propolis

Term: propolis

Literally meaning: “before the city”

Origin: Anc Greek

προ-/pro-(= towards, in front of, before, forward)

+πόλις/polis (=city)

Coined/History 

Propolis means “before the city” because this material was used by bees before or in front (entrance) of their city (honeycomb) in order to prevent predators intrusions and infections by viruses and bacteria. Some authors attribute the word to Aristole (384-322 B.C.)

Definition

Propolis is an aromatic resinous and balsamic material collected by bees from the buds of certain trees mixed with waxes and honebees’s secretions.  It is used to cover small gaps in the hive in order to sterilize it. Propolis was used for its antiseptic properties through the centuries. I t contains many flavonoids, vitamins and 70% resins and balsam and 10% essential oils.