The Secret Behind Our Handmade Brazilian Red Propolis Soap

Red propolis is produced by European bees (Apis mellifera) from the sap or resin secreted by certain plants, especially the species known as rabo-de-bugio (Dalbergia ecastophyllum), found naturally in mangrove areas along the northeast coast. The resin is released by the rabo-de-bugio plant through small holes made by the beetle Agrilus propolis, an insect of the Buprestidae family. The larvae of this beetle develop inside the stem of the plant, and, when they complete their life cycle, the adult insects emerge, leaving holes through which the resin drains. The bees collect this substance to use in sealing, protecting and sanitizing their hives, playing an essential role in maintaining the health of the swarm.