What is Propolis?

Propolis, also known as preboli or bee gum among beekeepers, is a product used by bees to sterilize the honeycombs in the hive, to protect the hive against insects, fungi and bacteria from the outside, and to repair and strengthen the honeycombs. In order to produce propolis, bees biochemically change the substances they obtain from the stems, leaves, buds and nectars of many plants, especially coniferous trees, with their own secretions. propolis is also used to ensure the hygiene of the hive thanks to its antibacterial feature and to strengthen the defense of the hive with its resinous feature. The color of propolis, which is mostly dark brown, can be transparent, red, yellow and green depending on the region where it is collected. Consisting of a rich content, propolis has been used as a medicine by people throughout history. Today, there are some scientific studies showing that its use has a positive effect on health. In the content of the poplar type propolis, which is frequently used, approximately 300 different compounds, including nearly 150 bioactive components, were found. Unlike bee pollen, propolis, which contains vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, is also rich in minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Known to help destroy harmful viruses and bacteria when used by humans, propolis is a natural product that can be used by adults and children to strengthen the immune system. Known to be effective against fungi, propolis can also be used to meet the need for antioxidants.

What are the Benefits of Propolis?

It has been determined that propolis, which consists of 50% resin, 30% beeswax, 10% essential and aromatic oils, 5% pollen and 5% mineral matter and organic residues, has many positive effects on human health. propolis is a very rich product in terms of benefits. In addition to its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory content, it is known to have preventive and therapeutic properties for many different ailments. The ethanol extract in propolis (the process of separating the beneficial components and making them ready for consumption) helps to strengthen the immune system. Ethanol extract also has properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and local anesthetic. Caffeic acid phenyl ester and clerodane diterpenoid in the content of propolis are also thought to prevent the development of cancerous cells and reduce the possibility of healthy cells turning into cancerous cells. It is suggested to play a role in the treatment of breast, skin, larynx, liver, colon, bladder, and ovarian cancers. It has also been seen in limited studies that this ingredient protects the liver against harmful substances. It has been determined in the same limited studies that other active ingredients in propolis are effective against viruses such as adenovirus and influenza and play a role in wound healing. The bioflavonoids contained in propolis provide effective protection against viruses. Some research shows that propolis helps heal ailments like colds and flu. It is thought that propolis, which is used by adding to toothpaste, reduces the formation of bacteria in the mouth and helps to heal some discomforts in the gums. The benefits of propolis to the skin are mostly limited to healing wounds and burns. There are limited studies that show that propolis, which is effective in faster healing of skin burns because it accelerates cell growth, protects against ulcerative colitis, ulcers, stomach and intestinal cancers, as well as other gastrointestinal system disorders and helps in the treatment of these diseases. In the same study, it is also shown that propolis effectively destroys pathogens that have negative effects on health, such as helicobacter pylori.

How to Use Propolis?

It is known that propolis, which bees produce as a result of the biochemical interaction of the substances they collect from trees and plants with their own secretions, has positive effects on human health. propolis, which is thought to be effective especially in strengthening the immune system and eliminating the discomfort in the mouth and throat, is available in water-soluble drops, tablets, capsules, creams, sprays, syrups and powder forms. Due to the diversity of its forms, it can be said that the use of propolis in general is done orally or by applying it on the skin. Drops of propolis can be consumed by dripping into liquid and solid foods for mouth sores and throat infections, or it can be used by gargling. Tablets and capsules of propolis are swallowed with water in order to strengthen the immune system and eliminate sleep problems; Cream propolis is used by applying it on the skin for the treatment of minor burns and wounds. propolis in spray form is applied to the throat to help treat throat infections, and syrup is applied for cough and mouth sores. Propolis in powder form is known to be more effective when consumed with honey. It can be consumed by adding to drinks and yogurt.