Propolis Mother Tincture – Glyceric Extract

What is Propolis?

• Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from the buds and bark of some plants such as poplars, birches, pines, firs, horse chestnuts, willows, oaks and elms . Inside the hive, propolis is used to seal any cracks and isolate the environment from predators and bad weather. In its natural state it appears as a resin of a usually dark color , viscous when hot, with a generally sour taste and a marked aroma.

What does Propolis contain?

• Propolis is largely composed of resins and balms (50%), wax (25%), volatile essential oils (10%), pollen (5%), organic and mineral material (5%). Also very important are flavonoids which, enhanced by the presence of anti-inflammatories and vitamins ( C, E, B1, B2, B6, PP ), perform an important protective action on blood capillaries.

How is Propolis prepared?

• The Mother Tincture of Propolis is obtained by diluting propolis in ethyl alcohol and is suitable for gargling , tamponing , brushing or inhalations . The ingestion of propolis tincture can take place together with honey or sugar (to mask the bitter taste), water or hot milk (in this case it is important to shake well as propolis tends to stick to the walls of the container).

How do bees use Propolis?

• Inside the hive it is used as:

1. building material , it is in fact extremely useful for closing cracks, as thermal insulation and also to prevent the entry of insects
2. antiseptic paint inside the cells to create a sterilized cradle before the queen lays her eggs