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May 3, 2024
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Propolis: a? Natural medicine? surprising for the amount of benefits

Propolis is a well-known product, used especially in cases of sore throat and flu. But, did you know that the benefits of this substance go far beyond? Not surprisingly, it is highly valued in other countries (such as Japan) and is a great ally of good health in general.

Paula Crook, nutritionist at Patrícia Bertolucci Nutrition Consulting, explains that propolis is a substance obtained by bees by harvesting plant resins. ? And this resin is used in your hives to protect them against fungi and bacteria. Therefore, propolis has antibiotic and antifungal properties, among others ?, he says.

Dorival Ribeiro, owner of Mel Angelica? store that is in the market since 1989, acting directly with honey, propolis, among other products, in Piracicaba? explains that the word? propolis? (pro + polis) comes exactly from the fact that the bee passes propolis inside the new address. "If there were no propolis, there would be a great contamination and proliferation of diseases from one well to another," he says.

The bee collects propolis from plant shoots; because propolis comes from what the plant uses as a? dressing? for herself? And this is, then, the plant origin of propolis, since the bee? all this from various plants and makes a substance of its own ?, explains Ribeiro.

It is worth noting that propolis has been known and appreciated for many centuries. It was first discovered by a beekeeper who had a sore throat. The substance was then found to be excellent for sore throats as well as pharyngitis, stomach aches, etc. Today, even several studies have pointed out its benefits in cancer prevention and treatment ?, comments Ribeiro.

Propolis Types

Brazil is one of the only propolis exporters. "This is because we have a low index of heavy metals in the atmosphere, and our bees produce propolis with higher flavonoid content (which is what matters most)," says Ribeiro.

Regarding the types of propolis, the following can be highlighted:

Green Propolis: which is composed of resins and extracts collected by the bees in the flowers of field rosemary.

Black Propolis: which, as explained by nutritionist Paula, are obtained from multiple plants by bees.

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Red Propolis: which is obtained from a specific plant, the howler's tail (Dalbergia ecastophyllum).

Ribeiro explains that green propolis is the most exported because it has a higher content of flavonoids. But all types are excellent (thus not being associated with the benefits of this substance to only one type of propolis, but to all types).

10 Benefits Associated With Propolis Use

Paula explains that more than 200 chemical compounds have already been identified in propolis. However, of all the groups of compounds present, certainly the one that most draws the attention of researchers is the group of flavonoids. These are phenolic compounds that comprise a broad group of natural substances not synthesized by humans. The ingestion of flavonoids, in turn, interferes in several physiological processes, assisting in the absorption and action of vitamins, acting on healing processes as antioxidants, and have antimicrobial and modulating activity of the immune system ?, says.

In summary, the following can be highlighted as benefits of propolis:

1. Antibacterial and antifungal actions

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The nutritionist Sonia Ballesteros, Clinic Health and Pilates Apinajés, comments that propolis can be ut? L? Z? Do p? R? combating germs and other diseases b? cter ?? us.

It is a very efficient substance in the destruction of various harmful bacteria to humans, and is therefore very indicated in the treatment of diseases such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, worms, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, rhinitis, among others.

Dorival Ribeiro even comments that some countries even make propolis ice cream (with pineapple, for example) to be given to children, once a year, in order to fight worms at school.

Propolis also has the great advantage of destroying harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial ones (such as bacteria in the intestinal flora).

The antifungal action of propolis makes it effective in treating scalp problems, mycoses in general, chilblains etc. It can be used, for example, directly on nails, combating common problems in this region.

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Propolis also acts against Candida albicans, a fungus responsible for vaginal, oral and digestive system infections.

2. Antiviral Action

The substance is widely used to combat herpes, for example, and is commonly indicated against colds, flu, conjunctivitis and sore throat.

3. Anti-inflammatory Action

Propolis may thus be indicated for the treatment of diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis and rheumatoids.

4. Antioxidant Power

The antioxidant action makes propolis help fight free radicals (responsible for cell aging and the onset of diseases such as cancer).

Ribeiro also points out that propolis is commonly used in cosmetic formulas, such as facial creams or soaps, and may help rejuvenate and beauty the skin.

5. Anticancer action

Many studies have associated propolis consumption with cancer prevention and fight. That is, some studies have shown that the substance is not only capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, but also partially destroying existing cells.

Ribeiro comments that in Japan, many people with cancer are treated with propolis, and many benefits have been reported in this regard.

6. Healing Action

Due to the presence of flavonoids and amino acids, propolis is efficient in the treatment of bruises, dermatitis, wounds, burns etc. Can it even help to? Dry? pimples.

"Many fishermen, for example, especially those who move crustaceans, when they get hurt, benefit from using a few drops of propolis." Does the wound heal overnight? ”Comments Ribeiro.

7. Anesthetic Action

This makes propolis effective in combating sore throats, tonsillitis, toothaches etc.

8. Immunostimulating Effect

The nutritionist Sonia points out that propolis est? Mul? the? nt? bodies and help the s? stem? It is the munological of the individual to be strengthened. Thus, the resistance of the individual against diseases and infections is increased, improving the health as a whole.

9. Oral hygiene

Ribeiro points out that the consumption of propolis provides an improvement of the entire buccal region. "There are chewing gum in Japan, for example, to combat tooth decay," he says.

10. Digestive and weight loss effect

Propolis can also help improve digestion and, in some cases, even weight loss when associated with a balanced diet.

Although there is no proof that propolis? by itself ? Acting on weight loss, Dorival Ribeiro comments that mixing a few drops of propolis in a pineapple juice, for example, is a? recipe? old and widely used for those who want to lose weight.

"There is no basis for propolis alone to help those who want to lose weight, but as it provides an improvement in the whole immune system and lymphatic system, it may in this sense be associated with weight loss," says Ribeiro.

Forms of use and home propolis treatments

But, after all, how to use propolis and enjoy all the benefits that this product can offer?

Quantities may vary according to each indication as well as the age of the person (whether child or adult). But generally 3 to 20 drops diluted in water are indicated.

Below are some of the most common ways to use propolis successfully:

You can consume 5 drops of propolis regularly, diluted in 3 spoons of water. This, according to Ribeiro, is very good for the immune system.
When it comes to oral hygiene, according to Ribeiro, can you also use 5 drops of propolis in approximately 4 spoons of water? This product is an excellent mouthwash.
When you have an earache, according to Ribeiro, you can drip 2-3 drops of propolis around the ear and massage well.
Sonia points out that propolis can also help treat herpes, with 3 to 4 drops of the extract applied to the wounds, about 3 times a day.
In case of injury or burns, 3 to 4 drops can be applied directly to the site, about 3 times a day.
To heal pimples, they can be applied 1-2 times directly on site, 4-5 times a day.
When the person has the flu, according to Ribeiro, can take about 15 drops of propolis diluted in water.
In the case of a virus, according to Ribeiro, more than 30 drops of propolis may be indicated.
For sore throat, 4 to 5 drops of propolis can be placed in a cup of water to gargle. This solution can even be used more than once a day.
For breathing problems, a few drops of propolis may be placed in boiled water and inhaled with steam from this mixture.

These are the most common forms of propolis use, but for the most effective results, the ideal is to have the guidance of a health professional who will evaluate the particularities of each case.

Propolis as a beauty product

Due to its valuable properties, propolis is present in formulations of soaps, rejuvenating creams, shampoos etc. Still others bet on? Homemade recipes ?:

Ribeiro explains that it is possible to do skin cleansing using honey, propolis and clay; or honey, propolis and cornmeal; or honey, propolis and sugar. Simply put about 1 tablespoon cornmeal (or clay, or sugar), 1½ tablespoons honey with 15 drops of propolis, exfoliate, and then rinse the skin.
To heal pimples or bruises, 1 to 2 tastes of propolis can be applied directly on site 4-5 times a day.
A few drops of propolis can be placed directly into the face cream to help rejuvenate the skin. But in this case, it is interesting to talk to the dermatologist and see what is your position on the subject.

These are the most common (and safe) uses of propolis directly for beauty. But remember that the substance is present in cosmetic product formulations, which can be safely and effectively used for various purposes.

Warnings on the use of propolis

Paula points out that some studies have indicated that propolis has low toxicity. However, because it is collected in the surrounding area of the hive, a number of contaminants can be accidentally added to propolis, such as asphalt, excess iron, copper, magnesium or even lead. So, it is important to know the origin of the propolis consumed ?, he says.

Sonia explains that some people may have allergic reactions to propolis, showing signs such as swelling, redness, itching. Therefore, it is recommended to do a sensitivity test before using the product: just drip 2 drops on the forearm, wait 30 minutes, and check if itching or redness did not appear.

In this sense, Sonia points out that the only contraindications of propolis are for patients with an allergy to the substance or any of its components. And that versions of the alcohol extract are contraindicated for children.

But in general, propolis is a product well accepted by the majority of the population and can offer many health benefits.

“I think it's worth making a habit of consuming at least 5 drops of propolis daily. For with one product, and one cheap product, you get many health benefits. I mean cheap? Why is Brazilian propolis the most appreciated (for the largest amount of flavanoids), and, therefore, much exported? And here in Brazil, it costs about 4 or 5 dollars, while in Japan? where are its benefits widely studied? 30 ml of propolis costs about 100 dollars. So I do believe that Brazilians should give more value to this product, know more and make use of it! ?, concludes Dorival Ribeiro.