The "Buzz" on Propolis

The honeybees’ hive is recognized as one of the most pristine environments in the world, thanks largely to a resinous, sticky substances called Propolis. "Propolis" is a word derived from ancient Greek and translates as "defender of the city" (city relating to the bee hive.)

Bees collect this substance from selected trees and plants and take it back to their hive, where they mix and modify it, turning it into a glue-like substances with which they seal up their hive. The Propolis seal serves as a natural antibiotic, which helps to protect against invading organisms.

This practical hive protector is also popular with humans for its health benefits. Propolis was used in folk medicine as early as 300 B.C.

Today, studies are confirming the benefits of Propolis. Propolis contains caffeic acid penethly ester (CAPE) and bioflavonoids. There are twenty to thirty different flavonoids – the most important are chrysin, pinocembrin and galangin. The ability of flavonoids to suppress the formation of free radicals may account for some of the beneficial effects seen wit Propolis.

Propolis also contains monosaccharides, cellulose, amino acids, vitamins – such as B-1 and B-2, pro-vitamins A,E & D, nicotinic acid, folic acid, minerals – such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. The substances identified in propolis are familiar constituents of food, food additives and / or generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances.

The unique properties of Propolis also makes it an excellent ingredient for skin moisturizers. Combined wit natural herbs long noted for their historic use in skin care, chamomile and Aloe Vera, Aloe Propolis Crème is perfectly suited as a moisturizing cream for use on dry skin and as a massage compound for total relaxation.

Forever Living Products as created such worldwide interest in Propolis that it has caused a huge increase in the use of Propolis on a worldwide scale.

Frequently asked questions about Propolis :

How many tablets should I take?

The suggested amount is one tablet, twice a day.

Is Propolis safe to take with prescribed medications?

Forever Bee Propolis has not been shown to interact wit prescribed medications.

Are there any side effects?

There have been no side effects reported from taking Forever Bee Propolis.

How soon will Propolis work?

I depends on each individual, but effects are usually are usually noticed in 2-6 weeks.

Can I take Propolis with other vitamins?

The vitamins and minerals in Propolis are added benefits to the other vitamins you are taking.

Is Propolis suitable for vegetarians?

Propolis tablets are suitable for most vegetarians and no gelatin is used in the manufacturing process.

Sources :

"Seven Health Secrets from the Hive" by Charles H. Robson.

"Bee Products Medicine from the Hive", Nutrition Science News, August 1999; The Lawrence Review of Natural Products

"Review of the Biological Properties and Toxicity of Bee Propolis", Food and chemical Toxicology, April 1998.

Charles H. Robson, author of "Seven Health Secrets from the Hive", is a third generation beekeeper in Arizona. His family came from Germany in 1812, where they were beekeepers since the 16th century. Charles has developed and built the largest hive products’ plant in the United States. He developed patents on pollen an propolis collectors, as well as a patent on Fortified Honey.

Charles took over the family beekeeping operation in 1958. He began with 600 colonies and, by 1978, he owned and controlled 10,000 colonies to be used for the production of hive products. In 1982, Forever Living Products’ family of companies purchased Robson Honey, as well as the patents and processes, from Robson. Over the years, FLP has continued to expand and improve these facilities to accommodate our increased sales of bee products around the world.