" Busy Bee Beekeeping Supplies "

" for the hobby beekeeper up to the small producer. "

" Propolis Tincture "

" Nature's Antiseptic "

Propolis is a resinous substance that honey bees collect from various sources,
including tree buds and sap flows. Bees use this resin as a sealant in their hives,
usually to fill in small gaps that are 6 millimeters wide or less. (Bees use beeswax
to plug larger gaps.) Propolis can be sticky at room temperatures; when it"s cold out,
propolis gets hard and brittle. Bees themselves derive tremendous benefit from propolis.
It reinforces the structural stability of their beehives. It makes the hives more easily
defended, preventing parasites from entering. It reduces vibrations within the hive. The
chemical content of propolis can vary depending on region; generally, it is 55 percent
resins and balms (such as flavenoids), 30 percent fatty acids and waxes, 10 percent
essential oils, and 5 percent protein, in the form of bee pollen. There are various
trace elements and other nutrients present as well.

Propolis tincture works well as an antiseptic . Applied to cuts , scrapes ,
rashes and cold sores - propolis tincture aids in the healing process.

Another benefit of propolis is as an antibiotic. The bioflavenoids present
in propolis strengthen the body"s immune system, enhancing our resistance to disease;
propolis supplements the effectiveness of vitamin C and stimulates enzyme formation.
Some research suggests that propolis can act against the various bacteria that
cause pneumonia, salmonellosis, influenza, herpes, tuberculosis, and other diseases.
It can also act as an antifungal agent.

Chemically, propolis works in a fashion similar to prescription antibiotics, by breaking
down the walls and cytoplasm of bacteria cells and preventing bacterial cell division.
However, because it is a natural substance, propolis can be part of a preventative health
care program and can be taken daily. There are no known side effects, though if you are
allergic to bee stings or tree resin, consult with a health care practitioner before taking
propolis. The body cannot build up natural resistance to propolis as it can to prescription
medications. Propolis has been shown to counteract some viruses and fungi as well as bacteria.

Our propolis tincture is 30% cold pressed in grain alcohol

the raw propolis is dissolved in the grain alcohol and during this process
the alcohol evaporates from the solution leaving behind the propolis tincture