Health Benefits of Propolis, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
- Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections. Bees protect the hive from bacteria by covering debris with propolis to block the spread of harmful parasites [ 27 ].
- Oral Health. In 2 clinical trials of 6 adult volunteers and 70 healthy children, a propolis mouthwash reduced oral bacteria and plaque buildup [ 38, 39 ].
- Type 2 Diabetes. ...
- Antioxidant. ...
What you should know before using propolis?
You should note that propolis stimulates enzyme formation and supplements effectiveness of vitamin C. Experts have concluded that propolis acts against bacteria that causes diseases such as salmonellosis, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis and herpes. You should note that bee propolis works in the same way as prescribed antibiotics.
What propolis side effects you should understand?
What propolis side effects you should understand?
- Safe For Use. Propolis does not typically cause adverse reactions and you may use products containing propolis without experiencing side effects.
- Local Irritation. If you use propolis to treat conditions such as a herpes outbreak and mouth pain you may experience irritation.
- Allergic Reaction.
- Warnings and Precautions.
Is propolis good for You?
The micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals in propolis provide some excellent health benefits. Propolis is an excellent source of certain polyphenols that are called flavonoids. These flavonoids function as antioxidants. Flavonoids and polyphenols may lower your risk of developing certain medical conditions, such as heart disease.
Does propolis heal kidney infections?
Propolis is thought to be effective against cancer, diabetes, heart disease, infections, and inflammation. However, anticancer effects have not been confirmed in humans. Preliminary studies on the effect of topical propolis-containing products for cancer treatment-related oral ulcerations are mixed and more study is needed.
Can I take propolis everyday?
Due to its versatility and natural sources, propolis extracts are one of our favourite supplements. Apply topically or take them daily, you can still get all the beneficial properties for everyday health.
What are the side effects of propolis?
Side effects of propolis include:Allergic reactions (skin or respiratory symptoms), particularly in people who are allergic to bees or bee products.Irritation and mouth ulcers (lozenges)
Can propolis cure Covid?
Bacterial infection is a common complication in COVID-19 [79]. Propolis has a long history of use for its antibacterial properties and could help treat bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients.
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....How to use propolisas an oral supplement.diluted in water as a mouthwash.topically on the skin.
How much propolis should I take a day?
400-500 mgDosing. Propolis has most often been used by adults in doses of 400-500 mg by mouth daily for up to 13 months. It's also used in many types of products, including creams, ointments, gels, and mouth rinses. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Is propolis good for lungs?
Histological analysis revealed significant improvement in lung histoarchiteture, with recover of alveolar spaces, septa and elastic fibers in CS+propolis group. This natural extract also was able to increase MMP-2 and decrease MMP-12 expression, favoring the process of tissue repair.
Does propolis make you gain weight?
Infiltration of epididymal fat by macrophages and T cells was reduced in the propolis group. Supplementation of propolis increased feces weight and fat content in feces, suggesting that mechanisms of weight reduction by propolis partly include a laxative effect and inhibition of fat absorption.
Is propolis an antiviral?
Key findings. Propolis is safe and exerts antiviral and immunomodulatory activity; however, clinical trials should investigate its effects on individuals with viral diseases, in combination or not with antiviral drugs or vaccines.
Is propolis good for autoimmune disease?
Bee propolis however also contains the active flavonoid quercetin, which not only balances TH1 and 2 cells responsible for autoimmunity, but can significantly suppress the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, reducing inflammation.
Is propolis good for gut health?
Propolis is a rich source of prebiotics that can improve the intestinal barrier and subsequently can prevent pathogens, toxins, and bacterial dislocation from gut to blood [46], and also they have anti-inflammatory properties [47].
Does propolis really work?
Propolis has a special compound called pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts as an antifungal. These anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make propolis helpful in wound healing. One study found that propolis can help people who have had traumatic burns heal faster by speeding up new healthy cell growth.
Is propolis good for hair?
The studies show that with the application of bee propolis to the scalp, it can help increase the number of hair growth cells, reduce damage to the hair follicle and increase the strength of the hair root. It may even help stimulate hair re-growth in some areas.
Why is Propolis good for you?
One of the reasons the health benefits of propolis are so vast is because it is so full of antioxidants. And now research has discovered just how useful these particular antioxidants can be for athletes, as they protect athletes from overheating, according to an article in the Journal of Food Science.
What is propolis made of?
Propolis is typically a mixed resin composed of beeswax, saliva, sap, and various botanical products in the surrounding area. Like all things bee, propolis’ natural composition offers human an array of benefits when incorporated into a regular diet.
How long did they give propolis to rats?
They then fed the rats propolis for the last five days. What they found after doing this was that propolis decreased TH activity in the rats.
Does Propolis help with arthritis?
Propolis can affect very strong anti-inflammatory activity in many areas of the body. Inflammation is responsible for diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimers, and many more. Much of the recent research indicates that one of the primary health benefits of propolis isit’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Does Propolis help with hypertension?
3. Propolis Helps Treat Bone Diseases. Another health benefit of propolis appears to be that it helps to build and maintain healthy bone tissue.
Does Propolis help with prostate cancer?
Propolis Boosts Prostate Cancer Cell Death. Prostate cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer in men. But there is exciting news regarding this deadly disease – one of the health benefits of propolis appears to be that it prevents and suppresses this type of cancer (at least in a test tube).
Does Propolis kill colds?
First, they exposed propolis to four different pathogens. As those of us who’ve used propolis to kill many colds have known for years , the propolis showed very strong antimicrobial activity.
Why is propolis important?
Antioxidants can neutralize and eliminate free radicals from many different systems of our body, which is why a high-antioxidant substance like propolis can be so valuable. Antioxidants work with the immune system to slow down the advance of free radicals. [7]
Can you use propolis if you are allergic to honey?
If you are allergic to honey, bee products, or certain types of trees or saps, do not use propolis. Also, before adding this to your health regimen, speak to a medical professional, and always get nutritional supplements and herbal remedies from trusted sources. References. About the Author.
Is propolis good for bees?
One of the most valuable aspects of propolis, for both humans and bees, is its natural antiseptic qualities. By spreading propolis or its extract on wounds, you can protect open sores and cuts from infection, which are often far more serious than the wounds themselves. Secondly, its antioxidants can act to speed wound healing, stimulating blood flow and growth in those areas, along with reducing inflammation. [3]
Does propolis help with wound healing?
Secondly, its antioxidants can act to speed wound healing, stimulating blood flow and growth in those areas, along with reducing inflammation. [3]
Is propolis used for construction?
While beeswax is generally used for large-scale construction, propolis is used continuously to repair their home. For thousands of years, it has been acquired and extracted from hives and used in traditional medicines.
Does Propolis help your immune system?
While we mentioned the antiseptic abilities of propolis above, the impact it can have on our immune system is much greater. By adding small amounts of it to your diet, you can increase the strength of your immune system due to its natural antiviral and antibacterial effects. [6]
Does Propolis boost immunity?
Boost Immunity. While we mentioned the antiseptic abilities of propolis above, the impact it can have on our immune system is much greater . By adding small amounts of it to your diet, you can increase the strength of your immune system due to its natural antiviral and antibacterial effects. [6]
How to treat canker sores with Propolis?
By applying a few drops of propolis tincture to canker sores, you can experience effective and quick pain relief according to many sufferers. This is a safe and effective remedy that you can repeat several times a day.
Can you use propolis for warts?
Anybody who has experienced war ts will know how stubborn they can be and with medical treatment often proving invasive, a natural wart removal treatment is certainly desirable. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that propolis might be just such a natural remedy.
Is Propolis good for cold sores?
Studies have also demonstrated that propolis might be a very effective natural treatment for genital herpes and genital cold sores. According to one recent study which was published by Phytomedicine it is actually more effective than acyclovir, a commonly prescribed genital herpes drug.
Is Manuka Propolis the same as honey?
Like honey, not all propolis is created equal; the potency of its antimicrobial properties can depend on geography. Manuka propolis grown sourced from bees in New Zealand is thought to be especially therapeutic much like manuka honey which you can read about here.
Does Propolis help burns?
Researchers have discovered the ability of propolis to help heal damage caused by minor burns. One study examining the effect of Brazilian propolis found that it was equally, if not more effective than commonly prescribed burn creams. Another study published in 2002 demonstrated similar results when comparing propolis to sulfadiazine, a drug commonly prescribed to treat minor burns. (1)
Is Propolis a cure for oral ulcers?
This is a common and painful ulcerative disorder of the oral cavity with no known medical cure but according to one study there may be hope in the form of propolis. The results of a randomized double blind study demonstrated that those treated with 500 mg of propolis daily experienced significantly reduced RAS outbreaks compared to the placebo group as well as fewer recurrences and improved quality of life. (10)
Does Propolis help with endometriosis?
The resulting symptoms are unpleasant and include fatigue, bowel complaints and even infertility. There is some evidence that propolis can help women suffering from this condition and one study demonstrated that it could even help boost fertility. 60% of subjects treated with propolis became pregnant compared with only 20% in the placebo group. (8)
What is propolis in bees?
What to Look For. Other Questions. Propolis is a resinous substance that bees produce from materials collect from tree buds. Rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, propolis has a long history of use as a natural treatment for a host of health problems.
Can you take Propolis if you are allergic to honey?
Possible Side Effects. Do not use propolis if you have asthma or are allergic to bee by-products (including honey), conifers, poplars, Peru balsam, and salicylates. Propolis may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or during surgery. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak.
Is Propolis a good daily supplement?
When used topically, it's found in ointments, creams, lotions, and other personal-care products. There is no recommended daily allowance of propolis and there is not enough human studies to determine how much propolis should be taken to support health conditions.
Is propolis good for teeth?
In addition, propolis is sometimes found in nasal sprays and throat sprays, as well as in mouthwash and toothpaste. Propolis is touted as a natural treatment for the following health problems and conditions: In addition, propolis is said to stimulate the immune system and prevent tooth decay.
Is Propolis a good cream for burns?
For the study, researchers compared the effects of a propolis-based skin cream with those of silver sulfadiazine, a drug commonly used in the treatment of second- and third-degree burns, in patients with second-degree burns. Study results showed that propolis and silver sulfadiazine were similarly effective in the treatment of burns.
Does propolis help with cold sores?
Preliminary research suggests that topically applying propolis may help heal cold sores. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2010, for example, scientists found that extracts of propolis possess virus-fighting effects that may help knock out against herpes simplex virus type 1, the virus that causes cold sores .
How long does Propolis last?
Early research shows that taking propolis by mouth daily for 6-13 months reduces canker sore outbreaks. A painful disease transmitted by mosquitos ( dengue fever ). Research shows that taking propolis helps people with dengue fever leave the hospital faster.
How long does it take for propolis to heal?
Early research shows that applying a 3% propolis ointment four times daily for 10 days might improve healing of lesions in people with genital herpes. Some research suggests that it might heal lesions faster and more completely than the conventional treatment 5% acyclovir ointment.
How long does propolis extract help with giardiasis?
Early research suggests that taking a 30% propolis extract for 5 days can cure giardiasis in more people than the drug tinidazole. Thrush. Early research suggests that using Brazilian green propolis extract four times daily for 7 days can prevent oral thrush in people with dentures.
What is propolis made of?
Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It is usually obtained from beehives and contains bee products. Bees use propolis to build their hives.
Is Propolis safe to take?
Side Effects. When taken by mouth: Propolis is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately. It can cause allergic reactions, especially in people who are allergic to bees or bee products. Lozenges containing propolis can cause irritation and mouth ulcers.
Does Brazilian green propolis help with athlete's foot?
Early research shows that applying Brazilian green propolis to the skin decreases itching, peeling, and redness in students with athlete's foot. Upper airway infection. There is some early evidence that propolis might help prevent or reduce the duration of common colds and other upper airway infections.
Can you take propolis while nursing a newborn?
Early research shows that taking propolis while nursing a newborn infant doesn't seem to reduce the child's risk of developing allergies at one year of age. Burns.
How to use propolis on the face?
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 the mouth or gargle the mixture for a while before spitting it out. Many premade products contain propolis as an active ingredient.
Why do bees use propolis?
Bees use it to seal gaps in the hive to keep out intruders. Propolis also has antimicrobial properties and may protect bees from pathogens. The substances that make up propolis can be complex. Scientists have identified more than 300 separate compounds. Trusted Source.
What is propolis made of?
As a rough guideline, propolis typically consists of: tree and vegetable resins: 50%. beeswax: 30%. pollen: 5%. essential and aromatic oils: 10%. Propolis also contains polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant.
When was Propolis used?
Medicinal properties. One 2019 review suggests that people have used propolis as a medicine since the year 300 BC. Trusted Source. . Ancient Egyptians used propolis for embalming, and some doctors used it during World War II to help with wound healing.
Is propolis good for periodontitis?
Propolis and honey are also antibacterial, which may make them useful as ingredients in dental care products. According to one small study in the review, propolis significantly decreased the amount of bacteria in the saliva of people with periodontitis.
Is Propolis safe to use?
However, because propolis can contain a wide variety of compounds depending on where it came from, it is not always possible to be sure of its contents. When looking for propolis products, check that the manufacturer has carried out third party testing to verify that the propolis is pure and safe to use.
Does propolis help wounds?
One 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 in order to repair itself.
Health Benefits of Propolis
Regulated blood sugar levels are essential to maintain a healthy body. However, health conditions like diabetes prevent blood sugar control. In addition, oxidative stress caused by free-radical damage worsens these conditions.
Potential Side Effects of Propolis
Propolis may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to bee products. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of your allergens. Excessive consumption of propolis may also irritate the mouth and create mouth ulcers. Additionally, certain chemical compounds in propolis may slow down blood clotting.
Best Ways to Use Propolis
The recommended daily intake amount of propolis is 400 to 500 mg. You may take propolis by mouth after diluting it with water or as an oral supplement. Also, propolis is in many creams, ointments, mouthwashes, and cosmetics.
The Conclusion
Propolis is a natural resin made by bees. Propolis is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and bioactive compounds. In addition, propolis shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. As a result, it can lead to better heart, lungs, kidney health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: No, propolis doesn’t contain carbohydrates. It is a natural resin that contains wax, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds.
What are the benefits of bee propolis?
Health Benefits. 1. Helps Combat Cancer. One of my favorite bee propolis benefits is that it appears to possess anti-tumoral and anticancer properties. There are currently over 300 scientific studies and articles focusing on propolis and cancer treatment.
What is propolis made of?
In general, raw propolis is made up of approximately 50 percent resins, 30 percent waxes, 10 percent essential oils, 5 percent pollen and 5 percent of various organic compounds. The interesting thing about propolis, which is also true for honey, is that its composition is always going to vary depending upon the exact collection time, ...
What is bee propolis?
It’s a natural mixture produced by honey bees from a few things, including substances they collect from plants and trees. This truly therapeutic substance not only guards beehives against intruders, but it can also fend off and treat all kinds of unwanted health conditions. Bee propolis has actually been used medicinally by humans ...
How many compounds are in Propolis?
When scientists have looked closer at the exact chemical composition of propolis, they have found that it actually contains over 300 natural compounds, including amino acids, coumarins, phenolic aldehydes, polyphenols, sequiterpene quinines and steroids.
Does Propolis stop HSV-1?
The good news is that test tube studies have demonstrated that propolis can stop both HSV-1 and HSV-2 from reproducing. A study of people with genital herpes compared an ointment with propolis to Zovirax ointment, which is a common conventional treatment for genital herpes that lessens the symptoms of the infection.
Can you take bee propolis internally?
If you’re looking to take bee propolis internally, you have a lot of options, including a liquid extract, capsules, tablet or powder. If your health concern is in your mouth, like a sore throat, then a propolis spray is the way to go.
Does propolis extract help with colds?
Scientific studies have shown that propolis extracts may naturally prevent as well as shorten the duration of the common cold, which can often include a dreaded sore throat. One study administered an aqueous propolis extract to a group of very young school children for the entire duration of a year’s “cold season.”.
Does royal jelly help with fertility?
Royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen contains with testosterone which playing significant role in fertility. Alzheimer Prevention. Alzheimer disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental function. Vitamin C will manage your brain to its normal behavior by preventing free radical.
Is royal jelly a good energizer?
Royal jelly, bee pollen and propolis are known to be an energizer. Especially royal jelly. They have a perfect complete vitamin B complex along with calorie and another beneficial vitamin such as vitamin C. royal jelly has zero fat. It energized you and not making you fat.