All you need to know about PROPOLIS

A 2019 study suggests that people have been using propolis as medicine since the year 300 BC. Ancient Egyptians used propolis for embalming, and some doctors used it during World War II to help with wound healing.

What is it and what are the benefits of propolis? Propolis is a resin created by bees. Contains a mixture of bee saliva, beeswax and substances from plants and trees. Propolis may have some health benefits in humans, but more large-scale studies are needed. Bees use propolis, or "bee glue," as a sealant. Historically, humans have used it topically or as an oral supplement. However, it may not be for everyone. This article will look at what propolis is, what research says about its potential benefits, and how to use it.

What is Propolis? Propolis is a resinous, waxy substance that bees create by mixing their saliva with beeswax, along with compounds from various plants and trees. Bees use it to seal gaps in the hive to keep intruders out. Propolis also has antimicrobial properties and can protect bees from pathogens. The substances that make up propolis can be complex. Scientists have identified more than 300 separate compounds in propolis. The exact composition may depend on the location of the hive. As a rough guideline, propolis typically consists of: tree and plant resins: 50% beeswax: 30% pollen: 5% essential and aromatic oils: 10% Propolis also contains polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant.

Medicinal properties A 2019 review suggests that people have been using propolis as medicine since the year 300 BC. Ancient Egyptians used propolis for embalming, and some doctors used it during World War II to help with wound healing. The same 2019 review suggests it may have the following properties: antibacterial antifungal antiviral antiprotozoal, which means it works against parasitic diseases, such as giardiasis anti-inflammatory antioxidant Some of the substances present in propolis may also have anticancer properties. However, while laboratory and animal studies on the properties of propolis and its components are promising, few high-quality studies have demonstrated its efficacy as a treatment for specific conditions in humans.

Potential uses Modern research suggests that propolis may be beneficial for: minor wounds oral hygiene inflammation cold sores The following sections will look at some of this research in more detail. Wound healing A 2015 review suggests that propolis may aid wound healing. An animal study in rats with diabetes showed that propolis helped the skin grow new cells to repair itself. Since people with diabetes can experience slow wound healing, this suggests that propolis could be beneficial in helping skin heal more quickly. Since propolis also kills some types of bacteria, it can also help prevent infection. Oral hygiene According to the same 2015 review, propolis also appears to prevent the formation of calcium phosphate, which is the main component of dental plaque. Propolis and honey are also antibacterial, which may make them useful as ingredients in dental care products. According to a small study in the review, propolis significantly reduced the amount of bacteria in the saliva of people with periodontitis. Inflammation The antioxidants in propolis may work to reduce inflammation, such as inflammation caused by arthritis. Animal studies have tested propolis as an anti-inflammatory agent in rats and mice with arthritis. In both studies, propolis inhibited swelling and appeared to impact the development of inflammation. Scientists believe that propolis can regulate inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins. Herpes A systematic review in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine suggests that propolis may work as an alternative treatment for genital or oral herpes. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, which can result in cold sores. HSV-2 is transmitted sexually and causes an infection that can cause painful blisters on the genitals. In the review, the researchers analyzed several studies of honey and propolis, comparing their effects with those of acyclovir, which is a common HSV drug. In 4 out of 6 studies, propolis proved to be more effective than acyclovir in the treatment of HSV skin lesions, particularly cold sores. However, the researchers did not include a large number of studies in this review.

How to use propolis People can use propolis in a number of ways, including: as an oral supplement diluted in water as a mouthwash topically on the skin Before using propolis, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor to verify that it is safe for an individual to use. Then, the person should be patch tested for propolis to make sure they do not have an allergy to it. For use on the skin, apply pure propolis or a skin product that contains propolis as an active ingredient. For use in the mouth, dilute a small amount of propolis in water. Rinse your mouth or gargle with the mixture for a while before spitting it out. Many ready-made products contain propolis as an active ingredient. In these cases, use the product as directed on the label.