mesilasvahast

Mesilasvahast is the Estonian word for beeswax. Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. It is secreted from wax glands on the underside of the bee's abdomen. Worker bees use beeswax to build the honeycomb structure. The comb is used to store honey, pollen, and to house the brood.

Beeswax is a complex mixture, primarily consisting of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols. It is insoluble in water but soluble in some organic solvents. Its physical properties include a relatively low melting point, making it pliable. The color of beeswax can vary from pale yellow to dark brown, depending on the purity and the floral source of the nectar collected by the bees.

Humans have utilized beeswax for millennia. Historically, it has been used in various applications such as for sealing documents, in cosmetic preparations like lip balms and lotions, and as a component in polishes for wood and metal. It is also a traditional ingredient in encaustic painting, a technique that involves melting wax and adding pigment. In modern times, beeswax continues to be employed in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food coatings, and for making candles. The harvesting of beeswax typically occurs during honey extraction, where combs are uncapped.