There has been a growing interest in natural health remedies in recent years, and bee propolis has gained significant attention for its potential therapeutic properties. From immune support to wound healing, bee propolis has been used in traditional medicine for its diverse health benefits.
However, it's essential to understand bee propolis and how it can be used safely and effectively. This guide provides an in-depth look at bee propolis, covering its benefits, safety, and usage guidelines.
General
How Is Bee Propolis Made?
Bee propolis is made by bees using a combination of tree resin, beeswax, and their enzymes. When bees collect resin from trees, they mix it with wax and enzymes in their saliva.
They then bring this mixture back to the hive, seal small gaps and cracks, and sterilise and protect it from pathogens. The final product is bee propolis, a sticky and gummy substance with various human health benefits.
How To Extract Bee Propolis?
Extracting bee propolis involves several steps.
- Locate propolis in your beehive, typically found as a dark, resinous substance in the crevices and on the frames.
- Use a hive tool or similar instrument to scrape the propolis off the hive surfaces gently.
- Place the scraped propolis into a clean container. Be mindful to separate it from any other hive products like wax.
- Freeze the collected propolis. Freezing makes it brittle and easier to break into smaller pieces.
- After freezing, break the propolis into smaller chunks. This can be done manually or using a grinder.
- Remove any impurities such as bee parts, wood, or wax. This can be done by handpicking or using a sieve.
- If making a tincture, soak the cleaned propolis in alcohol (like vodka or grain alcohol) for a few weeks, shaking the mixture regularly.
- After soaking, strain the mixture through a fine cloth or filter to separate the liquid tincture from the solid residue.
- Store the propolis or tincture in airtight containers, away from light and heat, to preserve its properties.
Is Bee Propolis In Honey?
Propolis is produced by bees like honey; it serves a different purpose in the hive. Bees use propolis as a sealant or glue to protect the hive, while honey is a food source.
Where To Buy Bee Propolis?
- Bee propolis can be purchased online from various retailers and e-commerce websites.
- Health food stores often carry bee propolis in different forms, such as capsules, tinctures, or creams.
- Beekeepers or local apiaries may sell bee propolis products directly to consumers.
- Some pharmacies and natural health stores may also offer bee propolis for sale.
Why Do Bees Make Propolis?
- Bees make propolis to protect their hive from diseases and pathogens.
- Propolis acts as a natural sealant, helping to fill in any small gaps or cracks in the hive.
- Propolis has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent the spread of bacteria or fungi within the hive.
- It has been observed that propolis can help with hive temperature regulation, providing insulation during colder months.
Side Effects
Can Bee Propolis Cause Allergic Reaction?
Yes, bee propolis can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people hypersensitive to its components. Various studies have found different degrees of sensitivity to propolis:
- European studies have shown a sensitivity range of 1.2–6.6%.
- A Finnish study found a sensitivity rate of 0.5–1.4% in adults and 2–13.7% in children.
- A Polish study reported a higher sensitivity rate of 16.5% in children and 5.4% in young adults.
- A study conducted in Prague found a sensitivity rate of 4%.
These statistics demonstrate that while the percentage of people who may have an allergic reaction to propolis varies, there is a definitive risk of allergic reaction associated with its use.
Can Bee Propolis Cause Diarrhea or Stomach Cramps?
While propolis is generally considered safe when used appropriately, it can cause allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
However, propolis has also been investigated as a potential treatment for certain gastrointestinal disorders. For instance, one study found that propolis supplementation might benefit the constipation subtype of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C) and mixed subtype of IBS.
Is Bee Propolis Safe During Pregnancy?
In general, bee propolis is considered relatively safe for use during pregnancy, but it should be taken under a healthcare professional's guidance. A study suggested that propolis might have protective effects against diabetes-induced impaired pregnancy outcomes and placental oxidative stress.
However, the safety of bee propolis largely depends on the dosage and the individual's health condition. Some experts advise against using bee propolis creams, ointments, tablets, or lozenges during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare provider. Propolis is safe when taken by mouth while breastfeeding, with doses of 300 mg daily for up to 10 months having been used safely.
Is Bee Propolis Safe For Toddlers?
While bee propolis has been used for various health benefits, its safety for toddlers is not well-documented. More robust scientific research needs to study the effects of bee propolis in children.
Some sources suggest that bee products, including propolis, might be safe for children to consume in food amounts. Still, it's generally recommended to avoid giving bee products to children under one due to the risk of botulism.
Moreover, as with adults, children can have allergic reactions to bee products, including propolis. Allergic reactions could include skin rashes, itching, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Benefits
Can Bee Propolis Increase Fertility?
Some studies and sources suggest that bee propolis may help increase fertility.
NYU's Department of Surgery reported that using 500 milligrams of bee propolis twice daily resulted in a 60% pregnancy rate versus 20% for a placebo.
Another study found that oral propolis supplementation had a curative effect on sperm quality, antioxidant, and histological parameters in the testicular tissue of male rats. The benefits of bee propolis on human fertility still need further research to be fully understood.
How Does Bee Propolis Work?
Propolis has been found to have several useful properties. It contains over 300 natural compounds, primarily polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Propolis's healing properties are largely attributed to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It has been shown to fight infections and heal wounds. Chronic conditions may also see some relief with propolis due to its inflammation-reducing properties.
Directions
Can You Take Bee Propolis every day?
Yes, taking bee propolis daily is generally safe for most people as long as it's used appropriately. The common recommended dose for internal use is typically 500 milligrams once or twice daily. For topical applications, instructions on the product label should be followed.
Can You Swallow Bee Propolis?
Yes, you can swallow bee propolis. It is generally safe for human consumption at reasonable doses and can be taken internally. You can take bee propolis in many forms, including as a liquid extract, capsules, tablets, or powder.
You can have them orally— by merely swallowing or chewing them up. Some people take propolis first thing in the morning and often right before bed. Propolis can be quite strong-flavoured, so it's sometimes recommended to take it with a bit of bread or a spoon of honey or mix it into a drink.
Does Bee Propolis Expire?
Yes, bee propolis does expire. Like many natural supplements, it has a "best before" date, after which its potency might decrease. It will sometimes go bad or rotten, but it may lose some effectiveness over time.
Typically, bee propolis is good for about 2 years. Some sources state the expiry date is approximately 3 years from the date of propolis extraction. Despite these timelines, storing propolis properly is important to maintain its quality.
However, even if bee propolis is past its best-before date, it doesn't mean it's unsafe to consume. The flavour may go flat, and the medicinal benefits may decrease, but it's likely to cause harm if you're allergic to bee products.
When To Take Bee Propolis?
Bee propolis can be taken at different times and in different ways depending on the intended use.
It is often recommended to take propolis once a day for general health and immune support. For example, if you're using a propolis throat spray, you could take four sprays once or twice daily.