Beeswax is an integral component of all Peas on Earth’s balms. Not only is it one of nature’s most effective carrier oils, but it also has it’s own healing properties.
Image by Melanie from Pixabay
Historical Uses of Beeswax
Archeological studies indicate that “beeswax was used continuously from the seventh millennium BCE.” It had various uses at the time, ranging from cosmetics and medicine to fuel.
It was no less important to the Romans, who combined it with olive oil and rose water to create a “cold cream” suitable for treating burns, cuts, bruises, and fractures.
The Greek physician Galen used beeswax in the world’s first cosmetic cream. He combined beeswax with rosewater and olive oil, just as the Romans did, but recommended it as a beauty product capable of hydrating and protecting the skin.
By the time beeswax, or Madhuchishtha, made its way into Ayurvedic medicine, it was celebrated as a remedy for cracked heels. It was also used to treat grazes and burns.
The Benefits of Beeswax
Recent studies highlight beeswax’s antibacterial activity, emphasizing its effectiveness against various bacteria, including some of those resistant to pharmaceutical medicines.
In addition to its antibacterial properties, beeswax has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and antiseptic properties that “protect the skin from pathogenic microorganisms.”
Beeswax is a natural emollient, meaning it soothes and hydrates the skin. It also forms a protective barrier over the skin, protecting it against the environment and preventing further infection.
One of the best things about using beeswax as a carrier oil for natural medicines is that contains vitamin A, which our skin loves. Vitamin A delays collagen degradation and stimulates mitotic division in the epidermis. That means it stimulates the skin’s regeneration, which accelerates the healing process.
Another benefit of beeswax is that it contains anti-allergenic properties, making it safe for use on sensitive skin. As its a natural substance, beeswax is generally safe to use and is unlikely to cause any allergic reaction.
Why We Use Beeswax at Peas on Earth
The three main reasons we use beeswax in our healing balms are
#1 It relieves itchiness and irritation
Beeswax can significantly reduce or eliminate itchiness associated with healing wounds, burn injuries, eczema, and psoriasis. We also use it with lavender oil to alleviate the irritation caused by insect bites and stings.
#2 It hydrates and protects
Beeswax won’t clog your pores, but it will create a protective barrier that can prevent infection and shield sensitive skin against the ravages of the South African climate.
#3 It’s effective against skin conditions
With its hydrating antiseptic, anti-allergenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, beeswax is an excellent treatment for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It helps repair dry, flaky skin and relieves the irritation associated with such conditions.
We combine it with comfrey to boost its anti-inflammatory and healing properties even further, creating an effective and hypoallergenic product.
Conclusion
Beeswax is much more than just a carrier oil – it’s a natural remedy in itself. While we don’t fully understand the composition of beeswax or why it’s so effective, we do know that it soothes the skin and accelerates healing. Not only that, but being 100% natural, it can be used on sensitive skin without triggering an allergic reaction.
If you want to know more about our balms and why we make them the way we do, please feel free to reach out, and we’ll share what we can with you. Remember, we’re not doctors or scientists, just ordinary people inspired and excited by the healing power of herbs.
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