Organic Certification for Beekeeping
To achieve organic certification, no chemicals can be used on land within a 3-mile radius of the beehive, which is the typical flying range of bees. This requirement is quite demanding but essential, as fat-soluble pesticides can accumulate in beeswax.
Uses for Beeswax
Lip Balm
Keep your lips moisturized during the winter months with this natural protectant. It’s easy to make: melt ? ounce of beeswax in a small double boiler on low heat. Then, add 1 teaspoon of raw honey, 2 ounces of cold-pressed organic olive oil, and 2 ounces of cold-pressed organic hemp seed oil. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes. For a bit of flavor, add about 20 drops of organic peppermint oil and stir well. Remove from heat and store in lip balm tins.
Skin Moisturizer
Lock in your skin’s natural moisture with beeswax, and add the antioxidant vitamin E to help protect and repair rough, dry, or chapped skin. Melt 4 ounces of sweet organic almond oil and 1 ounce of beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat, add 2 ounces of distilled water, and stir well. Add 10 drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and stir continuously until the mixture has cooled. Pour into individual tins.
Candles
Creating a cozy ambiance without dripping or toxic smoke is easy with beeswax candles, which also give off the sweet smell of honey. To make your own, you need beeswax sheets, a wick, a sharp knife, and a safe cutting surface.
Cooking
Beeswax helps with molding and locking in flavors. It is added to candies like Jelly Belly jelly beans and Haribo’s gummy bears. It’s also used to create the distinctive crunchy crust of the small French pastries called canelés, which are a real treat to make at home!
Itch Relief
You can make a salve that’s great for poison ivy, poison oak, and other itch-causing adversaries. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 tablespoon of chickweed powder, 1 tablespoon of comfrey powder, and 1 pint of organic olive oil for 3 hours. Strain, add 2 ounces of beeswax, and pour into individual tins.
Pain Relief
Beeswax can make an effective salve for aches and pains. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 tablespoon of chickweed powder, 1 tablespoon of wormwood powder, and 2 pints of sweet olive oil for 3 hours. Strain, add 3 ounces of beeswax and 10 drops of tea tree oil, and pour into individual tins.
Unstick a Drawer
If you have an old, beautiful bureau with drawers that don’t slide out smoothly, apply a thin coat of beeswax to the wooden rails. They’ll be opening and closing like new! This technique also works on sliding glass doors that no longer glide smoothly.
Sealing Envelopes
Want to make your party invitations stand out? Create a seal with beeswax and use the right stamp to leave your impression.
