Propolis: the natural shield of the beehive
Propolis is one of the most fascinating and least understood bee products. While honey and bee bread are becoming increasingly well-known, propolis remains a mystery to many. Yet, bees and humans have been using this remarkable substance for thousands of years.
At NectarQueen, we work with raw, unprocessed propolis, sourced directly from pristine natural areas. In this article, we explain what propolis is, how it is used, what science has to say about it, and why genuine propolis is a scarce product.
What is propolis?
Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from buds, tree bark, and plants. They mix this resin with beeswax and enzymes, creating a powerful natural substance.
In the beehive, propolis has one primary function:
to protect.
Bees use propolis to:
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seal cracks and openings in the hive
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keep out bacteria, fungi, and viruses
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sterilize the hive
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"mummify" intruders when they cannot be removed
It is not without reason that propolis is often called the immune system of the beehive.
Why is propolis so special?
Propolis contains more than 300 bioactive substances, including:
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flavonoids
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polyphenols
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aromatic acids
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natural antioxidants
The exact composition varies by region and vegetation. Propolis from pristine natural areas (such as Latvia) is known for its high concentration of active components.
This makes propolis not a mass-produced item, but a unique natural product with batch variations, comparable to fine wine or olive oil.
Traditional use of propolis
As far back as antiquity, propolis was used by:
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the ancient Egyptians (e.g., for embalming)
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the Greeks and Romans
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traditional medicine in Europe and Asia
Chewing raw propolis
Traditionally, a small piece of raw propolis was chewed. It softens in the mouth and acts like a natural chewing gum. Over time, the flavor intensifies and it breaks down.
This practice was used:
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to support the immune system
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during cold periods
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for the mouth, gums, and throat
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for tooth and mouth ailments
⚠️ These applications are based on traditional use and are not medical claims.
What does science say?
Scientific research into propolis has increased significantly over the past few decades.
Studies show that propolis:
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has antibacterial properties
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exhibits antioxidant activity
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is being researched for immune system support
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is being studied for oral care and skin applications
Important to emphasize:
Propolis is being scientifically researched worldwide, but it is not a medicine. It is considered a functional natural product.
Why genuine propolis is scarce
Genuine raw propolis is:
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difficult to harvest
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only available in small quantities
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highly dependent on biodiversity
Bees do not produce propolis for us, but for their own survival. Over-harvesting disrupts the balance of the colony. Therefore, ecological beekeepers always work with limited yields.
At NectarQueen:
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we only harvest in small batches
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we leave the propolis completely unprocessed
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we analyze every batch
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we use no heat or extraction methods
This explains why high-quality propolis is not a cheap or mass-market product.
Propolis at NectarQueen
Our raw propolis:
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is 100% organically certified (SKAL / NL-BIO-01)
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comes from pristine natural areas in Latvia
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is lab-tested
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is carefully packaged in the Netherlands
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contains no additives or processing
We consciously choose purity over volume.
Who is propolis suitable for?
Propolis is popular with people who:
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are conscious about their health
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have an interest in natural products
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appreciate traditional bee products
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want to supplement their diet with pure nature
⚠️ Individuals with a bee product allergy are advised to be cautious and test a small amount first.
In conclusion
Propolis is not a fad. It is a timeless natural product, shaped by millions of years of evolution, the craftsmanship of bees, and respectful beekeeping.
Those who choose genuine propolis do not choose convenience—but quality, tradition, and the power of nature.
At NectarQueen, we let nature do the work. 🌿🐝