Propolis Tincture
Propolis is a resinous substance bees make from tree sap. They use it to seal and protect the hive — it's their immune system in material form. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries as an antimicrobial and immune-supporting preparation.
Yield: About 1 cup
Ingredients
- ●1 oz raw propolis (available from beekeepers and online herbal suppliers)
- ●1 cup 80-proof vodka or food-grade vegetable glycerin
Method
- If the propolis is in chunks, freeze it for 30 minutes, then grate or crush it into small pieces (it's easier to work with when cold and brittle).
- Place the propolis pieces in a clean glass jar. Pour the vodka or glycerin over them.
- Seal tightly. Shake vigorously.
- Store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake daily for the first week, then every few days.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Pour into a dark glass dropper bottle.
- *Suggested use:**
- 10-20 drops in water or tea, 1-2 times daily during cold season
- Applied directly to sore gums or canker sores (propolis has traditional use in oral care)
- Added to throat soother preparations
Note: Propolis can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to bee products. Test a small amount first. The tincture will have a dark amber color and a resinous, slightly piney taste. This is a traditional preparation — propolis tinctures have been used in European and South American folk medicine for centuries.
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