Propolis: Benefits of Propolis and How to Use it

Propolis is an extraordinary product, but yet few people know what it really is. Propolis tincture is called “the natural antibiotic”; it is produced by bees and is a unique and valuable product for both these extraordinary insects and humans. Let’s look together at the benefits of propolis.

IMPORTANT: The information in this article relates to the natural benefits of propolis. It cannot substitute for the opinion of a physician or the use of any medications. Therefore, for diseases or illnesses, it is always recommended that you consult your medical professional in order to figure out the best treatment.

What is propolis?

Propolis is considered the natural antibiotic; it is a substance produced by bees with a resinous and viscous consistency and has a strong bactericidal action. Another of the extraordinary products that comes from the hive, in addition to artisanal honey and bee pollen. Bees use propolis to seal cracks within the hive, strengthen the honeycomb and to protect it from attack by bacterial pathogens. It can thus be defined as a true natural silicone. Also take a look at alcoholic-free propolis, also ideal for children. Also, because of its strong odor, it is an excellent repellent for larvae predators. The name propolis comes from the Greek pro-polis, which literally means ahead of the city. Since ancient times, therefore, its importance has been known both for the survival of the hive and for its benefits for the care of the human body . The Egyptians, taking bees as their model, used propolis to mummify bodies. Later, first the Greeks and then the Romans, used it as a healer and restorative. In South America, among the Incan people, it was used to treat febrile states, tooth decay, toothache and inflammation of the oral cavities. With the advent of industrialization, propolis was put into oblivion, often considered a superfluous compound. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that it is a unique natural product rich in benefits and has been officially recognized as a natural remedy for seasonal ailments and diseases. Among the best propolis on the market is Natiflow propolis , this product has received many accolades because it is 100% Italian and natural.

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Benefits of Propolis

Propolis acts on our bodies in many ways :

• It activates cell metabolism and consequently cell division. For this reason, propolis acts directly on wound healing by accelerating its course.
• Some studies in the geriatric field have shown that the assiduous and regular intake of propolis improved the psychophysical state of the elderly.
• It stimulates the “thymus,” the gland responsible for regulating the immune and hormonal systems during the period of puberty and adolescence.
• It is indicated for those with metabolic problems: its intake has been shown to regulate and correct blood lipid values so as to prevent circulatory problems.
• It is an excellent healer and pain reliever and is therefore recommended for small and mild mucosal lesions of the mouth such as mouth ulcers, abscesses and gingivitis.
• It is an excellent decongestant and disinflammatory.

We recommend reading our articles on the specifics of each honey and discover their extraordinary beneficial effect on everyday life: What is the best bee pollen? – Orange Honey Benefits – Benefits of Acacia Honey – The Best Italian Honey

Properties of Propolis

Knowing and stating what precisely is inside propolis is very difficult. Its composition, varies depending on several factors: the place where the hives reside and consequently the vegetation that thrives in that area; the time of collection; and the soil and climatic conditions. Several studies have attested that propolis contains approximately 150 substances divided into five main categories:

• Resins 50 %
• Waxes 15 %
• Fatty acids 15 %
• Essential oils 10 %
• Pollen 5 %
• Organic and mineral compounds 5 %

Very rich in polyphenols including flavonoids, propolis has a high amount of minerals including iron and calcium and B vitamins.

The products derived from the apiary are varied and come from different areas and territories in Italy:
Acacia Honey – Sulla Honey (Sainfoin Honey) – Chestnut Honey – Millefiori Honey (Mixed Flower Honey) – Eucalyptus Honey – Orange Honey.

Prevents and helps treat flu, colds and sore throats

Due to its properties, propolis can be used as a preventive and curative remedy for seasonal ills; thus, it can be very useful for those who habitually suffer from sore throats and pharyngeal irritation. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, it acts as a shield against viruses and bacteria, preventing their proliferation and improving the defensive activity of our immune system. If our body can defend itself against the pathogen, the risk of the onset of disease is lowered. Read also: Why Does Honey Crystallizes and What to Do About It.

How propolis is processed

On the market, propolis comes in different stages and compositions: as a paste to be chewed; in soft extract, that is, as a cream to be used in burns, wounds, erythema and bruises; and finally it may be found most commonly in the form of hydroalcoholic extract.
The process of producing it in hydroalcoholic solution is quite long and difficult. After leaving it in the freezer for a few hours, it needs to be broken up and made into almost powder. At this point it will need to be left to macerate for about 20 to 30 days in infusion with some 96° alcohol. A percentage of water should also be added to this mixture, so that the vitamins and minerals can be solubilized, which, with alcohol alone, would remain unsolved.
After the infusion period has passed, the alcohol will have taken on the classic brownish-black color typical of hydroalcoholic propolis. The resulting solution can then be filtered to remove the solid propolis residue and placed in drop-counting bottles.

How do bees produce propolis and why?

How and why do bees produce propolis? Propolis is produced by bees to protect the hive from the processing of resins that foragers collect on flowers, fungi and tree bark. Plants produce these resinous substances to protect shoots and buds from attack by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Bees collect this substance from early spring through fall: the resin is collected during the hottest hours of the day because in warm weather it becomes more malleable and soft, therefore easier to transport. During collection, bees knead this resin with wax and saliva, creating balls that they carry into the hive with the same bags used to transport pollen. Compared to pollen, the collection of resin processed into propolis is much more complex and challenging. Propolis balls are much smaller and heavier than pollen balls, and it takes longer to assemble them. Once in the hive, the female workers will help the padder get rid of the propolis. Read also: Benefits of Eucalyptus Honey.
Propolis imported by the foragers will be used to close holes, the empty spaces that are not expected; it will be useful for stuffing other animals that are not expelled to prevent the spread of pathogens from decomposition; it is also used to sanitize the hive because of its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.