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BEPropolis, what is it and what's it for.
Propolis is a mixture of resins collected from local trees and plants, which means no two apiaries produce quite the same material. It is a reflection of landscape and forage, these hives are sited inside a mature pine copse and the propolis is thick and bright orange/red.
Inside the colony, propolis is mixed with wax and enzymes and acts as a structural and hygienic material. It smooths surfaces, seals cracks, reduces draughts, and helps create a stable internal environment for developing bees. In effect, it is part of the colony’s long-term medicine cupboard, a hygienic tool rather than a food, contributing to overall colony health.
So good are its antibacterial properties that when larger intruders enter the hive and cannot be removed, bees may encase them in propolis, preventing decay and contamination. @backyardbeescornwall had a great picture of a propolised mouse yesterday.
For humans propolis has been valued for centuries for its complex natural chemistry, with naturally occurring bioactive compounds, particularly rich in flavonoids and aromatic resins.
I love the latin name pro polis = meaning defence of the city.
Many people choose to include propolis tincture in their routines because it is regarded as a supportive, traditional product with a centuries long history of human use in apothecary , promoting good health, oral and skin care. Id like to make a toothpaste for its ability to whiten teeth.
I use our propolis tincture every day, in the evenings added to warm water, stem ginger and a spoon of honey. It smells like the memory of opening a hive on a hot summers day. I know it sounds silly but it really makes me feel close to the bees as it triggers such memories of working hives which like many beekeepers, Im missing terribly at the moment.
If you live in Cornwall and visit any of the farmers markets and events we attend have a look out for us, @therescuedbee and pick up a bottle of 2025 season propolis tincture made solely by us with propolis from our own hives.
#propolis #beekeeping #beehive
@bees_off
