Although honey is the most widespread product of the hive, it would be wrong to believe that it is the sole result of the marvelous work of bees. Since ancient times, man has used its many derivatives, first and foremost wax, royal jelly, but also propolis. We present to you the history of the propolis and reveal to you its best benefits for our health and the well-being of our skin.
Combining antiseptic, purifying and regenerating benefits, propolis is this treasure of the hive that La Reine Capricieuse incorporated into its cosmetic care such as the Pro-Age Cellular Botanical Serum, so that you can benefit from high-quality products that nature offers us in its pure and wild state.
At the heart of the hive: production and function of propolis
There propolis resembles a thick, yellow or brown product. It is originally collected by foraging bees from the buds of various trees or plants, such as fir, cypress or other conifers. At the biochemical level, it is composed of resins and various balsams secreted by plants. It is the older foragers who, once the propolis harvested, transport it in their legs. From a technical point of view, the bee collects and then cuts, using its mandibles, pieces of resin which it places in its pollen baskets. Specifically dedicated to the transport of this resinous substance, this pollen reservoir is a small specialized organ located on the hind legs of female bees.
The average amount of propolis produced per year varies from 100 to 300 grams depending on the hives, depending on the bee population, geographical variations, trees located around the hives, and climatic conditions.
Aristotle already understood this in ancient Greece: nature does nothing in vain. If bees produce propolis, it is because they need it in order to maintain the life and collective health of the colony. More precisely, its role is to be a protection of the hives against internal and external disturbances. This function recalls the etymology of the word, "pro-polis" meaning in fact "entrance to a city" in ancient Greek.
In order to protect itself from external attacks, the propolis, mixed with wax, allows bees to make hives watertight. Sealing any gaps, it ensures its closure and security.
It also plays a role in the internal health of the colony, its main function being to protect the inhabitants of the hive against microbes. Its antimicrobial properties come from its high flavonoid content. In this way, it blocks the introduction of debris inside the hive, allowing the maintenance of cleanliness inside the habitat.
Beekeepers collect this natural product after harvesting the honey. Using grids placed above the frames, they collect the excess propolis produced by bees. Once removed from the frames, the grid must remain in the freezer for a while, until the propolis becomes brittle and crumbly. In a second step, a large part of the plant resin is dissolved in alcohol (ethanol) in order to preserve only the active, purest parts. The soluble part of the propolis must be dissolved in water.
Composition of propolis
There composition of propolis has a specific feature: unlike pollen, royal jelly, honey or other bee products, it is not chemically transformed once harvested and placed in the hive.
Containing over 300 different chemical elements, the following components are particularly notable: it is composed of 50 to 55% of resins and balms, and 30 to 40% of wax. It also contains 5 to 10% of various essential oils, up to 5% of pollen and, in smaller quantities, trace elements and vitamins.
Propolis: a valuable health ally for humans
Originally considered an authentic natural disinfectant thanks to the flavonoids present in its composition, propolis It confirms its therapeutic benefits for men. Among its main properties is its purifying action, universally recognized by all past civilizations. The Greeks and Romans, following the Egyptians, used it for its soothing and antiseptic properties.
Its age-old properties have survived the ages without aging. Still as effective in treating infections, it is widely used in traditional medicine to relieve certain disorders of the body. This natural antibiotic is effective against superficial skin infections, to treat wounds and injuries, as well as against a microbial attack on the immune system. In the event of angina, itching in the mouth, sore throat or prolonged fatigue, taking it over several days can only be beneficial.
Consumed regularly, it can help reduce the harmful effects of stress or certain anticancer drugs. Some schools of oncological medicine that recognize the virtues of apitherapy use it to regulate the level of red blood cells and help patients better tolerate chemotherapy treatment. Its action in defending the immune system is proven.
Propolis has the power to heal and protect your skin naturally
Studies also show that, in addition to its calming effects, the propolis has several other interesting properties for the well-being of the skin. The flavonoids and polyphenols that compose it help to delay cellular aging.
Its antioxidant benefits make it a substance present in several types of quality natural cosmetic products. La Reine Capricieuse offers a synergy of the best benefits of its hives and has integrated propolis in the composition of its care.
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Usage and dosage
The most common dosage is to take the propolis in capsule form with a large glass of water. propolis can also be presented as a liquid substance, facilitating intake in the form of drops or spray for direct oral use. In the case of a cure, it is preferable to take an organic propolis mother tincture. This is a hydroalcoholic solution obtained by a process of macerating plants in a mixture of water and alcohol. As a preventative measure, to maintain good general functioning of the body, the mother tincture of propolis can be consumed by 10 to 30 drops per day as needed
