Beeswax Salve Uses

Beeswax is wax made by bees and is used as an alternative to petroleum-based products to thicken salves. According to Frostburg State University's Chemistry Department, it contains 74 percent esters of fatty acids, 20 percent hydrocarbons, and 6 percent propolis and other substances. Beeswax has a slightly sweet smell and depending on the quantity added to a salve formula, it will make it very hard or soft. Beeswax also blends well with active constituents in tinctures and essential oils added to salves that serve as healing agents for the skin. Consult your doctor before using any salve if you are undergoing medical treatment.

Beeswax Moisturizing Salve

A beeswax moisturizing salve many times will be soft in order for it to spread easily and evenly on your entire body. Salves are generally made with carrier oils, such as olive, almond and jojoba oils, that along with the beeswax, help your skin attract water and retain moisture. This salve comes in handy in very hot and cold seasons, since according to the website Holistic Online, dry skin can be caused by being exposed to the elements and extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. Beeswax salve can also be used as a moisturizer on specific dry areas of the skin, such as the feet, elbows and knees.

Beeswax Soothing Salve

A soothing beeswax salve can have either a loose or thick consistency as well as essential oils and herbs that will be soothing to skin irritations, such as calendula, lavender and aloe vera. Depending on the healing properties of the herbs added to a beeswax soothing salve, it can be used to treat sunburns, eczema and psoriasis. Beeswax in itself has soothing and nourishing properties, as it contains vitamin A, and its propolis content gives it anti-irritant and antibacterial properties, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Beeswax Anti-Inflammatory Salve

A beeswax anti-inflammatory salve will tend to be thick, since it is formulated for local application to an area where there has been trauma and bruising. If the beeswax salve contains arnica as part of its healing properties, the salve should not be used on an open wound, as it may be toxic. Beeswax's soothing and antibacterial properties will also help prevent further infection if the inflammation is being caused by a skin infection such as a rash carbuncle and folliculits, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements."