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Bees produce several products highly beneficial to human health, including bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax, bee venom, and of course, honey. Beeswax, a by-product formed from honey sugars in the abdominal glands of bees, is used to create honeycombs for honey storage. It consists of hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and wax esters. The use of beeswax dates back to 1550 B.C. It was used as an ointment, cream, burn treatment, wound support, joint pain soother, and for tonsillitis.
In modern medicine, beeswax is often used as a binding agent, thickening agent, or drug carrier, though it may also provide a rich source of antioxidants beneficial to human health. One study found that beeswax is a rich source of phytochemicals with antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. However, unlike other bee products, its biological activities are considered less strong. More in vivo research is required to understand how beeswax may be used in human health.
Health benefits of beeswax:
- Antimicrobial: Beeswax ethanol and methanol extracts were used in an older in vitro study to determine whether the extracts exhibited microbial activity. The extracts successfully inhibited enterica CCM4420, E. coli CCM3988, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, A. niger, C. glabarata, and Listeria monocytogenes CCM4699.
- Burn wound healing: Rats with second-degree burns were treated with bandages impregnated with a beeswax-butter-olive oil mixture. Application of this bandage increased skin renewal via fibroblast activity and keratinization. Additionally, TGF-b1 and VEGF-a expressions increased.
Bee venom as medicine
When a person is stung by a bee, they are being injected with bee venom. Normally considered unpleasant, and in some cases dangerous or fatal, bee venom has been shown to possess healing properties. Bee venom contains phytochemicals that may be beneficial in supporting the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Further, it has been used to treat back pain, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. More research may uncover additional healing properties, including its potential antiviral effect on a range of diseases, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Health benefits of bee venom:
- Anticancer: Melittin, a peptide in bee venom, shows promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One in vitro study showed that bee venom was toxic for tumor cells in breast, cervical, and hepatocellular cancers. It was not toxic for non-cancerous cells.
- Disease prevention: Bioactive proteins block channels involved in atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and hepatic fibrosis. Apamin, another peptide found in bee venom, selectively blocks the calcium-activated potassium channels.
- Atopic dermatitis: Cells treated with bee venom (apamin) showed less inflammatory cytokines that cause the condition. Additionally, apamin inhibited NF-kB signaling pathways.
How to choose the best beeswax and bee venom
Most of the studies on bee products look at pure samples of medical-grade or high-quality products (e.g., Manuka honey). That does not mean the products purchased in the supermarket do not have some of these beneficial properties. If consumed regularly, these products may provide some individuals with some protection from allergies, infection, and oxidative stress, based on individual circumstances.
Beeswax is often sold in pure blocks, chunks, or pellets. Look for undyed, natural, and cosmetic grade versions and use caution if melting it for use. Beeswax “absolute” oil is used in aromatherapy and is not suggested for consumption.
Bee venom can be taken as an ingestible powder, capsule, or tincture. It may also be used as a topical ointment, spray, or impregnated patch. For maximum potency, use products before expiration dates.
Keep in mind, bee products are sourced from living insects and hives. As such, it is important to choose ethically-sourced products that aim to retain bee and hive health when extracting.
Final thoughts
Medicinal products have the potential power to remedy numerous conditions and diseases. They may also be used to boost quality of life. Research, while growing, is just entering human trial phases for some bee products. Much of the available research is limited to older in vitro or animal studies. Nonetheless, medicinal bee products show the potential to support human health. So, how can one start taking advantage of all these benefits?
It is essential to discuss using bee products with a doctor, nutritionist, dietitian, or other healthcare provider before taking any bee products supplementarily, especially if taking any pharmaceuticals. Additionally, care should be taken by those with severe allergic responses to pollen, bees, or bee products, especially if there has been a history of anaphylactic shock.
