Propolis is one of the best natural antibiotics, it has been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times, considered the most powerful drug, being a natural ally in the fight against colds and flu.
Do you feel like cold symptoms make your daily life difficult? Do you have a sore throat or upset your stomach? You’ve taken dozens of medications, and with the arrival of winter, do you wake up with headaches and muscle aches? All these questions can be answered simply and effectively, namely more information about, propolis.
Bees take care of our health in many ways, and one of the wonderful “medicines” they provide us with is propolis.
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What is propolis and what is it for?
Propolis is a substance prepared by small but hardworking bees from the resin collected from the shoots and young branches of various trees, shrubs, to which wax and their own secretions are added.
The resulting mixture is a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a protective layer of hives against external factors (bacteria), thus acting as a shield.
This role is also found in the meaning of the word, which comes from the Greek language and means “the part before the fortress.” The chemical composition differs according to the geographical area, so European propolis is not the same as that of South America.
There are two methods by which beekeepers harvest propolis:
- scraping directly from the walls of the beehive
- construction of a special collector, which gradually takes over the production of bees.
Propolis is found raw, in the form of brown lumps, or liquid, as an alcoholic tincture. Good quality raw propolis is recognized by a very strong specific (bittersweet) odor and lack of shine.
What are the properties of propolis?
The therapeutic (antiseptic, antifungal and healing) properties of propolis have been known since ancient times, which is why Egyptian papyri confirm that it was used as an antimicrobial drug, it is often used to treat wounds or cure digestive and respiratory diseases.
Over the years, researchers have identified the effect of more than 200 compounds, most of which are flavonoids, that is, natural antioxidants that provide great health benefits, it is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins (A, C, E, PP, that are part of complex B), minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, zinc, iron, chromium, manganese, etc.), pollen, wax, volatile oil.
The beekeeping product is recognized for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
In general, it does not cause side effects and can be administered both internally and externally. The daily dose is 1-2 teaspoons twice a day after eating or in the morning on an empty stomach. It is avoided when drinking at night, because it gives energy.
Laboratory research has revealed that this natural preparation can destroy around 21 bacteria, 9 species of fungi, and 30 types of viruses. Propolis can be purchased directly from pharmacies or herbalists, where it is found in the form of tablets, creams, powders, lotions, or tinctures.
What benefits does propolis have for our body?
Today, propolis is known and valued as one of the strongest antibiotics offered by nature, its effectiveness has been proven in the treatment of at least 200 conditions. These are some of the benefits of using propolis:
1-Propolis strengthens the immune system
Due to its very complex composition, propolis stimulates the formation of antibodies, enriches the production of white blood cells and helps absorb nutrients in the body, being very effective in maintaining a healthy immune system.
That is why the consumption of propolis is very suitable both in the cold season and in spring and autumn, when we have poor immunity, keeping flu and colds away.
Propolis contains antibiotics and plant chemicals that the human body needs to stay healthy: dietary carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (A, C, E, P and the components of the B complex), etc.), amino acids, bee pollen, wax of bees, resins and balsams, volatile oils.
2-Propolis treats colds and sore throats
Treats respiratory diseases: it is an excellent broad-spectrum natural antibiotic, but also a suitable antiviral.
Propolis can naturally prevent and shorten the cold spell, which often also includes a troublesome sore throat.
This is not at all surprising when you consider the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of propolis, which successfully fights viruses and prevents the appearance of symptoms in the body.
In addition, this is a recommended natural treatment in case of pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis.
A study of a group of children in a school during the cold season found that those children who received propolis had fewer colds. Cough, sore throat, or fever are relieved, and the body recovers much more easily after convalescence.
Thus, propolis helped protect the body from respiratory viruses that are so easily transmitted from one child to another.
Mothers now have a trusted ally on hand to solve the most common health problem children face – colds!
3-Eliminates and relieves problems in the oral cavity
The protective, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory action of propolis, makes this bee product used successfully to treat thrush, gingivitis, dental abscess, periodontitis or to soothe gingival and dental pain.
In addition, due to its antibacterial properties, propolis disinfects the oral area, prevents the formation of bacterial plaque and thus protects against cavities.
For example, to prevent and alleviate the effects of periodontitis, it is recommended to chew in the morning, on an empty stomach, a propolis berry the size of a grain of rice or mix 40 drops of propolis tincture in 50-100 ml of water, rinse the oral cavity well for five minutes and then swallow.
Using the same mixture, you can also buffer the gums.
For a healthy and beautiful smile, I recommend using toothpaste with manuka honey and propolis.
4-Treat gastrointestinal disorders
Propolis is known as one of the strongest natural antibiotics, it has anti-inflammatory properties, antispasmodic effect, regulates the secretion of gastric juice and helps heal lesions of the stomach lining. Also, unlike common antibiotics, propolis does not cause stomach upset or other side effects.
It benefits the digestive system: it is an adjunct in the treatment of ulcers or gastritis and, unlike classic antibiotics, it does not damage the bacterial flora in the stomach, regulates the secretion of gastric juice and heals lesions of the stomach lining.
5-Helps heal burns
Propolis stimulates the restoration of tissues affected by cuts, wounds and especially burns, while accelerating the regeneration process of healthy cells.
In case of burns, propolis has a disinfecting, repairing and anesthetic effect, it is recommended to apply externally to the injured surface.
In addition, it is more soothing than conventional treatments in treating minor burns.
6-Prevents and treats otitis
For example, in a case study carried out in a group of 122 children, aged 1 to 5 years, it was shown that the administration of propolis together with zinc can significantly reduce the risk of a new episode of otitis.
Otitis is commonly found in infants and children, but also in adults alike.
Neglecting and not treating otitis early can affect hearing, and propolis has proven to be very effective in preventing and curing this condition. In this case, it is recommended to soak a tampon in propolis tincture and then carefully insert it into the ear, without directly reaching the eardrum.
7-Cure herpes
Propolis is effective against herpes: due to antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, propolis helps in the healing process and reduces ulcers in oral herpes (tincture on the affected site, 2-3 times a day) .
Furthermore, it has been shown to be even more effective than regular medications in treating vaginal herpes. One study found that propolis applied three times a day helps to heal faster than any other treatment.
Due to its antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, propolis speeds up the healing process and reduces sores in herpes. In this case, it is recommended to apply propolis tincture to the affected place, 2-3 times a day.
Daily administration of propolis can also prevent hypertension and heart rhythm disorders, help keep cholesterol values within normal parameters, and play a role in restoring the elasticity of blood vessels.
Propolis preparations:
Tincture: it is obtained by cold preparation, you need 15 tablespoons of propolis and 400 ml of 90 degree alcohol. The mixture is kept in a hermetically closed bottle, protected from light, for approximately two weeks, during which it is stirred daily.
After maceration, it is filtered and poured into smaller containers. The tincture is administered with honey because in contact with water it can solidify and the effects no longer occur. Also, the substance is used both internally and externally. It is ideal for treating superficial wounds, in case of colds or for certain diseases of the digestive system, such as enterocolitis.
Honey propolizada : it is to buy or can do it at homemixing honey with propolis tincture.
Propolis Ointment : You can buy it in herbalists or you can prepare it from a base, such as shea or coconut butter, warmed up a little, in which you drop three tablespoons of propolis tincture and add a little beeswax. Stir the fire, then let it cool and store in the refrigerator. Use the ointment to treat minor wounds or burns.
Propolis water : although propolis in contact with water becomes insoluble, you can use a propolis solution (25 ml of tincture and 200 ml of water) to combat some diseases of the oral cavity, for example, stomatitis. Attention! The mixture is used in rinses, it is by no means drunk.
Precautions and contraindications
In some cases, propolis can cause allergic reactions, unpleasant sensations of irritation, so a preliminary test is recommended to establish sensitivity.
An excellent substitute for propolis is poplar buds and poplar bud tincture, which have relatively similar effects, but are much better tolerated by the body.
In conclusion, I want to recommend that you try this beekeeping product, which is the best gift you can make for your health.
Attention! This article is not a substitute for a specialized medical consultation!
The materials on this site are informational. Before starting any type of natural treatment you should do an allergy test to the respective types of products.
We recommend that you consult your doctor before starting a cure or natural treatment if you suffer from chronic diseases or follow medical treatments.
Cautions! Do not administer to children under 1 year of age and people allergic to bee products!
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.