The name Propolis si derived from the Greek words pro (before) and polis (city). It was first used by bee keepers in ancient times, who noticed that the bees often built a wall of propolis in front of the entrance to their hive. Hence the name Propolis - before city.

Propolis is very complicated chemically and there are marked variations among samples with its colour varying from brownish green to brownish red. Although soft and sticky normally, it becomes hard and brittle when cold.

A representative composition from Propolis would average 30% waxes, 45% resins and balsams, 10% ethereal oils and 5% pollen. Recent tests confirm that Propolis possesses fungicidal qualities and this has been verified by several researchers.

Propolis is used in ointments for treating cuts, abcesses and wounds. Medical scientists have succesfully experimented with Propolis in a salve for treating burns, external ulcers and eczema. In Europe scientists have succesfully used Propolis in treatment of hearing defects and as an anaesthetic in dental practice.