The use of propolis dates back more than 2000 years. Propolis is a resinous substance, collected by worker bees from the buds of various plants or from the bark of trees, when nectar and pollen are still scarce.
It is not always known, but there are several types of propolis.
Green propolis is produced by bees using "field rosemary", Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, a common species in Brazil. Its composition is complementary to that of brown propolis and helps maintain hive hygiene. Brown propolis generally comes from the buds of European poplars. Propolis is recognized as the "natural shield" of the hive.
The properties of Propolis:
This resin is rich in compounds of the flavonoid family (a family of polyphenols), such as quercetin and galangin. The word propolis comes etymologically from the Greek word "pro" meaning "forehead" and "polis" meaning "city".
The bees transform it into an insulating substance and line all the walls of their hive to ensure watertightness and solidity, but also to form a natural shield to prevent the entry of intruders and bacteria or fungi.
The virtues of propolis have been the subject of several studies and are essentially based on the presence of flavonoids.
These compounds promote the body's defenses against multiple aggressions. All these properties are used by bees in their hives. The antibacterial activity of propolis helps to maintain the hygiene of the hive. Propolis is therefore known as the "natural shield" of the hive.
Today, Propolis is mainly known to help preserve respiratory comfort and stimulate the immune system
