Why do bees produce propolis?

What propolis is, what it is used for and how is it produced by bees

propolis is a sticky, resinous substance that honey bees obtain from tree buds, sap and other plant sources. The word propolis derives from the Greek " pro - polis " which translated means "in front of the city" and in a metaphorical sense it takes on the meaning of defender, guardian. Propolis therefore means "protect" as a substance is used to seal the entrance to the hive and create shelter from intruders.

Propolis has been used by man since ancient times as a remedy for many diseases. In modern times, it has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Propolis also appears to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have great health benefits.

Protection of the hive

Propolis is a natural substance produced by honey bees . Swarms use propolis to seal gaps and prevent unwanted substances from entering the hive.

Propolis is produced by bees who collect resin and other gelatinous substances from the trunks and then mix them with the secretions they produce. After this process the bees create a sticky mass which they use to close the cracks in their hives.

Propolis is mixed by bees with wax. The substance obtained is very malleable and allows the bees to work it without particular difficulties. With colder temperatures, propolis stiffens becoming a hard and glassy substance.

How much propolis does a hive produce?

Beekeepers often harvest propolis from hives using a variety of methods. Usually bees tend to use propolis in the support points of the frames between the nest and the honeycomb cover. In a year each hive produces about 50 - 100 grams of this substance.

Properties and beneficial effects of propolis

Propolis is a resinous material collected by honey bees and used to seal hives. It has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine. Propolis is a compound with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Propolis is used in many sectors, in addition to pharmaceuticals, also for the production of cosmetics or skin care products.

Propolis has many uses in traditional medicine. Propolis sprays are often used to treat colds and flu, as well as sore throats, canker sores, and stomach pain. Propolis creams are used for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Propolis also contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.

Honey, propolis and royal jelly: differences

Honey, propolis and royal jelly are three different substances but all naturally produced by bees. Let's find out the main differences together:

• Honey: it is a substance obtained from the processing of nectar and pollen. Bees use honey to create food supplies and feed the colony. Honey is produced from substances collected from flowers and plants mixed with some enzymes produced by the bees themselves. Honey undergoes a ventilation process. Bees evaporate water and humidity and allow the substance to be preserved for a long time without decomposing. Honey has different colors based on the nectar sources that the bees used.
• Propolis: is a substance obtained from buds and bark of trees and is used by bees to coat all the internal surfaces of the hive, preventing the entry of other insects and external substances. For bees it is important to seal every part of the hive to keep the nest always clean and protected, avoiding the formation of bacteria. Propolis is a fairly dark substance ranging from dark yellow to brown.
• Royal jelly: it is a prized food produced by the workers to nourish the queen bee. Royal jelly is an explosion of nutrients and it is a really beneficial substance for humans as well. Royal jelly is a semi-fluid and very gelatinous substance with a white color.

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