What is Propolis? 

Propolis has a wide spectrum of effects due to its many valuable ingredients and has long since ceased to be an insider's tip in naturopathy. But what exactly is it about the healing powers from the hive? What ingredients are in Propolis and why do bees actually produce Propolis?

Here you will find everything you need to know about Propolis and why not just always have a glass of delicious honey at home.  

content:

  • What is Propolis?
  • What is Propolis made of?
  • How do bees produce and use Propolis?
  • Extraction of propolis by beekeeper
  • Health Effects of Propolis
  • Positive effect of propolis in the body
  • Positive effect of Propolis for the skin
  • Positive effect of propolis in the mouth area
  • Positive effect of Propolis for the intestine and urinary tract
  • Positive effect of Propolis for the back and rheumatism
  • Cosmetic Effect of Propolis
  • Propolis for pets?
  • Propolis also for children?
  • Intolerance of Propolis
  • Attention when buying Propolis!
  • Our Propolis products
  • Our opinion of Propolis


What exactly is Propolis?

Propolis, also called bee-kitt resin, is used by bees to tighten all cracks on moving parts such as doors, windows, sliders, scoundans and more in the hive. Beekeepers often have trouble loosening these parts.

Bees absorb resin on buds, but also on deciduous and coniferous trees and carry it into the hive like pollen as panties on the hind legs. There they add special glandular secretions to him during processing. The bee clogs cracks and crevices in the hive to secure thermal insulation and regulate the size of the flight hole so that enemies cannot penetrate. By the way, the word "Propolis" comes from Greek and means "before the city".

Propolis, however, has an even more important significance for bees, because "before the city" should not only remain enemies, but also all diseases and germs. For this purpose, the bees use the antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal properties of the propolis. They therefore not only glue cracks and crevices, but also coat the inner walls of the cells with a fine propolis coating. Once this effective disinfection is complete, the queen bee can start laying the eggs. In addition, you cover non-outwardly transported bee corpses and small animals invaded and killed in the cane with propolis. They embals them with propolis in order to counteract the process of decay. The ancient Egyptians already took advantage of this knowledge when embeddizing their deceased.

An antibiotic was also discovered on the bee itself, which makes it resistant to any attack by viruses and bacteria. The strongest antibacterial substance in effect was found in the putty resin of the bees, in the propolis.

What is Propolis made of?

The propolis extracted from the hive consists of more than 250 identified ingredients in a balance that no industrially produced dietary supplement can have. Propolis consists of about 50% resin and about 25% essential oils, pollen, minerals and trace elements, as well as flavones and acids.

The main components are:

  • Wax shares
  • Vitamins A, B, C, E, H or B7 (better known as biotin, the active ingredient for skin and hair)
  • Iron, chromium, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, magnesium, silicon
  • enzymes
  • amino acids
  • Bio-flavonoids
  • Polyphenols

How do bees produce and use Propolis?

Since Propolis is putty resin, bees need trees to collect or manufacture propolis. Resin is the main component of Propolis and the bees collect the resin of the trees and first saliva it. Preferred tree species are fir, fiuchte, elm, chestnut, fruit trees, as well as beech, ash or poplars. The resin is transported as with the pollen. The resin is stowed and transported in the pollen panties on the hind legs. These tiny, sticky resin clumps can weigh through 10 grams and are transferred from the collection bee to the cane at the hive. There is a strict division of labour.

The cane now takes the resin lump, on which pollen from flowers and shrubs already sticks, and adds your body's own fabrics. Subsequently, the mass is kneaded and processed, i.e. usually cracks and joints in the beehive are "cemented". During processing still soft, the resin then hardens and the hive is antiseptically sealed and the bees and the bee offspring are protected from viruses and germs.

But not only that: the temperature in the hive is also regulated by propolis.

The interior of the hive and its inhabitants form a sensitive structure and must be protected from both heat and cold. Inside the hive, the temperature is ideally 35 degrees Celsius. Is it too warm to melt the honeycombs and the bees stick with the honey. If it is too cold the other way around, there is a risk that the offspring of the bee will die or that the brood will develop too slowly. The ideal temperature for the brood is 36 degrees Celsius. Even small deviations downwards slow down the development of small bees and even has a negative influence on their intelligence. Researchers have found that bees that developed more slowly due to low temperatures were also less able to learn than normally developed bees. And even a temperature fluctuation of only 1 degree Celsius has an immediate effect on the body and wing size of the bees. It can therefore be said that Propolis is one of the most important bee products for the survival of a bee colony.


Extraction of propolis by beekeeper

The production or harvesting of propolis is carried out by the beekeeper. There are two different methods for this:

Extraction with Propolis grid:

With the Propolis grid, beekeepers use a trick and take advantage of the bees' natural instinct to seal the hive with the putty resin. Small wooden strips are placed on the propolis git attached to the hive. As a result, air escapes upwards and causes a slight change in temperature or humidity balance. As described above, the bees now try to close this place with the putty resin and thus give up their valuable propolis. The beekeeper only needs to remove the gitte later and cool it to the bottom. Afterwards, he can simply knock off and harvest the propolis.

Extraction by manual harvesting:

This method is much more complex for the beekeeper, as he removes the hardened putty resin directly at the honeycombors or the entry holes. This is usually done with a spatula or chisel.

Health Effects of Propolis

Due to its many ingredients, Propolis has a very wide spectrum of effects and is therefore used in both naturopathy and human medicine. Propolis are attributed to antibacterial, fungicidal, cell-protecting, antiviral and wound-healing properties.

Already in antiquity Propolis was used by ancient high cultures, by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for injuries, wound healing and other diseases. However, Propolis, like many other natural remedies, has long been forgotten. It was not until the 1960s that Propolis achieved a "comeback" after it was rediscovered by danish bee researcher Carl Lund Aargard. His results of research with Propolis, as well as his method of gentle processing of Propolis paved the way for a broad reputation.

Propolis is a completely natural MIttel, whose different forms of action have been confirmed in numerous studies.

Today, Propolis is used for many external and internal ailments.

Effect of Propolis in the Body

In general, Propolis has an immunostimulating effect, strengthens general well-being and prevents colds.

Today, our bodies are often exposed to occupational overload and, in general, permanent over-stimulation. Stress and nervous conditions are companions in many people. If you don't get a balance, the body can easily overload and does not recover. Propolis can have a supportive effect here by having a positive influence on metabolism and thus on cell rejuvenation, thus helping the body to cope with stress.

During the cold season, it relieves many of the typical ailments. Here are some tips, recipes and tips for using Propolis in the cold season.  

Propolis has another positive effect on blood pressure, as the proportion of flavonoids positively affects the performance of capillary blood vessels.

Positive effect of Propolis for the skin:

In dermatology, small wounds and eczema can be treated well with propolis tincture, propolis cream or propolis balm. In addition, with Propolis skin impurities, acne, skin irritation/skin inflammation, sunburn, abscesses, furuncles, warts, mild burns, skin abrasions and herpes diseases can be treated very well.

With the application of propolis cream and propolis balm, inflammation of muscles, vision and tendon sheaths can also be combated very well.

Positive effect of Propolis in the mouth area:

In the mouth and dental care, e.B. in case of inflamed gums, tooth decay and periodontosis, propolis (e.B.g. propolis toothpaste or propolis tincture) is achieved. This also applies to inflammation of the oral mucosa and, more generally, to inflammation in the mouth and tongue area.

Propolis also has a highly anesthesia-inthecesitating effect. This allows painkillers to be replaced in a natural way for toothache, and also supports the healing process in e.B. tooth root treatments and positively influences them.

Tip: In case of inflamed gums, we recommend brushing your teeth with our Propolis toothpaste. Then place some propolis tincture on a cloth and massage the tincture into the affected gums. Complaints should improve quickly. 

Positive effect of Propolis for the intestine and urinary tract

Propolis has a supportive and regulating effect on gastrointestinal discomfort and can also be used excellently for constipation. Good results are also achieved with cystitis and kidney inflammation.

Tip: For stomach discomfort, take 20-30 drops of the 30% propolis tincture diluted in some water before eating (up to 3x daily).

Positive effect of Propolis for the back and rheumatism

Since Propolis promotes blood circulation, it has a soothing effect on tension of the back and neck. To do this, rub your back with propolis balm.

For the same reason, Propolis is also successfully used in rheumatism by rubbing affected areas 2-3 times a day with propolis cream or propolis balm.

Note: Although Propolis has many very good and health-promoting properties, it does not replace the doctor in case of illness. It is best to talk to your doctor before use. However, unlike normal, prescription antibiotics, the antibiotics contained in Propolis are non-side effects.

Cosmetic Effect of Propolis

Propolis should have an integral part in body care, as it not only has a positive effect on the skin for irritation, inflammation or eczema, but generally promotes the renewal of house cells. 

Improve your skin with Propolis, because blackheads, pimples and skin impurities can be treated excellently with Propolis. Propolis tinctures are best suited for this purpose, which can be topped up directly to the affected areas with a cotton pad.

In general, creams with Propolis care for the skin and naturally protect the skin barrier from bacteria, inflammation and other harmful influences.

The health of the scalp and hair can also be positively agreed with Propolis. The blood circulation of the scalp is promoted, the irritation of the scalp is relieved and the structure and the elasticity of the hair is improved.

Propolis for pets?

What is good for humans cannot be bad for the pet. Is this also true with regard to Propolis?

As in humans, taking Propolis does not replace going to the doctor – in this case, the veterinarian. However, even veterinarians are increasingly using propolis as a precaution and as an alternative to conventional treatments.

Propolis balm is used for example.B very often in dogs, cats or horses. The application includes small wounds, itchy eczema or supports fur care.

For internal use, our Propolis drops are recommended without alcohol or pure Propolis powder. Both can be well added to the food and the drops to the drinking water.

Propolis for children?

Many parents wonder whether Propolis is also suitable for your child. With the exception of a few limitations (which we explain below), the answer is quite clear yes. Propolis has a positive effect on the human organism in many ways and can positively promote the development of the child precisely because of your valuable ingredients and also protect the child against diseases and infections. But in turn.

Honey and products containing traces of honey are not suitable for infants under 1 year of age. There may be bacteria in the honey that the infant's as yet immature intestine cannot ward off. As a result, toxins can form that can attack the muscles – including the respiratory muscles. The consequences of so-called infant botulism can be fatal.

Also in Propolis, as in jelly royale or in pollen, traces or proportions of honey may be present, so we advise against ingestion in children under 1 year of life. After this time, the intestine and intestinal flora of the child has developed to such an extent that nothing stands in the way of ingestion.

In principle, children's use of Propolis is very positive. Propolis regulates the immune system, which is even weaker in children than in adults. Especially children need vitamins, minerals and trace elements in natural form to grow up. All this can be found in a balanced form in Propolis. In addition, the antioxidants form a strong and above all natural shield against infections.

For the optimal effect of Propolis, it is important to pay attention to the quality. Propolis can contain a variety of undesirable ingredients, depending on its origin. Make sure you buy pure propolis and Propolis products tested for origin and ingredients.

What dosage is recommended for children?

We recommend a daily drop of Propolis tincture without alcohol. The dose can then be increased regularly per month to the maximum recommended amount of 10 drops daily. For adults, 20 drops daily are recommended as a maximum.

Intolerance of Propolis

The high tolerability of Propolis is to be emphasized. Only about 1% of all people react with intolerance to propolis, presumably as an allergic reaction to a certain proportion of pollen. Anyone who has an allergy to bee stings or bee products should refrain from using propolis – both externally and internally by ingesting or adding food. To test whether you are allergic to Propolis: Apply the product to the inside of an arm. If a reaction appears in the next few hours, you should not use Propolis products. In addition, the recommended intake should never be exceeded. At the beginning of ingestion, we recommend starting with a fraction of the recommended amount and slowly increasing it so that the body can get used to it and make sure that no allergic reaction is triggered.

Attention when buying Propolis

Generally speaking, if you want to achieve the best mode of action, you should only buy high-quality propolis with the highest possible propolis content. In the case of inferior goods, the effect effect often leaves much to be desired. Don't save in the wrong place – a high-quality product is nuphem-like in the supermarket for a few euros. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that Propolis is not contaminated.

Our Propolis products

In our shop we offer you high-quality propolis in various forms:

Propolis Powder, our most popular Propolis product, is obtained from gently cleaned and dried raw propolis. Due to its many positive properties, it is ideal as a dietary supplement. Our long-standing customers are enthusiastic about the quality of this high-quality propolis.

Propolis tinctures 20%, 30%, 40%:

For the production of our Propolis solution, raw propolis is dissolved in a process lasting several weeks in pure, undenatured alcohol in pharmacist quality. Our Propolis solution is of the highest quality and is manufactured professionally. For external use, our Propolis solution has been dermatologically tested in an independent institute.

Propolis tincture alcohol-free:

These Propolis drops, also called Propolis Tincture, are made based on vegetable glycerine. It is used to keep the propolis liquid. The vegetable glycerine is derived from the fatty acids of soy, coconuts and various cereals. This propolis tincture without alcohol does not contain allergenic substances.

Alcohol-free Propolis drops can contain max. 10% to 15% propolis due to the poor solvability of the pure propolis. This Propolis solution includes 10% Reinpropolis.

Our opinion of Propolis

Many of our long-standing regular customers have been using Propolis in various forms for years as a natural remedy for a wide range of complaints and are enthusiastic about the quality of our Propolis products. Propolis is rightly experiencing a renaissance not only in naturopathy, because Propolis stands for natural medicine that has been tried and tested for centuries. When purchasing, however, be sure to pay attention to high-quality, pure Propolis.

hint:
Please note that this article is for neutral information. It does not constitute a recommendation for medical treatment and in no case replaces consultation and treatment with a doctor. In case of illness, please always consult a recognised doctor.

Interesting studies on Propolis and the mode of action of Propolis:

Interesting studies on Propolis:

(1) Tomomi Shimizu, Akane Hino, Atsuko Tsutsumi, Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy 19:7-13: Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Propolis in Vitro and its Efficacy against Influenza Infection in Mice https://doi.org/10.1177%2F095632020801900102

(2) Vynograd, N., Vynograd, I., Sosnowski, Z.A, Phytomedicine. Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2000, page 1-6: Comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV) https://doi.org/10.1016/s0944-7113(00)80014-8

(3) Duarte S, Rosalen PL, Hayacibara MF, Cury JA, Bowen WH, Marquis RE, Rehder VL, Sartoratto A, Ikegaki M, Koo H; Arch Oral Biol. 2006 Jan;51(1):15-22. Epub 2005 Jul 28.: The influence of a novel propolis on mutans streptococci biofilms and caries development in rats https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2005.06.002

(4) Joleen Lopes Machado, Flavia Raquel Fernandes do Nascimento et al: Brazilian Green Propolis: Anti-Inflammatory Property by an Immunomodulatory Activity. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 157652: https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/157652

(5) Murtala B. Abubakar, Wan Zaidah Abdullah, Siti Amrah Sulaiman, Boon Suen Ang: Polyphenols as Key Players for the Antileukaemic Effects of Propolis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 371730: https://dx.doi.org/10.1155%2F2014%2F371730

(6) D. A. Spratt, M. Wilson et al: Evaluation of Plant and Fungal Extracts for Their Potential Antigingivitis and Anticaries Activity; Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 510198 https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/510198

(7) K. Ikeno, T. Ikeno, and C. Miyazawa: Effects of propolis on dental caries in rats. Caries Research, 1991, Vol. 25, No. 5, pp. 347-351: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1836157

(8) W'odzimierz Wisckiewicz, Marta Miernik, Mieszko Wisckiewicz, Tadeusz Morawiec: Does Propolis Help to Maintain Oral Health? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 351062: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/351062

(9) Vijay D. Wagh: Propolis: A Wonder Bees Product and Its Pharmacological Potentials. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 308249: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/308249


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