Propolis
A dark brown, sticky substance made when honeybees combine resin collected from tree buds and bark with their own secretions. Bees use it to protect the hive from microorganisms; it is consumed in drop or tablet form.
What Is Propolis?
Propolis is a dark brown, sticky substance made when honeybees combine material collected from tree buds, bark, and plant resins with their own secretions (beeswax and enzymes). It is not honey; it is a separate bee product.
Bees naturally use propolis to narrow the hive entrance, seal cracks, and protect the inside of the hive from microorganisms. For human consumption, it is generally processed as an alcohol-based tincture (drops) or in tablet form.
Propolis Nutrition
Since the amount used in drops or tablets is very small, its nutritional value is negligible in practice; propolis is considered a dietary supplement product, not a source of calories.
How Should Propolis Be Consumed?
Propolis is generally consumed in measured amounts as part of a balanced diet, usually in drop or tablet form.
This information is general; propolis is a dietary supplement product and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People with bee-product allergies, people who are pregnant or nursing, and people taking medication are advised to consult their healthcare provider before consuming it.
How to Choose Propolis
A good propolis product is dark brown, has a resinous, spicy aroma, and comes from a reliable source.
- It should be dark brown
- It should have a resinous, spicy aroma
- It should come from a reliable beekeeping source and be properly processed
How to Store Propolis
Store propolis tincture or tablets in a sealed bottle or container in a cool, dark cupboard; keeping it away from light preserves its composition.
Using Propolis in the Kitchen
Propolis is most often consumed in small amounts by adding drops to water or warm tea, or directly as a tablet; because of its strong aroma, it is not commonly added directly to food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are propolis and honey the same thing?
No. Honey is a sugar produced by bees from flower nectar. Propolis is a separate, non-sweet bee product made from tree resin.
Why is propolis processed with alcohol?
Since propolis has a solid, resinous texture and does not dissolve easily in water, an alcohol-based tincture makes it into a product that can be easily dosed in drop form.
Can you find propolis in Türkiye?
Yes, it is widely available; it can be found in drop or tablet form at herbal-product stores, shops that sell bee products, and pharmacies.