A cloth that is layered with melted beeswax is warmed and applied to the chest to create a soothing, calming effect, especially on the breathing. It is an easy, enjoyable and effective compress that I recommend for daily use for asthmatics and those with bronchial tightness. It can also be used generally to help rest and bring warmth to the chest. Those with an allergy to bees may have a reaction.
Make a beeswax cloth
To create your own beeswax cloth choose a thin natural fibre fabric about the the size of 1 or 2 hands. Some people have found old, thin flannelette to be an accessible and suitable cloth. There are various methods to apply the beeswax to the cloth.
- It can be finely grated over the cloth and melted in the oven for 10 minutes on a low temperature, or
- finely grated and ironed between baking paper, or
- grated and melted in a pot then “painted” onto the cloth, or
- melted in a wide shallow tray or a pot that has a volume of wax that is as full as the cloth is long. Allow the cloth to be completely submerged and flat then lift it out so that it gradually is held vertical above the pot. Let it sit above the tray until it sets slightly.
Repeat the process until you feel that the cloth has been impregnated with a thin even layer of wax.
Treatment
For treatment, a warm beeswax cloth is applied directly to the skin. To warm the cloth let the sun ray upon it, put it in the oven, between hot water bottles for 3 – 5 minutes, or heat it under the hot air of a hair dryer.
Once applied to the body cover the cloth with a firm woollen singlet and normal clothing unless you would prefer using compress blankets. You may experiment with fitting under the singlet a small pillow (draw string bag stuffed with wool fleece) to bring extra warmth and comfort.
This compress can usually be left on overnight. However remove it if it becomes cold or uncomfortable. Continue to keep the body warm after removing the compress.
The beeswax coated cloth can be stored in a glass jar or container for future use. Replace the cloth when the beeswax aroma diminishes or the cloth no longer appears to be of healing value.