Propolis reserves the wealth of the hive for your well-being

Propolis: What is the history and benefits of this valuable therapeutic substance?

Sanou may have already heard of propolis, but perhaps you do not know precisely its benefits and its origins. Used since the dawn of time in medicine and herbal medicine, propolis is above all a powerful natural antibiotic. We owe this precious substance to an insect that wishes us well the bee !

These foragers make it to seal and sanitize their cells. They do this by collecting resin found on the bark of trees, often conifers, or on the buds of certain plants.

The numerous therapeutic virtues of propolis are now scientifically recognized. Thanks to its various active ingredients (propolis has at least 300 components), propolis has impressive virtues antibacterial, antivirals and anti-inflammatories. It also has the following properties antifungals and anti-oxidants and effectively stimulates the immune system.

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What is propolis?

What is commonly called propolis in alternative medicine and herbal medicine is a resinous substanceThe bee's own balsamic and gummy amber flavour.

This resin is in fact made up of propolis itself, the resinous substance produced by certain plants, resin transformed by the bee into a complex material. When we speak of propolis in the pharmaceutical field, we mean the substance transformed by the bee and not the raw resin of the tree.

Propolis is a material composed mainly of resin collected by the bee, transformed by its secretions (mainly salivary), and wax.

Where is propolis found?

Pure propolis is therefore created from vegetable resins. The bees will look for this substance on the buds of trees such as poplar (mainly), alder, willow, plum, ash, birch or horse chestnut. They also harvest the bark resin of conifers, pines, spruces and firs.

Propolis in the sense that it is understood, the substance made by bees, is then collected in the hives.

How do bees make propolis?

We can enjoy the miraculous benefits of propolis thanks to the goldsmith's work of the bee. L’worker bee harvesting the resin with its mandibles and transports it with the pollen baskets on its hind legs. This harvest is done from spring to early fall.

The masons will then immediately transform this resin by adding their secretions and wax. Propolis is essential to bees as it serves first of all as a natural waterproof "cement" to reinforce the cells, to seal holes or to reduce the opening of nests.

But propolis also plays a major role for bees in the sanitation of their habitat. They line the walls of the cells with pure propolis to prevent the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and moulds. Logically, since propolis has known and recognized antifungal and antibacterial virtues.

Propolis can even be used to embalm the corpses of intruding animals!

How is propolis collected and processed by humans?

• Propolis harvesting

Propolis can be collected in several ways. Some beekeepers collect it by scraping and scraping the frames and hives, but the most common and efficient method is the use of propolis screens, placed on the head of the frames. The grids come in different materials: textile, plastic, or metal. The bees will fill the holes in these propolis screens.

The grids are then put in the cold (propolis becomes hard and brittle at a temperature below 15°) and scraped.

• Transformation of propolis into an extract or mother tincture

The pieces of propolis are crushed into powder and then poured into a mixture of water and ethanol. The propolis will then be left to macerate for several weeks or months in the dark, and stirred regularly.

Gradually, the alcoholic solution will be loaded with active components of propolis. Finally the liquid will be filtered, and the pure propolis extract put in a bottle.

What is the history of propolis?

The benefits of propolis have been recognized for centuries! How not to be convinced when you know thatHippocrates used propolis to treat various burns and wounds.

In ancient times, the Egyptians used it to embalm the bodies of mummies. The roman soldiers also knew all the benefits of propolis, while in the 19th century it was already used by the English army doctors to disinfect and promote the healing of wounds.

What are the active ingredients of propolis?

More 300 components have been identified in propolis, its composition depending on its region of origin.

Usually the organic propolis is rich in: flavonoids, polyphenols, esters and minerals, in particular selenium, but also zinc, sodium, potassium, iron, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, vitamins (A, C, E, PP), amino acids and pollen. Let's mention the green propoliswhich also contains artepillin C.

The flavonoids that propolis contains give it virtues: antiseptic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.

The organic propolis would also have anaesthetic, immunostimulant, antioxidant, healing and detoxifying virtues.

What are the benefits of propolis?

In view of its numerous medicinal properties, propolis is indicated in the resolution of several disorders and pathologies:

• An antibacterial action

Used internally, propolis has a bactericidal action on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Its flavonoids prevent the division of bacteria. It is also effective against staphylococci, against bacteria related to gingivitis. (1)

• Antiviral action

The benefits of propolis are recognized in the fight against herpes externally. (2)

It is also used for respiratory infections, flu virus and warts.

• An antifungal action

Externally, propolis is particularly effective against Candida albicans and Aspergillus mycoses.

• An anaesthetic action

Thanks to caffeic acid esters and pinocembrin.

• An immunostimulant action

Propolis helps fight seasonal infections by promoting antibody production and nutrient absorption.

• An anti-parasitic action

Propolis also acts on vaginal and intestinal parasites.

• An antioxidant action is also attributed to it (3)

• Finally, the anti-inflammatory effects of propolis have been proven in research. (4)

When to take propolis?

As we have seen the organic propolis has many virtues and will be useful in various situations:

• ENT conditions and immune system stimulation - Lung sphere

The effectiveness of propolis has been demonstrated in the relief of ear infections, including recurrent ear infections in children. It is traditionally used for seasonal ailments: colds, flu, sore throats, angina and sinusitis.

At the level of the respiratory system, propolis has benefits for asthma, bronchitis and tracheitis, infections of the respiratory tract in a general way.

• Oral disorders

Propolis is indicated in the framework of gingivitis and periodontitis, dental sensitivity and for the prevention of caries. It also soothes wounds and infections of the oral mucosa and mouth ulcers.

• Gastrointestinal disorders

Thanks to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, propolis regulates gastric juice and promotes the healing of gastric mucous membrane lesions. It is thus useful in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers and constipation.

• Dermatological conditions

Propolis acts in particular on warts, acne, herpes, mycosis. It soothes burns and promotes the healing of wounds.

How to consume propolis?

If propolis provides many benefits, it also comes in various forms:

You will find on our site Louis-herboristerie.com, the 100% organic propolis extract fromAprolis :

This organic propolis extract is ideal to stimulate your immune system.

• What is the dosage of the 100% ORGANIC propolis extract ofAprolis ?

Take 10 drops twice a day, you can ingest the drops of propolis extract pure or mixed with a teaspoon of honey. Shake and turn the dropper bottle vertically before use. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor or allergic to hive products

Discover the 100% ORGANIC Propolis extract on the website of Louis-herbalism

Herbalism Louis also presents the white and alcohol-free organic propolis extract from Ballot-flurin:

This propolis extract is particularly suitable for children (over 36 months), it is ideal for hygiene, ENT care and seasonal sensitivities

• What is the dosage of this alcohol-free propolis extract?

According to the desired benefit:

For cutaneous use: use 4 drops per application up to 3 times a day.

To fortify your body: take 10 drops per dose, 4 times a day maximum.

In case of nasal congestion, irritated throat: you can carry out a 7-day soothing cure, or a 21-day maintenance cure. Take 10 drops per day, not more than 4 times a day.

For nose washing: instill up to 2 drops per nostril, 3 times a day.

In ear bath: on an intact eardrum, instill 20 drops in the evening.

In mouthwash: Start by diluting 20 drops in half a glass of water. Then mix well with saliva and keep as long as possible in the mouth.

(Unless otherwise advised by a doctor or allergic to hive products)

• What are the contraindications concerning this propolis extract?

This extract is suitable for children over 36 months.

Discover Propolis extract 100% - Sans alcohol on the Louis-herbalism

We also offer a range of pure propolis gums to chew:

Stimulating for the defense of the body, they are particularly indicated for the evils of the mouth.

• What is the dosage of 100% organic pure propolis gums?

Unless otherwise advised by your doctor, you can eat 2 to 3 pieces per day. It is advisable to chew slowly to obtain a homogeneous paste. The more you chew, the more you will feel the action of the propolis, which translates into a growing tingling in the back of the throat. When the piece starts to disintegrate you can throw it away.

• What are the precautions for using 100% organic propolis gums?

Propolis gums are a dietary supplement and not a medicine. They are not a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended dose and keep out of reach of children. Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Discover propolis gums on the site of Louis-herbalism

For your oral hygiene, you can enjoy the benefits of propolis with 100% organic toothpastes tested under stomatological control, and guaranteed without fluorine, dye, or synthetic fragrance:

• How to use propolis toothpaste?

This toothpaste is suitable for children over 36 months. Brushing and rinsing after each meal is recommended for daily use.

Discover the propolis toothpaste on the site of Louis-herbalism

Introducing the propolis spray - Biover on the site of Louis-herbalism :

Very effective to soften, protect and clean the throat and mouth, this spray is a real shield of the hive

• What is the dosage of the propolis spray?

Adults: Perform 4 sprays in the mouth. Repeat the sprays up to 4 to 5 times a day.

Children, aged 12 years and over: 1 to 2 sprays maximum. They can be repeated up to 4 times a day.

• What are the contraindications of propolis?

Shake the spray before use. Do not exceed the recommended doses, as excessive use may cause laxative effects.

Discover the Organic Propolis Spray on the website of Louis-herbalism

Herbalism Louis also thinks about the beauty of your skin and offers you a propolis cream from Propos nature

This cream will prove to be very effective in fighting against skin disorders: wounds, burns, dehydration.

• What is the dosage of the propolis cream?

Unless otherwise advised by your doctor, or unless you are allergic to hive products, apply it to your face and/or body one to three times a day

• What are the contraindications of propolis cream?

Suitable for the whole family. Store preferably in a cool place, away from light, air and heat, in its original hermetically sealed packaging.

Shelf life :

Before opening: 24 months after the date of production at a temperature below 20 °.

After opening: 6 months if stored in optimal conditions.

Discover the propolis cream on the website of Louis-herbalism

Note: allergic reactions to propolis have been observed.

Where to buy propolis?

Find more than 60 references of 100% organic propolis in the form of sprays, capsules, syrups, candies, creams, pectoral balm, lip stick, lotion for frictions, and ampoules on our online herbalist shop Louis-herbalism :

Discover the Propolis category on the site of Louis-herbalism

Or directly in our shop Louis herbalist in Charleville-Mézières.