The name “propolis” is given due to its placement at the entrance of the hive by the bees ( προ της πόλης = before the entrance in the bee community), in order to narrow it down and use it as an obstacle to the entrance of various enemies in their hive, like mice, big butterflies etc.

Propolis contains main resin 55%, wax 30%, essential oils 10%, pollen 5% etc. Its color depends on its natural composition. It is usually brown-green, brown or dark brown. It is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol, benzene and in solutions of caustic soda. In temperatures above 25oC, it is soft, flexible and sticks on our hands, but in temperatures above 150C it becomes hard and fragile.

Propolis has antibiotic and antimicrobial activity and this is the reason why it has been used to treat injuries of the respiratory organs, the oral cavity and other regions of the human body. It has also been used to treat chronic otitis, ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Moreover, propolis is used in cosmetics, lotions, face creams, soaps, shampoos and toothpastes.