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There is a Medicine in Every Bee Hive

We all know the benefits of honey, but did you know that propolis has anti-viral properties? A combination of honey and propolis gives your immune system a boost.


How to make propolis honey?

Take propolis tincture and add it to a good quality raw (biological, cold swing) honey. Ratio 1 gram pure raw crude propolis from the hive to 99 gram honey.


With tincture concentration of 20% propolis → 5 grams tincture to 99 grams of honey. Click here for a gram / ounce conversion table.


How to make propolis tincture?

Take raw crude propolis from a beehive or buy it (from a beekeeper or health food store). Dissolve the crude propolis in the same amount (weight) of alcohol (preferred > 80% grain alcohol). Highest proof alcohol, such as Everclear or a high proof vodka. 

Ethanol or rubbing alcohol should NEVER be used; it is intended for topical applications only.



Digital scale weighing raw crude propolis in glass jar for tincture makin
Weigh the crude propolis on a scale
Add the same weight of grain alcohol (or Everclear alcohol)
Add the same weight of grain alcohol (or Everclear alcohol)

Tall glass beaker showing separated propolis tincture layers with propolis, beeswax, and pollen
Top: propolis tincture | Middle: fine bee wax particles | Bottom: pollen

While in the graduated cylinder, shake every day for a minimum of 30 days. Let it settle and you yield: Propolis Tincture (top of carafe) bee wax particles (middle of carafe) pollen (bottom of carafe).


Filtering Your Tincture


Do not try to filter, just pour the dark clear liquid carefully from the top, or siphon it out with a pipette.


French press coffee maker used to filter debris from homemade propolis tincture
This coffee carafe makes it easy to pour only the tincture and leaves the debris behind.

If using the coffee carafe, you must have a minimum of 150 grams of crude propolis tincture.


Propolis tincture being poured into labeled glass mason jar for storage

Final propolis honey mixture combining propolis tincture with raw honey
Final Propolis Tincture mixed with raw honey

Recommended dose:

Two (2) level teaspoons per day of the final honey propolis tincture mixture that you’ve made.

If you are seriously ill, you may increase the dosage by 1/2 -1 gram.

*Propolis enhances the effect of other medicines and may have slight blood-thinning properties.  Always consult your primary care provider if you intend to combine prescription medicines with propolis. Ask an apitherapist for advice on the dosage.

More information on propolis:

Propolis may look very different in appearance due to its age and variation in the amount of beeswax it contains. When the propolis is dissolved in alcohol, the same ingredients always end up in the tincture because the wax and pollen do not dissolve but settle at the bottom of your jar.

TIP: Use a tall, narrow cylinder (jar) not a wide one, to obtain a nice column of clean tincture on top. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content has not been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using propolis or any natural remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions. Propolis may cause allergic reactions in some individuals and can interact with certain medications. Individual results may vary. The author and organization assume no responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of this information.


 
 
 

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