Overview
Beeswax is a product made from the combs of honeybees and other bees. Mix the pollen oil into the honeycomb wax to turn the white wax into a yellow or brown color.
Beeswax is used to treat high cholesterol, pain, fungal skin infections, and other conditions. But there are no good scientific studies to support these uses.
In food and beverages, white beeswax and beeswax absolute (beeswax treated with alcohol) are used as hardeners.
During the manufacturing process, yellow and white beeswax are used as thickeners, emulsifiers, and as hardeners in cosmetics. Beeswax absolute is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes. White beeswax and beeswax absolute are also used in polishing pills.
How does it work?
Beeswax may help lower cholesterol levels, prevent infections, and help protect the stomach from ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Purpose and efficacy?
Insufficient evidence at the moment
- A small tear in the lining of the anus (anal fissure). Early research shows that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil to the affected area for 12 hours can reduce the pain, bleeding and itching caused by anal fissures.
- Burns. Early research suggests that using gauze with a mixture of beeswax, olive oil and arcana to treat second-degree burns can speed healing and shorten hospital stays. Other early research suggests that using a specific beeswax cream can reduce the itching that occurs as burns heal.
- Diaper rash. Early research suggests that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil to the affected area four times a day for seven days can reduce the symptoms of diaper rash.
- hemorrhoid. Early research shows that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil to the affected area for 12 hours can reduce the pain, bleeding and itching caused by hemorrhoids.
- Swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the mouth (oral mucositis). Early research suggests that applying a mixture of honey, olive oil-propolis extract, and beeswax to mouth sores caused by cancer treatment can help speed recovery time in people with severe ulcers. But it may not be as effective for people with moderate ulcers. Additionally, applying honey alone may be better than a beeswax mixture.
- Ringworm (tinea corporis). Early research shows that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil to the affected area three times a day for four weeks can improve ringworm.
- Tinea cruris (tinea cruris). Early research suggests that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil to the affected area three times a day for four weeks can improve jock itch.
- A common fungal infection of the skin (tinea versicolor). Early research suggests that applying a mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil to the affected area three times a day for four weeks can improve a fungal skin infection called tinea versicolor.
- diarrhea.
- Hiccups.
- High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia).
- pain.
- Gastric ulcer.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of beeswax for these uses.
side effect
When taken by mouth: Beeswax is probably safe for most people when taken by mouth, as food or medicine. Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to beeswax.
When applied to skin: Beeswax is probably safe for most people when applied directly to the skin. Although rare, some people may develop an allergic rash after using beeswax.
