North Bucks Beekeepers' Association - NBBKA.org

Bee substances


Bees secrete wax from a little gland on their abdomen, this is used to construct the superb structure we know as comb. This wax has been recovered and used by humans for thousands of years.

Candles made from beeswax(as opposed to paraffin wax) burn very slowly and without smoke. Bees wax has many uses, for example in furniture polish and skin care products such as hand and moisturising creams, shampoos etc.


Propolis, which is often made into a tincture, is a resin gathered by bees from trees and flower buds, and is claimed to have medicinal properties.

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly, the compound nursing bees feed to those bee larvae selected to be future queens, is also reputed to have great medicinal properties. It is sold at high prices in health food shops