Anaya's Trigona propolis comes in two formulations, and people regularly ask which one they need. The short answer: the alcohol extract is for taking internally, the olive oil version is for skin and for anyone who finds alcohol tinctures harsh. Here's the longer answer, plus some simple ways to use each.
What Propolis Is
Propolis, sometimes called bee glue, is a resinous mixture bees collect from tree buds, sap flows and other botanical sources. In the hive it seals gaps and acts as an antimicrobial barrier.
Stingless bees (Tetragonula biroi, native to the Philippines) use propolis structurally throughout the nest rather than just as a sealant, which is part of why these colonies are comparatively disease-resistant.
What's In It
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic acids
- Terpenes
- Vitamins and trace minerals including zinc, copper and magnesium
Composition varies substantially with the plants available to the bees, which is why propolis from different regions differs so much. Our independent laboratory testing on Anaya propolis is on the research page.
The Two Formulations
| Alcohol extract | Olive oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Taking internally | Skin, and internal use |
| Concentration | Higher | Gentler |
| On skin | Stings on broken or inflamed skin | No stinging |
| Taste | Bitter, resinous | Mild |
| Contains alcohol | Yes | No |
| Children | Not suitable | Above 1 year, half dose |
Trigona Propolis Extract (alcohol-extracted)
Alcohol extraction pulls out a broader range of the resinous compounds and produces a more concentrated preparation. A small dose goes a long way, and it mixes readily into drinks.
Contains alcohol, so it isn't suitable for children, during pregnancy, or for anyone avoiding alcohol. It stings considerably on broken skin.
Trigona Propolis Oil (olive oil infused)
Two ingredients: Trigona propolis extract and extra virgin olive oil. Alcohol-free, which makes it the sensible choice for skin, particularly sensitive or compromised skin where an alcohol tincture would be painful.
It can also be taken internally. Suitable for children above one year at half the adult amount.
Simple Ways to Use the Alcohol Extract
Warm Honey and Lemon Drink
- 10 drops Trigona Propolis Extract
- 1 tablespoon Trigona honey
- Half a cup of warm (not hot) water
- A slice of lemon, optional
Combine in a mug and stir until the honey dissolves. Drink while warm. Keep the water warm rather than boiling, since heat degrades the beneficial compounds in both the honey and the propolis.
The honey and lemon are mostly there to soften propolis's bitterness, which is considerable taken neat.
Straight, Under the Tongue
Two dropperfuls twice a week, or daily if you're feeling run down. Half that for children over one year, using the oil version rather than the alcohol extract.
Simple Ways to Use the Propolis Oil
On Skin
Apply one to two drops directly to the area and massage lightly until absorbed. Best after washing, while skin is still slightly damp.
Patch test first on a small area of unbroken skin and wait 48 hours. More on why below.
Stirred Into Food
- 1 teaspoon Trigona Propolis Oil
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Trigona honey
Mix and eat directly, or spoon over oatmeal or toast. The oil carries a mild resinous note that the honey rounds off.
As a Finishing Oil
Because it's olive oil at base, it works drizzled over salad, soup or bread in the same way as any good oil. Add it after cooking rather than during, since heat degrades the propolis compounds.
Recipes We No Longer Recommend
An earlier version of this article included recipes for a homemade hand sanitiser, a mouthwash concentrate and a wound salve. We've removed them, and it's worth saying why rather than quietly deleting them.
Hand sanitiser. Effective hand sanitiser needs at least 60% alcohol content. A recipe based on aloe vera gel with drops of propolis and tea tree oil does not reach that, and describing it as protection against bacteria and viruses could lead someone to rely on it when it won't work. Use soap and water, or a properly formulated alcohol-based sanitiser.
Mouthwash concentrate. Homemade water-based preparations need proper preservation, and a splash of vodka doesn't achieve that. An improperly preserved mouthwash sitting in a bathroom becomes a microbial problem rather than solving one.
Wound salve. Anything applied to broken skin should be sterile. A homemade oil blend isn't, and propolis on an open wound also carries a sensitisation risk. Minor cuts want proper first aid; anything more wants a doctor.
The two products are good. Turning them into homemade quasi-medical preparations wasn't a good idea, and we'd rather correct that than leave it up.
An Allergy Warning Worth Reading
Propolis is a recognised contact allergen. It appears on standard dermatological patch-test series because sensitisation isn't rare, and repeated topical use increases the chance of developing a reaction.
If you have any allergy to bee products, pollen or resins, don't use propolis in any form. Our propolis naturally contains pollen.
Otherwise, patch test before applying widely, start with small amounts internally, and stop if you develop irritation, rash or any reaction.
Not for infants under 12 months. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before adding propolis to your routine.
Storage
- Cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
- Keep tightly sealed
- Use clean, dry utensils
- Shake the alcohol extract before use
Which One Should You Buy?
The alcohol extract if you mainly want to take propolis internally, prefer a concentrated preparation, and don't need to avoid alcohol.
The propolis oil if you want to use it on skin, have sensitive skin, are buying for a child over one, or would rather avoid alcohol.
Plenty of people keep both: the extract for daily use, the oil for skin. See the full Immunity Care range.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Propolis is a food and cosmetic ingredient, not a treatment for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have allergies to bee products or take other medication.