Propolis is a sticky substance produced by bees from the collection of resinous secretion of plant peels, enriched with wax, pollen, enzymes and other substances. Propolis is used by bees to seal and disinfect the interior of the hive.
The healing properties of propolis have been known since ancient times, when it was referred to as "black wax". It was used as a medicine by people who flourished around the Mediterranean and who had found its anti-inflammatory action. Hippocrates recommended to smear propolis on ulcers and burns. The soldiers of Alexander the Great always had propolis with them during their expeditions, while the Egyptians used it for embalming the deceased. Today propolis is widely used as a medicament itself, or as a substance of other products. Propolis has a number of known therapeutic properties, such as strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, healing, analgesic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its chemical composition is very complex as more than 300 chemical compounds have been detected in it. It consists mainly of resin (50%), wax (30%), essential oils (10%), pollen (5%). The remaining ingredients are flavoring agents, sugars, balms, terpenes, aliphatic acids and their esters, flavones, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and other known and unknown components. These properties are beneficial for the capillary vessels, thereby improving blood circulation. It is ideal for strengthening the immune system and skin improvement.
Usually we dissolve 10 drops of liquid propolis in any liquid and drink it, while solid propolis is swallowed in small chunks.