The name "propolis" comes from the Greek language and can be translated as "city claustrum". In the hive it has protective functions, creating a "dam", so-called "cordon sanitaire " protecting its inhabitants against diseases, germs and unwanted intruders.
How propolis is made.
Bees collect not only pollen. They also harvest tree resin. They transfer it in a pollen basket, giving the shape of a lump with the help of saliva. After returning to the hive, the nub is passed through a bee-picker to a bee-storekeeper. Due to the very sticky nature of the resin, this operation can take up to several hours. As a result, during the day the bee-picker may bring this valuable product to the hive up to 3 times. Therefore, only the oldest and most experienced bees are involved in resin sourcing.
Propolis consists of:
- resins and balms - 55%,
- wax - 30%,
- essential oils - 10%,
- pollen - 5%,
- bee saliva.
In addition, bee glue contains a lot of active substances, among others: caffeic acid, vanilla, cinnamon acid, as well as 19 other elements, including: silver, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, selenium and silicon.
Functions of propolis.
In the first place should be mentioned its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. The bee glue generally strengthens the body. It catalyses the formation of antibodies, increasing immunity of the organism. What is more, it accelerates wound healing, and also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Propolis may be used as a treatment support for such diseases as: anaemia, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, respiratory system diseases, gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, duodenal ulcer, diverticulosis, diarrhoea), otitis, skin diseases and neurosis and insomnia.
An ongoing research is being done on the propolis positive effects for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease.
Some specific examples of the propolis use:
Corns remove.
"A piece of propolis, gently crushed to a soft consistency, thinly applied to a corn, tied with a bandage or a thin clean cloth. After a few days, the corn together with the root falls out of its place." - Irena Gumowska “Pszczoły i ludzie" (“Bees and people”), WATRA Publishing House, 1985, p. 111. This method will also work in the treatment of persistent eczema.
Propolis ointment.
It’s perfect for skin damage (wounds and burns), as well as for eczema and other skin problems, e.g. foot mycosis, gum disease. It will also bring relief for a runny nose when we apply a bit of it on a cotton swab into a nose. It can also be used for bed sores, varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
We can prepare the ointment ourselves at home, mixing 10 g of propolis with 100 g of heated vaseline, coconut oil or shea butter.
Propolis tincture.
It can be used both externally for cleaning the wounds and skin lesions, as well as internally. Used externally, it will be most effective in combination with propolis ointment and vitamin E (mycosis, eczema). You should first wipe the ill place with the cotton wool soaked with the propolis alcohol liquid and then apply ointment on it. This procedure is best repeated 3 times daily.
When used internally, the tincture is most effective (and easier to swallow) in combination with honey. It can also be diluted in water or added to a brew of linseed (in the case of gastrointestinal diseases). Prophylactically, we take 1 tablespoon of tincture once a day. For treatment support, we increase the frequency to 3 times a day after meals.
We can use the tincture as a lotion for such diseases as: periodontitis, pharyngitis (together with sage) and tonsillitis.
To prepare the tincture, 30 g of propolis should be mixed with 100 g of spirit. Then shake it for about 30 minutes so that the ingredients would combine. Tincture macerates about 6 days. During this time, shake the container with the liquid regularly every day. After that (6 days of time), put the tincture in the fridge for about 2 hours. After this time it should be filter through gauze. The best way to store it is a dark glass bottle.
Propolis lotion.
It’s perfect for everyday face care. It soothes skin inflammations and smoothes the skin, delaying the effects of aging.
Propolis in tablets.
For the prevention of diseases and general strengthening of the body, it’s recommended to take 3 propolis lozenges (500mg) per day, even despite bitter taste. In support of treatment of diseases, the dose of propolis should be increased to 6 tablets a day (2 tablets 3 times a day after a meal).
Propolis is not easily obtained, which affects its high price, and thus the temptation to cheat the clients by some dishonest beekeepers. At the beginning I described how its collection is long and exhausting for bees the process is. To have the right properties, propolis must be completely natural and made from bee's need, not slavery work. Bees excessively robbed from its glue may start to use a tar paper looted roofs of buildings, or even the paint covering the vehicles. In that way they seal their hives but we shouldn’t count too much on the health features of such a substance.
Another issue there are frauds. Propolis is difficult to recognize because it has no distinctive features. That is why it happens that under the slogan "propolis", we may buy ordinary hive-cleanings for a high price, which means everything what will fall to hive’s bottom, in other words - bee rubbish. Therefore, I suggest buying propolis from a trusted beekeeper or from a company specializing in the processing of bee products, having its own laboratories (e.g. Forever has organic apiaries in Arizona and specialized laboratories). I also warn against the ideas of swallowing bee glue obtained directly from the hive. While chemically treated it is deprived of, among others, wax, which in excess may impair us because we don’t digest it and it can clog our digestive tract. Warning! We are not able to clarify propolis at home, as we will lose its valuable properties by subjecting it to temperature.
Can propolis impair us?
Yes, it can cause allergic reactions e.g. hay fever or rash. However, this happens sporadically. An overdose of propolis may cause diarrhea. People taking medicines for hypertension must also be extra caution. Too much propolis can lower the pressure excessively.
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