This topic is vast and would take days to summarize

> Propolis is a resinous material collected by bees from bud and exudates of the plants, which is transformed in the presence of bee enzymes. Its color varies from green, red to dark brown. Propolis has a characteristic smell and shows adhesive properties because it strongly interacts with oils and proteins of the skin. In general, propolis in natura is composed of 30% wax, 50% resin and vegetable balsam, 10% essential and aromatic oils, 5% pollen, and other substances 

>  Propolis is a strongly adhesive, resinous substance collected, transformed and used by bees to seal holes in their honeycombs, smooth out the internal walls and protect the entrance against intruders. Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) collect the resin from the cracks in the bark of trees and leaf buds. This resin is masticated, salivary enzymes added and the partially digested material is mixed with beeswax and used in the hive (Ghisalberti, 1979; Marcucci, 1995).

Peter Loring Borst 
Ithaca, NY  USA 
peterloringborst.com

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