Our propolis tincture is about 35% propolis, and 65% grain alcohol. It’s commonly mixed with water or juice and consumed for an immune system boost, or for stomach / digestive issues. Normally just a few drops in 6-8 ounces 3 times a day. Or applied directly in the mouth / throat for issues concerning those areas, or upper respiratory. It can also be used topically, but I would personally suggest trying honey first for topical issues. There are no recommended dosages, but is is suggested that if you have allergies to hive/bee products to avoid its use because it often has many elements of the hive in the propolis. It might also slow blood clotting, so those with clotting issues should use caution.
Propolis is found in bee hives, and is produced by the honey bee. The bees collect resins from a variety of trees, then mix this with beeswax.
The trees produce this resin as their own defense against disease and parasites. When it is leaked from a wound or from a new growth in the tree, the bees collect the resin and bring it back in their pollen baskets where it is removed from the forager bee and put to use by the house bees.
The bees use propolis as a glue to secure things in the hive (like the frames and covers that beekeepers use), and as a disinfectant. Because of its anti fungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it aids in sanitation and is part of the hives immune system. The bees will even use propolis to encapsulate insect invaders, or have even been observed to mummify larger invaders that may have died and can’t be removed, like a mouse. Completely covering the mouse and sealing it away, protecting the hive from its decomposition.
The word propolis is from the greek. The word Pro means “at the entrance to” and polis for “city,” because it is used for the hives defense. Some bees will actually use this to form strong barriers in the entrance to the hive.
It’s composition varies, but is roughly 50% resins, 30% waxes, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen and 5% various other organic compounds. A powerful mix for sure!
Beekeepers collect the propolis and then it can be turned it into powders, capsules, tinctures, creams, toothpaste, deodorant and many other products for human use.
High heat can damage the healing properties of propolis.
Its benefits have been studied around the world, and it has been used for centuries by humans for a variety of issues. It is commonly used as a mouth disinfectant, and seems to have good affects against cold sores and the herpes virus. It is also used as a disinfectant and antiseptic for topical wounds. It is used with good affect for sore throat, burns and stomach ulcers. Other common uses are for the common cold, acne, gingivitis and cavities.
There is much written on this product, and it’s easy to see why it is used around the world for human health.
further benefits of propolis are is its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and anti-protozoan properties.
