propolis and health

[BjornBee]

I made boxes out of wood rough cut on one side. If the rough side is placed inside the hive, the bees have a tendency to put alot more propolis on the walls than if the wood was smooth cut.

I was thinking that over the years that bees have been selected for variuos things, one being "low" propolis producers. Some breeds are noted for being good producers and some low. Now thinking about the inside of a tree cavity, that being rough, and probably more prone to having more propolis used. Have we somehow hurt the bees own built in defense for some disease fighting capabilities by limiting the propolis production? Whether from smooth wood ar selection of low producers?

Taking into account the make-up of propolis, is this potentially hurting bees in keeping hive walls smooth and selecting bees with low propolis traits? Anyone ever read anything about studies, etc,?

[Michael Bush]

I have heard some speculation on this subject. I think you'll find that Dee Lusby has an opinion on it. Bill Gafford told me he thinks it's significant. He raises Caucasians that are famous for excessive production of propolis and contributes part of their continued survival to the antimicrobial properties of the propolis.

It makes sense to me, but I don't know of any research on the subject.

[beeman 202]

My daughter was recently hospitalized for pneumonia. One of her doctors was a resident in the pediatrics program, and also was from Russia. We visited extensively on the properties of Propolis in the practice of medicine

Her view was that Propolis is a fine antibiotic, although less potent than those commonly prescribed in modern medical practice. In her home country (Russia) propolis is quite valuable and used extensively in the practice of medicine.

[dragonfly]

It's a far stretch for me to have an opinion on this, but in my own bee yard, my healthiest hive is the heaviest proplizer (is that a word?). That being said, I don't know the genetic background of that hive.

[Robert Brenchley]

I recently used homemade propolis ointment on a wound that was becoming infected; it healed up in no time. The stuff really works, and the bees must have selected the characteristic for some reason, or the propolis collectors would be out collecting stores.

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Regards,

Robert Brenchley

RSBrenchley@aol.com
Birmingham UK

[Jason G in Tennessee]

I saw a recipe for proplis medication.
It was half whiskey or PGA heated and then the other half propolis mixed in while hot.
It seems to me that the alcohol in a the mix could be just as effective in fighting the propolis if not more! http://www.beesource.com/ubb/smile.gif
Jason G

[kookaburra]

I think I may have seen the whisky recipe too, but the one I saw said to apply the propolis and then drink the whiskey http://www.beesource.com/ubb/smile.gif

So if I create my own boxes, I should rough up the inside surfaces? Is the inside box surface really that significant compared to all of the other surfaces in the hive?

rick

[Michael Bush]

The bees will coat the entire inside with propolis regardless. It will just take more propolis when it's rough sawn. I don't think it will make any difference in the long run.

[Jorge]

How do you make a good propolis solution?
It disolves extremely poorly. I suppose there are differnt recepies for ointments and for drops to drink.

Thanksm,
Jorge

[Michael Bush]

Generally if using it for a salve or a mouthwash it's disolved in grain alchol (everclear or some kind of strong drinkable spirit). If you want to ingest it, you can just put it in solid form in capsules. Capsules are available at health food stores.

[Robert Brenchley]

I just dissolve it in vodka. Keep it warm and out of the light, as it takes some time to dissolve, and it precipitates in the light. To make an ointment, melt some vaseline, and add propolis. It takes ages to melt. By mouth, I just swallow lumps of it.

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Regards,

Robert Brenchley

RSBrenchley@aol.com
Birmingham UK

[Jorge]

Michael & Robert,

Thanks. What about concentrations, though?

Jorge

[Michael Bush]

What did you want to do with it? If you want a tincture for treating cold sores, I'd put as much as you can disolve and plan on some sediment on the bottom. It's up to you.

[Robert Brenchley]

Same here. As much as I can get to dissolve.

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Regards,

Robert Brenchley

RSBrenchley@aol.com
Birmingham UK

[Jorge]

Thanks again, gentlemen!!!

Jorge