shouldn’t propolis vary by location. It comes from the local flora. So, we can’t really discuss the benefits of propolis since there is likely a huge difference between propolis from Louisiana and propolis from Canada. Maybe it’s just the ethanol that is so healthy.��
As well propolis varies by time of the year, some resins are available spring (aspen) VRS fall (spruce), so the trappings may be slightly different due to the time of the year. And year to year as when wind storms tear off limbs, some of the leaked resins are collected.
As far as "likely a huge difference between propolis from Louisiana and propolis from Canada" Is wheat or apples the Exact same in Louisiana VRS Canada? the roots go into very different soil.... So sure it is different, But to suggest some propolis has no value is not necessarily true.
I would tend to agree some is better that others.
What I do is mix in a container, from different time slots and different Apiaries, and different hives. This "Blend" is what I use. I actually have 2 containers, one for the very clean and one for the stuff with bits of wood, a leg here and there etc. I eat the seconds and offer the best to friends and relatives, some are very happy to have it.
I am not in a position to do studies on the place or time of year that has the best results. and I do not feel it matters.
I have seen these type studies (All of the 200 people over the age of 125 whom he studied were regular consumers of the bee pollen in raw honey) The book Hive and the Honey bee has a study with German folks that is similar, As I recall 90 Plus percent of the over 100 people in the study were either bee keepers or have family that were. "suggesting" hive products add to longevity. Who Knows it may be the stings??
Hey If I have a pail full why not use some?? I figure the "indigestible" parts will pass....
As far as the "pollen" I Like to place a packed pollen comb up in a super. the bees fill the rest of the space and cap it with honey. You have like 2/3 bee bread and 1/3 honey. I cut it up in 1 inch squares. eat like candy.
Will it help, I do not know, It costs little and it is something I "can" do. As well there are like 19 different Esters in Wax, have they been studied?? We eat comb, so those go thru our systems as well.. It could be some combination of trace pollen wax esters and such working in Synergy. I do know Skeps are on the sides of the pyramids, so most of this is not "new" knowledge.
Cloverdale this statement is a stretch IMO "claims implying that pollen is such are not only highly unscientific, but are also unprofessional and potentially damaging to the reputation of the bee industry" I am not a bee professional, nor do I impact the bee industry. I am more like Greg grow/collect food stuff in the back yard for myself and friends and family. Hive products can and do make up a part of my families diet. Studies that uncover or cover claims are not likely to change what I do As I am doing what my family did for 4 generations. IMO the average American Diet is sad, I do not think adding hive products make it worse. FWIW My kids have "never" had antibiotics in their lives 10 yr and 12yr old their friends in school have some almost every year. Coincidence? could be, or may not be. Also 0 cavities for each. We also do raw milk and Colloidal Silver, and raw eggs, and bone broth, and other non standard not proven practices. Other parents freak out when I talk about it so now I just stand at the edge of the crowd and listen with a smile.
IMO you could chop up and eat the whole hive minus the metal , wood, bees brood, honey wax pollen and be fine. I see the bears to this same thing , My hive has never killed a bear.....Omnivore so are we. If I could just sleep all winter.........
GG