Propolis is a natural bee product rich in resins, balsams, essential oils and other beneficial compounds. When prepared correctly, it becomes a powerful natural extract which can be used both internally, a few drops daily, and externally, applied directly to the skin.
To learn more about propolis, its origin, properties and natural benefits, you can read our article Propolis – Nature’s Protective Gift from the Hive.
Preparing Your Local Raw Propolis Extract
To begin making your Local Raw Propolis Extract from Buzzy Honey Bee, simply use the glass jar of propolis exactly as you receive it. There is no need to transfer it to another container.
If you have not yet purchased your propolis, you can order it directly from our shop Local Raw Propolis 10 g
Fill the jar completely with food-grade ethyl alcohol (ethanol) containing between 40% and 80% alcohol, ideally around 80% for the best results. Once filled, seal the jar tightly to prevent evaporation and place it in a dark, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
In the United Kingdom, you can buy Spirytus in local Polish shops. It is a very strong, food-grade alcohol containing 95% ethanol.
To obtain 80% alcohol, simply dilute the spirytus with boiled and cooled water. For example, to prepare 90 grams of 80% alcohol, first pour 15 grams of boiled and cooled water into the jar with propolis, and then add 75 grams of 95% spirytus.
Over the following weeks, shake the jar gently every morning and evening to help the propolis dissolve evenly in the alcohol. The process may take from several weeks to a few months, depending on the size and consistency of the propolis pieces. Larger chunks will naturally take longer to dissolve.
How to Speed Up the Process
If you want to shorten the extraction time, you can freeze the jar of propolis for one day before adding the alcohol. Once frozen, remove the propolis and crush it carefully using a wooden stick, spoon or knife. When frozen, propolis becomes brittle and can be easily broken down into smaller pieces or even a coarse powder.
By using finely crushed propolis instead of large pieces, you will speed up the entire extraction process.
How to Know When Your Local Raw Propolis Is Fully Dissolved
You will know that the propolis is ready when, after gently swirling the jar, no solid pieces remain at the bottom. The liquid will appear smooth and uniform, and after a few minutes a fine, light sediment will start to settle at the base of the jar.
Once your Local Raw Propolis has completely dissolved in the alcohol, you can move on to the next step – filtering the extract.
How to Filter Your Local Raw Propolis Extract
Before you start filtering your Local Raw Propolis Extract, make sure to protect your working area.
Cover the table or worktop with foil, an old newspaper or a cloth. Propolis can leave very strong stains that are extremely difficult to remove from furniture, fabrics or other surfaces.
To filter the extract, prepare a fine strainer and line it with either a coffee filter or a plain, uncoloured and unscented kitchen paper towel. Fold the paper towel a few times so that it is thicker and sturdier. This helps it hold the liquid without tearing.
For easier handling, place the coffee filter or paper towel inside the strainer. This simple step keeps everything steady and makes the whole process cleaner and more convenient.
Set the strainer over a clean container or dark glass bottle to collect the filtered extract. Then slowly pour the contents of the jar, including the fine sediment, into the paper-lined strainer.
Let the liquid drip through naturally. Avoid pressing or stirring the filter, as this could make the extract cloudy. After a few minutes, you will have a clear, pure propolis extract ready for use or storage.
How to Store Your Local Raw Propolis Extract
After filtering, you can pour the propolis extract back into the same glass jar that was used for dissolving it. Store the extract in a dark or shaded place, such as a cupboard, or even in the refrigerator if you prefer. Just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, as light and heat can reduce its natural quality and effectiveness over time.
Your Finished Local Raw Propolis Extract
Preparing your own Local Raw Propolis Extract from Buzzy Honey Bee is simple, natural and rewarding. By following these steps, you can create a pure, high-quality extract straight from nature.
If you fill the 10 g jar of propolis with approximately 90 g of alcohol, you will create a 10% propolis extract. For a stronger solution, you can increase the concentration; using 30 g of propolis with 70 g of alcohol will produce a 30% propolis extract. However, this requires using three jars of propolis instead of one.
Your Local Raw Propolis Extract can be used both externally and internally, depending on your needs. We will soon publish a separate article dedicated entirely to how to use propolis safely and effectively, including practical tips for everyday use.
