Propolis The Ancient Healer
Propolis: The Ancient Healer
Did you know that honey isn’t the only thing that bees make? Bees also produce a compound called propolis from the sap on needle-leaved trees or evergreens. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky and greenish-brown product that is used as a coating to build their hives. This is called propolis.
Many ancient civilizations used propolis for its medical properties. Assyrians put it on tumors and wounds to prevent infection and speed up the healing process. Egyptians used it embalm mummies. Greeks used it to treat abscesses.
The composition of propolis can vary because of the different location of the bees and what flowers and trees they have access to. For example, propolis from Europe won’t have the same chemical makeup as propolis from Brazil, which makes it difficult to come to general conclusions about its health benefits.
Did you know that honey isn’t the only thing that bees make? Bees also produce a compound called propolis from the sap on needle-leaved trees or evergreens. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky and greenish-brown product that is used as a coating to build their hives. This is called propolis.
Many ancient civilizations used propolis for its medical properties. Assyrians put it on tumors and wounds to prevent infection and speed up the healing process. Egyptians used it embalm mummies. Greeks used it to treat abscesses.
The composition of propolis can vary because of the different location of the bees and what flowers and trees they have access to. For example, propolis from Europe won’t have the same chemical makeup as propolis from Brazil, which makes it difficult to come to general conclusions about its health benefits.