Propolis is a bioactive substance that can be used to treat a variety of health issues. It is a substance collected by bees from their pollination site. They collect it in sticky buds and shoots of trees. It can be used for a variety of products including ointment and tincture. This natural extract can be made from bee glue.
A tincture is a liquid or extract prepared by dissolving propolis in an appropriate solvent. Alcohol is a common solvent for making propolis extracts. In order to produce a tincture, the raw material must be filtered. The finished product should be stored in a dark, airtight container. If you want to store the tincture for longer, the bottle should be covered with a porous material such as cheese cloth.
Propolis is an extremely pungent taste. For some people, it can be too strong. Therefore, some tinctures are made using a less potent solvent. To make a tincture with a low concentration, the powdered material should be added to the alcohol in equal amounts. However, if you want to produce a higher percentage of propolis, you can add more. You may also want to concentrate the extract.
Propolis is an excellent antibacterial and antifungal agent. However, because it can be flammable, it is recommended that it be used with caution. One of the most effective ways to ensure that it is not burned is to keep it in a sealed, warm and dark bottle. Another precaution is to not leave it in the sun for long periods of time.
It is best to use alcohol or a food grade spirit to produce propolis tincture. There are a few different varieties of alcohol to choose from, such as ethyl alcohol, ethanol, and grain alcohol. Alcohol is a volatile material, so it is advisable that you take the necessary safety measures.
If you are a beginner, you can start by trying a water extract. To make this, you can either re-hydrate the powdered propolis or boil the powder in water. Either way, you will have to let the tincture cool and then filter it.
Another option for a tincture is to mix it with an oil. Oil can be a good choice for people who are sensitive to alcohol. Other options include vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. Propylene glycol has a faint sweet taste.
Finally, some people choose to make a water extract of propolis. This can be done by boiling the propolis in water for 40 or 45 minutes. Once the water is cooled, you can pour it into a bottle and store it. It is important to refrigerate the water extract to prevent mold growth.
When preparing a tincture, you should not exceed 30% of the total amount of propolis. This will allow the active ingredients to remain concentrated. The remainder of the tincture can be filtered and then stored. As it is stored, the tincture can be shook or shaken daily to promote its extraction.
