Q & A

Propolis is an increasingly important allergen, with European studies reporting positive patch test rates of 1.2 to 6.6%. In one series from Finland, the rate increased from 0.5% in 1995-7 to 1.4% in 2000-2. Another study in children reported an increase from 2% to 13.7% between 1995 and 2002; 75% of the patch test-positive children had used a natural product or alternative medicine remedy. In a 2010 Polish patch test study of children with chronic recurrent eczema and atopy, a positive propolis patch test was recorded in 16.5% of children aged 7-8 years and 5.4% of adolescents aged 16-17 years. Propolis was the second most common positive patch test allergen after nickel in children and the fourth most common in adolescents.

Source – Derm Net NZ: http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/propolis-allergy.html (excerpts from this source are used)

Don’t use propolis if you are allergic to bee by-products including honey, conifers, poplars, Peru balsam, and salicylates. Allergic reactions may cause swelling, redness, eczema, or fever. Propolis may irritate the skin and may cause burning, peeling lips, irritation, lesions, itching, swelling, psoriasis, or eczema. Case reports of irritation in and around the mouth have occurred after use of propolis lozenges or extract taken by mouth.

Source – Healthline: http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/propolis#3 (excerpts from this source are used)

Not enough is known about the use of propolis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Source – WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-390-PROPOLIS.aspx?activeIngredientId=390&activeIngredientName=PROPOLIS (excerpts from this source are used)

Some experts believe some chemicals in propolis may make asthma worse. Avoid using propolis if you have asthma.

Source – WebMD:http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-390-PROPOLIS.aspx?activeIngredientId=390&activeIngredientName=PROPOLIS (excerpts from this source are used)

Propolis has been used as traditional medicine for thousands of years. Propolis is the focus of a lot of research. Numerous research studies demonstrated that propolis ensures wide therapeutic effects thanks to its valuable composition and characteristics. Propolis is the focus of a lot of research. Some research findings indicate that propolis has the following properties:

• Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal

• Anti-inflammatory

• Emollient

• Immunomodulator, immunosuppressive, immunostimulant

• Antiallergenic

• Dental aid protecting against dental caries and other forms of oral disease

• Antioxidant

• Anesthetic

• Possibly cancer preventive

Source – Apipharma: http://apipharma.com/en/zdravlje/propolis-composition-and-properties/

Source – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propolis”>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propolis (excerpts from this source are used).

Yes, propolis is particularly effective at treating infections and soothing pain, and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Propolis is used on serious cuts, bruises, sore throats, stomach complaints, and athlete’s foot. When used regularly, propolis can help with chronic health problems and persistent allergies.

Source – LivingGreenMag: http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/10/food-health/bees-make-more-than-honey-the-health-benefits-of-propolis/

Yes, When rubbed onto the skin, or swallowed, bee propolis soothes inflammations, and reduces pain in affected areas. Used externally, propolis is a remarkable healer. It effectively repairs skin, cleans wounds, strengthens tissues and relieves inflammatory episodes.

Source – LivingGreenMag: http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/10/food-health/bees-make-more-than-honey-the-health-benefits-of-propolis/

Source – Mr-Ginseng: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/propolis/ (excerpts from this source are used)

Yes, propolis-based balms can reduce skin irritation from many possible causes. Propolis is responsible for this effect as it imporves healing of wounds and has local anesthetic effect.

Source – Apipharma: http://apipharma.com/en/savjetovaliste/

Yes, Propolis has proven antibacterial, antiviral, antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory), fungicidal, local anaesthetic and bio-stimulative effect. The alcoholic extract of propols in spray form enables simple and practical application. Alcohol in the product has the function of propolis solvent; however, when applied to the throat mucosa it has an antiseptic and local vasodilator effect, and in this way prepares the mucosa for absorbing propolis. Propolis and alcohol also have a local anaesthetic effect, which reduces the pain in the throat immediately. Throat inflammations have in 80% of the cases a viral cause, and it is known that propolis is the only substance which also has an antibiotic effect on viruses, and due to the diversity of its composition the agent’s resistance is almost impossible.

Propolis based products, when mixed with camphor, menthol, white Vaseline and lanoline, can be very effective help with this issue. This combination of propolis with camphor and menthol has the effect of improving circulation and blood supply, and along with an anti-inflammatory and local anaesthetic effect also helps to relieve pain from various causes. Menthol has the property of evaporating from the skin surface and also has a mild anaesthetic effect on the sore spot. It affects the receptors for temperature so menthol on the skin has a cooling effect. In this way symptoms like swelling, pain and overheating of the sore spot are relieved. Camphor is used for medical purposes for local pain relief in the muscles and joints. It is easily absorbed through skin and, like menthol, affects the thermoreceptors and gives a cooling feeling, and also has a local anaesthetic effect. This mixture can alleviate pain caused by acute rheumatic diseases (pain and difficult mobility of the joints), in extra-joint rheumatism (ischialgia, tendiopathy, myalgia, lumbago, as well as localized inflammatory diseases of soft connective structures accompanied with pain), in the case of sports injuries (pulled muscles, strain) in the case of microtrauma and contusion (when there is no damage of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue), in the case of tiredness and cramps in the legs (for sports massage) and serves as supplementary remedy (along with anti-rheumatics) in the case of chronic rheumatic and degenerative diseases.

Source – Apipharma: http://apipharma.com/en/savjetovaliste/

Propolis based spray for gums and mouth can help with decreasing and treating this problem due to antibacterial, antiviral, antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory), fungicidal, local anaesthetic and bio-stimulative effect of propolis. Traditional medical treatment of aphthous ulcers often includes local or systematic application of corticosteroids which can only be used for a short time as they are harmful, while our product is entirely based on natural ingredients, and is thus not harmful even after continued application.

Source – Apipharma: http://apipharma.com/en/savjetovaliste/

Yes, it can be used to combat gum infections and plaque, and persistent pain from dentures or cavities. Propolis is particularly effective in gum form for treating oral yeast. Propolis has been found to prevent the formation of dental plaque by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes that synthesize glucans from sucrose. In general, propolis is the number one natural response against all oral problems including sore throat, mouth infections, cavities, mouth ulcers and even restoring the clarity of voice. Many singers use it for this effect, mixed with honey.

Source – LivingGreenMag: http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/10/food-health/bees-make-more-than-honey-the-health-benefits-of-propolis/

Source – Mercola: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/17/This-Bee-Product-Has-Enormous-Benefits-for-Your-Health.aspx (excerpts from this source are used)

Source – Mr-Ginseng: (excerpts from this source are used)

Propolis has powerful antioxidant properties. When swallowed in supplements, the antioxidants in propolis help to eradicate free radicals from the blood stream. Free radicals are caused by corrupted molecules in the blood, and can lead to long term problems with blood flow as well as increased susceptibility to disease. Antioxidants help to repair corrupted molecules, with the aim of balancing out the oxygen content and healthy flow of the blood.

Source – LivingGreenMag: http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/10/food-health/bees-make-more-than-honey-the-health-benefits-of-propolis/

Propolis based prducts come in many forms of application/intake: drops, syrups, capsules, pastilles, honey mixtures, sprays, ointments, and other pharmaceutical forms. All of them are equally effective and the form of application is related to the nature of the health issue. Some heath issues can be treated in several different forms so it is up to one’s preferred method of application. It is important to use propolis in moderation. Like other honey and bee-based remedies, propolis should be used in small doses due to its high sugar content. For this reason, if you have elevated levels of insulin, you should limit consumption of honey. Also, propolis is often mixed with small amounts of alcohol or water for a milder taste so it should not be used during pregnancy or brest-feeding, or if you have known allergies to alcohol.

Source – LivingGreenMag: http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/10/food-health/bees-make-more-than-honey-the-health-benefits-of-propolis/

Propolis alone is an effective tool to boosting immune system due to its immunostimulant properties. It’s effects are even more powerful in combination with other medicinal plants such as Echinacea and garlic for stimulation the immune system and protecting the body from infection.

Source – Mr-Ginseng: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/propolis/

Try to think of propolis as a targeted way of easing existing conditions, rather than a cure, and try a few different types before you settle on one.

Source – LivingGreenMag: http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/10/food-health/bees-make-more-than-honey-the-health-benefits-of-propolis/

There are many web sites on World Wide Web where one can find information about propolis and honey benefits. Some of the best web sites are:

Healthline – http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/propolis

American Apitherapy Society – www.apitherapy.org

Apitherapy Center – http://www.apitherapy.com