Propolis is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. But scientific research on propolis is limited. Researchers don’t know exactly why, but the bee product appears to offer protection against some bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Propolis has multiple benefits. Photo source: archive
The main benefits of propolis
Propolis has a special compound called pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts as an antifungal. These anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make propolis useful in wound healing. A study found that propolis can help people who have suffered traumatic burns heal faster by accelerating the growth of new healthy cells.
Another study found that a topical alcoholic extract of propolis was more effective than a steroid cream in reducing mast cells in oral surgery wounds. Mast cells are associated with inflammation and delayed wound healing.
- Cold sores and genital herpes
Ointments containing 3% propolis can help speed up healing time and reduce symptoms for both cold sores and genital herpes.
Another study found that when topical propolis was applied three times a day, it helped heal cold sores faster than without treatment.
Researchers have found that propolis cream not only reduces the amount of herpes virus present in a person’s body, but also protects the body against future outbreaks of cold sores.
It has been suggested that propolis also has a role in treating certain types of cancer. According to one study, some of the substance’s anti-cancer effects include: preventing cancer cells from multiplying, reducing the likelihood that cells will become cancerous, and blocking pathways that prevent cancer cells from spreading to each other.
Researchers say propolis could be a complementary therapy – but not a sole treatment – for cancer. Another study found that taking Chinese propolis could be a useful complementary therapy in treating breast cancer, due to its antitumor effects on breast cancer cells.
Taking propolis by mouth seems to improve blood sugar control by a small amount in people with diabetes.
What is propolis?
Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by bees from substances collected from plant parts, buds and exudates. Due to its waxy nature and mechanical properties, bees use propolis in the construction and repair of their hives to seal openings and cracks and to smooth the internal walls and as a protective barrier against external invaders such as snakes, lizards and so on, or against weather threats such as wind and rain. Bees collect propolis from different plants. The current antimicrobial effects of propolis also help in colds (upper respiratory tract infections, common cold and flu-like infections), acne and neurodermatitis. Propolis contains a mixture of bee saliva, beeswax and substances from plants and trees.
How many types of propolis are there?
There are several types of propolis including tincture, supplements, raw propolis and honey propolis, these proving to be the most beneficial for the body.
Propolis tincture can be used externally and internally, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits.
“Some areas that can benefit from propolis tincture are: wound healing, infections, warts, herpes, cold sores, herpes zoster, achenes, fungal nail, melanoma, mouth ulcers, gum disease and oral care, intestinal infections, strengthens the immune system. The number of ways propolis tincture can benefit your health is seemingly endless.” says homeopath Mara Popa, for Click!
Among the most well-known supplements with propolis is the one that also contains vitamin C. It supports the health of the throat, oral mucosa and gums, used in the treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.
The main properties of raw propolis are: antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizing, anesthetic, antioxidant, antitumor and radioprotective, immunomodulator, bronchodilator, balances metabolism, prevents cell aging, regulates the hormonal system, antiherpetic, antiviral, hypotensive.
Homeopaths recommend the use of raw propolis in: canker sores, periodontitis, herpes, candidiasis (oral and vaginal), bronchitis, flu, laryngitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, Giardia, Trichomonas, Plasmodium parasites, burns, frostbite, postoperative wounds, gastrointestinal conditions, cardiovascular, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, dermatological diseases, rheumatic pains, Parkinson’s disease, cancer diseases.
We recommend 2 grams of propolis, 3 times a day.
By mixing propolis into honey, the properties of the two bee products are happily combined. Why use propolis with honey?
One of the benefits of propolis with honey is the fact that it relieves you of infections with flu viruses or rhinoviruses, as well as bacteria transmitted by the respiratory tract. Also, this “miracle cure” reduces headaches and muscle pain, has an anti-inflammatory effect on the sinuses, larynx and auditory system, thus preventing the so-called complications of the flu.
It should also be mentioned that it is an effective natural antibacterial in the case of infections resistant to antibiotics, and the combination of antibiotics + propolis is recommended in the case of cystitis, nephritis, bronchitis or pneumonia resistant to treatment;
On the other hand, it destroys candida and other pathogenic fungi (different species of Aspergillus, for example). Another benefit of propolis with honey: it prevents tumor formations from expanding by blocking the replication cycles of malignant cells.
And last but not least, propolis with honey helps partially restore cerebral circulation in case of vascular accident.
Everything about the propolis cure
There is a propolis cure recommended by homeopathic doctors for slowing down aging processes, combating fatigue, cell regeneration, combating inflammatory processes and stomach pain.
Gets rid of cold, flu, cough. The cure consists in administering 30-50 drops of propolis tincture, 2 times a day, on an empty stomach, in the morning and in the evening, half an hour before meals, for 10 days, after which there is a break of 10 days, and can be repeated, following the same treatment scheme, until you get the desired results.
What are the contraindications of propolis
There is not yet enough evidence to determine whether or not propolis products are safe, but they are not considered high risk. People usually get some propolis when they eat honey. However, if you have an allergy to honey or bees, you will also have a reaction to products containing propolis. Propolis can also cause its own allergic reaction when used for a long time.
Beekeepers are some of the people most likely to have a propolis allergy because they are around the compound so much. The typical allergic reaction is an eczema-like skin rash. Talk to your doctor before adding propolis to your treatment plan, especially if you have allergies or asthma.
Note: Content published on Click! is informative.
