Propolis
A dark brown, sticky substance produced by honeybees mixing resin collected from tree buds and bark with their own secretions. Used to protect the hive from microorganisms, consumed in drop or tablet form.
What Is Propolis?
Propolis is a dark brown, sticky substance produced by honeybees mixing 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 interior of the hive from microorganisms. For human consumption, it is usually processed into an alcohol-based tincture (drops) or tablet form.
Nutritional Value of Propolis
Since the amount used is very small, at the drop/tablet scale, its nutritional value is practically negligible; propolis is regarded as a food supplement product, not a calorie source.
How Should Propolis Be Consumed?
Propolis is consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, generally in drop or tablet form.
This information is general; propolis is a food supplement product, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with bee product allergies, pregnant/nursing individuals, and those taking medication are advised to consult their doctor before consuming.
How to Choose Propolis?
A good propolis product is dark brown in color, has a resinous-spicy smell, and has been obtained from a reliable source.
- The color should be dark brown
- The smell should be resinous-spicy
- It should be obtained from a reliable beekeeping source with proper processing
How to Store Propolis?
Propolis tincture or tablets are stored in their sealed bottle/box in a cool, dark cupboard; keeping it away from light preserves its composition.
Using Propolis in the Kitchen
Propolis is most commonly used by adding a small amount of drops to water or lukewarm tea, and also consumed directly in tablet form; due to its strong smell, adding it directly to dishes is not common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are propolis and honey the same thing?
No; honey is a sugar that bees produce from flower nectar. Propolis, on the other hand, is a separate, non-sweet bee product made from tree resin.
Why is propolis processed with alcohol?
Since propolis's solid-resinous structure doesn't dissolve easily in water, an alcohol-based tincture is prepared to turn it into an easily dosable product in drop form.
Is propolis available in Turkey?
It is common; it can be found in drop or tablet form at herbalists, places selling bee products, and pharmacies.