Did you know that burning beeswax candles helps purify the air in your home? They burn with almost no smoke or scent and clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air. These negative ions can bind with toxins and help remove them from the air. Plus, the smell of natural beeswax is especially delightful and sure to please any guest.
Making your own candles with beeswax is very easy to do. 100% beeswax will make a great candle, but personal experience has shown that the candle will melt away from the wick better if you mix some coconut oil in with it, so if you have access to the oil, follow the instructions above.
1) Prepare candle wicks by cutting them to appropriate length (approximately 6 inches longer than your candle receptacle is tall) and tying one end of the wick onto a bamboo skewer.
2) In a double boiler melt beeswax with coconut oil over medium heat until completely melted, stirring often.
3) Use caution when transferring melted wax out of boiler and into glass or ceramic container (see below for creative ideas!). Place wick in the center of the liquid wax, using the bamboo skewer to keep it properly placed until wax cools and hardens completely.
Have fun with this by re-using containers to make something pleasing for both sight & smell! Terra cotta pots, teacups, cocktail glasses, ceramic bowls, thrift store finds, even old candles that have fallen to the wayside can be reused.
Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by honey bees when they collect sap from trees and mix it with beeswax and enzymes. The result: nature’s own protective compound, used by bees to seal their hive and guard against bacteria, fungi, and weather. Because of its rich composition of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antimicrobial compounds, propolis is now valued as a “bee-made immunity booster” and “ wellness ally.” PMC+2PMC+2
Let’s get real about honey bees for a second: These little guys are basically the world’s MVPs. You think they buzz around making honey for your toast? Bees: The Real Foodies’ Wingmen, Here’s the serious bit: When bees start dropping off, it’s a big red flag for the environment. They’re like those canaries in the coal mine—if they’re not okay, odds are, we’re messing something up (pesticides, climate, you know the drill). Saving the bees isn’t just about saving honey; it’s about keeping our own butts.
by Trisha waytotrisha@gmail.com September 15, 2025
Bee Pollen vs. Royal Jelly vs. Propolis: There are numerous bee products available, so let’s take a moment to examine the differences between bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis. Bee products have been revered for thousands of years, trans-culturally, for nourishment, healing, and well-being. Today, they are being rediscovered as natural superfoods. Three of the most popular treasures of the hive are bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis. They’re often combined, but each is also quite distinct in its origins, components and health benefits. Appreciating these differences can help you make the most of what nature’s hardest workers offer.
Royal jelly is the royal bee food and a super nutrient-rich substance and to keep its health benefits intact it needs to be stored properly. Knowing how to store it properly is essential to maintaining its potency. Whether you're using fresh royal jelly, freeze-dried royal jelly powder, or capsules, you need to be aware of their shelf life and best practices