoon of comfrey powder, and one pint of organic olive oil for three hours. Strain the mixture, add two ounces of beeswax, and pour it into individual tins.
Pain Relief
Beeswax can be part of an effective salve for relieving aches and pains. In a small saucepan, simmer one tablespoon of chickweed powder, one tablespoon of wormwood powder, and two pints of sweet olive oil for three hours. Strain the mixture, add three ounces of beeswax and 10 drops of tea tree oil, and pour it into individual tins.
Unstick a Drawer
If you have an old dresser with drawers that don’t slide out smoothly, applying a thin coat of beeswax to the wooden rails can make them operate like new. This technique also works on sliding glass doors that no longer glide smoothly.
Sealing Envelopes
Make your party invitations unique by sealing them with beeswax. Melt the beeswax, pour a small amount on the envelope flap, and use a stamp to leave your impression.
