How does it feel?
The propolis itself starts off crunchy, and quickly changes to waxy and a little sticky as you chew it. While each colony produces propolis with its own unique character, it will always have faint but noticeable floral notes, followed by a very apparent medicinal quality, a bit like TCP.
It is slightly astringent, and usually tingly on the tongue. Because it is a resin, tinctures are made with high strength alcohol (70% or higher), so the floral notes are normally lost in the end product, while the tingly medicinal quality is stronger.
What can I use it for?
Propolis and bees wax Propolis is an excellent addition to the First Aid cabinet. The powdered resin can be used directly on open wounds, mouth ulcers, cold sores or any open infection (using the tincture is also good but the 70% alcohol will sting!). It has an affinity for the mouth and gums, and is thus very useful for gingivitis and other dental issues (3). As an internal medicine it can be used alone or in conjunction with other herbs to treat respiratory tract infections, food poisoning, and other acute infections. It has shown good protective effects against coronaviruses, including Covid, both in the acute phase and during recovery (4).
For more long-term issues, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer and other degenerative disease, propolis helps to normalise the issues at hand. While the mechanisms of action are not well understood, propolis can help to lower blood glucose levels, support and normalise cardiovascular issues, and some studies on cells have shown it to have protective effects against cancer, though clinical trials are needed (5–7).
As an immunomodulatory and anti inflammatory, propolis is particularly useful as an adjuvant treatment for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, and even multiple sclerosis (8–11).
As a nasal spray, it can be useful for problems associated with the nasal passages such as sinusitis and hayfever (12). Yet, be cautious about the preparation: a 70% tincture will aggravate more than it will help!
Because it is so rich in vitamins and minerals, propolis is also used as an ingredient for skin care preparations. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help to alleviate all kinds of skin issues, and because it doesn’t clog the pores it is a good medicine for problems ranging from acne to rosacea (13).
Into the heart of propolis
Propolis and bee honey Propolis is a profound medicine. Hundreds, even thousands, of bees have devoted their precious time and energy to make this substance by dint of hard work, their body fluids, and community spirit. While they do this work by instinct, we humans harvest it with specific intention, and in hope of help.
Because honey bees live in community and embedded in their local area, the propolis harvested from a particular hive carries the characteristics of the local environment, and the qualities of clan and kinship. The flowers, weather, mood, climate and energy around the hive imprints on the honey, and also the propolis. The long and deep connection between honey bees and humans, which speaks to comradeship, mutual respect, and guardianship, is also present in propolis medicine.
When we use propolis as medicine, we are accessing the energy and kinship of the hive. Think of the medicine inherent in the bread you make, the food you share, or in any gift you give to others: propolis similarly holds the impressions of the making, as well as the inherent medicinal properties.
Traditional uses
Bees make propolis In Ancient Egypt, propolis was used in the embalming process to prepare the dead for their onward journey. In Ancient Greece, propolis was valued by Hippocrates and his followers for its medicinal properties and while records are scanty, we can be certain that the Melissae — the bee priestesses — had knowledge of propolis and used it in their practices. Propolis can be shaped into cones and burned as incense, clearing the air for ritual purposes.
In traditional Chinese medicine, propolis is believed to hold “yang” properties, meaning it is warming and invigorating. Similarly, in Ayurvedic medicine, propolis is considered to be supportive and balancing for kapha due to its warming and drying properties.
Throughout history, propolis has been associated with protection and preservation. It was used to seal and reinforce all kinds of structures, including hives, boats, and musical instruments. In folklore, propolis has been linked to generosity, vitality, protection, and longevity.
Traditional actions
Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.
Traditional energetic actions
Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.
What practitioners say
Propolis in a spoon Propolis can be used as a simple (meaning a single ingredient) or as part of a medicine mix. It can be used as a powder, or as a tincture. It can be incorporated into topical medicines for skin problems, added to snuff mixes for sinus and nasal problems, and sprays for throat and mouth issues.
It is a powerful medicine for acute problems like wounds and infections, and as such is a very useful addition to the First Aid kit and the traveller’s kit.
It’s particularly useful for people who have long-term issues that put them at increased risk of acute infections, such as those with autoimmune conditions, and those with compromised immunity.
Propolis has a nourishing tonic aspect that makes it beneficial for people in need of ongoing support, for example those with autoimmune conditions, a cancer diagnosis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other long-term degenerative conditions. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are especially useful here.
Research
Propolis with honeycomb There have been several interesting studies exploring the properties and potential therapeutic applications of propolis. Here are some areas that have particularly attracted research interest.
Antimicrobial activity
Numerous in vitro studies have shown that propolis has broad spectrum antimicrobial properties against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria. (14)
Anti-inflammatory effects
Propolis has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for reducing inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, gastritis, and skin disorders. (15,16)
Antioxidant capacity
Propolis is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Several clinical studies have confirmed the antioxidant capacity of propolis and its potential role in mitigating oxidative stress-related damage in cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. (11,16) The antioxidant properties of propolis have also proven it a useful remedy to support type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. In an 8-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial T2DM patients were given 1500 mg of propolis or placebo.
Results found fasting blood sugar, two-hour postprandial glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to significantly decrease in propolis-treated patients, along with an increase in total antioxidant capacity — an indication of improvement of glycemic status, reduction in insulin resistance and amelioration in antioxidant status. (17) These promising clinical outcomes in T2DM populations were replicated in other randomised placebo-controlled trials. (18,19)
Wound healing
Research has shown that propolis can accelerate the wound healing process due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerating properties. Studies have demonstrated that propolis-based formulations can enhance wound closure, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. Clinical trials have supported this, particularly in diabetic foot wounds, with a study finding a decrease in wound area and increased levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 with adjunctive propolis spray (3%) treatment over an 8-week period. Another study on the use of propolis for diabetic leg ulcers support its tolerability and improvement in healing vs control. (20, 21)
Dental health
Propolis has been investigated for its potential applications in dental care, particularly for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical and in vitro studies have shown that propolis-containing mouthwashes, toothpaste, and dental materials can help prevent dental caries, gingivitis, and other oral infections while promoting overall oral health (3). Propolis exerted antibacterial effects in vivo and in vitro in a human study as a mouthwash, which positively impacted the control of dental plaque. Furthermore, propolis extract in the form of dental varnish demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and constituted a possible alternative in the prevention of tooth decay in a randomised control study in children and other studies. (22, 23)
Bees make propolis Cancer research
Some research suggests that propolis may have anticancer properties, although more studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications. (7) Preliminary studies have shown that propolis extracts may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer types. In a clinical study in patients diagnosed with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, propolis was found to safely and efficaciously improve the nutritional status and quality of life — specifically with improved energy intake and emotional functioning. (24) We strongly advise when treating cancer to work with an integrative specialist who can guide you on the safest steps to take. You can read more about this topic in our article “Mushrooms for cancer care“.
Relating to both cancer and dental care, studies have also found propolis to be an effective treatment for radiotherapy-induced mucositis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and chemotherapy-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. (25)
Fertility
Research on the effects of propolis on fertility is relatively limited compared to other areas of study. However, some preliminary research suggests that propolis may have potential benefits for reproductive health, particularly in the context of male fertility. Here are a few studies that have explored this topic:
Sperm quality
An in vitro study investigated the effects of propolis on sperm mitochondrial function and motility in human ejaculate. Results found propolis to improve mitochondrial respiratory efficiency in the human spermatozoa thereby having potential to improve sperm motility. (26)
Oxidative stress
High levels of reactive oxygen species is associated with low quality of sperm and male infertility. Pre-clinical studies have investigated propolis, partially owing to its antioxidant properties, and found higher sperm production. Furthermore, an in vitro human studies found a propolis extract to exert protective effects on human sperm against induced oxidative stress. Therefore, the antioxidant properties of propolis may have potential benefits for improving male fertility by reducing oxidative stress in the reproductive system.(27,28) Further human studies are required to support this use of propolis clinically.
Reproductive disorders
There is limited research on the effects of propolis on female fertility or reproductive disorders. However, some studies have explored the potential therapeutic effects of propolis in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial where supplementation with propolis elicited positive effects on fasting insulin and insulin resistance, in addition to reducing the testosterone level, and LDL/HDL ratio in PCOS women. (29) An in silico study also found propolis to possess strong binding potential with receptors related to reproductive function, apoptotic reactions and inflammatory processes, significant factors associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which shows promise for future clinical investigations for propolis’ application for this reproductive condition. (30)
These studies highlight the diverse range of potential health benefits associated with propolis and provide valuable insights into its pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying these effects and to explore additional potential uses of propolis in medicine and healthcare.
Did you know?
The composition of propolis can vary widely from region to region, and even from hive to hive, depending on factors such as climate, weather, local plants, and the health of the hive.
Propolis feels brittle and fixed when you handle it, but over a period of time it flows slowly, like lava, to find its own level. If you’re storing it for a long time, make sure to put it into a container with a wide opening so you can prise it out when you’re ready to use it.
Additional information
Botanical description
Bees make propolis by collecting resins from native trees and other plants and carry it back to the hive in their pollen baskets, where worker bees mix it with pollen, beeswax, and the enzymes in their saliva to create a shiny, black, waxy, resinous substance. The bees use this to line the inside walls of their hive, and also to stop up any gaps and cracks in the outer wall in order to protect their home from all kinds of invaders, from infective agents like bacteria, to predators like other insects and even snakes. Propolis literally means defender of the city (from the Greek pro- (defence) and -polis (city). (1)
Propolis can vary in colour from dark brown to reddish-brown or even greenish-brown, depending on its botanical sources and age. It can be shiny or dull, and it looks like it could be brittle, but it’s also sticky and slightly tacky. Propolis is often found in irregularly shaped clusters or fragments, ranging in size from small granules to larger chunks.
While some propolis is clean and clear, sometimes it still holds visible plant resins, beeswax, and other debris. It may contain small particles of pollen, bee parts, and other organic materials collected by bees during foraging.
Propolis is aromatic, smelling balsamic, and resinous, with hints of floral, woody, and herbal notes. The scent is often reminiscent of the plant resins from which it is derived, along with a subtle sweetness from the beeswax and honey components.
Common names
- Bee glue
- Bee putty
- Hive dross
Safety
People with allergies to bee products should always avoid propolis.
Propolis is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding and during pregnancy.
People using blood thinners should use propolis with caution.
Interactions
While propolis has no known strong interactions with pharmaceutical drugs, it has some blood thinning properties and so should be avoided when using blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin.
Contraindications
Propolis is best avoided by people with allergic or atopic tendencies, at least until a patch test indicates that the individual doesn’t have a reaction.
Preparations
Propolis is usually prepared as a tincture made with 70% grain alcohol. Glycerin can be used instead of alcohol. Propolis is also used as a fine powder, which can be applied directly to open wounds, and to the gums for oral health.
Dosage
The appropriate dose for propolis tincture can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, health status, and the specific condition being treated.
Oral use: For general immune support or maintenance, a typical dosage of propolis tincture is 10–20 drops taken orally, one to three times per day.
Acute conditions: In cases of acute illness or infection, such as colds, flu, or sore throat, take 20–40 drops at frequent intervals.
Topical use: For topical application, propolis tincture can be applied directly to the affected area using a dropper, or clean fingertips. The dosage will vary depending on the size of the area being treated and the specific condition. It’s advisable to start with a small amount and apply as needed, monitoring for any skin reactions or irritation. Be aware that if using the tincture, the alcohol will sting, but that will wear off quite quickly.
Allergic reactions: If you experience any allergic reactions or adverse effects after taking propolis tincture, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Plant parts used
The resin
Constituents
Propolis is a complex compound, and its chemical composition can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, plant sources, and bee species. However, some of the main constituents commonly found in propolis include:
- Flavonoids (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory). Common flavonoids found in propolis include quercetin, kaempferol, and galangin.
- Phenolic acids (antioxidant, antimicrobial). Examples of phenolic acids in propolis include caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid
- Aromatic compounds including aromatic acids, aldehydes, and esters (antimicrobial)
- Terpenes (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic): Propolis contains terpenes such as β-caryophyllene, β-pinene, and limonene
- Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates that have immune-modulating properties
- Vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B, C, and E, as well as zinc, magnesium, and calcium. These nutrients contribute to the overall health-promoting properties of propolis
Overall, propolis is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological activities. The synergistic interactions between these constituents contribute to the therapeutic properties of propolis and its wide range of traditional and modern medicinal uses. (31, 32)
Habitat
Propolis is found everywhere that honey bees forage and build their hives.
Sustainability
The sustainability of propolis depends absolutely on the sustainability of the bees. Bees are increasingly threatened by the modern world, and therefore so is propolis. However, wherever bees and their hives are protected and preserved, we will have access to propolis. The bees need and use propolis for their own purposes, so it’s important that beekeepers don’t take all the propolis from the hive.
Interestingly propolis has shown some promise as a potential natural tool for agriculture to help reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides (33).
Quality control
Bees conduct quality control on their own propolis, and as a general rule, all propolis is good quality. However, if the health of the hive is compromised, the propolis may be inferior.
How to grow
To nurture your own local supply of propolis, join a local beekeeping group or find a good book to guide you to learn the craft of beekeeping and ways in which you can support bee populations in your area.
Recipe
Propolis tincture Propolis tincture
Here’s a simple recipe for making propolis tincture at home:
Ingredients:
- Raw propolis (you can obtain propolis from beekeepers or purchase it from health food stores)
- High-proof alcohol (at least 70%)
Method:
- Start by cleaning the raw propolis to remove any debris or impurities. You can do this by gently washing it with water or scraping off any excess wax.
- Once cleaned, place the propolis in a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour enough high-proof alcohol over the propolis to fully cover it. The alcohol will extract the beneficial compounds from the propolis.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and shake it well.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2–4 weeks to allow the propolis to infuse into the alcohol. You can shake the jar gently every few days to help the extraction process.
- After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid propolis particles. These can be used with more alcohol to make another tincture. Or, just leave the propolis to tincture for longer, until as much as possible of it is dissolved into the alcohol.
- Transfer the strained tincture into a clean amber glass bottle for storage. Remember to label it. A glass dropper bottle is useful for applying propolis directly to a wound or the back of the throat.
- Your propolis tincture is now ready to use. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
To use the propolis tincture, you can take a few drops orally by diluting it in water or juice, or apply it topically to the skin as needed. Keep in mind that propolis tincture is highly concentrated, so it’s best to start with a small dose and gradually increase if needed. Additionally, if you have any allergies or sensitivities to bee products or alcohol, consult with a healthcare professional before using propolis tincture.
References
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