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An amber glass dropper bottle with propolis tincture inside.
Nico

The Simplest Propolis Tincture Recipe

Packed with beneficial antioxidants and other powerful nutrients, this high-potency propolis tincture recipe is easy to make. Using only two simple ingredients, this is a staple to keep in your homemade medicine cabinet.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 56 days
Total Time 56 days 30 minutes
Servings: 1 bottle
Course: Tinctures for Immune Support
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Raw or clean propolis - small pieces or powdered propolis work best - I’d recommend you find a local beekeeper to source your propolis from, so you know it’s high quality.
  • 80-proof unflavoured alcohol - If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin

Equipment

  • A glass jar for the infusion – I use these glass mason jars
  • Paper coffee filter, fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth (a glass french press would also work!)  - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
  • Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops - You can use any glass storage jar, but I like the dropper tops because they make dosing easier. - here's the ones I use
  • A knife or coffee grinder for chopping up propolis
  • A small funnel

Method
 

  1. WARNING: propolis will stain everything it touches, so protect your work surfaces.
  2. The first step is to grind up the propolis chunks.
  3. If using chunks of propolis, grind them into small pieces with a coffee grinder. Propolis will stain everything it touches so consider buying one from a thrift store for the purpose of grinding up this and other plant material for tincture making! You can make the grinding process easier by freezing the propolis in a plastic baggie for a day or so prior to grinding it.
  4. Place the propolis in a glass jar and cover it with alcohol. You want to make sure everything is completely covered by alcohol. Use 1 part propolis to 4 parts high-proof alcohol (for example 100g raw propolis to 400 ml 80-proof alochol).
  5. Add a lid and shake the jar. Set it in a warm dark place. I like to set mine on our hot water, non-electric radiators. You could set yours near a wood stove (not on top - that would be too hot) or in another warm place in your home.
  6. Aim to shake the jar gently every day or so.
  7. Leave it sit for 6-8 weeks to make a high concentration propolis tincture.
  8. Strain off the slurry of propolis using a paper coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark glass bottle. I like to do a few strains to make sure the resinous materials are removed from the tincture.
  9. Store the resulting clear dark fluid (which is the tincture) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Notes

How much propolis tincture to take?

As always, speak to your herbalist or healthcare professional before starting a new herbal remedy. You can take 3-6 drops diluted in a liquid up to 3 times per day. 

Cautions

  • Avoid if you have a known allergy to bees or bee-related products.
  • There isn’t enough research on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so avoid using it or consult a healthcare provider before use.
  • Propolis will leave stains on skin, fabric, and other surfaces.

How long does propolis tincture last?

If stored in a dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight, this herbal tincture can last a long time. I like to use mine within 2 years.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!