Bee Propolis 101: Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

If you're looking for a natural health product that doesn't contain harmful chemicals, you might want to consider bee propolis. This is a natural resin that bees use to protect and repair their hive. People have used it for centuries to fight infections and heal wounds.

Bee propolis contains powerful antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that can help boost your immune system and offer many health benefits. It has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for colds, flu, sore throats and other respiratory infections.

Propolis is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including B complex vitamins, vitamin E and zinc, which can help improve overall health and well-being. In addition, it is safe and easy to use.

What is bee propolis?

Propolis, often called "bee glue", is a protective substance that is vital to bee hives. Worker bees collect resin from leaf buds and tree sap and mix it with honey, beeswax and bee saliva to create this strong sticky compound.

Bee propolis, named from the Greek words Pro meaning "to defend" and Polis meaning "city", is used by bees to defend and strengthen their hives against intruders and the elements. Use propolis to seal cracks and gaps in the hive and coat the walls of the hive, the entrance and the inside of the honeycomb. Bees will even use propolis to mummify any intruders that are too large to drag out of the hive.

People have long been aware of the importance of bee propolis, its use outside the hive dates back to 300 BC. The ancient Egyptians are known to have modeled themselves on bees and used propolis in their own mummification process. Other ancient civilizations used bee propolis to heal wounds and treat diseases.

The composition of bee propolis varies from hive to hive, as the resin is collected from different trees. On average, bee propolis consists of 50% resins, 30% waxes, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen and 5% other compounds such as acids, sugars and vitamins (B, C and E). Bee pollen itself strengthens the immune system, which adds to the incredible health benefits of bee propolis. Propolis contains more than 300 biologically active components, the main active ingredients of which are powerful antioxidants called flavonoids.

What are the health benefits of bee propolis?

New research is underway worldwide as interest in propolis as a natural health remedy grows. Recent studies show that bee propolis can be effective in treating or preventing many symptoms.

Bacterial, fungal and viral infections

Research also shows that bee propolis is effective when used as a topical treatment. Evidence shows that bee propolis can treat sores and genital herpes. Bee propolis can be applied to various bacterial and fungal skin infections to treat symptoms.


Wound healing

A secondary external use of bee propolis is the treatment of minor wounds. Bee propolis can promote the growth of new skin cells, which helps in the healing of cuts, wounds and burns. Bee propolis can also be used to relieve insect bites and soothe skin irritations.

Sore throat and cold

Spray with bee propolis is particularly effective in the treatment of sore throats, and the antioxidant properties of propolis have been proven to strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption of bee propolis can strengthen the immune system and prevent cold symptoms.

Allergies and side effects

Bee propolis is generally considered safe to use. However, since the composition of bee propolis is different, it is difficult to investigate possible side effects. If you have a known allergy to bee products, bee stings, conifers or poplars, consult your doctor before using propolis.

Bee propolis products

Bee propolis is available in various applications, depending on the intended use. At Mellifera, we offer high-quality bee propolis products that are sustainably sourced and carefully manufactured. Take a look at our selection of propolis tinctures and sprays and find the right one for you.

https://mellifera.si/collections/propolis
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Propolis

Who is propolis intended for:

  • For everyone who is looking for strong propolis with guaranteed effectiveness
  • For everyone who is looking for a versatile assistant in the home pharmacy
  • For all of you who know that the versatile propolis has been used for a long time, but now its effectiveness has also been proven