This is a listing for 30ml (1 fl oz.) of Portuguese propolis tincture packaged in a glass dropper bottle. The tinture is 15% propolis and 85% grain alcohol. Ready for dilution and consumption. # How to use? Drink or gargle. Dilute 3-4 drops in 1/2 glass of warm water. Once to twice a day. Or apply to the skin where necessary using a cotton bud or piece of linen moistened with the liquid. # What is propolis? Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a sticky resin produced by worker bees by gathering sap from nearby plants and trees and mixing it with beeswax, pollen, essential oils from flower buds and saliva. They use it to seal small gaps in the hive and to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth. As happens with any other natural product, the exact composition of propolis varies from region to region and from season to season, according to the saps available in the vicinity of the beehive. # How Portuguese bees make it DrApis' propolis is made in Alentejo (Southern Portugal) by the local subspecie of honey bees, Apis mellifera iberiensis. These bees gather resins from Alentejo's dehesa almost all year round. The result is a dark brown propolis that includes resins from cork oaks (Quercus suber), holm oaks (Quercus ilex), rockroses (Cistus spp.) and many other native trees and bushes. # How we gather it We gather propolis by placing small nets in the beehive. Worker bees have a natural tendency to fill the gaps in this net with propolis. Unlike scraping, the net technique we use leaves honeycomb frames undisturbed and guarantees a high quality propolis with little to no hive residues (such as wood chips). This separation between propolis and honeycombs also guarantees a minimal presence of wax in propolis, making sure you are not paying for excessive amounts of beeswax. # Medicinal properties Propolis has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It also has bioflavonoids which have an antioxidant effect that helps maintaining a healthy immune system. Raw propolis is poorly water soluble, thus it is most often diluted in alcohol to make a liquid extract or tincture, or in fat/oil to make a cream, ointment or lotion. Propolis tinctures are used as a natural antibiotic to heal sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, ear infections, and hinder the development of colds and influenza. Propolis ointments have been successfully used to heal genital herpes and cold sores (herpes labialis) and treat skin injuries, it limits the development of scars and accelerates wound healing. Scientific research on propolis is still limited. Researchers aren't exactly sure how it works, but propolis was proven to be effective "in vitro" against some bacteria, viruses (rhinoviruses, the predominant cause of the common cold, and herpes), and fungi (Candida albicans and some dermatophytes). The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) rates propolis as "possibly effective" for treating cold sores, genital herpes, and post-surgery mouth pain. Do avoid taking propolis if you have an allergy to honey or bees. # Storage Store in a dark, cool place. # Product specifications Volume: 30ml (1 fl oz.) # Shipping Items will be shipped through expedited mail with tracking. Expected delivery times are: - Europe: 3 business days. - Rest of the World*: 5 business days. * Delivery may take 15 business days or longer in countries with tight or lengthy customs' inspections.