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–+ servings
Homemade bee propolis tincture in small dropper bottle sitting near a frame of honeycomb.

DIY Propolis Tincture Recipe Tutorial

Charlotte Anderson @ Carolina Honeybees, LLC
A simple method for making a traditional propolis tincture using raw bee propolis and grain alcohol. This easy 1:9 extract is beginner-friendly and requires only a few basic supplies.
5 from 1 vote
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Tools

  • 1 kitchen scale
  • 1 dropper bottle (similar) for storage (amber is best)
  • 1 cheesecloth (or strainer)
  • 1 small glass jar with tight lid

Supplies
 

  • 1 oz bee propolis raw
  • 9 oz 90–95% alcohol / 180–190 proof

Instructions
 

  • Break the raw propolis into small pieces. Freezing it first makes it easier to crumble.
    bee propolis broken into small bits.
  • Use a kitchen scale to measure the propolis by weight.
    Bee propolis is weighed on a kitchen scale.
  • Weigh out nine times that amount in grain alcohol.
    Ingredients needed for bee propolis tinctures.
  • Add the propolis to a clean glass jar. Pour the measured alcohol over it and seal tightly. Mix vigorously to mix everything together.
    Warming alcohol and propolis in water bath before straining out solids.
  • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake it once or twice a day to help the propolis dissolve.
    Proplis from bees and alcohol in glass bottle steeping.
  • When steeping is complete, strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine filter to remove any debris.
    Using cheesecloth to remove solids from mixture.
  • Bottling - Transfer the filtered tincture to a small glass bottle or dropper bottle for easy use. A dark-colored or amber bottle is best. If you don't have one, wrap a clear bottle in foil to protect the tincture from light.
    Small labeled bottle of homemade propolis tincture.

Notes

Storage -
Keep the tincture in a cool, dark cabinet. Properly stored, it can last for many months up to a year.
**This recipe is provided for informational purposes only and does not make any medical claims.
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