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BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Jasonw5846 on March 18, 2013, 10:42:19 pm

Title: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: Jasonw5846 on March 18, 2013, 10:42:19 pm
Just wondering if anyone uses or sells Propolis?  If so, what is the market attraction to this?  Thanks
🐝 NewBee 🐝
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: vmmartin on March 19, 2013, 01:10:45 am
Yes and yes.  I use it and there is a market for it.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: JackM on March 19, 2013, 09:28:29 am
Well VMMartin, please describe your process and prices for our learning pleasure
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: Michael Bush on March 19, 2013, 09:38:53 am
I see ads in the journals offering to buy it.  Try ABJ or Bee Culture.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: vmmartin on March 19, 2013, 10:14:15 am
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.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: goatmanbees on March 19, 2013, 10:45:35 am
I burn a little bit on the top of my wood stove. I love the smell.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: JackM on March 19, 2013, 11:57:22 am
How cool....Have to try the wood stove thing later today.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: blanc on March 19, 2013, 06:34:24 pm
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
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: hardwood on March 19, 2013, 07:08:31 pm
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
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: Georgia Boy on March 19, 2013, 09:29:36 pm
Can I just say WOW!!!!!!

David
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: hardwood on March 19, 2013, 10:06:00 pm
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
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: Beeboy01 on March 20, 2013, 09:15:21 pm
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.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: T Beek on March 21, 2013, 06:50:34 am
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.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: edward on March 21, 2013, 02:12:38 pm
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
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: vmmartin on March 21, 2013, 11:37:58 pm
I store mine in the freezer.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: divemaster1963 on March 22, 2013, 12:00:12 am
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.
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: deknow on March 22, 2013, 08:59:55 am
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
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: Jasonw5846 on April 05, 2013, 07:55:25 pm
Thanks all🐝
Title: Re: Propolis - Is there a Market for this?
Post by: edward on April 06, 2013, 01:34:40 pm
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