Bee propolis is a resinous substance collected from the growth points of plants. Bees mix the sap with enzymes to form bee glue. They seal cracks and holes in the hive, or reinforce honey comb, or cover foreign matter, too big to dispose of. Archaeologists found mice in old hives that were mummified with propolis to protect the hive from germs.
Propolis contains turpentines, which limits bacterial and fungal growth. It also contains powerful anti-inflamatories and antiviral compounds.
Propolis is harvested by scraping it off the sides of the honey frames. It is then frozen to make it easier to work with. Because there is so little of it available, it takes months to collect a cup full. When we are ready to use it, it must be washed at least 10 times in cold water. It is broken into tiny pieces and all the foreign parts are rinsed out. Now the propolis tincture can be made.
PROPOLIS TINCTURE
(A “must-have” for the natural first aid kit):
1 part propolis + 9 parts Vodka (43%)
Soak in glass jar for 2 weeks. Put in dropper bottles (dark glass).
Throat: 3 drops propolis tincture + 2 drops raw honey. Suck a little bit throughout the day.
Dental: Propolis helps with mouth thrush, gum disease, dental-hypersitivity, healing after dental work was done. Hypersensitivity, especially greatly improves with the use of propolis.
Propolis DIY toothpaste recipe:
5 Tbs bicarboante of soda
4 Tbs coconut oil
2 Tbs propolis tincture
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops stevia (optional for sweet taste)
Ear drops: 5 drops propolis tincture + 1 tsp olive oil. Put few drops in sore ear.
Burn wounds: Same as throat remedy. Apply to the burns.
Warts: Propolis tincture is especially good to get rid of warts.
Control blood sugar: 10 drops propolis tincture in a bit of water, 3 times a day before meals.
Candida Albicans: It is excellent against all kinds of fungi and yeast infections.
HEALING PROPOLIS TONIC:
Bee propolis contains:
Vitamin A and B complex.
Minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper and Zinc).
16 of the 22 essential amino acids.
Use in the same way as for the control of blood sugar levels. See it as your daily multi-vitamin, while it is soooo much better than any synthetic, man-made multi-vitamins.
If you do not like alcohol, you can also infuse it with olive oil. It is just as good. A super food indeed!!!