Description

Description of Preparation: Methods and Materials

Propolis is a resinous mixture collected by honey bees from secretions of plant buds and from the sap of trees.

Propolis Tincture is made using neutral wheat alcohol from which resin is extracted then filtered and concentrated to a 50% extra strength solution of pure propolis. We use alcohol as a means to extract bioactive substances because it is the most effective solvent but caution must be exercised because it can sting on cuts and may cause skin to dry. The extraction is done at a constant 40°C so that none of the active components is damaged and most nutrients such as resins, balms, essential oils and phenols remain in solution. This preparation is highly bioavailable and is readily absorbed by the body.

An alternative to the use of alcohol as a solvent is Polypropylene. Polypropylene presents an advantage over alcohol because it protects the skin and is a powerful antioxidant but it is a weaker solvent than alcohol.

 

NEUTRAL WHEAT ALCOHOL: What is Wheat Alcohol?

Premium wheat Alcohol is “pure” alcohol obtained by fermenting and distilling wheat. The preparation is referred to as Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS) and/or extra Neutral Grain Alcohol (NGA), because it is odorless and colorless.

Wheat alcohol is widely used in the food and cosmetics industry as a raw material. It dominates the production of distilled spirits and is the preferred base of wheat vodka.

Our wheat alcohol is 96% pure.  Neutral wheat alcohol tastes a bit sweeter than corn alcohol, which gives vodka its very smooth flavor. We only use organic neutral wheat alcohol in our preparation. Neutral wheat alcohol is gluten free. It is worthy to note that distilled alcohol is considered to be gluten-free even if it is made from a gluten-containing grain, such as wheat, rye or barley, because when alcohol is distilled, proteins are removed from the initial preparation during the process of distillation.

 

Ingredients:

Raw Bee propolis, Neutral wheat alcohol.

 

Properties of Propolis

Propolis is renowned for its potent anti-microbial and antiviral properties. It has been used since ancient times in support of immune health and as a powerful antioxidant and in sore throats and gum diseases as well due to its natural antiseptic properties.

Propolis tincture is commonly used topically for minor cuts, abrasions, burns, fungal infections or herpes and acne but we cannot sanction this usage of propolis since we do not hold a cosmetics license and are therefore not supposed to make a value statement on the issue.

Nevertheless, we recommend Propolis tincture as a food supplement.

 

Our Quality Standards

All our propolis is harvested from food grade propolis traps and is treated with the same high hygienic standards as we do for all our food products.

How to Use:

Take 3-9 drops in liquid (water, tea, fruit juice) or on a small piece of bread. Repeat up to 3 times per day as required by your health professional.

May also be used as a gargle when diluted.

Use for “internal” use only.

 

Warnings and Precautions:

• Propolis will stain both clothes, skin and teeth.
• Do not use it if you have allergy to honey or other bee products. Please test out a drop or two at first. Discontinue if an allergic reaction occurs.
• The powerful taste of propolis may not be appreciated by some people.
• Keep out of reach of small children.
• Suitable for vegetarians because it is lactose- and gluten-free.
• Store in a cool place, not in direct sunlight.
• There is no definite consensus as to the use of Bee Propolis by breast feeding mothers or in bleeding conditions
• Pregnant women and kids below 6 years are to consult with their health provider.