Information from the Getty AAT
propolis
A resinous mixture from tree buds (particularly buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees), sap flows, or other botanical sources, collected by honey bees for use, with beeswax, as a barrier at the hive entrance and as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive. Humans have long used it as a paint binder, to treat and varnish wood (notably violins), in tanning, making candles, cosmetics, and as a medicinal antibacterial and antifungal agent. It was used by ancient Egyptians in mummification. Ancient Greeks, Assyrians, and Indians used it for healing wounds and treating abscesses. It is rarely collected directly from the trees, but instead is collected from beehives, and thus actually contains bee products along with the resins and volatiles.