Medicinal properties of propolis and contraindications

The production of honey by bees is a well-known fact. But not everyone knows about other products resulting from the activity of these insects. But there are not so few of them: wax, blizzard, propolis, royal jelly. Today you will learn about propolis, the second most popular beekeeping product after honey.

We will talk about the medicinal properties of propolis, contraindications. You will learn how to use propolis inside, whether you can chew it, how much, is it harmful or not, and how to do it correctly.

What is bee propolis, the benefits and harms in its pure form

Propolis, or bee glue, is a special substance produced by bees from resin and needed by insects to seal the cracks in the hive. Often in everyday life you can hear the statement that the product is bee droppings. Well, let's dispel this myth.

The true nature of the appearance of this substance is as follows: bees collect and transfer resinous plant secretions on their paws, in the hive they treat them with special secretions of the jaw glands, add wax and pollen. This is how propolis turns out - an interesting and useful product for both bees and people.

Medicinal properties of propolis honey

The natural product has been famous for its medicinal properties since ancient times. What is the reason for this phenomenon? The benefits of this product in phenolic components. So, propolis contains phenolic acid, flavones, flavonols, as well as ferulic, caffeic and benzolic acids.

These substances are biologically active components and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it contains B-group vitamins and amino acids.

How and how much to take a medicinal product for angina and tonsillitis

Application is possible in different ways. It can be applied, chewed, consumed "inside" with honey or in the form of introductory and alcoholic tinctures, sometimes it is advisable to use medicinal suppositories.

The method of using this substance is primarily dictated by the disease, and its use is recommended to be previously agreed with the doctor... The main contraindication is an allergy to bee products.

What diseases can it help?

1. Stomach ulcer... Propolis, of course, is not able to cure an ulcer completely, but it will be an excellent addition to a complex of stronger drugs. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and the vitamins it contains, it can help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. The recommended way of consumption is in the form of oil or alcohol tincture.
2. Gastritis... Drinking for gastritis is one way to relieve pain, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. This effect can be achieved by chewing or dissolving the product, using it as part of tinctures.
3. Myoma of the uterus... Treatment in this case is a tribute to traditional medicine. Officially, this method is not supported, but in any case it will not bring harm and will positively affect the general condition of the body.It is recommended to use propolis for this gynecological disease in the form of tinctures or suppositories (balls) inserted into the vagina.
4. Onychomycosis or nail fungus... Due to its high bactericidal, fungicidal and bacteriostatic properties, propolis relieves itching and inflammation, and also prevents the further spread of the fungus. Thus, the problem will be solved by natural replacement of the diseased nail with a healthy plate. The recommended way of use is to wet the diseased part with an appropriate tincture.
5. Helicobacter... Helibokter pylori is a bacterium that lives in the human stomach and causes ulcers. One of the most effective ways to get rid of it is to use an aqueous or alcoholic tincture.
6. Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas... Possessing unique healing properties, propolis will not only help get rid of the disease, but also normalize the work of the entire digestive system. The correct way to use is alcohol tincture, the greatest effectiveness is achieved in combination with complex medicines.
7. Sinusitis... The most common treatment for this disease is antibiotics, but traditional medicine offers its own alternative - propolis. And thanks to the antibacterial and regenerating properties of the substance, this method is very justified. With sinusitis, it is recommended to use it in the form of a tincture, drops or inhalations.
8. Haemorrhoids. According to alternative medicine, the use of suppositories, ointments or microclysters is one of the most effective ways to treat this disease. This "eco-friendly" method has been tested by many and has proven its effectiveness in the general public.
9. Gastroduodenitis... Propolis tuning is one of the main folk methods of treating erosive gastroduodenitis. The effectiveness of this method lies in the ability of the product to reduce inflammation and envelop the walls of the intestine and stomach, protecting them from further irritation. Thus, over time, the covers are restored, and the disease disappears by itself.
10. Liver disease... The benefits of propolis extract for this disease is manifested in the ability of the substance to become a catalyst for the restoration of damaged cells, while not harming the rest of the body.
    Propolis will not be effective and useful for all liver diseases and, in any case, is only an adjunct.
11. Bronchitis. For the improvement or treatment of the bronchopulmonary system, propolis can be used both in the form of tinctures, and can be chewed or included in inhalation. Relieving inflammation in the patient's airways, this substance will be an excellent addition to the general complex of drugs and will help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
12. Gum disease. Bleeding and decaying gums, bad breath - these unpleasant symptoms can be alleviated by applying and chewing propolis, which has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. This substance can completely cure minor diseases and become an assistant in getting rid of more severe gum ailments. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using it.
13. Prostatitis. Prostate problems are a fairly common male disease. You can get rid of it using candles, which you can purchase at the pharmacy or make yourself.
14. Bowel disease... With this problem, propolis will be a useful addition to the main course of treatment, it will help get rid of inflammation and restore damaged tissues.
15. NSendometriosis or endomentritis... The treatment of this disease is a rather long and laborious process that requires the complex work of medicines and folk remedies. A good result is obtained by using the product in the form of a tincture (for douching the vagina) or special suppositories.
16. Acute tonsillitis or tonsillitis. With this ailment, the use of propolis is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to get rid of irritation in the throat, as well as increase immunity. The recommended way to use is alcohol tincture, rinse solution.
17. Acne... The most effective will be the application of special plates to the desired areas of the skin or wetting them with tincture, and in the pharmacy it is possible to purchase a special ointment containing this substance.

Due to its unique properties, propolis will indeed become an excellent adjuvant in the treatment of various diseases and will help maintain a strong immune system. However, it would be foolish to rely only on him - the most effective is always a complex method of treatment that combines medicines and elements of alternative medicine.

Now let's take a closer look at the most common ways to use propolis.

Can you chew propolis?

The therapeutic method, which is chewing pure propolis, is controversial and has both advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits of chewing

• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, making chewing effective in solving oral and throat problems.
• Pain relieving effect.
• Enhancing local immunity and preventing disease recurrence.

Cons of this method

• Propolis is an active substance that is close in its action to antibiotics and, if used incorrectly, will not only bring benefits, but also harm the body.

Contraindications

• The most important limitation applies to everyone suffering from allergies to bee products. This problem occurs in about 1% of all people and chewing propolis is categorically contraindicated in its owner.
• Pregnant women should abstain: perhaps the mother's body does not react to the substance in any way, but there is a possibility of individual intolerance in the fetus.
• Refuse this method of treatment or significantly limit it should be people with diseases of the kidneys, liver and biliary tract.

How to use propolis correctly?

We have considered the pros and cons of this method, as well as contraindications. If you are still determined to try the next treatment, check out the following rules for chewing propolis:

1. Propolis should be consumed in strictly limited quantities. The rate will depend on your gender, age and physical characteristics. The average dose is only about 3 grams, but during the period of illness it can be increased to 10.
2. You should be careful to accustom your body to this substance. Be gradual: start chewing with a small amount, observe the state of your body, and only then bring the amount of the substance used to your norm.

Making tinctures for gargling

Tinctures with propolis are one of the most versatile and convenient ways to use this beekeeping product. Tincture with propolis helps with angina, tonsillitis, bronchitis, sore throat. It alleviates the symptoms of the disease and relieves the condition. Consider the types of such drinks, as well as the best recipes for their preparation.

Alcohol tincture

For the treatment of diseases, alcoholic tinctures with a concentration of 5 to 40% can be used: the higher the percentage of alcohol, the stronger the effect of the drink. However, it is not recommended to use tinctures with excessive concentration - they produce too high an effect on body tissues and can be irritating.

Thus, the optimal percentage of alcohol is only 15%... You can buy such a solution at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself, following this recipe:

To prepare 100 grams of tincture you will need: 15 grams of propolis and 85 milliliters of 75% alcohol.

Cooking algorithm: Place the propolis in the refrigerator. When the product has solidified, take it out and cut it carefully so that the size of one piece does not exceed 4 milliliters. Place the crushed propolis in a bottle (preferably opaque) and fill with alcohol, seal tightly and shake several times (to ensure the best penetration of liquid between the particles).

Place the solution in a dry, dark place and leave for two weeks, removing and shaking daily. When the infusion process is complete, strain the resulting solution through a sieve or cheesecloth into a separate container.

The tincture prepared in this way will be as useful as possible and, if stored properly, will last up to 3 years.

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Alcohol-free water-based tinctures

Compared to a tincture on water, an alcoholic solution of propolis has much more contraindications (for example, it is categorically not suitable for children), and also retains less useful properties of the bee product itself. Most often, an aqueous solution of propolis is included in more complex medicines, but it can also be used as an independent drug.

For cooking you will need: propolis and distilled water in a ratio of 1/10 (that is, for example, for 10 grams of bee product, you need to take 100 grams of liquid).

Algorithm for preparing the tincture: First of all, cool the propolis to a solid state and chop it with a knife or grater so that the individual pieces are about 2-3 millimeters in size. Then add the crushed substance to the water and leave for a day, shaking occasionally - you should get a clear drink with a slight greenish tint and a characteristic fragrant aroma... Filter the liquid and pour it into a dark glass container.

Shelf life is about a week.

Contraindications to the use of tincture

• Individual intolerance to beekeeping products;
• The presence of acute eczema.

Beneficial features

Among all the methods of use, this option confidently takes an honorable first place: in tandem, both the properties of propolis and the properties of honey complement and exaggerate each other.

Thus, this combination is the strongest active substance, comparable to antibiotics and beneficial to the entire body.

How to use it correctly for treatment

• In the form of an ointment for the treatment of severely healing external wounds;
• In the form of a basis for inhalation of the respiratory tract;
• Dissolve against diseases of the oral cavity (½ spoon at a time);
• In acute diseases, take medicinal propolis 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day;

Is it normal that honey with propolis has a green tint? Yes, absolutely normal. Such honey (and propolis, respectively) is called paddy, and the unusual color is explained by the lack of flowering plants around the hive. Note that in terms of its useful properties, such honey is no different from the golden comrade and is also recommended for use. All the same diseases can be treated with them. And besides, you can gargle your throat every 2-3 hours.