Honey bees generate propolis, often known as bee glue, by combining saliva, beeswax, and exudate collected from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. Propolis is a resinous substance. In the beehive, it is applied as a sealant for undesirable open spots.
There are several types of propolis. We will talk about each type, which is classified according to the region, in detail
Types of propolis: American propolis
There is a substance found in nature that aids with wound healing and skin protection. It is created from honeycomb and bee wax and is marketed as “American propolis.” Since ancient times, propolis has been used to treat a wide range of illnesses; nowadays, it is also utilized to help treat illnesses including cancer.
A wax-like substance called American propolis is extracted from honeybee hives. The wax from the hive is used to seal up the honey, preventing spoilage.
For millennia, people have employed the resins in American propolis as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Types of propolis: European propolis
Dark brown material known as “European propolis” is extracted from poplar and fir tree buds. Flavonoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, are highly concentrated in this kind of propolis. Cold sores, gum disease, and skin infections are just a few of the conditions for which European propolis has been proven to be beneficial.
Bees also produce European propolis, which is distinct from American propolis. Propolis produced in Europe, however, is synthesized from other substances. The type of tree resin utilized in the two products is the primary distinction. European propolis uses more conifer tree resin than American propolis, which is created with more poplar tree resin.
Types of propolis: Indian propolis
Indian propolis is used to cure a number of diseases in traditional medicine. It is created from the bramble tree’s resin and has a number of qualities that make it effective for treating wounds. Indian propolis is beneficial for treating a number of ailments because it is also known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Indian propolis is created using resins from specific trees that are extracted from honeybee colonies. The type of tree resin utilized in their production is the fundamental distinction between Indian and American propolis. Indian propolis is created from pine tree resin, whereas American propolis is made from poplar tree resin. Similar therapeutic properties are present in both products. However, American propolis is believed to be more beneficial in treating conditions like cancer.
Types of propolis: South propolis
Aphaenogaster fulva, a species of bee found in the southern United States, produces hives from which south propolis is harvested. This kind of propolis is distinct from the propolis that is harvested from several tree species in Europe and India. South propolis is different from other forms of propolis in that it contains fewer flavonoids because it is generated from the resins found in honeybee wax comb. South propolis may contain qualities that make it effective for treating a number of ailments, but there is little evidence currently known concerning its health advantages.
American and European propolis is used to create items like varnish and sealants in addition to being used to cure wounds. South propolis, which is created from gum tree resin, is used to create goods like furniture polish, paint, and shoe polish. Traditional medicine also uses south propolis to treat a number of diseases, including the flu and colds.
In this article, we have talked about the Types of propolis. If you are a beekeeper and you want to know more information about this product, do not forget to read our article about collecting propolis: The most important bee products.
