Paraffins are a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, as a rule, with an unbranched carbon chain (from C18H38 to C35H72). Paraffins may also contain small amounts of branched alkanes, arenes or naphthenes.

This is a solid, greasy to the touch substance, translucent, crystalline structure with a molecular weight of 300-450. It melts at a temperature of 45-65 ° C, in the molten state it has a low viscosity.

Paraffins are inert to most chemicals. They are oxidized by nitric acid, atmospheric oxygen (at 140 °C) and some other oxidizing agents to form various fatty acids similar to those found in vegetable and animal fats. Synthetic fatty acids obtained by the oxidation of paraffin are used instead of fats of vegetable and animal origin in the perfume industry, in the production of lubricants, detergents and other products. Paraffins react with chlorine to form chlorinated paraffins, which are used as raw materials in the production of additives for petroleum oils.

Paraffins can also be isolated from other products, for example, from ozokerite. Depending on the fractional composition, melting point and crystal structure, paraffins are divided into liquid (melting point tmelt = 27 °C), solid (tmelt = 28 - 70 °C) and microcrystalline (tmelt > 60-80 °C) ceresins. At the same melting point, ceresins differ from paraffins in their greater molecular weight, density, and viscosity. Ceresins react vigorously with fuming sulfuric acid, with hydrochloric acid, while paraffins react weakly with them. During the distillation of oil, ceresins are concentrated in the sediment, and paraffin is distilled with distillate. Ceresins, which are concentrated in the residue after the distillation of fuel oil, are a mixture of cycloalkanes and in a smaller amount of solid arenes and alkanes. There are relatively few isoalkanes in ceresin.

According to the degree of purification, paraffins are divided into

gachas (petrolatums), which contain up to 30% of their mass of oil crude paraffins (ceresins) with an oil content of up to 6% of the mass purified and highly purified paraffins (ceresins)

Depending on the depth of cleaning, they are white (highly refined and refined grades) or slightly yellowish and from light yellow to light brown (crude paraffins). Paraffin is characterized by a lamellar or ribbon structure of crystals.

Application of paraffins

Paraffins are widely used in the electrical, food (deep cleaning paraffins: t (melt) = 50-54 ° C; oil content 0.5-2.3% by weight, registered as a food additive E905x), perfume and cosmetic industries, in medical practice:

candles for lighting coating and impregnation of flexible food packaging that retains elasticity at low temperatures as a component of alloys for coating wooden, concrete, metal containers intended for storing food products mixed with gasoline - anti-corrosion coating (flammable!) in cosmetics for the production of petroleum jelly for production of synthetic fatty acids, medical equipment and cosmetics paraffin treatment, paraffin therapy, paraffin masks

Paraffin is an excellent tool in the fight against skin aging - it softens and moisturizes it. Paraffin treatment of hands and feet has a beneficial effect on dry cuticles and chapped, sensitive skin. Paraffin masks are a great addition to manicures and pedicures. The skin returns smoothness, softness, hands and feet look hydrated.

Paraffin therapy is indicated for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, consequences of injuries of the joints, tendons, bones. Paraffin treatment is a method of heat treatment, the use of molten paraffin in the form of applications, layering or baths, which is very popular today in cosmetology as an effective skin moisturizer. Paraffin is melted at a temperature of 52-54 degrees and then in the form of a viscous viscous white mass is applied to the skin in the form of applications. The high temperature of paraffin is absolutely not dangerous in terms of burns - having a low thermal conductivity, it gives off heat in very small portions. Such uniform warming of the skin gives many positive reactions - the intercellular spaces increase, the upper stratum corneum softens, the pores open, sweating increases. But moisture does not evaporate from the surface, since paraffin isolates this area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin well. Moisture is again absorbed into the skin, perfectly restores its water balance. The procedure ends with the fact that the paraffin tightly covers all nearby tissues. This promotes stretching and smoothing of the skin. Such a “stretching” action will help to fight well with puffiness of the face. One of the main advantages of paraffin is its versatility: the application can be done on any part of the body - arms, legs, face, stomach, hips.

Paraffin expiration date - 1 year from the date of production.

Getting paraffins

Raw solid paraffins are produced by the following methods:

1. deoiling of slack and petrolatum - by-products of the production (dewaxing) of oils using solvents (mixtures of ketone, benzene and toluene, dichloroethane), while obtaining crude paraffins (from slack) and ceresins (from petrolatum)

2. isolation and deoiling of paraffin from distillates of highly paraffinic oils with a mixture of ketone, benzene and toluene

3. crystallization of solid paraffins without the use of solvents (by cooling in crystallizers and filter pressing). The crude paraffins are then refined (refined) using acid-base, adsorption (contact or percolation) or hydrogenation refining (to remove unstable substances that stain and smell).

Liquid paraffins are isolated from diesel fractions using...

1. dewaxing using selective solvents (a mixture of acetone, benzene and toluene)

2. urea dewaxing (in the production of low pour point diesel fuel)

3. adsorption on molecular sieves (separation of liquid C10-C18 paraffins using a porous synthetic zeolite)

Waxes- esters of higher fatty acids and monohydric higher alcohols.

These are solid white or yellow viscous substances, insoluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents: gasoline, chloroform, ether. There are waxes of vegetable, animal origin, obtained from oil and synthetic.

bee, produced by bees woolen (lanolin) protects the hair and skin of animals from moisture, clogging and drying out spermaceti is obtained from the spermaceti oil of sperm whales vegetable waxes cover leaves, stems, fruits with a thin layer and protect them from soaking with water, drying out, harmful microorganisms, sometimes as reserve lipids are part of the seeds (the so-called "oil" of jojoba) fossil wax (ozokerite) consists mainly of saturated hydrocarbons

Animal and vegetable waxes are registered as food additives E901-E903 (eg used to coat cheeses).

Beeswax

Beeswax- a product of the vital activity of bees, a complex organic compound.
Beeswax is secreted by special glands of honey bees, from which bees build honeycombs. It is a white to yellow-brown solid with a characteristic honey smell. At a temperature of 35 °C, it becomes plastic. It melts at a temperature of 62-68 °C, boils at a temperature of 100 °C, and starts burning at 300 °C. Insoluble in water and glycerin, poorly soluble in alcohol, but soluble in fats, essential oils, paraffin, turpentine, gasoline, chloroform, ether. The specific gravity is 0.959-0.967. The Mohs hardness of the wax is less than 1.
The composition of the wax includes about 50 different chemical compounds, among them esters (up to 75%), saturated hydrocarbons (11-17%), free fatty acids (13-15%), water - up to 2.5%.

Application of beeswax

Beeswax has strong bactericidal properties. It is used for the production of pharmaceuticals, in the treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers, inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. In natural cosmetics, it is used as a thickener for creams and ointments, the main component of lipsticks, solid perfumes. Wax is one of the substances in the production of candles.
The shelf life of beeswax is not limited.

palm wax consists of 100% palm oil. The advantage of wax over paraffin is that it is environmentally friendly. Candles made from palm wax are not smoked and are very beautiful with an unusual frosty pattern if made entirely of wax. You can make candles only from palm wax, as well as mixed with paraffin.

Stearin used in the manufacture of candles, to give them hardness, for this, you need to add 20% stearin to paraffin. If you want to get a candle with a "frost effect" use only one stearin in the manufacture of the candle.

Candle varnish. It is used to cover the surface of the candle to make it shine, protect the candle from external influences.

In addition, varnish must be used if you decide to decorate the candle with paints. Paints themselves do not fall on the surface of the candle. But if you, before drawing, apply a special varnish for candles, then you will succeed. Paints must be used - acrylic.

Cast candles are made by pouring molten paraffin into a mold.

Molds for cast candles

The melted candle mass will obediently make an exact copy of the internal volume of the form, repeating the surface texture to the smallest detail.

Hunting for molds for making candles is no less exciting than picking mushrooms and catching fish.

Finished forms can be hidden on the desk, in the kitchen, in toys, in hardware and grocery stores, and in other most unexpected places.

Forms can be: cups and vases made of metal, glass or plastic, disposable tableware, egg shells, yogurt cups, milk and juice packaging, cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towels, tin cans and much, much more .

Forms can be made from tin, plastic, thick paper, molded from clay, cast from plaster.

Forms for making candles by casting must withstand temperatures up to 100 o C and be airtight (in the molten state, paraffin is fluid for water).

The candle in the form freezes upside down, i.e. the bottom of the form is the top of the candle.

Before choosing and making a mold, consider how to remove the candle and how to attach the wick.

Removing the candle from the mold

The inner surface of the one-piece reusable form must be smooth, without protrusions and depressions. This and, some expansion of the form to the top, will allow you to easily remove the cooled candle.

Reusable molds for candles of more complex shapes are made detachable.

Disposable forms made of paper, plastic, foil - cut.

Disposable molds made of glass and ceramics - break.

Wick

The wick is a fuel pump that supplies the melt of the candle mass to the combustion zone. The thicker the wick, the more fuel is supplied per unit time, the brighter and higher the flame, the more heat is released.

The more heat, the larger the diameter of the combustion bowl - puddles of molten paraffin.

It is necessary to choose a wick (or a candle under the wick) so that the burning bowl is equal to the diameter of the candle. If the burning bowl is smaller than the diameter of the candle, a recess is formed in the candle, if it is larger, the paraffin flows over the edge.

Considering that the size of the burning bowl is affected not only by the diameter of the wick, but also by the chemical composition of the candle mass, the temperature of the body of the candle, the temperature and humidity of the air, drafts, the height of the burning part of the wick, the color of the candle - it is almost impossible to “guess” the wick, you can only get closer to the optimal option.

And are mistakes really that bad?

If a candle is about to leak, put it out to cool it down and light another instead.

If the wick is small, the flame will penetrate into the body of the candle, coloring the formed walls with living light (the effect of a colored flashlight).

It is more important not to forget, before fixing the wick in the form, soak it with melted candle mass. To do this, immerse a piece of the wick in the melt, remove it after a minute and let it cool in the extended position.

Manufacturing process

The inside surface of the mold must be dry and clean.

The candle will come out of the mold easier if the mold is lightly greased with vegetable oil.

The candle mass is poured into a mold with a pre-fixed wick. Make a small hole in the center of the bottom of the mold, thread the wick through it. Cover the hole with dough from the outside and secure the tip of the wick with tape. Tie the other end of the wick to the middle of the stick, which is bridged over the top open part of the mold. Make sure that the wick is stretched and runs along the axis of the future candle.

Place a metal grate or several metal rods on the bottom of the pan. In the first pan, put the second, smaller diameter. Fill the space between the walls with water. This simple structure is called a water bath.

Paraffin and stearin are high-calorie fuels with a low flash point. Heat the candle mass only in a water bath.

Melt the pieces of candle mass in a water bath. Bring the temperature of the melt to C and carefully pour into the mold.

When solidified, the candle mass decreases in volume. Pour hot candle mass into the resulting recess.

Do not rush to remove the candle from the mold. Wait for complete cooling.

If the candle does not come out of the reusable form, put it in the refrigerator and try again after a while.

If the candle is not successful, melt the pieces of the failed candle in a water bath, bring the temperature to 75 - 85oC and carefully pour into another mold.

Making gel candles

Manufacturing process

Diamond is the hardest mineral, gel is a gelatinous substance. Combines their criterion for assessing quality. The most valuable diamonds are obtained by cutting a "clear water" diamond - they are invisible in clear water. The value of the gel is also in purity and transparency.

The resulting figurine looks like grape- Good luck awaits you in all your endeavors.

Mushroom promises new vitality and longevity.

The Dragon is a very good character. You can count on the fulfillment of all hopes, promotion is not excluded.

Cross- a very bad sign. Be careful. Take care of your health and the health of your loved ones.

Church Brace yourselves, hard times are ahead of you. Big troubles and material difficulties are possible.

Flowers- a happy marriage or a new romance.

If the wax has taken the form of any animal muzzle or the whole animal, beware: among your acquaintances there is a person who is plotting something bad against you.

stripes portend a quick move or a long journey.

Asterisks- Your career will go uphill; if you are a student, then there is a chance to become the “first student”.

Person- get a friend.

Bell- get ready for good news if the bell is symmetrical, and bad news if it is lopsided.

If you saw several bells, then in the near future you will have to worry a lot.

Tree leaf- someone is jealous and weaves intrigues against you.

Pants- Now you are at a crossroads, but be sure to choose the right path.

Egg- Do not worry and fear the failure of new beginnings. You will be all right.

Apple It is a symbol of life, wisdom and health.

And further. If your figurine portends troubles and misfortunes, do not worry. In the morning, feed this piece of wax to the pig. If the pig is not nearby, then just bury it in a secluded place. Well, if fortune-telling foreshadowed something very good, as if in gratitude, water all the flowers in the house with milk, and hide the wax in the house until future fortune-telling.

• "How to cure a child with honey / Glotov A.V., Krivtsova L.A., Molostova V.V., Reutsky I.V. - M.: Eksmo, 2011. -352s."
• "Apitherapy. / Khismatullina N.3. - Perm: Mobile, 2005. - 296 p."
• "Apitherapy: beekeeping products in the world of medicine. / Omarov Sh.M. - Rostov n / D: Phoenix, 2009. - 351 p."
• "Treatment with beeswax. / Lavrenyov V.K. - M.: LLC ”AST Publishing House” - Donetsk:; Stalker, 2004. - 45 p."

From a technical point of view, wax refers to various natural or artificially produced substances that can be hard, ductile or brittle, and begin to melt at temperatures above 40 0 ​​C.There are 3 types of wax: animal, mineral and vegetable. Animal wax comes mainly from bees. The mineral is mined, and also obtained from oil, paraffin. Vegetable wax is scraped off leaves or other parts of plants. From a chemical point of view, we are talking about the combination of fatty acid esters with polyhydric alcohols. Natural wax, which is beeswax, most often contains a small amount of acids, hydrocarbons, sterol and other substances. Wax has long been used primarily to make scented candles, to close wounds, for skin conditions and for cosmetic purposes, and as a chewing wax for internal use. This use of wax is due to the fact that it also contains propolis and a lot of "skin" vitamin A, as well as a number of other substances that can also be therapeutically active.

Origin of wax

Wax is a product of the wax glands of bees. From the age of 12 days, the flying bee, which has stopped producing royal jelly, eats nectar, pollen and begins to produce wax. Wax is formed in special glands located in pairs on the ventral side, is secreted through the smallest pores of wax "mirrors" and on their surface turns into hard wax plates, each of which weighs from 0.18 to 0.25 mg. The process of production of wax by a bee is very complex and requires the presence of a sufficient amount of enzymes in the body. The bee family receives from 0.5 to 2.0 kg of wax per season and uses it to build combs and equip their homes. The wax is dissolved by the secretion of the maxillary glands, so there are no seams in the cells.

Newly built combs are light yellow in color and are 85-100% wax. Over time, the color of the honeycombs changes, after a year or two they darken down to dark brown. At the same time, the size of the cells changes, they become smaller in volume, and the amount of wax in the honeycomb is reduced to 50-60%. The brood in these combs matures small, the strength of the family falls. Such honeycombs are discarded and used for the production of commercial wax.

Before eggs or nectar are laid in the honeycomb cells, they are polished with propolis, beeswax always contains propolis.

Physical and organoleptic properties of wax

Wax is a dense substance. After the honeycomb melts, it acquires a homogeneous solid mass. Its color depends on the color of the melted honeycombs, it can be yellow, greenish, red, white and even black. The color of the combs to a certain extent depends on the type of pollen that the young bees fed on. The color and other qualities of commercial wax also depend on the way it is processed. There are 4 types of wax:

Fresh honeycomb wax is more often almost white or creamy in color. This wax is highly valued.

Wax density 0.95-0.96 g/cm3, so it floats easily in water. The melting point varies from 62 to 68°C. Refractory wax is considered the highest quality. Remelting wax at a higher temperature promotes the formation of "wax oil", which is used in folk medicine in the treatment of skin diseases.

Natural beeswax has a crystalline structure, at the break, it is homogeneous and granular, and has a pleasant honey smell, which intensifies when heated. The smell of wax is pleasant - honey-propolis or honey. At a temperature of 47, its normal structure is destroyed.

Waxes obtained from high quality raw materials are tasteless or have a peculiar faint aftertaste. The taste of wax is specific, a bit like the taste of honey and propolis. It chews well, becomes plastic in the mouth, does not stick to the teeth.

Beeswax is an inert material, with high plasticity at a temperature of 32 ° C. Pieces of wax are easily kneaded by fingers.

Beeswax is solid at room temperature. The wax ingot has a flat, slightly concave surface. When struck with a hammer or when dropped, the ingot easily breaks into pieces.

When heated and cooled, a thin layer of wax does not crack.

Wax burns with a luminous flame without residue and soot, which is why it is preferred to be used in temples. When heated, the wax transforms into a plastic mass that sticks to the fingers.

Wax is very resistant to external influences, well preserved for hundreds of years, almost without changing their properties. With prolonged storage, a grayish-white coating forms on its surface, which is a sign of the purity of the wax. This plaque disappears when heated to a temperature of +35...40°C. There is a case when wax lay in the ground for 1100 years and did not change in terms of physico-chemical parameters. Storage conditions - dry, dark and cool room. Wax does not lose color and flavor when placed in stainless steel, glass or plastic containers wrapped in wrapping paper.

The quality of the wax is determined by the acid number (16.7-29.6), saponification number (87.8-107), essential number (66-82), iodine number and the ratio of essential and acid numbers (3.5-3.9 ).

Natural beeswax has pronounced hydrophobic (insoluble in water; from the Greek "hydro" - water, and "phobos" - fear) properties It is absolutely insoluble in water, it is also insoluble in glycerol, at room temperature it is completely insoluble in any of the organic solvents. Above the melting point, the wax dissolves in gasoline, benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide. At the boiling point, the wax dissolves in ethyl alcohol.

Wax adulteration is possible. In such cases, the wax is mixed with easily accessible paraffin, less often with rosin, stearin and ceresin. These additives give the mixture new qualities, a new smell and taste. If an ingot of wax contains paraffin, then its surface acquires a concave shape, from a blow with a hammer only a dent with light edges is formed in it, large crystals are visible on the section of the ingot, the cut will be shiny, smooth, the wax becomes more brittle, the chips made by the knife crumble, when smearing a piece of such wax, fat is felt. When chewing a piece of the mixture, it easily sticks to the teeth, and in water it quickly sinks.

The chemical composition of the wax

Beeswax is a multi-component product containing over 300 substances. In chemical composition, it is similar to fats, but much richer than them. The main component of wax is esters.

Beeswax contains a small amount of water (0.1 to 2.5%), carotenoids (12.8 mg in 100 g of wax, in 100 g of carrots - 9 mg), coloring, aromatic and mineral substances, as well as impurities - shells of larvae, propolis, pollen, antibiotic substances, etc. Triterpenes (squalene and lanosterol), sterols (cholesterol and its esters) and substances that increase growth are isolated and identified in it plants, such as myricyl alcohol (myricil), gibberellin GA3 (gibberellin) and rapeseed oil steroid.

According to beeswax, it consists of four groups of organic compounds, each of which contains several components:

• saturated hydrocarbons- 10.5÷13.5%;
• free fatty acids- 13.5÷14.5%;
• free fatty alcohols- 1÷1.25%;
• esters of higher fatty acids and higher fatty alcohols - 72.9%.

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons are considered the basic compounds of organic chemistry, all other organic compounds are considered as their derivatives. Limit hydrocarbons (alkanes) are saturated hydrocarbons and contain the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms. General formula Cn H2n+2 . The word "alkane" is of the same origin as "alcohol". The obsolete term "paraffin". Chemically inert, insoluble in water.

Fatty acids and glycerol are the main constituents of animal and vegetable fats. Fatty alcohol is a dense matte substance that looks like paraffin. For the first time in history, the highest fatty alcohol was isolated by the French chemist Chevrel from the head fat of a sperm whale. Esters of higher fatty acids and higher fatty alcohols- waxy substances, odorless, insoluble in water.

The basis of beeswax is esters (up to 75%) formed by palmitic, neocerotinic, and mellisic acids, ceryl and melissin alcohols. A large number of esters protect the wax from entering into chemical reactions with other substances. That is why it can persist for many years, even hundreds of years. In addition, the wax contains cerotinic, montanic and oleic acids, ceryl and montanic alcohols. Cerotinic and melissanic acids are the most active part of the wax; they can react with most metals as well as alkalis.

When free fatty acids of wax interact with some metals, colored salts are formed. So, when in contact with iron, the wax becomes brown in color; copper colors the wax green; zinc, dissolving in wax, acquires a dirty gray color.

In wax, only 21 compounds are present in amounts greater than 1%, which is 56% of the wax. The other 44% are various compounds that probably give the wax its characteristic malleability and low melting point.

Groups of compounds in beeswax.

Application in industry

Wax is widely used in modern industry; electrical engineers, polygraphs, and woodworkers cannot do without it. Wax is used in foundry, leather production, food, glass, automotive and aviation industries, in the manufacture of many medicines. The perfume industry cannot do without it, it is part of creams, lipsticks, mascaras, nourishing creams, deodorants, hydrophobic ointments and creams that protect the skin from exposure to water, saline solutions, acids, alkalis. With the help of petroleum ether, a special fragrant essential oil is obtained from wax, which is used in the production of perfumes. One ton of wax gives 5 kg of this ether. In terms of its qualities, it is not inferior to such expensive oils as rose and jasmine.

Mankind has been using wax for their needs since ancient times. Candles were made from it to illuminate dwellings and temples. It was used to embalm corpses. Later they began to make dummies, busts, wax figures. Wax is part of the paints for painting, both in the distant past and now. In the early days of gramophone recordings, wax was also used. Thanks to this, we can now hear the voices of Leo Tolstoy, Chaliapin, Blok, Mayakovsky, Kachalov, Sobinov and others. Wax is still used in the manufacture of anatomical preparations and models for teaching students of medical schools.

Content

The amazing properties of beeswax have been known to mankind since ancient times, today this beekeeping product is widely used in medicine, cosmetology, and domestic life. Due to the rich composition of useful substances, it helps to heal from various diseases, has a rejuvenating effect. Traditional medicine offers many recipes from wax, tested by dozens of generations of our ancestors.

What is beeswax

It is a biologically active substance with a number of unique properties. Man has not yet been able to create a synthetic substitute for it. The density of wax is 0.95-0.96 g / cm3, so it does not dissolve in water, but simply floats in it. The melting point of beeswax varies from 62 to 68 C, but it melts easily from the heat of a human hand. This product is able to retain its beneficial properties for centuries.

It has a pleasant honey smell and a peculiar taste of propolis or honey. It burns beautifully, but does not give off smoke, so it is used to make candles. It has a rich composition (more than 300 substances), is used for the preparation of medicines, is used in the food, automotive, glass, aviation and other industries. The shelf life of this bee product is practically unlimited.

Compound

The chemical composition includes the following components: the main ones are alcohol, polymeric fatty organic acids, their esters, for example, myricyl ester of palmitic acid. In addition, the composition of beeswax includes up to 75% complex fats, up to 15% free fatty acids, more than 10% keto and hydroxy acids, minerals, paraffin hydrocarbons, resins, vitamin A, aromatic components, plant pigments, triterpenes, cholesterol and many other components.

Beneficial features

Beeswax is a valuable medicinal product that has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, softening effect, it well anesthetizes, disinfects, has no contraindications for use, except for individual intolerance to bee products. Many centuries ago, people knew the benefits of beeswax, they used it to strengthen teeth and gums, and today it is part of many remedies for gum diseases, such as periodontal disease. In addition, it can be used to get rid of dark plaque or tartar.

Chewing white or yellow edible wax is beneficial, especially for people suffering from colds. It can be safely given to children if there is no allergy to the components. Wax is a good antiseptic, has bactericidal properties, and therefore is included in many throat medicines. In addition to its anti-inflammatory function, it has wound healing properties, which made it a favorite remedy for treating burns and wounds among traditional healers. The product has pronounced warming properties, therefore it forms the basis of ointments for joints.

Application of beeswax

Our ancestors did not think about what can be made from beeswax, it was a hot commodity for exchange. Candles were made from it to illuminate the home and use in church services. Since then, it has been used much more often, for example, when creating sculptures, paintings, when processing leather, wood products, in the paint and varnish, metallurgical, textile industries, in printing, shipbuilding, and this is not an exhaustive list. In everyday life, the substance is used to care for shoes, furniture, floors.

In folk medicine

For the treatment of various diseases, healing wax is used especially widely, for example, in the form of applications or ointments, but not only. For internal use, special chewing gums and honey-wax candies are made to strengthen the gums. To prepare the product, you need 200 g of wax. It must be melted in a water bath, add 20 drops of lemon juice, 6 drops of mint oil, 100 g of honey. You will get a viscous mass, which is cooled and rolled into balls. Chewing gum made from edible wax is chewed three times a day.

Due to its antiseptic and healing properties, the substance helps with diseases such as hay fever, sinusitis, asthma, cough. You need to take a small piece of it and chew it for 30 minutes up to six times a day. It is useful to chew wax in diseases of the digestive system. It causes profuse salivation, which improves the motor and secretory functions of the stomach. You need to chew a small ball for five minutes 4 times a day.

Chewing gum helps with colds. Essential oils well relieve inflammation of the respiratory tract and kill pathogenic microbes. Zabrus, with which bees seal honeycombs, is distinguished by its healing power. If you chew it regularly in the off-season, you can prevent infection with the flu, sore throat, and get rid of a runny nose.

In cosmetology

Rich in many biologically active substances, wax is not capable of causing harm, and therefore more and more is used every year. The wax mask perfectly cleanses, removes pimples, blackheads, tightens the skin of the face, eliminates dryness, irritation, especially with the addition of a few drops of glycerin. Vitamin A promotes skin rejuvenation and regeneration. In industrial cosmetology, wax is used in the manufacture of lipsticks, nail creams, wrinkle smoothing creams or skin nourishment.

Treatment with beeswax

The main application is the manufacture of ointments, medical creams, plasters. The healing properties of honey allow them to effectively treat fistulas, trophic ulcers and other skin lesions. Well help warming wax compresses in the treatment of rheumatism, sciatica, joints. There are many recipes with the "participation" of wax to get rid of acne. In a short time, its healing properties will help to completely cleanse the face. A wax compress by folk healers is recommended to get rid of corns and calluses.

Sinusitis

Wax kills pathogens, so it should be chewed for sore throat and mouth, as above. For a runny nose and sinusitis, you can use a remedy prepared according to this recipe: dissolve yarrow herb powder (2 tablespoons) in melted wax (20 g), cool to 30 C. Apply the mixture layer by layer to the places of the maxillary sinuses, insulate from above , hold for 15 minutes. Then clean and apply Asterisk balm. The procedure is repeated twice a day, the course of treatment is four days.

joints

This recipe for the joints and spine will help restore lost health. To prepare it, you will need 100 g of beekeeping product, 10 g of mummy, 50 ml of cedar oil, 10 ml of aloe juice. Dissolve the mummy in aloe, add oil and wax melted in a water bath. You will get an ointment that is rubbed on the joints and spine until relief comes. As a rule, after several procedures, the pain disappears completely.

Calluses and corns

Mix 50 g of propolis and 30 g of wax with the juice of one lemon, melt the mixture in a water bath until the main component becomes liquid, cool. You need to store the medicine in the refrigerator, after pouring it into a bottle. Every day, the ointment is applied to the corn, sealed with adhesive tape on top. The corn should come off in five days. If this does not happen, then it must be softened with a two percent hot solution of baking soda, and then removed.

Cracks in the heels

For beautiful heels, an old recipe is suitable, the basis of which is wax with vegetable oil. You need to fry onions in oil and drain it through cheesecloth, you will need a glass of such oil. Melt 100 g of wax and a pea of ​​propolis in a water bath and let it boil for a couple of minutes, then pour it into the prepared oil. The ointment will soon become thick and can be applied to cracked heels or toes.

Trophic ulcers

Pour a glass of vegetable oil into an enameled saucepan, put the wax there (from a matchbox), put it on a steam bath until it melts completely. Boil the egg and separate the yolk. For each portion of the ointment, take half of the yolk, which is added in small portions. Stir, remove from heat, leave for 20 minutes. For cleansing, the ointment is passed through capron, stored in the refrigerator. Use the product should be warm, so before use, the ointment is heated in a water bath to 40 C.

How to use beeswax

The range of application of wax is so wide that there is a useful recipe for each person. The whole secret of the product is in a wide range of trace elements and vitamins. The most important components are carotene and vitamin A, which are responsible for the youthfulness of the skin, the beauty of the hair, and the health of the nails. The fatty acids in its composition provide a moisturizing effect. The substance mixes well with other products, does not lose its beneficial properties under the influence of high temperatures.

For hair

At home, wax is often used for cosmetic purposes, such as treating dry hair or getting rid of dandruff. For medium length hair, you need to take half a glass of grated wax. For long hair - a whole glass. Place on a steam bath and hold until completely melted, then add a glass of olive oil and two tbsp. l. coconut oil. Remove the composition from the stove and dissolve 10 drops of an essential oil in it, for example, ylang-ylang. Apply the mask to wet hair, after kneading the mixture with your palms. Rinse after 30 minutes and shampoo your hair.

For facial skin

For normal and dry skin, you can prepare the following mask: hold half a teaspoon of wax in a water bath until completely melted, add the same amount of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey, mix well. After the composition has cooled, it is applied to the skin of the face for half an hour, and then washed off. The effect is felt immediately after applying the mask, the skin is smoothed, moisturized. After washing, a nourishing cream is applied if the skin is very dry.

For nails

Wax cannot strengthen nails, but it can protect them. It quickly melts from body temperature, you just need to knead a small piece in your hands, and then rub it into the nail plates. No traces will remain, it is quickly absorbed, forming a protective film. After such procedures, the nails will stop exfoliating. You can use wax baths, for this you need to melt the main component, and then immerse your fingers in it. Such peculiar medical caps will turn out.

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

is a unique beekeeping product, the properties of which have been known for a very long time. Its composition is incredibly complex, so it is often used for both domestic and industrial purposes. But most often for use it must first be melted. And since the melting point of beeswax is only 63-68 degrees, it is not difficult to do it just at home. The main ways to melt it better are described below.

The use of beeswax is almost limitless: it is used in cosmetology, industry, and medicine. Since its melting point is relatively low, it should not be stored near heating appliances. It is also undesirable to store it in a place where direct sunlight falls.

To melt beeswax, you must follow certain rules, thanks to which this product will retain all its beneficial substances. To begin with, it should be noted that it cannot be melted directly on fire. This process is best done in a water bath. Already at a temperature of about 35-40 degrees, its structure becomes plastic and it can be given any shape.

Wax does not dissolve in water, so separate dishes are needed to melt it. It is necessary to place pieces of the product in it, and place the container itself in a pot or basin with water, which should subsequently be sent to the fire. When the temperature rises above 62 degrees, the melting process will begin.

It is worth noting that at 100 degrees the bee product begins to boil. But this should not be allowed, as the structure of the natural product is destroyed.

It is also important that it interacts with some metals. If it melts in a metal bowl, then the fatty acids present in it will react with some metals, releasing salts. And in order to maintain the high quality of the product, it is necessary to use a stainless steel container when melting or choose an enameled product. Do not allow melting in copper or iron utensils.

Melting methods at home

Beeswax is often used to make candles. It is used for cosmetic procedures. It is also mixed with creams and balms. In order to melt the wax, you can use one of the existing methods. Our article presents the easiest ways.

On a water bath

In order to melt the wax at home, it is necessary to prepare a metal container, preferably enameled, in which the main component will be placed. To speed up this process, the bee product can be divided into pieces or grated. The container in which it will be located should be equipped with a convenient handle. This is necessary so that at the appropriate moment you can remove it from the heat without bringing it to a boil.

Next, you need to put another pot of water on the fire and lower the container with wax into it. Thus, by subjecting the product to heating in a water bath, one can slowly reach the optimum melting point. It is very important to constantly stir it to prevent burning. This approach will ensure that a homogeneous mass is obtained.

In the microwave

To melt the wax safely and quickly at home, you can use the microwave. To do this, the right amount of product is taken, crushed or grated, and then placed in a glass dish that is suitable for use in a microwave oven. At the same time, it is highly undesirable to cover the container. The melting temperature in this case will be much higher, so it will take less time to dissolve the wax. However, it is necessary to monitor how it dissolves and prevent it from boiling.

In a double boiler

Beeswax is an extremely resistant product to external influences and can retain its properties and appearance for decades if optimal conditions and temperature are created for this. Another way to melt it involves the use of a double boiler. To do this, fill its lower part with water by 2-5 cm.

Next, you need to take a bowl and put a bar of beekeeping product in it, and then send it to a double boiler. This process can take up to 3 minutes. up to an hour, it all depends on the size and amount of wax. Do not leave the steamer unattended. During melting, it is necessary to add water from time to time. When the process is completed, the wax is poured into molds and used at your discretion.

Preparations for melting wax

There are drugs that help dissolve the wax. It is worth noting that this happens best when they contain fatty essential oils, turpentine and gasoline. Wax also mixes well with all kinds of fats and paraffin. Benzene deserves special attention. In addition to acting as a derived raw material for pharmaceuticals and organic dyes, it has been successfully used in the dissolution of wax.

It is absolutely insoluble in alcohol and glycerol.

Video "Remelting wax in a water bath"

On the video you can see in detail the whole process of melting the bee product.

Paraffin - what is it? This product is well known to each of us. At least once in our lives we had to deal with him. It is widely used in a wide variety of fields - medicine, food production, and electrical engineering. Let's try to understand the properties of this product and its types.

Paraffin - what is it?

The above substance is a fairly solid mixture of macromolecular nature. The composition of paraffin also includes cyclic hydrocarbons, which are obtained from ozocerite and oil.

Purified paraffin - what is it? It has the following features:

• the product is colorless;
• greasy to the touch;
• without smell;
• no taste;
• dissolves well in organic solvents;
• insoluble in water and alcohol.

Poorly refined paraffin is a product that has a brown or yellow tint, and also darkens in the light.

The above substance has good resistance to bases and acids, oxidizing agents, and halogens.

Types of paraffin

This product is classified into the following waxes:

• highly purified technical (grades A and B);
• unpeeled (match);
• cleaned technical (grades G and D);
• medical.

The most important characteristics of paraffin are:

• melting point - 50 (not lower);
• oil content - minimum 0.6% and maximum 2.3% (not higher).

Match paraffin differs in separate features. Its melting point should be 42 degrees Celsius, but in no case lower, and the oil content is allowed no higher than 5%.

Application of paraffin

The above product is widely used in the following industries:

• printing;
• paper;
• textile;
• leather;
• electrical engineering;
• paintwork.

It is also used:

• for paraffin therapy in cosmetology and medicine;
• like paraffin for candles;
• as a lubricant for rubbing wood parts;
• in combination with gasoline acts as an anti-corrosion coating;
• for the production of vaseline;
• this product is registered as E905 - food additive;
• acts as a lubricant for snowboard skis;
• used in engineering and nuclear physics (slows down neurons and is a "generator" of protons).

In addition, paraffin is actively used in radio engineering. It is used in those situations where high electrical strength, low cost, minimal AC losses and the ability to quickly release this potting with a simple heating method are needed.

What is the difference between the above oil product and wax?

Wax is a mixture of solid esters that form fatty acids and higher alcohols (high molecular weight).

What is the difference between the above substances? It should be noted that a product that does not burn at all, but only melts, is, of course, wax. Paraffin, on the contrary, burns completely.

Wax has a yellow-brown tint. Paraffin is exclusively white. Manufacturers obtain all its other shades by adding dyes to it.

Natural wax is natural, environmentally friendly Paraffin is obtained from petroleum products, so it is a synthetic material.

Wax in its properties often resembles plasticine. It is very flexible, very soft, quite plastic. Paraffin, on the contrary, crumbles excessively when cut.

How to use paraffin at home?

This product is actively used for paraffin therapy. This is a very effective and natural procedure that provides an opportunity to eliminate defects and imperfections on the skin and not only. The paraffin therapy technique is based on the use of a special film from the above product, which creates the so-called greenhouse effect.

Paraffin at home can be used to:

• skin whitening;
• elimination of the second chin and gravitational ptosis;
• protection from cracks and dryness;
• cleansing the skin, its rejuvenation.

Paraffin therapy at home for hands is, of course, not difficult to do. To do this, you need to purchase purified. Experts pay attention to the fact that allergy sufferers need to buy this product containing peach oil.

Paraffin must be heated to a liquid state. To do this, use the water bath method. Then it is important to massage the hands with a scrub or, for example, a special mitten. Next, you need to lower your hands into liquid paraffin and immediately remove them. Repeat this action after 10 seconds. It is necessary that thin "gloves" of paraffin are formed. Then wrap your hands with cling film or, for example, a plastic bag and hold for at least 20 minutes.

Then remove the paraffin. Experts do not recommend reusing this product. After the procedure, a cream should be applied to the hands to moisturize the skin.

Paraffin is an excellent product that has found its application in various fields.