Propolis is made by honey bees as they collect the resins of various trees and flower buds. The bees use this wax like compound to repair damage to the hive and sanitize their home. It is also used to entomb insects or small animals that were killed in the hive and are too heavy to remove. Propolis can become a protective barrier that prevents contamination of the hive from the decaying insect.
Propolis contains 7.5% to 3.5% waxes, 10% Volatile oils, 5% pollen, 3%-10% fatty acids, 4%-19% other compounds. There have also been over 80 different chemical compounds of Propolis. There were several vitamins and minerals such as B1, B2, B6, C, E, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Calcium, and Copper. There were many different flavonoids found within these compounds as well.