Propolis benefits are amazing on so many levels! Did you know that honey is not the only stuff that bees produce? Bees also make a compound known as propolis from the sap of evergreens or needle-leaved trees.
When they mix the sap with their own beeswax and discharges, they make a gluey, greenish-brown product used as a layer to create their hives known as propolis.
Ancient civilizations used bee propolis for its incredible medical properties. Egyptians used propolis to embalm mummies. Assyrians put it on tumors and wounds to fight infection and support the healing process. Greeks used it to heal abscesses. 1
The composition of bee propolis could vary depending on the position of the bees and what flowers and trees they have access to. For instance, propolis from Brazil won’t have the equal chemical makeup as propolis from Europe. This could make it difficult for experts to come to general conclusions about propolis benefits.
Bee Propolis Benefits
Modern research confirms a long list of health benefits of propolis. Currently, there are up to 2,000 studies on the “bee glue” 2
3 . Here are the possible propolis health benefits:
- Anti-Microbial Action
Propolis benefits are so incredible due to its powerful antibacterial properties. It also has antiviral and antifungal powers. In an animal study, applying a solution of propolis to wounds aided speed healing in diabetic rats.
In children, the “bee glue” has been found to prevent and heal symptoms of common cold, respiratory tract infections, and prevent middle ear infections.
- Burns
According to a 2002 study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, propolis can promote the curing of minor burns.
The scientists compared a skin cream of propolis with silver sulfadiazine (a remedy used to treat burns). The results from the research showed that propolis was just as effective as the medicine in treating 2nd-degree burns. 4 5
Check out: Burns – The Best Home Remedies
- Parasites
Preliminary trials show the “bee glue” may destroy parasites. In a study, individuals who took propolis had a 52-60% success rate in reducing the parasite giardiasis.
- Dental Cavities
Roman and Greek physicians used the “bee glue” as mouth disinfectant. Modern research suggests it may be effective in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis. 6
Various studies have also shown that extracts from propolis reduce tooth caries and limit bacterial plaque. 7 8
Some other studies suggest that propolis could even help regenerate dental pulp, as well as cartilage, and bone tissue, and cartilage. 9
Related: 5 Amazing Homemade Mouthwash Recipes for Bad Breath and Gingivitis
- Wart Removal
According to the results of the 3-month trial (in which participated 135 patients who received Echinacea, oral propolis, or a placebo), the patients with common and plane warts achieved a cure rate of 75% – 73%, in turn. These results were significantly better than those related with placebo or Echinacea. 10
- Cancer
Propolis benefits are also impressive in the prevention and treatments of cancer. This powerful bee product has been submitted to have a role in treating certain types of cancer. Some of the anti-cancerous effects of propolis include keeping malignant cells from multiplying, reducing the prospect cells will become malignant, and blocking pathways that keep tumor cells from signaling to each other.
A study submitted that propolis can be complementary treatments — but not a sole therapy — for cancer. A new study found that taking Chinese propolis can be a helpful complementary treatment in healing breast cancer as a result of its potent anti-tumor effects on breast cancer cells. 11
7.Cold Sores and Genital Herpes
Balms that contain 3% propolis may help speed soothing time and reduce symptoms in both cores from genital herpes and cold sores.
A research found when propolis was applied topically, 3 times per day, it helped to cure cold sores quicker than no treatment. The scientists found the propolis cream not just reduced the expanse of herpes infection present in a human’s body but also protected it against further cold sore breakouts. 12
See also: Cold Sore (Herpes Simplex Virus): 5 Effective Natural Treatments
Is it safe to use propolis?
While most people could safely use the “bee glue” as a complementary approach toward health, more or less may experience allergic reactions. It’s always best to test a little amount of the blend in conjunction with careful GP monitoring before supplementing, particularly if you suffer from allergies.
Is it safe to take propolis during pregnancy?
In general, as long as you don’t have an existing or known allergy, honey and bee products are commonly considered safe to use during pregnancy. Moreover, if you are taking propolis as a tablet or lozenge, any risk of bacteria would be destroyed by your stomach acid, at any rate. 13
Where to get propolis?
Propolis can be bought in health food stores or pharmacies. Topical forms include ointments, lotions, and creams.
How to Use Propolis?
Propolis is often sold in tincture and capsule form, and certain natural toothpaste will contain it in place of fluoride. Hence, propolis can be taken orally and comes in liquid extract, tablet, and capsule form.
At present, there is no medically recommended dosage because of the fact that more research is required.
A study recommends a daily intake of roughly 70 milligrams, but this is not an FDA recommendation. Producers may suggest a dosage on the product label. Consult your GP if propolis is safe for you before taking any supplements.
Conclusion:
Numerous products derived from the beehive have been considered and propolis has found to be a product having beneficial effects on human health. Notable among its properties are its anti-microbial and antioxidant action, its activity as a stimulant and its anesthetic, healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity.
Up till now, in the literature referred, no antioxidant capacity values have been found superior to those found in propolis, for any of the foods/products analyzed, using this type of methodology.
Therefore, by including the “bee glue” in your diet, you will get many propolis benefits for optimal health.