Propolis – what is it and why is it worth using?
The benefits of bee propolis are impressive. It is not as well known as honey, but it is equally powerful in its health-promoting properties. Today, let's take a look at propolis to see why this substance is a healing miracle and how you can benefit from it.
- What is bee propolis? Taste and appearance of propolis.
- Why do bees produce propolis?
- Amazing properties of propolis.
- Benefits of bee propolis.
- Side effects.
- Recipe for propolis tincture.
- Where to buy propolis?
1. What is bee propolis?
Propolis is a substance produced when bees collect resin from trees (e.g. conifers) and mix it with enzymes and beeswax. It looks a bit like putty or glue. Usually, propolis is brown, but it can also range in colour from yellow to green or even black. We won't hide it- the taste and appearance of propolis is not very pleasant. Propolis is described as bitter or even sour, and many have described its taste as piney or similar to turpentine. Usually, propolis comes in the form of a raw material- bee glue- with a solubility of about 50%, which makes the product ideal for creating an immune-boosting propolis tincture.
2. Why do bees produce propolis?
Hard-working little bees are instinctively clever, so they use what nature has to offer and create a product that helps them in many ways. Look below.
They use propolis to strengthen the structure of their hive. Bees produce propolis, to use it also as glue and place it in holes and cracks in their home (hive) to protect and disinfect it. They will also use this substance to seal the home.
They use it to protect the hive from invaders. If an insect or other intruder gets into the hive and the bees are unable to remove it, the bees will seal the intruder in propolis (as if mummifying it) so it does not cause disease or contamination.
3. Amazing properties of propolis.
Propolis was used by ancient civilisations to treat and prevent ailments because it has antibacterial and antifungal effects. Today, the precious properties of propolis are characterised by the same benefits for our body. Propolis is often combined with royal jelly or pollen to create a natural and effective antibiotic.
4. Here are just a few of the many benefits of bee propolis.
- Health benefits of bee propolis:
- Improves skin health
- Natural antibiotic
- Anti-cancer and anti-tumour
- Heals cuts and rashes
- Helps heal and soothe wounds
- Treats gum disease and tooth decay
- Lowers blood pressure
- Fights parasites
- Removes warts
- Protects the liver
- Treats colds and flu
- Supports hair growth
- Treats many infections
- Relieves joint pain
- Treats genital herpes
- Helps with endometriosis
- Relieves hangovers
The benefit of propolis is also the fact that it will not raise blood sugar levels because it is not a sweetener, but it still has many of the amazing benefits of honey.
5. Side effects of propolis
If you are allergic to bee products- you may probably also be allergic to propolis. An allergic reaction is the most common side effect of propolis. It is important to remember that children under one year of age should not be given propolis or honey. Their immature systems cannot handle these organic, natural substances. If you have never used propolis, it is recommended to start slowly and gradually increase the dose and use.
We are sure that the health benefits of bee propolis are vast and impressive for such a- quite strange-looking bee product.
6. Our recipe for propolis tincture:
Place propolis, crushed and cleaned of visible impurities, in a clean container and pour in 76% ethyl alcohol (rectified spirit) in a proportion of 100g of raw material to 500 ml of alcohol. Leave for 14 days in a tightly sealed container, in a dark and cool place, stirring by shaking 2-3 times a day. After 2 weeks, separate the dark brown liquid from the sediment by pouring the solution through gauze. Store the resulting tincture in a dark glass bottle. The propolis sediment formed from filtering the tincture can be used as a compress for rheumatic and joint pains, after first lubricating the area with a greasy cream. By following this recipe for propolis tincture we will achieve the best effects for our body, as we maximise the bioavailability of the product.
Propolis solution dosage:
It is recommended to consume 1/2 teaspoon (20-25 drops) of the preparation, which should be dissolved in a small amount of water (about 50 ml) up to three times a day. Propolis is a natural product and cannot be overdosed, however, due to the alcohol content, do not exceed the recommended dosage of the propolis solution.
7. Where to buy propolis/ bee glue?
We recommend choosing reliable sellers of bee products. As Poles, we should choose our domestic product. This will avoid unnecessary allergies- because foreign propolis or other bee products may contain allergens foreign to us. Furthermore, it is worth supporting our national business based on tradition and passion for beekeeping. If you are wondering where to buy propolis/ bee glue we obviously encourage you to check our offer of propolis/ bee glue available in our online shop here.
To your health!
Bibliography/ Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Agnieszka-Najda/publication/277198016_Toxic_substances_in_plants_with_built_structure_with_nitrogen/links/55fb412f08aec948c4afac9b/Toxic-substances-in-plants-with-built-structure-with-nitrogen.pdf#page=111
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/propolis#what-is-propolis
