Bee Propolis

What is bee propolis, and how can it fit into your daily routine?

Bee propolis is a natural product created when bees combine plant resin with beeswax and enzymes to form a protective seal in the hive. In our guide, you’ll learn how to take propolis, what it is, and how Comvita verifies quality through testing, traceability, and PFL™ strength ratings.

Get to know bee propolis
What sets Comvita bee propolis apart?
How to choose the right bee propolis for you
Explore bee propolis articles
Where can I buy bee propolis?

beekeeper appreciating the bees and holding pieces of propolis

Get to know bee propolis

Propolis is made by clever honey bees as a protective sealant for the hive, where it defends against the weather, invaders, and contamination. The fascinating substance is rich in natural compounds, flavonoids and phenolics, and humans are beginning to appreciate it as much as bees do, with research continuing to grow.

shard of propolis on the edge of the hive

What is bee propolis?

The primary component of bee propolis is resin, or sap, which is derived from plants and trees. Bees carry resin back to the hive in their pollen baskets, where they work together to extract the gummy substance from the hind legs.

When young bees consume honey, they secrete it through their abdomens, forming flakes of beeswax that are instrumental in building a well-structured, stable hive. Enzymes, the final addition to propolis, come from the bees' saliva during the formulation process, transforming regular plant resin into a functional material.

The result is a sticky, natural bee byproduct that has earned the nickname "bee glue".

What is bee propolis extract?

Bee propolis comes in many forms, with liquid extract being just one popular product format. The extraction process concentrates naturally occurring propolis compounds and helps create a smoother, easier-to-use format.

How do bees make propolis?

Bees make bee propolis by collecting resin from trees and combining it with beeswax and enzymes. In the hive, propolis helps bees seal small gaps and maintain the hive environment.

What does propolis do?

Bee propolis resin plays a protective role in the hive. For people, it is valued as a naturally sourced bee product with a complex profile of over 300 natural plant-derived compounds, including flavonoids and phenolics.

What is bee propolis used for?

Bee Propolis is a naturally sourced bee product with carefully measured flavonoid levels. It has been used in traditional practices for centuries and has long been valued by cultures like the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

hand holding propolis pfl60 ultra strength capsules

What sets Comvita’s bee propolis apart?

Working with the Cawthron Institute (a leading New Zealand Government Research Crown Institute), Comvita has developed an advanced analytical technology to measure the naturally occurring flavonoids found in propolis.

We call this measure PFL™ (Propolis Flavonoid Level). Our PFL™ technology helps verify the measured flavonoid level in each serving of bee propolis.

Our story

In 1974, Comvita was founded on the vision of Claude Stratford and Alan Bougen. What began as just a handful of hives has grown into a global company rooted in sharing Comvita propolis and other natural bee products with people who value the fusion of modern science and nature.
Discover our full story
Our research

With over five decades of experience, Comvita continues to lead in propolis science. Our research focuses on understanding propolis at its source, studying its natural composition, refining our extraction and concentration methods, and verifying the flavonoid levels our PFL™ system measures in every batch.
Learn more about our research
Our certifications

Comvita’s exclusive PFL™ certification verifies the measured flavonoid level of our high-quality propolis extract. It's part of what makes high-quality bee propolis easy to recognise. We're also an MPI-registered exporter and hold third-party B Corporation™, HACCP, and GMP certifications.
Read about our testing and certification.

UMF™ Honey Association Licensee
Food Safe HACCP Certified
NZ MPI Registered Exporter
Ministry for Primary Industries RMPs
NZ Ministry of Health GMP Certified
Australian TGA GMP Certified

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Where does bee propolis come from, and where is it tested?

We source our raw propolis from Comvita beekeepers and trusted beekeeping partners. Because bees can collect bee propolis from up to 5 kilometres in any direction from their hive, we triple test all of our raw bee propolis for pesticides, residues, and heavy metals to ensure every batch meets our stringent quality assurance criteria.

How is propolis made at Comvita?

Comvita Bee Propolis is made in nature, by honeybees, in beehives. We source raw bee propolis, gently wash away the beeswax, debris and other impurities, leaving behind propolis-concentrated extract. This concentrate is then lovingly processed into convenient formats.

We do not add artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives to our bee propolis products, so you receive a carefully prepared propolis extract with measured flavonoid levels in every serve.

Propolis oral spray being put in bag for travel

How rich in antioxidants is bee propolis?

We know that bee propolis originates from plants and that it contains over 300 bioactive compounds, flavonoids and phenolics that can help fight free radicals and support your immune system, naturally.

In our recently completed ORAC¹ study, which measures the antioxidant potential of foods, Comvita Immune Bee™ Propolis packs a significant punch coming out on top of other well known antioxidant superfoods such as blueberries, green tea and even elderberry!

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How to choose the right bee propolis for you

Wondering how to choose propolis products that match your needs, habits and preferences? At Comvita, our liquid elixirs, sprays, lozenges, and capsules mean you’ll find the best way to take propolis to suit your preference and lifestyle, whether you value grab-and-go convenience or a higher-strength option.

propolis pfl15 regular strength oral spray in handbag

DAILY: Oral Hygiene

Support for your oral hygiene everyday with Propolis Oral Spray PFLᵀᴹ 15 - Regular Strength

A natural bee propolis product that:

Fights odour causing bacteria
Hydrates the mouth and throat
Freshens breath

Regular Strength contains: 10% Mānuka honey (UMFᵀᴹ 10+)

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hand holding propolis PFL15 regular strength capsules

DAILY: Immune Support Capsules

For your daily immune support try our Immune Bee Propolis capsules:

Provides antioxidant support
Are a daily dose of natural, bee propolis
Fights free radicals and prevent oxidative damage

Always read the label. Follow directions for use. Propolis may cause allergic reactions.

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hand pressing pump on propolis high strength oral spray

TARGETED: Oral Hygiene

Support for your oral hygiene with a concentrated dose of Propolis Oral Spray PFLᵀᴹ 30 - High Strength

A natural bee propolis product that:

Fights odour causing bacteria
Hydrates the mouth and throat
Freshens breath

High Strength Propolis contains 20% Mānuka honey (UMFᵀᴹ 10+) for extra immune boosting antioxidants to strengthen your natural defences.

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hand holding propolis high strength pfl30 extract dropper

TARGETED: Immune Support & Oral Hygiene Drops

Propolis liquid extract an easy to use liquid format for immune support and oral health.

Traditionally used in Naturopathic practice for:

Immediate action for Oral health and hygiene
Immediate support for scratchy throats and Upper Respiratory Tract
Proactive immune system support
Antioxidant support to fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage
Propolis extract is alcohol free and water soluble.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Propolis may cause allergic reactions. If irritation or swelling of the mouth or throat occurs, discontinue use.

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hand holding propolis PFL30 high strength capsules

TARGETED: Immune Support Capsules

For your daily high strength immune support our Immune Bee Propolis capsules:

Provides antioxidant support
Is a daily dose of natural, bee propolis
Fights free radicals and prevent oxidative damage

Always read the label. Follow directions for use. Propolis may cause allergic reactions.

SHOP NOW