Nature's Gold ~ Beeswax and Honey

Many of Co-Op Chicks products contain one or both: beeswax and honey. They are equally amazing.

Being a new beekeeper has been very exciting; and a little harder than I thought. Hive inspections are essential for making sure the colony is queen right, checking for pesky critters like mites and beetles and generally making sure that they are happy and healthy.

Reaping the rewards of not our work, but theirs, is very fulfilling. If we are not good bee stewards, they will not be happy, healthy, alive or producing. In today's world, bees need us and much as we need them. Chemical spraying on crops has had a huge detrimental affect on bees. I am proud and honored to be called a beekeeper. I am, however, only 50% of the team (maybe 40% because on a few really hot days, the thought of suiting up to check on the bees did not sound all that appealing to me) none of this would be possible with out my main man Mike's hard work in this endeavor as well as "manning" up alone on those hot days :)

Our first honey harvest made us giddy! I had so much fun pouring this liquid gold into jars and even though we aren't selling it; placed the labels I made on each bottle.

Okay, back to what this blog post is supposed to be about; the benefits of raw honey and beeswax.

Honey: made by the alchemy of bees collecting nectar, pollen and resins from flowers.

- Naturally antibacterial, great of acne treatment & prevention.

- Full of antioxidants, enzymes, vitamin B, manganese, copper, potassium & calcium.

- Humectant; drawing in moisture to the skin (which is essential for the treatment to and prevention of wrinkles)

Only raw honey has these properties. Raw honey is not pasteurized because heating honey up destroys all of its awesome-ness. If you want real honey, buy from a local beekeeper as most of what is available in stores isn't even honey.

Beeswax: A wax secreted by bees to form honeycomb.

Unlike products made from petroleum, beeswax doesn't suffocate the skin. therefore, it won't clog pores. Also:

- Creates a protective barrier

- Also a humectant, drawing in moisture (thus keeping skin hydrated)

- Also has antibacterial properties

There are many articles out there backing these facts up, from simple beauty tricks with using raw honey and beeswax up to very scientific studies. I am simply highlighting the main benefits.