Raw Bee Propolis is a resinous, waxy substance that bees create by mixing their saliva with beeswax, along with compounds from various plants and trees. Bees use it to seal gaps in the hive to keep out intruders. Propolis also has antimicrobial properties and may protect bees from pathogens.
The substances that make up propolis can be complex. Scientists have identified more than 300 separate compounds in propolis. The exact composition can depend on the location of the beehive.
As a rough guideline, raw bee propolis typically consists of:
- tree and vegetable resins: 50%
- beeswax: 30%
- pollen: 5%
- essential and aromatic oils: 10%
Propolis also contains polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant.
How to use propolis
People can use raw bee propolis in several ways, including:
- as an oral supplement
- diluted in water as a mouthwash
- topically on the skin
Before using bee propolis, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor to check that it will be safe for an individual to use. Then, the person should patch test some propolis to make sure that they do not have an allergy to it.
For use on the skin, apply pure propolis or a skin product that contains propolis as an active ingredient.
For use in the mouth, dilute a small amount of propolis in water. Rinse the mouth or gargle the mixture for a while before spitting it out.
Many premade products contain bee propolis as an active ingredient. In these cases, use the product as instructed on the label.
Features:
- Available in 2 oz jar
- Larger sizes available upon request
- Propolis is harvested from our local colonies at the Minooka IL apiary
*** We will have more propolis collected once the 2022 season gets going sometime in late May
