> > >how can we make blanket assumptions or assume that some samples might not > be dangerous? > Excellent point, Allen. In some areas, propolis is gathered mainly from single species of plants (e.g. the green propolis in Brazil from Baccharis). So no reason to assume that bees couldn't be gathering a propolis that is toxic to humans (they can certainly gather honeys that are toxic to humans). On this subject, one thing that I found interesting at Apimondia is the large number of veterinary studies on propolis (in fact, Juanse's wife Alejandra, uses it extensively in her veterinary practice). Animals may be less prone to the placebo effect, so I view these studies with interest. -- Randy Oliver Grass Valley, CA www.ScientificBeekeeping.com *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm