As well as carrying pollen, the bee's pollen sack is used to transport propolis that is found in trees and plants back to the hive. Once back at the hive, the bees then use it to coat or line the interior walls of the hive. In particular this resinous substance is used to protect the newborn brood and the queen from infection. It creates an incredibly medically safe and sterile environment comparable almost to an operating theater. The term itself is believed to have first been used by Aristotle and, in ancient Greek, it means Defender of the City. A perfect name considering its natural application.



With a potential 180 chemicals, vitamins and nutrients the bees are carrying potentially one of the most powerful and natural substances known to man. As well as providing bees with a defender for their city, propolis can also be used to defend our own city – ourselves.

The president of Glaxo Smith Kline is known to have stated that over 90% of modern drugs only work on around half of the people that take them. This obviously isn't a good enough level of people and has been caused by the increased use of many new drugs when they first hit the market. The body and specific viruses are able to build their own immune system up when fighting these drugs and this leaves us, as a people, much more susceptible to infection and other diseases. It is also worth noting that as an entirely natural product, propolis is a renewable resource that has been previously untapped.

As we become increasingly dependent on the natural world for cures and preventative medicines, it is surprising just how often we find ourselves looking at the beehive and its residents. Royal Jelly and pollen are both very popular substances that have also come from the beehive. This increased awareness and increasing use means that more and more people around the world have made themselves responsible for the keeping of bees.

Because it is an entirely natural substance it is difficult for thorough and controlled tests to be carried out. However clinical trials are underway in order to discover whether the bees once again hold the key to several serious health related problems. This research is absolutely certain to continue on humans and animals alike. Of particular interest is using the natural substance as a viable alternative to more chemical solutions.

Bees are one of the oldest living species we know and they have been building their own hives for an equally long period of time. It is hardly surprising then that early man concentrated on the use of the hive and its contents on the treatment of many illnesses. Beehive Botanicals maintains the same beliefs as early man and the medical research world in general. They provide the most potent propolis extracts and other bee products.