What are the health benefits of propolis?

In this short article, we will look at propolis for human use. More specifically the reported health benefits of propolis for humans. To read more about the importance of propolis for honeybee health, read Why is propolis important for bees? and What is Propolis?

Historical health benefits

Propolis is renowned for its potent anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. It has been used for thousands of years to support immune health in humans and as a natural antioxidant. In ancient times, propolis was widely used to boost health, relieve ailments, heal wounds and in embalming processes. In ancient Rome, the naturalist and author Pliny the Elder (23 – 79 AD) used propolis extensively. Pliny wrote that propolis “…has the property of extracting stings and all foreign bodies from the flesh, dispersing tumours, ripening indurations, allaying pains of the sinews, and cicatrizing ulcers of the most obstinate nature…”

Commercial and medical uses for propolis

Due to modern day science, we now know that propolis has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal and immunomodulatory properties. Both in relation to honeybee health and human health. Propolis is used by medical professionals as topical applications, tinctures, mouth sprays and mouthwashes, as well as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules or extracts to help boost the immune system. It is also used in hair and skincare, and the list of its uses as a home remedy is quite exhaustive. 

Here are some of the known benefits of propolis:

• Boosting and supporting the immune system by stimulating healthy immune responses and inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes such as bacteria and fungi.
• To discourage and treat infection. Propolis can be effective against many microbes, and is used to treat ear infections, fungal nail infections, as well as fungal infections such as thrush.
• Anti-viral treatment for example in mitigating the effects of cold sores and genital Herpes infections
• Propolis has powerful antibiotic properties and is often used as a natural antibiotic.
• Treating minor cuts and burns.
• Propolis is widely used in dentistry and oral health. It can be used to treat inflammation and infection in the mouth and throat as well as to maintain healthy gums.

Medical research

Propolis has been used for its healing properties for centuries. However, much of its use is based on traditions, home remedies and anecdotal evidence as opposed to scientific research. Scientists are catching on though, and there is a wide array of research ongoing on the health benefits of propolis. Especially in the field of the biological activity of propolis. Because propolis is so complex, containing hundreds of different components, it is thought that it can have beneficial impacts in very many different fields, from dentistry to diabetes, antibiotics to cancer treatment and beyond.

For example, current studies are looking at the effects that propolis can have in treating diabetes. It is believed that it can aid in stabilizing blood sugar by inhibiting enzymes that increase blood sugar. Propolis is also thought to contain compounds that help inhibit cancerous growth. These anti-angiogenic (compound that can destroy or alter the blood vessels needed for tumour growth) effects of propolis could lead to the inclusion of propolis as a component in future cancer medication. Furthermore, researchers are also looking at the potential use of propolis as an alternative to commercial antibiotics, this could be hugely important to combat antibiotic resistance.

I hope you enjoyed reading this short article. For more on propolis, please see the following Blogs: What is Propolis? and Why is propolis important for bees?

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