What is propolis? Properties and uses

If you want to protect your body from respiratory infections or alleviate their symptoms, you may have been recommended on more than one occasion to take certain foods such as honey or nutritional supplements. The truth is that honey is not the only substance made by bees whose health benefits we can take advantage of. That is why, on this occasion, we want you to find out what propolis is, its properties for protecting our body, and how it should be taken.

Undoubtedly, and as we will see throughout this article, propolis is a treasure of nature with very beneficial properties for human beings.

What is propolis?

If you haven’t yet heard about propolis and its properties, let’s find out what this valuable substance is. It is also known as “bee glue” and the reason for this is that it is a resinous substance that bees collect from, among other plant sources, trees and plant buds.

This sticky substance is used to seal and protect the hive, i.e. it fills cracks and prevents intruders and pathogens from entering. Propolis is composed of a variety of resins, waxes, flavonoids, essential oils, pollen, minerals, and vitamins.

Propolis properties

If you are interested in learning all about propolis and its properties, here are the benefits of taking this sticky substance produced by bees to protect your hive from external agents. 

This viscous substance is as useful for bees as it is for us, as it has many properties, including the following:

• Antioxidant. One of the best-known properties of propolis is its antioxidant properties due to the large amount of polyphenols. It is therefore of great interest for treating or preventing diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes, among others.
• Antimicrobial and antibacterial. This property is due to the quantity of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that act against a wide range of microorganisms. For this reason, it is very useful for treating mouth problems, acne, warts, or infections caused by the fungus Candida albicans and Aspergillus trichophyton.
• Antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Propolis is therefore used to prevent and treat respiratory tract infections.
• Boosts the immune system
• It has anti-allergic properties, reducing sneezing and irritation caused by allergic rhinitis. It also improves asthma attacks.
• It soothes the vocal cords thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and therefore improves hoarseness and hoarseness.
• At the gynecological level, it is used to treat uterine sores, vaginal candidiasis, itching, vaginal inflammation, gand enital herpes…
• Improves oral health by promoting the regeneration of tooth enamel and preventing the formation of cavities and plaque.
• Other properties such as symptomatic relief of general malaise, and reduced cholesterol levels and fatty liver problems, among others.

What it is used for

 Nowadays, propolis can be found in a wide variety of preparations due to its nutritional value, in addition to its function as a food preservative. It is also widely used in the pharmaceutical sector, both as an additive and in therapeutic solutions. It is also increasingly used in cosmetics and dermatology for its regenerative properties in the care of burns, acne, fungus, herpes, and mouth sores…

How to take propolis?

Now that you know what propolis is and its properties, let’s see how you can take advantage of all its benefits:

Propolis can be taken in different preparations: capsules, syrups, extracts, creams, tinctures, and ointments… The dosage depends on the concentration, but the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition considers it to have a good safety profile, so it does not establish a maximum amount for this substance. However, it should be borne in mind that large quantities can cause stomach symptoms, such as nausea. In addition, as it is a natural product derived from bees, it should be checked beforehand that there is no sensitivity to this type of apiary products, such as honey, pollen, etc.

Now you know all about propolis, its properties, what it is used for, and how it should be taken. Remember that the “bee glue” is not only beneficial for colds, but also has multiple applications: antibiotic, antiviral, skin healing, and many more.