If bees had a secret weapon, this would be it. You know how important bees are as pollinators, and you probably love honey, but the benefits of propolis might be less well-known to you. Propolis is the quiet achiever in the hive; it is sticky and resinous, and it might be one of the most underrated natural remedies.
What is propolis?
Bees make propolis by mixing tree sap with beeswax and their own enzymes. They use this amazing substance to fix tiny cracks in their hives and to keep invaders out. Basically, cement, but with superpowers, which means we can harness the benefits of propolis to help with our gum and skin health and immunity.
What is propolis made of?
Propolis differs depending on its origin. It can change according to the botanical origin of the tree sap, geographical origin and what seasonal plants are flowering at the time the propolis was made.
Despite these differences, the core of propolis composition remains the same.
Propolis is made of:
- Resins and balsams make up approximately 50-60% of propolis, which is where a large part of the flavonoids and active constituents come from
- Beeswax makes up between 30-40% which gives it its structure
- Essential oils make up between 5-10% which can contribute to propolis’ antimicrobial activity
- Pollen and organic compounds make up the final 5-10% which can add nutritional benefits (trace minerals, vitamins and enzymes)
The compounds most responsible for the healing properties are the flavonoids. This is where the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits of propolis come from.
Propolis derived from poplar, mānuka, or kānuka sources in New Zealand are high in leptospermone-related compounds. This makes it a unique and potent profile, which is not found in propolis in the northern hemisphere.
History of propolis use
Propolis has been used for thousands of years. Egyptians traditionally used it to help with wound healing, and in Greek and Roman times, it was used for infections, skin health, and to help with sore throats.
In our modern age, we use propolis in sprays, tinctures, capsules, creams and toothpaste to support a wide variety of health conditions. And like so many other traditional plant remedies, scientists are now proving what traditional medicine already knew – propolis works.
What are the health benefits of propolis?
1. Propolis supports oral health
Propolis is amazing for your gums and teeth. If you struggle with red gums or sensitive teeth, propolis might be worth considering. Clinical studies have shown that propolis mouthwash can help lessen gum bleeding and support better oral health.
2. Supports immunity
When you are feeling under the weather or if you feel like you are catching something, propolis can help nudge your immune system. This ‘nudge’ shifts your white blood cells up a gear, allowing them to protect your body better. One study found that people using a propolis throat spray were able to shake off respiratory symptoms two days faster than those who didn’t use the spray. We use propolis in our Throat Spray and Vira-Defence Elixir.
🌿Related: 8 Easy Ways To Naturally Support Your Immune System
3. Supports skin and healing
Propolis is a natural antibacterial and is full of healing compounds, making it amazing for skin. If you have a scratch, bite or even an annoying pimple that’s not healing, a little bit of propolis cream can help speed up recovery.
4. Anti-inflammatory
If you have sore joints or irritated skin, propolis can help reduce the physical heat and redness. One of the benefits of propolis is its natural anti-inflammatory actions, which is gentle on your stomach but also very powerful.
🌿Related: 5 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs You Need To Try
5. Antioxidant support
Propolis is rich in flavonoids, which are the plant compounds that you find in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. These help protect your cells from damage over time.
How do you take propolis?
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Sprays are amazing for travel and specific dosing. A spray bottle also means you can get to those niggly places, like tackling a sore throat or sore gums/teeth
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Liquid tincture. Take small doses diluted in water, or try our Vira Defence Elixir, which tastes great
- Capsules or tablets
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Creams are great for first aid - think scrapes, cuts, pimples and bites
Safety – can everyone have propolis?
Yes, mostly – but if you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey, stay away from propolis as it may cause a reaction.
So, what makes propolis different to other immune herbs?
Propolis is a true multitasker. It supports your immune system, helps heal the skin, calms inflammation, helps improve oral health and delivers antioxidant protection. It has been used for thousands of years, and now modern science is catching up with clinical trials confirming what traditional medicine has always known. Pretty amazing from a little bee making hive glue!
Why choose propolis over other herbs?
It is the all-rounder of the natural world. You are not just getting immune support, you are getting skin repair, inflammation support and cell protection in one smart little package. Plus, we have made it even easier for you to incorporate propolis with our Throat Spray and Vira Defence Elixir.
