How To Use Propolis

What is propolis?

Propolis is nature’s antiseptic marvel. Propolis is renowned for its strong anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Because of this, it has been used to support immune health in humans for thousands of years. Ancient medicine also used it for healing cuts and as a natural anti-oxidant. Propolis contain resins, balms, essential oils, and phenols.

Propolis is a potent mixture, completely natural and free of chemicals and toxins. Bees make it by collecting plant resin and mixing it with beeswax. The bees then coat the inside of their hives with the propolis. Honeybees use propolis as a highly effective part of their colony’s defense against virus and disease. Also, the bees use propolis to regulate the internal conditions of the hive.

Can propolis help strengthen the immune system?

Eating propolis daily is said to help strengthen the immune system. Even in small doses, it can help the body to protect against and fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including the flu. Read more about the reported health benefits of propolis here: What are the health benefits of propolis?

Even though people have used propolis for external complaints for thousands of years, most producers do not have the necessary licences to market their propolis products for topical or external use. Therefore, on most packaging, it is stated that the propolis is for internal use only. As such, the propolis product is a food supplement and fall under different legislation.

Are there different forms of propolis?

Propolis is not fully soluble in water, so extraction is usually done using alcohol or oil. It is however possible to extract some parts of it in a water solution, however this is not available to purchase due to its short shelf life. Propolis can however be used raw, in chunks or turned into powder. It is often easiest to use once extracted or powdered.

• Propolis tincture (used for consumption and topically)
• Powdered propolis (used for consumption and to make cosmetics, creams and capsules)
• Propolis in oil (used for cosmetics)
• Raw chunks of propolis (used to make tincture, oil and powder)

What is propolis tincture?

Propolis tincture is easy to ingest and often preferred to other forms. This is because when propolis is dissolved in alcohol it is highly bio-available. This enables fast absorption by the body. Propolis tincture is a solution of pure grain alcohol (or ethanol) and propolis. Tinctures come in different strengths, the most common is about 30% propolis.

How do I make my own propolis tincture?

If you have propolis and would like to make your own tincture, follow this tutorial: How to make propolis tincture – Hanna’s Bees

How do I take propolis tincture?

Take 1-2 drops daily at the start. Propolis is quite strong flavoured so is best taken with a bit of bread, a spoon of honey or mixed with a drink. You can gradually increase the dosage to 5-10 drops daily, taken morning and evening, if you like.

How do I take powdered propolis?

Powdered propolis is best mixed with a drink or a spoon of honey before eating. Propolis is very potent, so a pinch is enough, or just the very tip of a teaspoon daily.  

Is it safe to take propolis?

• Pregnant women should avoid taking propolis.
• Propolis is safe to take in small doses while breastfeeding.
• It is safe for children over 12 months to take propolis.
• Avoid if allergic to honeybee products.
• Propolis will stain skin, fabric and other material.

I hope you enjoyed reading this short article. For more on propolis, please see the following Blogs: 

What is Propolis?

Why is propolis important for bees?

Health benefits of Propolis

How to Make Propolis Tincture

You can also purchase Irish Propolis Tincture in our online shop.

/Hanna

Hanna Bäckmo

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