Coming from pro -before- and polis -city-, the propolis clearly defines the entrance and the borders of the city. In natural hives, bees use propolis to build the door of their temple. The entire inner structure of the hive (walls, frames, cells) is coated with a thin layer of propolis. Every little crack or gap in the hive is filled with this precious resinous substance. It is also used to cover the carcasses of intruders such as mice and beetles that have died in the hive and cannot be taken out, to avoid their decomposition.
Propolis defines the being of the hive; its integrity, its impeccability. It can help us to do the same.
Bees collect tree and plant resins, break them down with their saliva’s enzymes and mix them with wax to make a perfectly malleable substance. Propolis is composed of 50% plant resin, 30% beeswax, 10% essential and aromatic oils, 5% pollen and 5% other components.
Propolis has been used by humans for thousands of years. It offers numerous benefits:
- on the physical level it can be used pure, in tinctures, extracts in salty water, oil macerates and balms; and
- on the emotional, mental and soul level it can be used in incense, essences and as a Wisdom Revealer.
Being in relationship
Propolis is a celebration of the healing powers of a landscape. Imagine the alchemy that happens when the precious wisdom and supportive qualities of the trees, shrubs, herbs and soil (and who knows what more magic) come together in the propolis creation. It takes the bees innumerable flights to gather all the ingredients… and to gather all the nectar to fuel their flights!
A propolis gift from a hive comes in small quantities, usually no more than several grams. We use it in medicinal doses for clearing, healing and protection.
We invite you to get in touch with the being of the propolis by making and using your own propolis products.
When you use propolis that was created on the land where you live, you will be supported in dealing with issues that are alive in your region. Sometimes it might be more interesting to choose a propolis from a region with completely different resins.
The healing power of propolis is strongest when the bees can thrive and when the ingredients are free from interfering substances such as chemical traces. Try to use propolis from untreated hives. Maybe you can find ways in which you can discover more about the life of the bees and how the propolis came to be.
How to use propolis for healing
Propolis is a natural antibiotic that greatly supports the immune system. Here are some different uses of propolis:
- Alcoholic tincture and extract in salty water: two liquid mediums for internal or external use.
The salty extract has a softer impact than the alcoholic tincture, and is therefore more appropriate for certain issues (for example it’s especially good for application onto irritated tissues) and is more suitable for children and sensitive people.
The preparations can be used pure or diluted in a small glass of water.
Be careful, the alcoholic tincture might mark the glass as well as your teeth.
Follow your intuition about the appropriate amount to use. That’s your best master. Here are average recommendations. It might be excessive for sensitive and/or lighter people, or not enough for others. We are all different…:
-Internal infections, digestive system issues: 10 drops 3 times per day.
-Throat and respiratory system issues: 10 drops 3 times per day plus gargling several times per day.
-Herpes: straight on the wound 2-3 times per day if suitable, or internal intake of 10 drops 3 times per day.
-Tooth/gum ache: apply straight on the infection as needed and/or gargling several times a day.
- Oil macerates and balms: healing, moisturising and protective, for external use.
The oil macerates can be applied onto skin conditions, used on dried-out feet and for massages.
The balms contain beeswax. They can be used on smaller surfaces and make an ideal lip balm.
– Propolis with calendula: calming, soothing, protecting, strengthening.
– Propolis with hypericum: for burns, sun burns and irritated skin; it soothes and supports cell regeneration.
- Incense
Burning propolis is an amazing way to clear a space and fill it with intoxicating scent. It also makes a great smudge, to cleanse our aura of unnecessary thoughts and energies.
Propolis can be burned pure on a piece of charcoal or mixed with other plants.
Propolis-artemisia incense is easy to use and transport. It can be shaped into the form of a cone and burned on a stone or shell.
