What Is Propolis? Learn About Its Origin, Composition, and How Bees Make It

July 2, 2026

BeeFams, did you know that honey is not the only product made by bees? Besides honey, bees also produce propolis, a natural substance they use to protect their hives. Thanks to its rich composition of naturally occurring compounds, propolis has become one of the most widely used bee products and continues to be the subject of scientific research.

So, what exactly is propolis, how do bees make it, and what makes this natural substance so unique? Let's find out!

What Is Propolis?

Propolis is a natural substance that ranges in color from brown to greenish-brown. It is produced by honeybees from a mixture of plant resins, beeswax, and enzymes secreted by the bees themselves. Due to its sticky texture, propolis is often referred to as "bee glue."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, bees use propolis to build, repair, and protect their hives. Although it is another bee-derived product, propolis is different from honey, bee pollen, and royal jelly because it has a different function and production process.

For thousands of years, propolis has been recognized and used by various civilizations. Today, it is widely utilized as an ingredient in health supplements because of its many potential benefits.

Where Does Propolis Come From?

Unlike honey, which is made from flower nectar, propolis originates from plant resin. The process begins when worker bees collect resin from tree buds, bark, and leaves of various plants. They then mix the resin with beeswax and natural enzymes produced by their bodies, creating the sticky substance known as propolis.

The bees carry this propolis back to the hive, where it serves as a protective coating and building material. Because the resin comes from different plant species, the color, aroma, texture, and composition of propolis can vary depending on the environment where the bees live.

How Do Bees Use Propolis?

For bees, propolis plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy hive.

Its main functions include:

Sealing cracks and gaps in the hive
Strengthening the hive's structure
Helping protect the hive from unwanted microorganisms
Supporting a clean and stable hive environment

With the help of propolis, bee colonies can maintain a safe and comfortable place to live and thrive. Pretty amazing, isn't it?

What Does Propolis Contain?

Propolis is known for its highly complex natural composition. According to WebMD, it contains hundreds of naturally occurring compounds, although the exact types and amounts vary depending on its geographical origin.

Some of the most common components include:

Plant resins
Beeswax
Essential oils
Bee pollen
Flavonoids
Polyphenols
Various vitamins and minerals

Among these compounds, flavonoids and polyphenols have attracted significant scientific interest because they are natural antioxidants commonly found in plants.

Why Do the Color and Composition of Propolis Vary?

BeeFams, you may have noticed that propolis doesn't always look the same. Some are dark brown, others are greenish-brown, and some appear almost black.

This variation is completely natural. According to Healthline, the composition of propolis is influenced by several factors, including:

The types of plants surrounding the hive
Geographic location
Seasonal changes
The bee species producing the propolis

This means that propolis from Indonesia may have a different composition from propolis produced in Brazil, Europe, or other regions. As a result, scientific studies on propolis may report different findings depending on the source of the samples.

Is Propolis the Same as Honey?

Although both are produced by bees, propolis and honey are very different.

Honey	Propolis
Made from flower nectar	Made from plant resin
Serves as food for bees	Used to protect and repair the hive
Has a liquid or viscous texture	Has a sticky, resin-like texture
Harvested as a natural food product	Commonly used as an ingredient in health supplements and wellness products

Because they have different origins and functions, propolis should not be confused with honey or other bee products such as bee pollen and royal jelly.

Thanks to its rich variety of naturally occurring compounds, propolis is now widely used as an ingredient in many health products. Researchers also continue to explore its potential through ongoing scientific studies.

FAQ

1. What is propolis?

Propolis is a natural substance made by bees from plant resin, beeswax, and natural enzymes. Bees use it to protect, repair, and strengthen their hives.

2. Where does propolis come from?

Propolis comes from resin collected by bees from various plants. The resin is mixed with beeswax and natural enzymes before being used inside the hive.

3. Is propolis the same as honey?

No. Honey is made from flower nectar and serves as a food source for bees, while propolis is made from plant resin and functions as a natural protective material for the hive.

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/propolis
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/propolis
https://www.healthline.com/health/propolis-an-ancient-healer#where-to-buy
https://hellosehat.com/herbal-alternatif/herbal/manfaat-propolis-untuk-kesehatan/