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How Do I Choose the Best Propolis Tincture?

Maggie J. Hall
Maggie J. Hall

Solution strength and the type of liquid base are two of the factors that consumers must take into consideration when deciding on the best brand of propolis tincture. Where the hive originates and the time of year when the beekeepers collect the resin also contribute to the quality of the tincture. Considered a homeopathic treatment, propolis tinctures are not regulated by federal drug agencies, so consumers have no way of knowing the purity of the product.

When building or repairing beehives, honeybees gather sap and resin from flower buds, leaf buds, and the bark of various trees. They return to the hive and mix these substances with saliva and wax. The mixture, now known as propolis, serves as caulk to fortify the structure of the beehive. The propolis hardens to the consistency of hard candy and may appear in varying shades of brown. Depending on where bees gather resin, propolis might also be clear, black, white, or have a red or green coloration.

Propolis is naturally secreted by bees.
Propolis is naturally secreted by bees.

Beekeepers scrape the propolis from the hive. The fresher the resin, the less likelihood the substance contains wax, wood, or other contaminants. Making the propolis tincture requires dissolving chunks of the resin in grain alcohol. This process may take up to two weeks for completion. Manufacturers then drain the liquid, which is called the extract.

A propolis tincture may be applied with a dropper.
A propolis tincture may be applied with a dropper.

Formulating different solution strengths requires allowing the alcohol in the mixture to evaporate. The more alcohol that is removed from the solution, the stronger the final tincture. Manufacturers typically sell propolis tinctures in strengths ranging from 25% to 80%. The higher the concentration of propolis, the thicker the tincture, which is usually consumed orally. Some propolis manufacturers mix highly concentrated levels of the resin with distilled water.

People who are allergic to bee stings should not use propolis in any form.
People who are allergic to bee stings should not use propolis in any form.

The strength of water based propolis tincture solutions may be around 25%. These solutions dissolve more readily in liquid and have a milder flavor. Studies indicate that propolis contains anywhere from 50 to 100 separate chemical components, including caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, and sinapinic acid. The resin also typically contains flavonoids.

Consumers use propolis tinctures because it exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-tumor properties. Studies indicate that the effectiveness of the tincture depends on where the bees gather the sap or resin. Propolis types vary from hive to hive even within the same colony. Resin from one flower may have more antimicrobial properties than another species, and properties also vary between flowers and trees and between tree species.

Having proven effectiveness against certain microbes, a propolis tincture might only be available in one particular country or during certain months of the year. During spring or fall, when frequently chosen plants do not contain resin, bees may substitute inorganic substances for making the caulk. Beekeepers have no control over where bees collect resin and cannot ensure the effectiveness or quality of the propolis tincture.

Discussion Comments

anon1005001

I like your suggestions, and I use tincture and bee Propolis with a bit of warm milk to cure my throat hiatal hernia.

anon995026

ddljoh, tilt your head back and drop in the back of your throat. That's how in take it and no sticky mess.

serenesurface

@ddljohn-- Don't throw out your tincture of propolis. You could dilute it with more grain alcohol and use it topically to fight skin infections. That's what I'm doing. I'm using diluted propolis tincture for a candida infection.

turquoise

@dljohn-- Yea, very concentrated propolis tinctures tend to be very thick. I recommend trying a lower concentration, maybe 50% or 25%. Those are much easier to take.

Also, the tincture should always be mixed with something, like hot tea or maybe honey. This makes it easier to swallow, reduces stickiness and makes the flavor more pleasant.

Of course, if the tincture is not working for you, there is no point in forcing yourself. Try propolis in honey. It tastes good and it's easy to take. Propolis has many benefits and thankfully there are different types of propolis products out there that we can choose from.

ddljohn

I bought a 70% strength bee propolis tincture a few weeks ago to use as an immune system support. I regret getting this type because it's so difficult to take.

The tincture is not like a tincture. It's very thick, dark and sticky. Not only does it stick to my teeth, but it also sticks to cups and spoons and is impossible to remove. I have to brush about five times after taking it to get rid of the stain on my teeth. It also doesn't taste very good.

I've been so upset about the product that I haven't even paid attention to whether it's working or not. I just can't use it, I think I need a different type of propolis supplement.

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    • Propolis is naturally secreted by bees.
      Propolis is naturally secreted by bees.
    • A propolis tincture may be applied with a dropper.
      By: wasansrisawat
      A propolis tincture may be applied with a dropper.
    • People who are allergic to bee stings should not use propolis in any form.
      By: John Tomaselli
      People who are allergic to bee stings should not use propolis in any form.