Propolis
OTHER NAME(S):
Acide de Cire d’Abeille, Baume de Propolis, Bee Glue, Bee Propolis, Beeswax Acid, Brazilian Green Propolis, Brazilian Propolis, Brown Propolis, Cire d’Abeille Synthétique, Cire de Propolis, Colle d’Abeille, Green Propolis, Hive Dross, Pénicilline Russe, Propóleos, Propolis Balsam, Propolis Cera, Propolis d’Abeille, Propolis Resin, Propolis Wax, Red Propolis, Résine de Propolis, Russian Penicillin, Synthetic Beeswax, Yellow Propolis.
Uses:
Propolis has been used for a variety of purposes, both for its medicinal properties and other uses. Here are some of the common uses of propolis:
Medicinal use: Propolis has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including sore throat, colds, flu, dental problems, and skin infections. It has also been studied for its potential to prevent and treat cancer, boost the immune system, and improve cardiovascular health.
Skincare: Propolis has been used in skincare products for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation, improve skin texture, and promote wound healing.
Food preservation: Propolis can be used as a natural food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. It can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in food and extend its shelf life.
Wood preservation: Propolis can be used to protect the wood from decay and prevent fungal and bacterial growth. It has been used as a natural wood preservative for centuries.
Musical instruments: Propolis can be used to repair and maintain musical instruments, particularly string instruments. It can help protect the wood and improve the sound quality.
Cosmetics: Propolis is also used in cosmetics for its anti-aging properties. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Oral health: Propolis is used in oral care products, including toothpaste and mouthwash, for its antibacterial properties. It can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Precautions:
Here are some precautions to take when using propolis:
Allergies: If you are allergic to bees or bee products, it is important to avoid using propolis. Propolis can cause an allergic reaction, which may range from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: The safety of propolis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. It is generally recommended to avoid using it during these times.
Medications: Propolis may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and medications for high blood pressure or diabetes. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using propolis if you are taking any medications.
Dosage: It is important to follow the recommended dosage when using propolis. Taking too much may cause side effects such as stomach upset, mouth ulcers, and skin irritation.
Quality: Ensure that you are using high-quality propolis from a reputable source. Low-quality propolis may contain impurities that can cause adverse effects.
Children: There is limited information on the safety of propolis in children. It is generally recommended to avoid using it in children under the age of 2 years.
Medical conditions: If you have any medical conditions, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using propolis. It may not be safe for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or kidney disease.
As with any natural remedy, it is important to use propolis with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
FAQs:
What is the propolis good for?
Propolis is a honey-related product with reported health benefits such as improved immunity, lowered blood pressure, treated allergies and skin conditions.
Who should not take propolis?
Pregnant or lactating individuals and children should not take propolis as not enough research has been done in these populations. 1 Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any type of supplement.
Is it good to take propolis daily?
Due to its versatility and natural sources, propolis extracts are one of our favorite supplements. Apply topically or take them daily, you can still get all the beneficial properties for everyday health.
What is the effect of propolis on human?
The antioxidant activity of propolis is one of the most well-known properties. Flavonoids in propolis scavenge free radicals and protect the cell against lipid peroxidation. Propolis and its components prevent oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing lipid peroxidation.
Is propolis different than honey?
Bee pollen is the mixture of various pollens collected by bees to make honey. Propolis is a mixture of beeswax and other oils and resins collected by bees and used in the construction of the bee hive and in preserving honey and other perishables.
Is propolis good for sore throat?
Propolis helps the organism against microbial actions, fighting against colds, flu, sore throats, and gastroenteritis problems. In fact, it has been widely demonstrated that propolis has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, fungicide, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.
Why is propolis good for sore throat?
Propolis and sore throat: the perfect allies In fact, propolis acts as a natural anti-inflammatory that provides relief for a wide spectrum of throat infections, from simple viral issues to infections related to the streptococcus bacteria.
Is propolis good for your immune system?
Propolis potentiates the host defense system and biological immune response modifiers. A study has shown that in vitro and in vivo supplementation of propolis flavonoids liposome with ovalbumin enhances cellular immune and humoral responses in mice.
What is the best way to take propolis?
For use in the mouth, dilute a small amount of propolis in water. Rinse the mouth or gargle the mixture for a while before spitting it out. Many premade products contain propolis as an active ingredient. In these cases, use the product as instructed on the label.
Who should use propolis?
Who can benefit the most from using propolis? In general, Dhingra says those who are not allergic to the ingredient and are looking to heal mild wounds or treat scarring, pigmentation, and texture caused by acne could benefit from using propolis.
Does propolis have healing effect?
Finally, propolis has been shown to accelerate tissue repair by stimulating glycosaminoglycan synthesis and release which is necessary for granulation tissue formation in the wound bed, tissue growth, and wound closure.
Does propolis reduce swelling?
Propolis is a low-cost potential anti-inflammatory agent for both acute and chronic stages (6). Its properties are used mainly for muscles and articulations, and also other types of inflammations, infections, rheumatisms and torsions.
Does propolis fight bacteria?
All propolis samples showed moderate antibacterial effect against Gram-positive microorganisms with MIC ranging from 0.08 mg/mL to 2.5 mg/mL. Moreover, EEP exhibited moderate activity against Gram-negative bacteria with MIC between 0.6 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL.
Can I use propolis with vitamin C?
Use it with Vitamin C if you are especially concerned with complexion. Because propolis and vitamin C are both antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, using them together can maximize the effect that antioxidants play on reducing oxidative stress.
Is propolis the same as beeswax?
Bees make propolis from beeswax, saliva, and plant materials gathered. In the hive, propolis is used as a glue to close up small gaps, while beeswax is used to fill larger holes. While propolis is made from beeswax, they are not the same.
