What is Propolis
Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from the buds of some plants such as poplars, birches, pines, firs, horse chestnuts, willows, oaks and elms.
Composition
Propolis is mainly composed of resins and balms (50%), wax (25%), volatile essential oils (10%), pollen (5%), organic and mineral material (5%). Flavonoids are also very important and, enhanced by the presence of anti-inflammatories and vitamins (C, E, B1, B2, B6, PP), play an important protective action on blood capillaries.
Medicinal properties
The therapeutic characteristics of propolis are due to all of these substances that give it properties:
- antibiotic
- fungicidal
- anesthetic
- healing and anti-inflammatory
- immunostimulatory
The ingestion of propolis is therefore beneficial:
- in herpes simplex viral infections and recurrent mouth ulcers
- in diseases of the respiratory and digestive system
- in case of capillary fragility
- in case of difficult digestion
- in oral hygiene and in cases of gingivitis and toothache
Propolis supplements
Propolis comes in different formulations on the market. The raw resin is not very widespread also due to its unpleasant taste and its tendency to yellow teeth (the effect is absolutely reversible, normal oral hygiene operations are sufficient).
Raw propolis
The raw propolis should be dissolved slowly in the mouth and is indicated in case of toothache, gingivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis. The intake dose is very low: it is advisable to take one gram after the three main meals.
The dye, obtained by diluting the propolis in ethyl alcohol, is suitable for gargle, buffering, brushing or inhalations.
Propolis tincture
The ingestion of propolis tincture can occur together with honey or sugar (to mask its bitter taste), water or hot milk (in this case it is important to shake well since propolis tends to stick to the walls of the container). It is normally recommended to take 5-15 drops per day.
Soft abstract
Propolis can also be used to treat dermatological diseases (boils, eczema, burns, redness, sores) by taking advantage of its antibiotic and healing properties. In these cases the soft propolis extract is indicated, a preparation obtained by evaporating the alcohol from the dye with the aid of heat (thermosyphon or bain-marie, no free flame due to the high flammability of the alcohol). The soft propolis extract will then be applied directly to the skin area to be treated.
