Beeswax has been used for millennia. From the 19th century on the main uses included, the making of candles (mainly for the wealthy), cosmetics ( eg. natural protection and gloss for the lips), wax for seals on mail and documents, and for polishing furniture (scrapings of wax dissolved in spirits such as turpentine). Also used for lubricating thread.Two lumps of beeswax used for a functional purpose. beeswax, wax