How ‘bee glue’ might improve our health
A unique collaboration between scientists and a Māori land trust in Te Urewera, New Zealand, is revealing potential health benefits hidden within propolis – often called “bee glue.” The research, conducted in partnership with Manawa Honey NZ and the Bioeconomy Science Institute, focuses on understanding how native plants influence the composition and properties of this natural substance.
Unlocking the Secrets of Propolis
Propolis is created by honeybees as a protective measure, mixing plant resins with their saliva, beeswax, and pollen. According to apicultural scientist Michelle Taylor, it’s used to seal hives, manage airflow, and defend against intruders – from insects and lizards to even humans.
Last Autumn, hives were strategically placed on lands managed by the Tuawhenua Trust near Ruatāhuna, in the heart of Te Urewera. Scientists, supported by the Manawa Honey team, collected both native plant samples within a 1500-meter radius and propolis directly from the hives. Analysis revealed a strong connection between the plants and the propolis, with many of the chemical compounds found in the propolis also present in the surrounding vegetation.
A Shift in Understanding New Zealand Propolis
Researchers analyzed 33 native plant species, including miro, rimu, and totara. This detailed analysis was surprising, as New Zealand propolis had previously been categorized as primarily “poplar type.” The research indicates that local bees are, in fact, collecting resins from native bush, resulting in a unique chemical composition.
While research is still in its early stages, propolis is already recognized for its healing properties, including wound care, antimicrobial effects, and immune system support. Michelle Taylor is particularly interested in exploring its potential role in managing glycemic control and reducing insulin resistance, given New Zealand’s high rates of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A Tradition of Harmony with Nature
Manawa Honey chief executive Brenda Tahi explained that the research aligns with the company’s core values – a commitment to a future where people live in harmony with nature, leading to improved health outcomes. She noted a growing trend of Māori land trusts embracing honey production on their whenua (land).
Tahi (Ngāti Porou) highlighted the historical practice of wild honey gathering in Ruatāhuna, where families would return to specific hive locations year after year, often found in the hollows of large trees like matai. She also described the diverse range of honeys produced in the region, including hinau, rātā, kānuka, rewarewa, tawhero, kāmahi, and tāwari – with each year bringing a unique floral profile.
“Most times we’re just pretty happy with what Te Urewera gives us,” Tahi said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the forest’s rhythms and adapting hive placement accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is propolis?
Propolis is a plant resin collected by honeybees, which they mix with their saliva, beeswax, and pollen. It’s used to seal hives and protect them from intruders.
What plants are bees collecting from in Te Urewera?
Bees are collecting from 33 native plant species, including miro, rimu, and totara, rather than poplar trees as previously thought.
What potential health benefits is propolis being investigated for?
Research is exploring propolis’s potential benefits in wound care, as an antimicrobial agent, for immune system support, and specifically for improving glycemic control and reducing insulin resistance.
Considering the potential health benefits and the deep connection to the land, how might this research influence future approaches to natural health and wellness?