Propolis: Home Treatment
● What is Propolis?
Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a product made by worker bees from resinous substances collected from plants. Bees use propolis for structural purposes: sealing cracks and crevices, narrowing hive entrances, and more. Additionally, it is a crucial tool in defending against intruders. When mice, lizards, or frogs enter a hive, bees first kill the intruder with venom, then encase it in propolis, which mummifies the remains, preventing decomposition for many years.
● Chemical Composition of Propolis
The chemical composition of propolis is relatively simple. It includes plant resins (50–55%), essential oils (10–15%), wax (30%), and pollen (5%). Bees collect these resinous substances primarily from birch and poplar buds.
Important Note: Before purchasing propolis, you should be aware of its physical properties. Market-sold propolis is usually in crumbs, lumps, or bricks, with a dark green, gray, or brownish color, often tinged with green, brown, or yellow. Fresh propolis has a pleasant resinous aroma (a mix of fragrant herbs, poplar, pine, and honey) and a slightly bitter, spicy taste.
Bring a jar of water when buying propolis. High-quality propolis sinks in water, while wax-laden propolis floats. Additionally, unscrupulous sellers may mix wood shavings from hive frames into the product.
● Solubility and Storage
Good-quality propolis dissolves in fats, ether, and alcohol but does not fully dissolve in water. At room temperature, it dissolves 60–70% in alcohol and only 2–10% in water when heated.
A major advantage of propolis as a traditional medicine is its long shelf life—up to 7–10 years. Store it in a dark place, wrapped in waxed paper, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Propolis in Traditional Medicine
Propolis is recommended for both external and internal use due to its biological and chemical properties. It has antiviral, antibacterial, anesthetic, and antifungal effects. It also promotes tissue regeneration and, most importantly, boosts the immune system.
Propolis Alcohol Extract
Propolis alcohol extracts vary in concentration from 10% to 30%. The concentration indicates the amount of dissolved propolis in 100 g of the solution. For example, to prepare a 10% extract, grind 10 g of raw propolis and mix it with 100 ml of 70% alcohol or quality vodka. Shake periodically, infuse for 7–10 days, strain, and store at room temperature.
Tip: If grinding propolis is difficult, freeze it for 10–12 hours. It becomes brittle and can be grated easily.
Propolis Throat Emulsion
To treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis, prepare a propolis emulsion. Mix one part of a 10% propolis extract with two parts of pharmaceutical-grade glycerin, then stir well. Apply to the throat 4–5 times a day.
Propolis Oil
Propolis oil is used to treat burns, slow-healing ulcers, and infected wounds. Melt 100 g of unsalted butter with 15 g of propolis over low heat. Stir the mixture, strain through cheesecloth, and blend until it forms a thick paste. Store in the refrigerator for up to one year.
Hypericum-Propolis Balm
This balm combines the restorative properties of propolis and St. John’s wort, which enhances their healing effects.
Recipe: Infuse dried St. John’s wort flowers in unrefined oil (1:10 ratio) and heat in a water bath for 2–3 hours in a closed container. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and mix it with a 10% propolis extract (2:1 ratio). Use this externally for slow-healing wounds.
Propolis Ointment
Propolis ointment is widely used in gynecology to treat cervical erosion with tampons after rinsing the affected area with a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution. Typically, 8–10 procedures are needed.
Preparation: Melt 15 g of fresh propolis in a closed container, add 200 g of fish oil, mix thoroughly, strain through a single layer of cheesecloth while warm, and store.
Propolis Water Extract
Simmer 10 g of crushed propolis in 100 ml of cold purified water in a water bath for 10–15 minutes. Remove the floating wax and strain the remaining solution. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. This remedy is used for treating ulcers in the digestive system—1–2 tablespoons 3–4 times a day before meals.
Propolis Inhalation
Inhalation with propolis is effective for bronchitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Mix two tablespoons of propolis extract with an equal amount of water in a porcelain teapot. Cover and place in hot water to generate vapors. Inhale the vapors through the teapot spout 5–7 times, holding your breath for 10–15 seconds before exhaling.
