Bee propolis is one of the world’s oldest medicines used since prehistoric times when the ancient Egyptians even considered it holy. Propolis is used for a large scale of effects from infections to anti-cancer treatments.
Where it comes from
Bee propolis is a natural material that bees make from tree sap and wax to help seal off their hives. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form because it is usually obtained from beehives and contains bee products.
How people apply bee propolis
People take bee propolis by mouth or sometimes directly apply it to the skin. Propolis is also added to lip gloss and other cosmetics in manufacturing.
How propolis works
Propolis seems to be against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. People use propolis for canker sores and infections caused by bacteria (including tuberculosis and upper respiratory tract infections), by viruses (including HIV, H1N1, and the common cold), and by fungus.
Research shows that propolis might also have anti-inflammatory effects and help skin heal.
What is propolis effective for
There is not sufficient evidence about what propolis can do, but some evidence shows that propolis can help with canker sores, diabetes, Helicobacter Pylori infection, cold sores, minor burns, mouth surgery, painful mouth sores and inflammation, immune response improvement, etc.
Safety of propolis
Propolis is possibly safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin appropriately. Some people, however, who are allergic to bees or bee products may have allergic reactions.
People with pregnancy or breast-feeding, asthma, bleeding conditions, allergies and surgery should take particular care before applying propolis and ask doctors for advice.
