What is Raw Propolis? Quick answer -- Raw Propolis is a sticky, resinous material from tree and plant resin. The honey bee collects it for its antibiotic qualities to protect the inside of their hive and their immune systems, and to coat any unwanted things that enter their hive (think mice in the winter time, and we beekeepers find them mummified in the spring).
Who makes propolis? The amazing honey bees!
What and why do humans use propolis for? Propolis is used as an added supplement for its wellness and medicinal benefits. It has been a folk medicine before folk was the cool. Seriously –
“In Folk Georgian medicine, they used ointments with propolis to cure some diseases. There was the custom of placing a propolis cake on the belly button of the new-born baby and also they rubbed children’s toys with propolis. In folk medicine, the use of propolis is widely known especially for the treatment of corns. People inhale propolis in case of affections of respiratory tracts and of the lungs. It is also efficient for burns and angina. Propolis was used effectively on wounds by doctors during the Anglo- Boer war and during World War II. It was also used in hospitals from 1969.” (Makashvili, 1978)
Propolis is thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties; thus, it may support the function of a healthy immune system and protect against certain ailments. There is ongoing scientific research on the use of propolis in its treatment for human health. I suggest you do your own research to learn more about the health benefits; you may end up loving this product as I do!
Not only is it taken orally, but it is also used in creams, cosmetics, and other health-related products. I have been reading up on other countries using it to treat wounds, cutaneous warts, and certain cancer treatments.
What do you do with propolis? It is suggested that you consume raw propolis in small quantities daily. For example, roll a pea size ball (one gentleman in the next town south of me swears by this. He offered to come to scrape my bee frames if he could have some of the propolis that he scraped off!) and suck, chew or swallow it. Another way to take it orally is to chop (or grind while frozen in a clean coffee grinder*) fresh propolis and mix it in with raw honey. Or take a daily dose of a propolis tincture or propolis oil. You can purchase or make either product yourself!
How do I personally use it? During the months when my immune system is weaker (usually September – February), I take a daily tincture, by dropper, for prevention. When sick, e.g., in the case of strep throat that I had a few weeks back, I took it about 3 times per day for about a week after no systems. I also have one tooth that has been extremely sensitive owing to a slightly receding gum line, so after the dentist tried all of her tricks, I decided to press a small ball of propolis on the sensitive area. I did this several times over a couple of weeks and received significant improvement.
➤Tip. Note that propolis is sticky and slightly peppery (so if you keep running your tongue over it, you may distribute it to areas you didn’t intend to and feel a little warm on your tongue). It will probably stick to your teeth until it has fully dissolved, so you may give a grin with a slightly yellowish tinge! (Yes, I did that one day, but the person was kind and didn’t make a judgment on what I thought looked like days-old unbrushed teeth) This does go away, and it was worth the benefit I received. I now use propolis oil, and whenever the sensitivity resurfaces, I simply rub some of the propolis oil on the affected area (no funky-looking teeth).
➤Tip. If you wish to make your own tincture, give yourself about three weeks; one to order the propolis and two to make the infusion. I believe the oil solution takes less time if you use the heat method but about the same time as the tincture if you use the cold oil method.
Do you use propolis? Please share your success with the rest of us or your favorite way of using propolis.
Humor me. Have you ever smiled only to find yellow bee propolis goo on your teeth? I’m certain I’m not the only one. Come on, be truthful!
*You may purchase an inexpensive coffee grinder for your propolis (think sticky blades). Check out your favorite second-hand shop and give an old mill a new purpose!
Source: Makashvili, Z. A. (1978) From the history of propolis. In Remarkable hive product: Propolis. Scientific data and suggestions concerning its composition, properties, and possible therapeutic use. APIMONDIA Standing Commission on Beekeeping Technology and Equipment, Bucharest.
Important Notice Disclaimer - This site does not provide healthcare advice. Consult your physician before starting any nutritional supplement program.
This post is about my personal experience with propolis, and it is not intended in any way to be medical advice. Bee products may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
