Psalms from the Hive
by Jeannie Saum
Turning propolis, sticky goo
Into something good for you
Is ever so rewarding.
Hard work and messy
But in the end a blessing.
Clover, Bee, and Revery
Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea
Today, Laurie and I made new batches of propolis oil and tincture, from the propolis we had collected from the hives last fall. First, we had to do the last cleaning step, (see our recent blog – How to Clean Propolis) which was to crumble apart the frozen propolis patties and pick out the remaining debris – wood shavings, beeswax, etc. A messy job, but much easier to work with than when the propolis is room temperature. It is stiff and sticky then!
We did this in the garage, as propolis crumbs dropped on the floor, will need to be SCRAPED up – not fun! After this messy job, we headed into the kitchen to mix up our “potions.”
crumbling up frozen propolis, picking out debris
We make propolis mixtures two ways – as an oil, and as an alcohol based tincture. Propolis is not as easily dissolved in oil as it is in alcohol, and the percentage of the mixture isn’t as exact, but we like it better for some applications. For instance, when using propolis on a cut, the oil is much more soothing than the alcohol tincture!
We have made Propolis Oil two ways in the past, but find that it seems more potent if we use the heated method, than just letting it sit.
Propolis Infused Oil
Here’s the recipe we use for Propolis Oil:
- 1 part propolis by weight to
- 9 parts olive oil (any healthy vegetable oil is okay to use)
Heated Method
Mix the propolis and olive oil together in the top of a double boiler. ( small sauce pot in a larger pot partly filled with water) This helps control the temperature of the oil, which you do not want to get too hot. This would destroy the beneficial properties of the propolis. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and heat the oil to no higher than 122 degrees F. Stir and heat for about 10 minutes. (or longer if you wish). The propolis will not all dissolve.
Strain this mixture through cheesecloth (coarser, so faster, but might require a second straining) or a paper coffee filter (finer, so slower, but you end up with a cleaner oil). The propolis that remains in the filter can be used again to make more oil! (freeze it for another time) Store it in a sealed jar in a dark place.
2 Week Unheated Method
Mix the same quantities/ratio of oil and propolis as above in a container with a sealing lid. We use canning jars. Shake up and store in a dark place. Shake 2-3 times a day, for 2 weeks. Then proceed as above, to strain.
Propolis Tincture
With Propolis Tincture you can get a more exact percentage, as the propolis dissolves more completely in alcohol. It is important to use weight measurements rather than volume for this mixture. It is recommended that you not try to make anything stronger than a 30% solution, as it is harder to get that much propolis to dissolve. We usually make a 10% solution. Then, after it is done infusing, if we want it stronger, we evaporate the alcohol down by half to make it 20%.
For a 10% tincture,
- mix 1 part propolis by weight to
- 9 parts grain alcohol, by weight (we use 75 proof or higher vodka, or Everclear) Do not use isopropyl alcohol(rubbing alcohol) – it is poisonous!
Mix together in a lidded container (again, we use canning jars). Shake. Store in a dark place. Shake 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks. Then strain the same way as described above for the oil. Store in a dark place or in a dark jar. Propolis left in filter material may be reused for another tincture or oil. Use again or freeze for later.
We put our propolis oil and tincture in amber dropper bottles and store in our medicine and kitchen cabinets!
Tune in next time for how we are using propolis oils and tinctures for health and healing!
Psalm 128
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
BEEpothecary 
Jun 04, 2013 @ 19:24:51
75 proof vodka is 37,5% volume alcohol, or do you mean 75% volume vodka? I am having trouble buying higher than 45% volume alcohol, searching the web to find out if I can use a 40-45% volume vodka… this is how I found your article 🙂
Jun 05, 2013 @ 22:39:46
75 proof is what we use. Just the highest proof cheap vodka you can find!
Feb 07, 2017 @ 15:40:20
Hello! I know you answered this question but I’m still confused…bear with me! Everything I read (including the fao doc) seems to point to using alcohol that is 75% or more (not 75 proof). I’m asking because I would love to use a lower alcohol % (such as a 75 proof) if I can still get good results. I’m just wondering if I misunderstood, or if there is some confusion about proof and percentage. If you get good results with alcohol that is actually 75 proof, that’s great news! I hope this isn’t too confusing… Thanks!!
Aug 26, 2013 @ 14:47:06
Do you have any ideas on how to make the propolis more clear? I made the tincture by having the ground propolis soak in Everclear for two weeks, but the color is a golden, copper color – quite pretty in the jar, but less so on the lip! Almost looks like a mercurochrome stain. I haven’t diluted it in anything else – just wondered if you had any tricks to making it more clear. Thanks
Aug 26, 2013 @ 16:00:37
Hi Marith, To create a more clear tincture. I would filter the tincture through coffee filters. It will take some time, so pour about a 1/4 cup at a time and replace the filters periodically. It won’t be crystal clear. If it is, you may be filtering out all the propolis. I use my propolis everyday. How are using yours? It’s an amazing product.
Thank you
Laurie Dotson
Hive & Honey BEEpothecary
Aug 26, 2013 @ 16:26:22
I have just used it topically so far – and I don’t mind the look of it on the cuts on my hands, but my husband had a fever blister pop up and when I put it on that it definitely reduced the amount of time the blister was around, but the orange look just above the lip and beneath the nose was not attractive! I will filter it and perhaps mix it with some petroleum jelly and see if the staining is minimized. Do take yours internally? Is your tincture still sticky after filtering? Mine still has a definite resin quality to it which makes it almost impossible to remove. Thanks for the quick response! This is my first attempt at doing anything with propolis.
Aug 26, 2013 @ 17:07:07
Try mixing it with olive oil or coconut oil
Aug 26, 2013 @ 17:24:56
It sounds like you have a thick mixture. How much propolis to alcohol did you use? We take it internally as much as we use on our skin. It cured my husbands bronchitis. sore throats, my sinus and nose congestion. I have been giving it to our cat, who has bladder infections and kidney problems. I add one dropper full, to his dinner food every day. We have not been to the vets in over a year. M
ost people prefer propolis oil to the tincture. I use the oil mixture as my evening moisturizer. I have a friend, who is massage therapist, who swears by the propolis oil for messages because it reduces inflammation in muscle tissue. When the inflammation is gone so is the aches and pains.
Sep 30, 2013 @ 21:24:31
I made a tincture with 80 proof vodka. I let it sit for about three weeks but I did not shake it every day. I strained it through a fine sieve today and I noticed it has a waxy like film on top. Is this normal? I have never made propolis tincture before so I don’t know what “normal” looks like. Thanks!
Jenny Wilkinson
Oct 01, 2013 @ 09:19:17
Jenny,
It’s probably fine. The film could be propolis or even a little beeswax. How clear it comes out depends on the filtering material. We have found that 3 or 4 layers of organza fabric or fine netting work the best. Cheesecloth is too coarse and open. A coffee filter works, too, but drains more slowly, especially if making infused oil. As long as you have filtered out the “bee parts”, hive beetles and wood shavings from scraping it, the rest is all good stuff! If the film is bothersome, just strain it again, using organza, netting or a coffee filter. If it’s golden in color and tastes like tree sap in alcohol, you are good to go!
Jeannie Saum of Hive and Honey BEEpothecary
Mar 30, 2014 @ 06:27:33
I wish I could lay my hand on the propolis for my recurrent ulcers.
Apr 05, 2014 @ 10:09:16
We have Propolis Oil and Tincture for sale. Check out our Mkt.com/BEEpothecary and you can get your hands on propolis.
Propolis is an antibiotic – your ulcers will find relief and healing when you start taking it.
Aug 16, 2018 @ 14:55:23
Hi Laurie, I live in Toronto Canada (not sure where u r) I have about 25 lbs of propolis which I put through a food processor so it’s in a fine powder form. I’d like to sell it as is or make up a tincture (which I’ve never made). I have no idea what propolis is worth. Would you please give me an rough idea as to what I can sell it for in either form.
Aug 22, 2018 @ 11:31:43
Hi Nick,
Well, this is a complicated question. Beepothecary buys clean propolis for $30 a pound. We encourage beekeepers to make their own propolis tincture for their own use, and tell how to do it here on this blog site. Just search “How to make propolis tincture”. If you want step by step instructions and pictures, you can find this in the power point presentations posted on the site under one of the tabs at the top. The directions are in several of the presentations, You’ll just have to scroll through them.
We don’t sell raw propolis, because people don’t know what to do with it You can search online (try Ebay) to see what peopole are selling it for.
As far as selling propolis products, that is more complicated. In the US, propolis products, like herbal products, must be marketed and sold as dietary supplements. This means that the production and sale of them must follow the laws on dietary supplements, which fall under the food laws and FDA. The laws govern how and where they are made, require lots of documentation of every step, and have many restrictions on labeling and words you are allowed to use and not use in labeling and advertising. In the US, these products MUST be made in an FDA and state agriculture dept. CERTIFIED production space. They can not be made at home and then be sold to the public. We travel to a rent-able certified kitchen / production facility 60 miles away to produce our products.
If propolis is used in topical products, it must be marketed as a cosmetic and the laws for production and sales of cosmetics have to be followed. In Ohio, we’ve been told they can not be made in one’s home kitchen. Under no circumstances can these products be marketed as over the counter medicine, Even though there are decades of research on propolis, done all over the world, if it hasn’t been done by the FDA, then it doesn’t count.
Since you live in Canada, you will have to explore your country’s laws to see what the requirements are.
Good luck.
Jeannie Saum
Aug 22, 2018 @ 12:41:44
Nick, we are in Lancaster, Ohio! USA we buy clean Propolis for $30 a lb. if you are looking make Tinture there is a blog posting on how to make it. Have a wonderful day.
Mar 30, 2014 @ 06:30:54
I live in Nigeria. Do you have raw propolis and beeswax for sale?
Apr 05, 2014 @ 10:12:00
We need and use all the hive products we produces and gather. here is a website of Beekeepers in Nigeria. http://www.beekeepinginnigeria.com/
Jun 18, 2014 @ 23:22:52
You said “Do not use ethanol alcohol – it is poisonous!” But ethanol (also known as “ethyl alcohol”) is the alcohol found in beer, wine, spirits, etc. You definitely wouldn’t want to use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for anything used internally.
Jun 19, 2014 @ 13:59:43
Actually, ethanol is different from ethyl alcohol that you can drink. Ethanol or denatured alcohol, is found in hardware stores and has additives that make it poisonous. It is used to make whiskey, but it is highly distilled, which makes it not poisonous. Also poisonous, is isoporpyl alcohol and the most poisonous is methanol, found in windsheild washer fluid.
Sep 01, 2014 @ 09:59:49
Actually…. ethanol is just another way of saying ethyl alcohol; both terms describe the EXACT same molecule. Ethyl alcohol is a ‘common name’ and ethanol is proper name according to IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) rules. Just like isopropyl alcohol is a common name whose proper name is 2-propanol. It is only possible to get ~95% purity ethanol by distillation. This is the strongest “food grade” alcohol you can get, 190 proof (190/2=95%). Ethanol intended for laboratory and industrial purposes is made of the same molecule, but the remaining 5% water has been removed by chemical processes that render it unsafe for internal consumption – in other words, ‘denatured’. So, ethanol is not another way of saying poisonous alcohol – ethanol is found in all drinking spirits as well as in ‘denatured’ alcohol.
Oct 23, 2014 @ 18:02:45
Thank you for your posts. As a beekeeper, I loved reading your posts.
Feb 02, 2015 @ 11:36:32
I don’t understand the maths behind your recipe. 1 Part propolis and 9 parts alcohol for 10% solution looks right, but must the 1 part propolis not dissolve completely? If you strain some out that you can keep and reuse, then it’s mos not 10% anymore or am I wrong?
Thanks
Feb 02, 2015 @ 12:28:07
WE actually have wondered the same thing. But remember, the valuable parts of the propolis is not necessarily ALL of the propoplis. It’s the flavonoids and esthers that scientists think are the active, valuable ingredients. This recipe and method comes from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s publication “Value Added Products from Beekeeping” ( http://www.fao.org). We figure they know what they are doing. At any rate, the only way to know for sure is to have it tested by a lab. But in all the research we have studied, most research has used only 2-5% strength propolis extract. You don’t need much, to see a dramatic effect. Hope this helps.
Jeannie
Feb 02, 2015 @ 12:59:26
Thanks a lot, it make sense. I appreciate your feedback and many thanks for sharing the recipe. Any chance you what to share your beebread recipe? Is it only honey and bread and in what ratio?
Many thanks.
Feb 05, 2015 @ 13:56:11
We won’t give out our specific way of doing it! But, there are many recipes for beebread online. Go to fao.org (United Nations Farm and Ag. Org.) to their value added hive products publication and it tells you how to do it.
Feb 09, 2015 @ 08:55:29
Have enjoyed perusing your site and have started the process of making your propolis oil infusion as I want to use it in my diy lotions and potions. Would you have any idea what % I would use in my lotions? I’m also considering using it in a shampoo and rinse as I’ve seen this at a resort in Cancun, MX.
Mar 09, 2015 @ 14:25:59
Well, we could give you some advice on how much to use, but that would be giving away our trade secrets! As an entrepreneur and maker of new products, it is important that you know your products and ingredients inside and out, and why you have chosen to formulate the way you have. We suggest you do some rinvestigating of propolis research, as we have, and find out what %’s are being used for certain conditions or uses. We can recommend the national Institute of Health website – nih.gov (search propolis) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United nations website – fao.org and search “value added products from beekeeping”. There’s a whole publication that will give you info and recipes fro propolis products. Then you can tweak for your use!
Jeannie
Jun 01, 2015 @ 20:52:03
Thanks for the fao link! Downloading now. Too bad they didn’t do that in .pdf but it is a bit older.
Note to those wanting to download – a straight download from the site won’t be very nice, the links are all hardcoded full urls to the website so it wouldn’t work very well locally unless you went in and replaced them all. Use HTTrack.
Jul 09, 2015 @ 14:01:55
I made a propolis tinture and am going to try the oil next. My question is, what all do you use the tinture for. I’m assuming that you use it internally (the alcohol is so strong). How much do you injest for preventative medicine. How much do you use when you’re sick (bronchitis, cold, flu etc.)? Also, you stated that you give you cat a dropperful. Is that the tincture? Does the cat not have any issue with the alcohol in the tincture??
Thank you for a very well done informative site!!
Jul 10, 2015 @ 20:18:33
Hello Candace, Propolis Tincture and Propolis oil can be use the same way. You can take it orally or topically, as you would an antibiotic. 1 tsp 3 times a day when you’re not feeling up to par. I take it everyday as a preventive, 1/2 tsp once a day. If the tincture is to strong for you to take? Add it to water to reduce the strong alcohol flavor. As far as my animals, I only use the propolis oil. The animals seem to take it very easily. I add it to their food or treats. If they have an irritation. I will apply a few drops of prop oil, to cover the area. Propolis is a natural analgesic, so it helps ease the irritations due to the inflammation or broken skin. I hope this has helped
Aug 08, 2015 @ 16:29:18
Thank you for being so generous with all this information!
A little question: I have been making propolis tincture for a while and have been very happy with the results. However, I tried propolis oil the other day (heated method) and was surprised to find that I wasn’t getting any of that nice propolis smell and very little of the colour. Is this normal? Can I still be assured that the properties are in the oil? Could it be that my olive oil is too fragrant and covers up the propolis? Perhaps I’d have better luck with the longer method? I’d appreciate any thoughts/feedback. Thank you!
Aug 11, 2015 @ 08:00:30
Marie,
Alcohol is a better solvent and you can actually make a higher percentage of propolis tincture than you can oil, as it will disolve more of the active ingredients. But the oil (we use olive oil, because of its long shelf life) will make an adequate 10% solution. Most of the research we have found does not use anything stonger than 10% – much of it uses as low as 2-4%. WE find the 10% oil adequate for our use. If you don’t think it smells or tastes as strong, you can leave it sit for a few weeks, like you do the alcohol tincture, and it will get stronger. If a drop of it numbs your tongue, it is plenty strong! I actually prefer the oil, because I always have canker sores in my mouth and the oil is more soothing. It’s also better in ears for ear ache/infection or topically on broken skin, rashes, etc.
Jeannie
Aug 17, 2015 @ 03:52:45
is it possible to use propolis powder to make your oil and tincture?
Aug 17, 2015 @ 09:29:54
Sure, as long as it is pure propolis. The finer it is, the better it will dissolve into the solvent. Use weight of propolis and solvent to know your ratio.
Jeannie
Aug 17, 2015 @ 14:16:52
I am trying to make a salve for cold cores….and a face cream/lotion (moisturizer) for my kids acne. Ive seen some creams for sale online with propolis in them but they have a bunch of other unwanted chemicals in them. So I am trying to make the highest strength I can for the salve and cream. So I was wondering if I created the tincture then used the tincture to make the cream and salve? If that would work? How would I know what the concentration of propolis is? Is there a way to get the Alcohol out f the tincture (at least some of it)??? So I’m not rubbing alcohol on our faces. Any suggestions would be great.
Aug 21, 2015 @ 10:23:24
Shay,
We use propolis infused oil in our creams and salves. If you use alcohol tincture, the alcohol will eventually evaporate, but may be hard to keep mixed in, since it is water based and what and oil don’t mix well. And for those with oily skin, alcohol is not a bad thing – it’s an astringent. I use straight alcohol tincture on my isolated blemishes and straight propolis oil on my cold sores.(stronger concentration of propolis.) To find out the % you have to do the math – figure out what % of tincture or oil is in the cream compared to all other ingredients, then mulitply this number by the % strength of the propolis oil or tincture. Research studies don’t use a very strong % for creams – 4% or less from what we have read.
Jeannie
Aug 27, 2015 @ 15:15:22
Hi there! Thank you for your great information! I have my first experience with propolis, thanks to a very kind Portuguese restaurant owner that saw my daughter suffering with an ear infection. I cherish this bottle of her homemade propolis tincture that she gave me and want to be sure to preserve it well. As we don’t use it very often – should I keep it in the refrigerator?
Aug 27, 2015 @ 15:31:47
Tamara,
Isn’t it great! My 30 year old son still gets ear infections and swears by it, after being a nay-sayer at first! If it is an alcohol tincture, it is not necessary to refrigerate. If it is in oil or water, you can refrigerate to extend the shelf life, but it really will last up to a year, unrefrigerated. Propolis kills bacteria, fungus, molds and yeast, so it is unlikely to go bad! You can take it orally, as well, up to three times a day for other ailments like sore throat, colds, bronchitis, strep., etc. Usually, the ailment will clear in just a few days. When you run out, be sure to visit our online store for more, at mkt.com/beepothecary!
Jeannie S.
Aug 29, 2015 @ 13:18:01
Thank you so much! And I sure will be visiting your store when I run out!
Sep 28, 2015 @ 19:41:56
Good resource for Propolis…
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~reute001/htm-files/Propolis%20extract.html
Dec 13, 2015 @ 01:01:52
I want to make the oil to infuse in my lotion, can I use an almond oil instead of vegetable oil?
Dec 13, 2015 @ 12:32:56
Yes, any oil will do. We chose olive oil for it’s shelf life and the fact that we have allergies to nuts in our family!
Jeannie
Dec 20, 2015 @ 15:47:54
Great info! Just got some propolis in the mail and started my vodka tincture 5 minutes ago! Cannot wait to use it 🙂
Dec 21, 2015 @ 14:48:52
That’s wonderful! let us know how it works out! Merry Christmas
Jan 03, 2016 @ 12:58:03
I have been using a fine micro plane, the type you would use to grade Parmesan cheese, to grade propolis off of my big block of propolis. It grades off easily when the propolis is +\-60 degrees f. Then it dissolves into Everclear very quickly.
Jan 03, 2016 @ 13:18:40
Good to know! I assume you have somehow cleaned your propolis before it is melted into a chunk!? Might have to try this method!
Jeannie
Jan 07, 2016 @ 22:21:56
When making the fast propolis oil tincture on the stove, is it normal for the propolis to turn gooey on the bottom of the pan?
Jan 07, 2016 @ 23:39:19
OH, yes! I hope you used a pan that you can dedicate to propolis! You will never get it out of the pan probably! We have resorted to putting the propolis in a mesh bag, so it doesn’t stick to the pan. If you want to try getting it out, scrape fast while melted, or put the pot in the freezer and try chipping it out when frozen. Otherwise just leave it in the pan and save that pan for propolis oil making again another time. Just FYI – you are making propolis infused oil – not tincture. Tincture, by definition is made with an alcohol base.
Jeannie
Feb 08, 2016 @ 16:43:55
Love your info I started my propolis tincture about 10 days ago and I am getting ready to do in olive oil infusion I just want to make sure I have the ratios right it looks like it’s about a 1.28 ratio? I have quickly falling in love with the propolis!
Feb 23, 2016 @ 13:54:41
You can really make any ratio you want. If you make it 1 part propolis to 9 parts solvent (oil) then you will have about a 10% solution. 5% would be 1 part propolis to 19 parts solvent.
Mar 15, 2016 @ 15:50:10
Ethanol alcohol is not poison. İt is safe for human.
Mar 16, 2016 @ 16:43:51
You are correct. I fixed the post. Should have said isopropyl alcohol.
J
Mar 16, 2016 @ 20:16:55
From my experience, you should NEVER use heat with Propolis as heat destroys its effectiveness. Enzymes can be easily destroyed by heat—particularly during processing.The only heat you can use is body temperature or below. For example the same goes for honey.Beekeepers often use heat to extract the honey from the comb, so most honey you find in grocery stores offers only a marginal benefit. Therefore, if you use heat to extract the propolis you are destroying its effects and offering only a marginal benefit. I know this first of all from my Great-grandmother, from speaking with beekeepers and from doing research.
Mar 16, 2016 @ 21:47:28
Gina,
According to the research we have done, heating propolis to 120 degrees F or less is acceptable. This information comes from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, in their publication ” “Value Added Products from Beekeeping”. Since oil is not as efficient a solvent as alcohol, some heat is recommended to help the oil extract the propolis ingredients. We and our hundreds of customers, gotten positive results for over four years, using propolis oil heated to 120 degrees for 10 minutes.
AS far as heating honey, when it crystalizes, some low heat is needed to reliquify. According to the Cooperative Extension System:
“Honey should not be heated rapidly, over direct heat. Basically, the hotter you heat it, the more potential for reducing nutritional value. Excessive heat can have detrimental effects on the nutritional value of honey. Heating up to 37°C (98.6 F) causes loss of nearly 200 components, part of which are antibacterial. Heating up to 40°C (104 F) destroys invertase, an important enzyme. Heating up to 50°C (122 F) for more than 48 hrs. turns the honey into caramel (the most valuable honey sugars become analogous to sugar). Heating honey higher than 140 degrees F for more than 2 hours will cause rapid degradation. Heating honey higher than 160 for any time period will cause rapid degradation and caramelization. Generally any larger temperature fluctuation (10°C is ideal for preservation of ripe honey) causes decay.” -John Skinner, University of Tennessee
Mar 17, 2016 @ 23:00:19
I understand what the research says. But, by applying heat you do loose some of the properties contained in the propolis or honey for that matter. That is the point I wanted to make. I know common practices use heat to preserve the honey and by doing that it’s not 100% Real honey anymore, that is Pasteurized Honey. Honey that is heated becomes one-dimensional. It loses the subtle nuance of flavor that raw honey contains and becomes overly sweet and cloying. The idea is that heat destroys enzymes. And basically any time you are going to heat honey the enzymes are going to get destroyed and as a result dilute a lot of the medicinal value of the honey. The ideal temperature applied to honey or propolis should be no higher than body temperature in order to preserve all the benefits. At least this is what I believe. I don’t want to get into a debate, but logically it is right. By applying heat you loose 1/3 of the benefits.
Jun 02, 2016 @ 05:10:47
Can you do it in water? It seems the jury has not decided if it’s more beneficial in water or alcohol from my research. Any comments?
Jun 02, 2016 @ 10:12:42
Elizabeth,
The short answer is, yes, you can. However, from what we have researched, it is not as effective in pulling out the active ingredients from the propolis. This information comes from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, in their publication ” “Value Added Products from Beekeeping”. Go to FAO.org. and search the value added products booklet. It talks about all the different things you can use to extract with (incl. glycerin, propylene glycol,etc.) and which ones are more effective. Propolis, a resin, is not water based, so its active ingredients do not dissolve well in water. Alcohol is typically one of the best solvents, but since some don’t want the alcohol content, we extract propolis in some type of plant oil as well. The longer the oil’s shelf life, the better.
Be sure, when you are doing your reading and research, that you are looking at trusted sites, based on science. There are so many opinions out there on everything beekeeping, that you will read lots of conflicting information. Often, sites post information about propolis, but don’t reference any real scientific research. Be wary of this kind of information. We use the government’ National Institutes of Health website, nih.gov, to read propolis research. There’s over 70 years of scientific research that has been done on propolis. If you actually read whole studies, some will tell you how the propolis is extracted. Most of what we have read is done in alcohol. Another good scientific site is greenmedinfo.com. It posts research about natural health products.
Hope this has helped answer your questions.
Jeannie
Jun 08, 2016 @ 05:45:53
Thanks so much. I may jyst try all three ways and have a variety of home tinctures. Thanks for the advice regarding websites and reputable references. All the best. 😊
Jun 05, 2016 @ 18:01:45
Hi, I found Organic, medical grade Propolis, which is light, sand like, finly grounded powder. It has no smell and no taste. How do I know if it is still active?
Did you ever hear of medical grade Propolis?
Txs, Aneta
Jun 06, 2016 @ 10:53:55
Hello, this in my opinion on your questions, 1. Organic means they did not use chemicals when working with the honeybees, but that does not guarantee there are no chemicals in the propolis or hives in which the propolis came from. Our world is infatuated with spraying chemicals on everything. Honey Bees will fly up to 5 miles to gather nectar, pollen and Propolis. Of which each homestead, farm and or business has sprayed something on their lawns and gardens. in the end, our Bees are carrying back treated resources. 2. Medical grade Propolis… Research shows that all propolis is Anti bactial, anti fungal, anti viral, and inflammatory and it’s a analgesic, so that sound medical to me. Every Hive and it’s propolis is different and ever changing from hive to hive. There is a company, out west, who is buying propolis that does not have one type of pesticides in the propolis, it buys. (I will look it up for you) I’m told they send it out to Germany to have it tested first. My understanding of this is, it is impossible to find a truly clean Propolis. We walk in the dust of chemicals everyday without realizing it. You can test the viability of Propolis by putting some in a glass of milk, setting it on the counter for three+ days. If it curdles the propolis is not any good.
Be sure, when you are doing research, that you are looking at trusted sites, based on science. There are so many opinions out there on everything beekeeping, that you will read lots of conflicting information. Often, sites post information about propolis, but do not reference any real scientific research. Be wary of this kind of information. We use the government’ National Institutes of Health website, nih.gov, to read propolis research. Thanks for asking! I hope this helps. Have a wonderful day.
Laurie
Aug 29, 2016 @ 00:22:35
It is processed through the bees gut. Therefore can not be called organic, yet called Natural.
Apr 10, 2017 @ 13:10:34
If that is the definition as you know it, then yes you are correct! Answer: Bee propolis is a sticky, brown substance sometimes known as bee glue. The honey bees gather tree resin, the main ingredient in propolis, from buds and cracks in the bark. The bees add salivary secretions to the resin by chewing on it, and add beeswax to the mix. Our bees fly up to 5-7 miles to gather nectar, pollen, propolis and water. My land may be organic, but in that 7 mile radius of my property, I know of two farmers who treat their fields. None of my hive can be considered organic. All natural, Yes, because we don’t treat with chemicals. Thank you
Jun 07, 2016 @ 01:36:53
Aneta,
And now I will give you my 2 cents! It is very likely that the propolis has come from China. Have not seen companies who label propolis as organic and medical grade in this country. If it has no smell and no taste, it is likely NOT VIABLE. Propolis should smell like tree sap and make your tongue numb in about 30 seconds. Do the milk test, as Laurie suggested. You are better off finding a local beekeeper and buy raw propolis from him/her. Or try ours!
Jeannie S from BEEpothecary
Jul 24, 2016 @ 08:12:38
Using the above recipe and shaking 3 times daily for 2 weeks I made tincture of propolis. Many big chunks still remain in the bottom of jar. How do I know I have 10% propolis, is there a way I can actually verify concentration ?
Thanks,
Ronald
Jul 25, 2016 @ 11:38:39
Ronald,
Yes,there will be propolis remaining. Pour it over a coffee filter or tulle fabric, strainer, or something like that. We do not have a way to verify – you would have to send it into a lab -expensive. This process is described in the document” Value Added Products from Beekeeping” found on the website FAO.gov (United Nations Farm and Agriculture site.) I don’t think you will ever get all the propolis to disolve in the tincture. What we are after is the beneficial ingredients in it, and I believe this process does it. If the tincture numbs your tongue, it has active propolis ingredients!
We have heard from another beekeeper, that he lets his propolis get warm and form it into a solid lump and freezes it. Then he grates it on a dedicated grater (you will never use the grater for food after this. Someone else freezes the pieces, then puts them quickly into a coffee grinder and grinds up Still not sure if it will all dissolve.
At any rate, we make tincture the way you did, and find it works well internally and externally for illness or as a prevention, daily dietary supplement. Most research studies use 2% – 4% propolis extracts, and get positive results. We have come across only 2 studies that required a higher percentage of propolis – endometriosis infertility and vascular wounds. So what you have made should be of sufficient strength to be effective.
Hope this answers your questions.
Jeannie Saum
Jul 28, 2016 @ 09:42:35
Jeannie,
Thanks for the info! Two more questions –
What effect does the alcohol content have on the tincture ( Everclear 190 proof versus other vodkas at 100 proof ) ?
I assume glass dropper bottles are preferred over plastic for tinctures. What about the actual eye droppers ? It seems most of them are plastic.
Thanks,
Ronald
Aug 20, 2016 @ 08:57:34
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Aug 31, 2016 @ 12:51:48
Ron,
The fao.org site (United Nations) says alcohol must be at least 75 proof. We have tried everclear, and one dropperful will knock you back a few steps, because the alcohol is so strong!! I really don’t know if the everclear absorbs more propolis. We just use the cheapest distilled alcohol that is 75 proof and it dissolves enough of the propolis’ active ingredients to be effective.
Yes, glass bottles are best. The companies we order from have glass droppers as well. You can get the on amazon, gotoilsupplies.com, containerandpackaging.com, and many others.
Jeannie
Nov 21, 2016 @ 21:34:37
Wow, wish I had found this advice sooner! Can you help me?
I put 20ozs of propolis in a qt jar & filled it with everclear. Let it set for 2weeks. Heated it to 120 for 10 minutes & let it cool. The stuff looks really concentrated. Some of the larger balls haven’t dissolved but this stuff looks like there is more propolis in the liquid than liquid. What do I do next & will I need to dilute it further? Can I run it thru another bottle of everclear? I want to get rid of the alcohol & mix it with glycol. What is the best method for that? Or should I start over?
Nov 22, 2016 @ 09:38:40
Well, it sounds like you have a high concentration of Propolis Tincture. You can add more alcohol to dilute your mixture, but really all you need to do is take less of it per dosage. The last 70 years of research shows, you only need 3-5% propolis tincture to receive the effects you are looking for. As for the large ball of Propolis at the bottom of your jar, you have to remember that it contains 30% beeswax and that won’t dissolve. You can test the viability of your propolis by putting in a cup of milk. Letting it sit at room temperature for three days. If the milk doesn’t curdle, you make another patch with that propolis. We do not use Glycol, so I would rather not advise on what you are trying to do. I hope that answered some of your questions
Laurie with BEEpothecary
Dec 05, 2016 @ 00:18:04
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Dec 30, 2016 @ 02:58:23
Hello Namaskar , We want to know about water extract propolis and oil extract propolis using dose if you tell us we are very glade
Feb 06, 2017 @ 15:59:36
We do not do a Water Extraction, so i can’t answer your question.
Have you tried to research it? We find that oil and alcohol extract best!
Thank you
Laurie
Jan 25, 2017 @ 01:20:39
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May 09, 2017 @ 14:14:35
Hi! I am ready to make a tincture but my propolis is very dense and tacky – like a hard taffy. I know the larger the surface area, the better extraction. Some sites say to blend the propolis into a powder but I know mine would break my blender! Some have said to freeze first and then blend. Your instructions do no indicate what state your propolis was in. I got mine from a bee keeper and he rolls it into gumball-size balls. Any advice would be helpful!
May 11, 2017 @ 09:37:51
Maria, Put your propolis in the freeze for a day and when its frozen and still in a baggy, pound it with a hammer to break it up. Now you can add it to you base to extract.
Have fun and good health!
Powered by BEES
Laurie
May 11, 2017 @ 12:38:13
Freeze the propolis. Freezing it makes it brittle. Once Frozen, but in a heavy bag or several ziplock bags and pound it with a hammer until in small pieces, about the size of oatmeal. We do this outside on the sidewalk, on a tarp. Put the crumbled propolis in a mesh bag, if ou don’t want it to stick to the bottom of the container! Then procede to measure it out with the alcohol or oil, and infuse.
Jeannie
May 11, 2017 @ 15:39:31
Yay! Thank you both!
May 27, 2017 @ 21:17:52
A new question! I decided to do a 9 gram propolis to 100 g vodka tincture. After day one,it smelled so strong, I felt like it was already powerful enough. On day 3, it is like a living thing! It is a gorgeous amber color and has a thick foam. It looks like beer! I am inclined to strain it after only 3 days bc it feels like powerful medicine already. Is it possible to tincture for this short a period? And also tincture 3 or 4x from the same batch??
Jun 03, 2017 @ 11:51:35
I bought some propolis chunks, or rather balls..they are as big as energy balls. Should I store them in the freezer? And can I just eat them directly? How many grams should I eat? I usually take the propolis drops with my protein bread, but thought raw propolis chunks are even better.
Jun 10, 2017 @ 11:03:42
Angie,
The problem with raw propolis is that it stains your teeth!! A pretty orange color! So, our advice is to freeze it, break it up with a hammer, when frozen, and then make tincture or infused oil with it, as per our blog entry on how to make propolis tincture and oil. The extract medium (oil or alcohol) pulls out the active ingredients from the propolis, so once, strained, you are getting just the parts needed from the propolis. Most studies we have read use 2-4% propolis infused in an extract or cream. We take about 1/2 dropperful at a time (about 20 drops) – once a day for prevention, 3 times a day when ill.
Hope this helps!
Jeannie Saum
Jun 15, 2017 @ 12:22:20
Thanks, Jeannie! Just made some solution with distilled water, but the solution doesn’t look like the one I bought from the beekeeper. The one I made with coconut oil looks GREAT.
Aug 23, 2017 @ 22:04:17
Water is not as good a solvent, especially since propolis is oil based. Alcohol, typically is the best solvent for most things, with any kind of plant oil, next. Water does not pull out as many of the beneficial compounds from the propolis.
Jeannie
Jun 19, 2017 @ 14:14:17
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Aug 21, 2017 @ 16:07:44
Greetings! I was interested to see your suggestion of reusing the propolis. How many times can this be done? Is there any diminishing in the strength like there is when one infuses green tea more than once?
Aug 23, 2017 @ 22:02:30
You can test the viability of propolis by putting a 1/2 tsp of propolis in a cup of milk. Let it sit on the counter for 4 days. If the milk does not spoil, the propolis is still active and can be used again. When we infuse propolis, we put it in an organza or mesh bag, so you can easily remove it when done, and it does not stick to the bottom of the container.
Jeannie Saum
Sep 01, 2017 @ 14:52:18
You are more fun than bubble wrap. This is so helpful!
Jan 30, 2019 @ 12:56:39
I‘ve got propolis stuck on my teeth. How do I get rid of it?
Jul 18, 2020 @ 08:28:23
Read and found several Oil infusion ratio formulas besides yours ie 10g propolis + 200ml oil, what do you think of others like 1:3, 1:5, 15% or 20% or 30% + 1000ml oil, etc etc.
Are these ratios “wasteful” of too much propolis? Is higher concentration any better effect and for certain purpose?
Thank you for your opinion and help.
May 07, 2021 @ 12:30:24
Most all Research we have been reading ranges from 3%- 10% strength of Propolis. This research, dating back as far as 50 years ago to the present and all of which can be found online. The higher strengths can be used as well for chronic pain or issues, and you will find, you will receive the same results. Propolis Tinctures that are thick and sticky have been soaking in alcohol for way to long. The wax, resin and bee parts have been broken down to a thick, sticky sludge. These products will work, but can stain your teeth and skin and are not so good in the taste department. haha! Some have been heated to get this sludge like product. Any igh heat will destroy all of the healing benefits.
I hope this helped- Sorry for the delay. I just saw this message.
laurie
Aug 25, 2020 @ 03:46:18
propolis’s benefits are destroyed above 104 Fahrenheit
Aug 25, 2020 @ 03:47:49
propolis’s benefits are destroyed above 104 Fahrenheit
Nov 14, 2020 @ 09:49:46
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organ. Publication on Value Added Products from Beekeeping – fao.org – the temp for infusing in oil is 120 degrees Farenheit.
Sep 18, 2020 @ 14:43:24
Hello, how to store propolis oil? Can it be kept in fridge? For how long max? I made some propolis oil according to your recipe, but instead 10 min, I let it heat one hour…The taste is slightly bitter, but I do not mind at all..rubbing my gums with propolis oil after brushing teeth..seems like it helps for receding gums and dental pockets…could you please give me advice how to store it properly and for how long…how do youknow when it is no good any more…? Thank you…
Sep 18, 2020 @ 14:59:11
Shelf life of propolis oil is dependent t on the shelf life of the oil you use. We use olive oil which has a shelf life of 18 mo. – 2 yrs. Even if taste turns rancid, it does not hurt you.
Sep 21, 2020 @ 10:54:19
Thank you! What is the shelf life of Propolis tincture made with spirits? Should it be stored in the refrigerator? Thank you in advance!
Nov 14, 2020 @ 09:50:32
Almost indefinitely and no refrigeration. Alcohol is a preservative.
Sep 18, 2020 @ 17:46:31
Wooow so much to learn from you folks, thank you 🙏 two more questions , do you keep it in jar in freezer or in refrigerator? Is there any difference? Is it good to heat propolis up one hour or is too long..thank you for replying….🙏
Nov 14, 2020 @ 09:40:14
Don’t keep propolis products in frig. Heat propolis only up to 120 degrees, no higher. 20 min. Is long enough. Longer won ‘t hurt but not hotter. The limiting issue is the amount of propolis the oil can absorb. It is not as effective a solvent as alcohol is – so once the maximim solution is reached, heating it longer won’t make it stronger.
Dec 08, 2020 @ 03:58:46
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Dec 21, 2020 @ 02:17:19
Thank you for this amazing article.
I’ve been using propolis oil, made as you directed in oil pulling blends, eczema creams and creams for cuts, sprains etc and it’s been amazing, I am so grateful for it as I love propolis but I can’t use alcohol so a tincture isn’t an option for me and this was a game changer
Dec 22, 2020 @ 09:15:00
Great to hear!