Propolis - Is there a Market for this?

[Jasonw5846]

Just wondering if anyone uses or sells Propolis?  If so, what is the market attraction to this?  Thanks
🐝 NewBee 🐝

[vmmartin]

Yes and yes.  I use it and there is a market for it.

[JackM]

Well VMMartin, please describe your process and prices for our learning pleasure

[Michael Bush]

I see ads in the journals offering to buy it.  Try ABJ or Bee Culture.

[vmmartin]

I use propolis traps to collect and harvest what I call food grade propolis.  I use this for a daily dose taken orally.  Stored in the freezer, it is easier to handle.  I take a pinch and place under tap water and roll it into a pill and swallow.  It has many benefits including but not limited to a compound called CAPE caffeic acid phenyl ester, which has been proven to stop the growth of prostate cancer cells, antibacterial properties and gastrointestinal benefits.
The old propolis from scraping old boxes, I save for melting over a candle because it reduces air born bacteria and I just like the smell of it.  And thats a fact Jack.

[goatmanbees]

I burn a little bit on the top of my wood stove. I love the smell.

[JackM]

How cool....Have to try the wood stove thing later today.

[blanc]

I freeze it and grind it in a coffee grinder to powder and mix it with honey to make a paste like consistency and take a quarter teaspoon daily and use it in place of neosporin on cuts and soars.
Blanc

[hardwood]

I've been harvesting it as well. I've been making balms that work well for anything from insect bites to acne and have been supplying a friend (who has prostate cancer) with tincture.

Scott

[Georgia Boy]

Can I just say WOW!!!!!!

David

[hardwood]

Also, I was approached some years ago (before I ever thought of harvesting propolis) by a wine maker from Calif that was growing his grapes organically. He said that they were using propolis to make an anti fungal spray for the vines. I know there is a viable market out there for the stuff but I think it would be a tough niche to break in to. some cosmetic companies use small quantities and from what I hear pharm applications may be the next market.

Scott

[Beeboy01]

I've been using it for years off and on. When I'm working the hives I will scrape a fresh piece and chew it like gum, it tastes good and is supposed to be loaded with antioxidents. If I get a cold I'll take a 1/2 tea spoon of propolis with fresh honey twice a day to boost the immune system. Haven't tried to sell any yet but there is a market out there for propolis.

[T Beek]

Contact Beehive Botanicals in Hayward, Wisconsin.  715-634-4274. 

They buy propolis and will tell you their standards for wholesale sales when harvested in accordance to 'their' specifications.

[edward]

Whats the best way to store propolis, if you try to save enough to make it worthwhile to sell in bulk to wholesalers?

mvh edward  :-P

[vmmartin]

I store mine in the freezer.

[divemaster1963]

I have heard but have yet to contact them. that some burn centers may purchase it to use for burn care and I know that there is a study going on in a cancer research program that I read about. You need to research different companies and find out their collection protocols and check with health food stores. organic products used in natural medicine is big time.

John

Last I heard the price was around 5.oo per oz.

[deknow]

There do appear to be issues with lead in propolis (don't take my word for it...do a Google search).  Isolated use propolis on occasion myself, but would never sell it to users without looking into these details further.  I have seen a propolis refining system at a large manufacturer....basically a giant industrial room sized apparatus. I wouldn't sell veggies without a soil test either.

Deknow

[Jasonw5846]

Thanks all🐝

[edward]

Today I ordered 30 more propolis traps for my hives.

I thought about it some, and came to the conclusion that, why don't I have them on every hive?

Beefore the year is out I am going to have them on all my hives.

Go big or go home  :brian:

mvh Edward  :-P