Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honey bees to protect the beehive against bacteria and infections.
One of of the most powerful natural antibiotics in nature, components of propolis have been used by and imitated in many modern medicines.
WHAT IS PROPOLIS MADE OF?
The contents of propolis vary depending on geographical location, type of bee, types of trees and flowers around the hive, and time of year. Bees actually produce a different propolis in winter to protect against the cold and bacteria.
The main ingredients are: Tree and plant resins (50%), wax and fatty acids (25-35%), essential oils (10%), pollen (5%), essential minerals and other organic components (5%).
The high concentration of polyphenols (rutin, quercetin and galangina), phenolic acids, coumarins, amino acids and steroids render propolis extremely beneficial to humans.
PROPOLIS AND THE ANCIENT CULTURE
The health benefits of propolis have been known since ancient times.
The Egyptians believed it held the “secret to health and eternal life”, using propolis in the mummification mixture, just as bees use it to sterilize dead insects to preserve healthy conditions of the hive.
Romans and Greeks used propolis to treat sores, ulcers, and bruises. Roman Legionnaires were known to carry it around to treat war wounds.
Propolis was used by the Incas as an anti-pyretic and early Chinese civilizations to treat toothache and fight infection.