When most people think of bees, honey is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, beyond the sweetness of honey lies one of nature’s most fascinating and protective substances — propolis. Often referred to as “bee glue,” propolis is a remarkable natural material that honey bees produce to safeguard their hive. Valued for centuries, propolis has recently gained popularity as a cornerstone ingredient in natural wellness products across Australia and around the world. But what is propolis exactly, how do bees make it, and why is it so beneficial to human health? Let’s explore the hive’s natural protector in depth.
What Is Propolis?
Propolis is a sticky, resin-like substance that honey bees collect from tree buds, sap, and other botanical sources. The bees then mix these plant resins with beeswax and enzymes to create a powerful natural sealant used throughout the hive. The name “propolis” comes from the Greek words pro (meaning “in front of”) and polis (“city”),* symbolising its role as the hive’s first line of defence against external threats.
Inside the beehive, propolis serves several critical functions. It is used to seal small cracks and holes, helping maintain the hive’s ideal humidity and temperature. More importantly, propolis acts as a protective barrier that prevents the spread of bacteria, fungi, and viruses within the colony. Bees even coat intruders or contaminants with propolis to stop decomposition and infection. In essence, propolis functions as the bee colony’s natural immune system, keeping the hive clean, sterile, and strong despite environmental challenges.
What Is Propolis Made Of? The Composition of Propolis
The composition of propolis is highly complex and varies depending on the plants available to the bees. Scientists have identified more than 500 individual compounds in propolis, making it a rich source of bioactive substances. Its main components include:
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Plant resins (50–60%): These are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids concentrated in propolis, which contribute to its potent antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity.
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Beeswax (around 30%): This provides structural stability and helps bind the mixture together.
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Essential oils and pollen (approximately 10%): These add aroma and trace nutrients, including amino acids and vitamins, which enhance the biological properties of propolis.
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Enzymes and organic compounds: These are unique to each hive and region, contributing to the distinct biological activity of different propolis types.
Because bees collect resins from various botanical sources, propolis depends heavily on the local flora, which influences its chemical composition and efficacy. For example, Brazilian propolis is renowned for its unique properties derived from tropical plant sources, while Australian propolis has a distinct chemical signature due to native plants.
What Does Propolis Look and Smell Like?
Freshly collected propolis is soft, sticky, and malleable when warm but becomes hard and brittle at cooler temperatures. Its colour ranges from golden brown to dark green, depending on the surrounding flora from which the bees source their resins. Many people recognise propolis by its distinctive earthy aroma, which is slightly sweet and herbal — a signature scent that reflects its natural origins within the hive.
How Bees Use Propolis Inside the Hive: The Hive Entrance and More
Honey bees are master architects, and propolis plays several indispensable roles in maintaining colony health:
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Structural Stability: Propolis is used to seal small gaps and cracks in the hive, reducing vibrations and drafts that could disturb the colony. It also acts as a natural hive entrance reducer, minimising entry points to protect the colony from invaders.
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Sterile Environment: Thanks to its strong antimicrobial properties, including antifungal activity and antiviral activity, propolis inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses, helping to keep the hive clean.
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Pest Protection: Bees coat and “mummify” intruders such as small pests or invaders with propolis, effectively neutralising threats by preventing decay and infection.
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Social Immunity: Propolis acts as a collective defence mechanism, enhancing the entire colony’s resistance to disease.
Research shows that colonies deprived of propolis experience higher pathogen loads and weaker immune responses, underscoring the vital role this substance plays in hive health.
Why Humans Value Propolis: Health Benefits and Uses
Beyond its essential role in the hive, bee propolis has attracted significant scientific interest due to its unique chemical composition and biological activity. Rich in flavonoids, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and other phenolic compounds, propolis exhibits potent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and antiseptic and healing product qualities.
These properties of propolis make it a valuable ingredient for supporting human health, especially in:
- Immune health: Propolis is rich in antioxidants & bioactive compounds that work behind the scenes to support your immune system against daily stressors.
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Upper respiratory tract infections: Propolis is widely used in formulations such as cough syrup, throat sprays, and lozenges to soothe symptoms and support recovery.
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Wound healing and skin care: Topical propolis products, including creams and ointments, promote healing thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to stimulate collagen production.
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Oral health: Propolis helps combat oral microorganisms that cause dental caries and gingivitis, making it a popular ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste.
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Cold sores : Studies show that topical propolis can help accelerate the healing time in cold sores, whilst also protecting against future cold sore breakouts.
Propolis is available in many forms, including ethanol extract, capsules, tinctures, sprays, creams, and powders. It can be found in most health food stores and natural supplement outlets.
For more on propolis treatment and uses, see our comprehensive wellness guide.
Hear it from our advisory board member, Jace Harsh. Jace is a valuable member of our team, bringing a wealth of experience as a industry leading clinical naturopath.
Propolis in Australia: A Unique Profile with Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Australia’s pristine environment and diverse native flora contribute to the production of propolis with a distinctive chemical profile. Studies have demonstrated that Australian propolis contains a unique blend of phenolic acids and flavonoids concentrated in its resin, giving it strong antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity.
Recent research on stingless bee propolis from New South Wales has revealed promising antioxidant and metabolic benefits, positioning Australia as an emerging leader in propolis research and production. These findings reinforce the growing recognition of Australian propolis as a high-purity, sustainable source of natural wellness.
Explore our Australian propolis collection to experience these benefits firsthand.
How Propolis Is Harvested and Processed
Propolis is carefully harvested by beekeepers using specially designed mesh traps that mimic natural cracks in the hive. Bees fill these gaps with collected propolis, which is then hardened by chilling and gently scraped off.
The collected propolis undergoes several processing steps:
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Purification to remove wax and impurities.
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Extraction, often using ethanol or water, to concentrate the active compounds into propolis extracts or liquid extracts.
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Testing to determine phenolic content, purity, and biological activity.
High-quality propolis products, such as those made in Australia, are typically subject to independent third-party testing to ensure consistency, potency, and safety.
Learn more about propolis harvesting and processing.
Is Propolis Safe? Allergies and Precautions
Propolis is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people, but it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those sensitive to bee products like bee pollen or bee venom. Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in about 1–6% of users worldwide.
If you are new to propolis, it’s advisable to:
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Perform a patch test before applying topical propolis products.
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Follow product instructions carefully.
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Consult a healthcare provider before taking propolis, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications such as warfarin (due to propolis’s potential effect on blood clotting), or undergoing certain cancer treatments.
Being mindful of these precautions helps ensure that you can safely enjoy the many beneficial effects of propolis.
For detailed safety information, alwatys consult your healthcare practitioner first.
The Bottom Line
So, what is propolis? It is far more than just another bee byproduct. Propolis is the hive’s natural shield — a complex, resin-based substance created by honey bees to protect their colony from disease and environmental threats. With its rich chemical composition and potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, propolis has become a valued natural ingredient for enhancing human health.
As Australian research continues to uncover the unique chemistry and health potential of local propolis, there’s never been a better time to explore its natural power. You can discover the benefits of propolis through trusted, Australian-made products like:
Embrace the hive’s natural protector and experience the wellness benefits of propolis for yourself.
References
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Bankova V. et al. Chemical diversity of propolis and the problem of standardisation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016. Link
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Simone-Finstrom M., Spivak M. Propolis and bee social immunity. Apidologie. 2010. Link
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Australian propolis chemical profiling. Nature Scientific Reports. 2022. Link
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Koh K., et al. Bioactivity of Australian propolis extracts. RSC Food & Function. 2021. Link
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Ishak R., et al. Chemical and bioactivity profiles of stingless bee propolis from NSW, Australia. MDPI Foods Journal. 2025. Link
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Propolis overview. University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Link
