Propolis – How is propolis created?

Propolis from the hive
From the resin of the tree to the hive of the honeybee, nature has created bee propolis, a powerful antioxidant for supporting health.

How do honeybees make propolis? And how can we put the hive’s protective power to work in our own bodies?

Sometimes known as ‘bee glue’, bee propolis is created by honeybees to protect their hives Propolis contains over 300 bioactive compounds, flavonoids and phenolics that help reduce free radicals formed in the body and support general health and wellbeing,

With a daily dose of Comvita Bee Propolis, you can support your body in the same way that bees cleverly use bee propolis to protect the hive. But have you ever wondered how this amazing system is made? Scroll down to discover how bee propolis is created and learn how the incredible power of bee propolis can help you Be Life Ready™.

The most important job in the hive.

Making propolis is just one of over 300 jobs that worker honeybees do – and one of the most important.

Honeybees make propolis from the natural sap and resins from trees and plants. These resins are part of the tree or plant’s defence system and are secreted by the tree when the tree is growing or repairing an injury.

Because bee propolis originates from a plant’s defence system (the resin from the trees) it contains over 300 natural bioactive compounds, flavonoids and phenolics (antioxidants) that reduce free radicals formed in the body and support general health and wellbeing.

Hives in the field
Bee propolis is used as a barrier to provide powerful support to the hive.

Protection is a team effort

Worker bees collect propolis during warmer days when the resin they need is soft and malleable. Using their sharp mandibles, these hard-working bees tear off a tiny piece of resin from the tree and transfer it to their pollen baskets.

The bee carries the resin back to the hive, where other worker bees will help extract it from her pollen basket. Together, they then mix the resin with beeswax, enzymes to make propolis to seal and protect the hive.

What do bees use propolis for?

With thousands of bees buzzing around in each hive, honeybees require pristine cleanliness to help their colony stay strong and operate at peak performance.

Honeybees use bee propolis to glue up holes and line the interior of the hive. This coating acts as a protective barrier It also helps to keep the hive insulated and prevent drafts. Another important use of propolis, is to line the interior of the brood cells prior to the queen bee laying eggs in them so that the eggs are laid into pristinely clean cells, until birth.

In addition to these practical uses, bee propolis is also used to construct honeycomb. The bees will mix propolis with wax to create a strong, durable material for building the cells of the comb so they can store honey and raise their young in a safe and secure environment.

Honeybees even lay down a mat made of propolis to walk over and cleanse themselves as they enter the hive.

Worker bee carries tree resin
A worker honeybee carries tree resin - one of the raw ingredients needed to make propolis - back to the hive in her pollen baskets.

Support your wellbeing with Comvita Bee Propolis

Comvita’s Bee Propolis contains over 300 bioactive compounds, flavonoids and phenolics (antioxidants) that reduce free radicals formed in the body and thereby support your general health and wellbeing.

Our Comvita Bee Propolis is made in nature, by honeybees, in beehives. We source the raw propolis, gently wash away the beeswax, debris and other impurities, leaving behind pure, propolis concentrated extract. This concentrate is then lovingly bottled into different formats and strengths for your convenience.

Together with the Cawthron Institute (a leading New Zealand Government Crown Research Institute), Comvita has developed a unique, advanced analytical technology that measures the concentration of pure flavonoids per serve of bee propolis. We call this measure PFL™ which stands for Propolis Flavonoid Level. Through our PFL™ technology, we guarantee you receive the exact amount of flavonoids per serve, depending on your needs.

Comvita is known and trusted for its ability to bring you the finest bee products on earth. As a world leader in bee propolis, nearly 50 years of beekeeping knowledge, expertise and caring is lovingly bottled into every jar.

So why not put one of nature’s most powerful protectors to work for your defence system with Comvita Bee Propolis?

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