Raw propolis is a natural substance made by bees that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can be used as a dietary supplement, but should only be taken in small amounts. Propolis extracts are used by pharmaceutical companies, and the organic designation does not apply to propolis.
Raw propolis is a natural product made by honey bees. Bees collect resin from flowers and leaf buds to take back to the hive, where it is mixed with beeswax to create propolis. Worker bees use the sticky substance to repair the hive and to line and seal brood combs. Raw propolis has antifungal and antibacterial properties that serve to protect the health of the entire colony. Bee propolis will kill the Bacillus larvae bacteria that cause American foul brood, a major threat to bees.
Depending on the plants and trees in the area surrounding a hive, propolis can have a different appearance and composition. Raw propolis usually ranges from yellow to dark brown, but clear propolis has also been seen. When analyzed, raw propolis is a complex combination of up to 180 different compounds created from materials collected by bees. The raw materials are further transformed by the bee’s saliva as they are harvested, transported to the hive, and mixed with beeswax.
Scientific studies have shown propolis to be effective against many common types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In a refined form, bee propolis is used in cosmetics, medicines, wound treatment, and food preservatives. Historically, propolis has also been used in wood preservatives and varnishes. Unlike the refined product, crude propolis is not processed and is typically consumed in chunks or ground into a fine powder. It can cause stomach upset and possible allergic reactions, so raw propolis should only be taken in small amounts when used as a nutritional supplement.
Raw propolis is a complete product that has not undergone any further processing, but a propolis extract is created when the substance undergoes a chemical process to separate specific compounds from the other ingredients. The extraction process is an attempt to isolate the materials that are considered to be the most beneficial, such as flavonoids and phenolics. Pharmaceutical companies are the main users of propolis extracts. When dissolved in alcohol, a propolis tincture is formed which is claimed to have additional medicinal properties.
When used as a dietary supplement, it is generally recommended to take 250 milligrams of crude propolis daily. People who are allergic to bee stings should not use propolis in any form. In addition to capsules for daily intake, propolis lozenges are used as a remedy for sore throats. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established guidelines for the use of propolis.
Many products claim to include organic propolis. The organic designation does not apply to the propolis-derived portion of the substance. Honey bees roam freely and will collect substances from organic and non-organic areas.
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