Glue

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Glue, also known as propolis, is a combination of resins, wax and pollen from flowers or plant buds. It has a yellowish, greenish or brown color. The specificity of this substance is that it is enriched with enzymes. In fact, it has undergone lactic acid fermentation in the bee's digestive system. Glue is a very popular product in both medicine and cosmetics, as it is part of various types of medicinal products and is a significant component in the manufacture of cosmetics.

Collecting glue is an activity typical of bees. According to experts, a medium-sized family of bees carries up to 300 grams of glue a year. This process depends on various factors, such as the plant species in the area and the climate. They put it in the hives and use it for disinfection. It is interesting how they treat the cells with this substance before eggs are laid in them. With glue, these buzzing insects fill all unwanted openings in the hive. They also use it to cover and seal the dead animals in the hive. That is, in this way they prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Glue is collected from different plants. However, poplars, chestnuts and willows are among the most visited species by bees. While this is happening, the whole hive is covered with the disinfectant. Cunning insects also wrap themselves in it to be completely confident that they will not be attacked by microbes. The freshly exported glue from the hive has a soft texture. It has a scent reminiscent of both honey and wax. It also has shine. While completely fresh, the glue is easy to process. Over time, it becomes harder and darker.

History of glue

The healing properties of glue have been known to mankind since antiquity. However, its properties are not fully understood and for this reason modern scientists continue to unravel it. The glue was used as an antiseptic by the Egyptians. It is believed that they also used it to process corpses to mummify them. The Persian scientist and physician Avicenna strongly recommended glue to treat wounds in order for them to heal faster. The Incas are thought to have taken glue to reduce fever. The other name of the glue - propolis, has Greek roots - pro - pred, and polis - city, fortress. It is associated with its use by bees to protect the hive from bacteria and other pests.

Composition of glue

As already mentioned, research on glue is still ongoing and therefore its chemical composition is not completely clear. But what we already know about it only proves how rich in nutrients it is. The substance contains more than 140 active ingredients. Numerous studies suggest that the glue contains plant resins, pollen, wax, organic acids, amino acids, flavonoids and more. It contains minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and others. It is a source of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin E.

Selection and storage of glue

The most common solution on the market gluewhich is known as a glutinous tincture. It should be kept in a dry and preferably dark place. If you get glue from a beekeeper, you should also store it in a dry, dark and cool place where the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. It must be placed in an airtight container.

Before closing, it is dried for several days at room temperature. It is not recommended to form any balls from it, as there is a risk that they will become a refuge for pests. In the beginning the glue has a yellowish or greenish color, but over the years it darkens. Properly stored, it can be used for seven years.

Glue collection

The collection of propolis by beekeepers is done with the help of a kind of trap, which is a lattice or net with a frame, which is placed in the upper part of the hive. They usually do this in late summer, when it starts to get cooler. So the bees decide it's time to isolate the hive and will try to seal the gaps in the trap with glue.

Here it is important that the holes are not larger than 5 mm in diameter, as insects use wax instead of glue to fill the large holes. Then, before winter comes, the trap is removed. It is best to do this when temperatures have dropped below 0 degrees Celsius. But if the weather turns out to be warm, the grill can be placed in the refrigerator for a few days. At low temperatures, the glue hardens and is easily separated from the trap.

Benefits of glue

Due to its complex chemical composition glue has become an aid against a bunch of diseases. It has been proven to have antiviral, antibacterial, antisclerotic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, hypotensive and detoxifying effects. Glue is an enemy of bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Bacillus haemolyticus. It cures burns and skin problems and helps wounds heal faster. Taking glue helps reduce blood pressure, has a tonic effect and prevents the formation of tumors.

It is effective in a number of other problematic conditions. For example, it helps with problems in the oral cavity such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The glue relieves gynecological problems, strengthens the prostate, dulls the symptoms of some allergies and helps maintain a healthy bone system.

It is also recommended for diseases of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and problems with the peripheral nervous system. The glue can be taken internally or applied externally. It can be found in the form of tinctures, granules, syrups, ointments and more.