Propolis: a natural antibiotic, its properties and uses

🐝 Propolis: a treasure from the hive

Imagine a sticky, fragrant substance that bees use to protect their home from disease and intruders. This is propolis, or bee glue, a distinctive bee product with remarkable properties. This article explores what propolis is, how bees make and use it, its chemical composition, healing properties and uses in medicine, cosmetics and veterinary care. We also share interesting facts and tips on storage and choosing good-quality propolis.

🏡 What is propolis and how do bees use it?

Propolis is a resinous substance made by bees from plant resins collected from tree buds and bark, mixed with wax and glandular enzymes. Its name comes from the Greek words "pro" (before, for) and "polis" (city, hive), literally meaning "in defence of the city or hive".

Propolis is essential to bees. They use it to seal cracks and openings, polish the comb, create a sterile barrier and maintain hive hygiene. They also coat the bodies of large pests they cannot remove, effectively mummifying them.

🔬 Chemical composition of propolis

Propolis contains more than 300 compounds. Its main components are:

• Resins and balsams: ~50%

• Wax: ~30%

• Essential oils: ~10%

• Pollen: ~5%

• Organic substances: ~5%

Key active substances: flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, essential oils, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Composition varies by region and the resin sources, such as poplar, birch, chestnut and conifers.

💊 Beneficial properties of propolis

• 🦠 Antibacterial

• 🍄 Antifungal

• 🦠 Antiviral

• 🔥 Anti-inflammatory

• 🛡️ Immune-modulating

• ⚡ Antioxidant

• 💥 Pain-relieving

• 🧬 Potentially anti-tumour

Propolis is effective even against resistant bacterial strains, promotes healing, disinfects and strengthens immunity.

🏺 History of use

• 🏛️ Egyptians: embalming mummies

• 🏹 Incas: reducing fever

• 🏛️ Hippocrates and Dioscorides: treating ulcers and throat conditions

• 🏰 Middle Ages: a recognised medicine in Europe

• 🎻 Stradivari: used propolis in violin varnishes

• ⚔️ Second World War: a wound-healing remedy in the USSR

🧪 Forms and uses of propolis

💄 Propolis in cosmetics

• Treating acne

• Soothes the skin

• Protects against ageing

• Against dandruff and hair loss

• Strengthens nails

🐕 Propolis in veterinary care and beekeeping

• Treating wounds and infections in animals

• Mastitis in cows and enteritis in calves

• In bees: reduces disease and improves the hive microbiota

• Collected by beekeepers using grids and traps

⚠️ Contraindications and side effects

• Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people allergic to pollen or honey

• Contact dermatitis in beekeepers

• Burning and irritation with external use

• Use caution during pregnancy and for children; consulting a doctor is advisable

📚 Interesting facts

• The name means in defence of the hive

• Its colour varies by plant source, from green to black

• May contain up to 300 active substances

• Bees use propolis to mummify dead pests

• Used in Stradivari's violins and during wartime

🧊 Storage and selection

• Keep in a dark, dry, cool place, ideally a refrigerator

• Use airtight packaging

• Divide into small pieces

• Checking good-quality propolis:

  • Aroma: balsamic and resinous

  • Taste: slightly bitter and pungent

  • Dissolves in alcohol

✅ Conclusion

Propolis is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic and immune modulator. It is used in medicine, cosmetics, veterinary care and beekeeping itself. It is a versatile remedy worth keeping at home for anyone who values natural approaches to health.

May this remarkable product, made by industrious bees, bring you nothing but benefit. 🐝