Propolis is also known as "bee glue." It is a resinous substance, brown in colour. Bees gather this mixture from trees (usually the "saps" of conifers), flowers, and other plants. Bees use this mixture they collect as a sort of "building" material to seal up cracks in the hive. Since the mixtures that bees collect varies depending on the bees geographical location, propolis varies widely. It can contain vitamins, sugars, waxes, aromatic oils, and many other substances. Bees also mix waxes that they produce themselves and incorporate this into the propolis. Propolis is a greek word (pro=before, polis=city). I would assume the Greeks noticed the bees using this substance to block out unwanted introders from their hives. Nevertheless, propolis is also used by the bees to seal the chamber of the queen bee. Propolis has antibiotic properties (probably the carbohydrate component) and is obviously ideal in nature for reproductive chambers. and holes in the

Propolis is sold as a dietary supplement. It is fairly safe and can even be nutritious depending on its source. The only aspect to take caution to is for those allergic to bee stings. There is a chance that an allergic reaction can occur. Additionally, those with allergies to plant products may also experience allergic symptoms of varying degrees. for those trying it for the first time, a very small "test dose" can be taken to test for any untoward result. For those with bee and severe plant or pollen allergies, this isn't recommended, unless in a doctors office. And remember, even if you are fine the first time, using a different brand of propolis from a different location can still cause an allergic reaction. Howver, many people take propolis with no problems and quite enjoy it.

Propolis is sold as an "immune booster" and is supposed to help thwart winter colds, flues and other infections. There may some truth in this as the ingestion of pollens, and other botanical products does "arouse" the immune system. The immune system probably detects this "load" of various pollens and other antigens and prepares itself by producing antibodies, liberating many immunomodulating substances, etc.