PROPOLIS
Propolis is a resinous gum found on trees and
other plants. It is collected with great difficulty by foraging bees in warm
weather. The bee bites at the resin with its mandibles and then kneads a small
piece which is then transferred to the pollen basket on each of the back pair of
the bee's legs to be carried back to the hive. The bee looks rather as though
she has two red shiny baubles attached to her legs!
Pro is Latin for before, and polis in Latin
is city, hence Propolis means before the City. It is the instinct of some
strains of bee to build curtains of propolis in the hive entrance to restrict access - hence the
name - propolis.
The use of propolis by the honeybee are:-
to fill cracks in the hive
to reduce openings (e.g. the entrance)
to smooth the interior of the hive
to varnish the interior of brood cells
to strengthen hive attachments
The uses of propolis by man are:-
medicinal and vetinary work
as a varnish or shellac (e.g. on violins)
Most people find that Propolis has a distinct
pleasant aroma.