PROPOLIS WELT

The natural antibiotic of bees

Propolis (also called putty or bee glue) is a rubbery, sticky, resinous, thermoplastic material. Certain worker bees collect resin from buds, leaves and tree bark. Poplar, willow, chestnut, fir, spruce and larch provide the raw material. In the hive, the resin is mixed with wax and pollen and made supple with a special saliva secretion. The honeybees use propolis as a building material for repair and insulation work, and to disinfect the entire hive. The bees protect their dwelling against drafts, moisture and microbes. Propolis is even conditional protection against radioactive radiation for the bees.

Well known and yet rediscovered

History
The knowledge that man has of propolis does not go as far back as that of honey. But we know that many millennia before our time, the priests of ancient Egypt knew this material and used it in large quantities in the chemistry and art of mummifying their dead.

The extraction of propolis

When beekeepers break out and scratch propolis from the hives, they must be very careful. In a beehive entirely free of cement, the bees would be vulnerable to environmental influences and could not survive. So one has begun to use very close-meshed lattice as Propolisfallen. Bees fill holes that do not exceed a certain size (3.7mm) with propolis. Larger holes seal it with wax. Nevertheless, the yield is low, per year and people can be obtained from our bees about 100 – 150 g Rohpropolis.

Use of propolis

Dosage: Adults take 1 drop per kg of body weight distributed on 3-4 doses per day. The intake on bread or honey is best.
Please always start with 2-3 drops, as there may be allergic reactions to propolis.
In the pharmacy or in well-stocked health food stores you will find propolis lozenges, toothpaste, mouthwash, skin care and health capsules.
Propolis can be nebulized in special devices and is used in this form for chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis, allergies). Some wellness hotels offer beehive inhalation directly from the bee colony.

What properties does Propolis have?

The healing properties of propolis are attributed to various acids (the best known being acetylsalicylic acid – aspirin) and the high concentration of flavonoids. But these alone can not be the secret of the versatile effect. Rather, it is probably the long-unexplored large number of over 270 ingredients (minerals, vitamins, trace elements) that are present in propolis in an inimitable combination.

Please note that the use of propolis does not replace the doctor’s visit for health problems. Propolis can be used alongside other medicines.