What is Propolis ? Antiseptic properties. Antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal & antiviral. Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen. Medicinal marvel from the beehive. Research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties. Propolis is Nature’s premiere preventive. It is so powerful in action, it is often called Russian penicillin. Propolis is a very sticky substance the consistency of bubble gum from dark to very dark in color. Honey Bees collect resin from certain trees and plants (mostly conifers) to make Propolis. Old beekeepers like me call it bee glue. The bees carry it home like they carry pollen back to the hive but you probably have not read that before. If you consume pollen, you probably have never been told there is Propolis in pollen. It is like gold in a silver mine. You probably have been told, those hard granules in the pollen are due to the pollen having been dried. A lot of those granules could be Propolis. Propolis is hard as steel when it is cool or cold and very very sticky when it is warm. Most people in the states have not even heard the word Propolis let alone know what it is. It is a wonderful product. Spell check in your computer doesn’t even have the word Propolis.

The term “propolis” comes from two Greek words: “pro,” which means “before,” and “polis,” which means “city.” This ancient term came into being centuries ago when some early Greek student of Nature established the fact that honeybees made and used propolis.

Chemically speaking, propolis is a very complex mixture. Its chemical elements vary according to its source. Colors range from golden brown to brownish green to reddish brown to blackish brown. A broad analysis reveals approximately 55 percent resinous compounds and balsam, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent ethereal and aromatic oils, and 5 percent bee pollen. Many flavonols contribute to propolis. Other components include cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, vanillin, caffeic acid, tetochrysin, isalpinin, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and ferulic acid.