Propolis, which worker bees collect from the buds and barks of trees and produce thanks to their secretory glands, has many benefits. Although bees use this product to clean and mummify honeycombs, we can say that the situation is not the same for humans. Propolis, which hosts more than one vitamin, is also very rich in minerals. Propolis also has an antioxidant structure due to its high phenolic acid variety. It will not be enough to say a few things about the benefits of propolis thanks to the nutritional values it contains (1, 2, 3). For this reason, we will talk about the benefits of propolis in this article. Enjoy reading.
Benefits of Propolis for the Skin
Since propolis is a very beneficial food, it can have different benefits almost everywhere in the body. Propolis, known as bee glue, has been used for medical purposes throughout history; in various treatments due to its antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In addition, propolis has many benefits for the skin. Propolis, which contains many nutritional compounds, also has an antioxidant structure that is widely used in polyphenols, which is good for diseases and wounds that may occur in the body. For this reason, the use of propolis can accelerate healing, especially in redness, inflammation and burns on the skin surface. It also provides protection in post-acne acne treatment and skin damage caused by environmental effects such as sunlight and radiation thanks to its antioxidant properties.
In addition, propolis, which can play a major role in the renewal of the skin skin, can help the skin stay younger. It is also common for propolis to be present in some anti-aging cosmetic products (2, 4, 5).
Propolis in Pregnancy
Although the number of studies conducted on the use of propolis during pregnancy is not very high, the results of the studies have not revealed clear findings specifically. For this reason, the use of bee products and propolis will not be appropriate during pregnancy, especially if there is an allergy. Although propolis seems suitable for use during pregnancy in terms of fetal development due to the many minerals it contains such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, no specific development has been observed in the studies conducted. In addition, the fact that the vitamins it contains seem to be beneficial for pregnant women who are sick in the winter months may encourage you to use propolis, but if you have an unknown allergy, this may not be healthy for your baby.
Consult your doctor for supplementary food use during pregnancy (6, 7).
Propolis Benefits for the Stomach
One of the most researched effects of propolis is its antimicrobial activity. Propolis and its activities continue to be investigated because it is good for wounds. This feature makes propolis a natural solution for healing wounds and keeping them clean. In this case, the effects of using it for stomach disorders such as ulcers, gastritis and reflux are also being investigated and promising results are being obtained. Its use can help reduce bacteria that can cause stomach discomfort (2). Although the studies are promising, it would not be right to talk about a definite effect. Research in this area continues (1, 3)
Propolis Benefits for the Lungs
The effect of Covid-19 on the lungs has revived interest in propolis products. According to research, propolis can prevent cancer growth and also help cancer cells renew. For this reason, it can affect both the formation of cancer types such as lung and skin cancer and help destroy existing cancer cells. Although it is not yet clear whether it has a direct effect on the lungs, Covid-19 has paved the way for these studies. Propolis can keep the body healthier thanks to its rich values. However, research has not yet revealed clear findings. In case of such a condition, you should not start using it without consulting your doctor (1, 2, 8).
Propolis Sexual Benefits
The question of "What are the sexual benefits of propolis?", which is a subject that especially couples who want to have children are curious about due to the minerals and vitamins in bee products, has started to be asked more frequently as the popularity of propolis has increased. However, research does not provide clear information about the sexual benefits of propolis. Although it is possible to provide strength and resistance to the person thanks to the minerals it contains, the sexual benefits of propolis have not been fully determined. If you have any allergic reactions to bee products, we recommend that you do not use it without consulting your doctor.
Is Propolis Useful in Wart Treatment?
Warts are a problem for people of all ages. We mentioned that propolis has an antioxidant structure. Thanks to this, it is a product that can be easily used for wart treatment. In a study conducted after 3 months, cure was achieved in 75% and 73% of patients with warts, respectively. Propolis dropped on the wart area can dry the wart. On the other hand, keeping the applied area clean can also ensure faster healing (2, 9, 10).
Propolis Harms and Side Effects
While the benefits of propolis can be seen almost throughout the body, its incorrect and excessive use can cause unwanted results. The results can be worse, especially in individuals who are allergic to bee products.
Excessive or incorrect application to the skin can also cause swelling and itching on the skin surface. On the other hand, in addition to these side effects, it is also possible to see other side effects that may vary from person to person (11). For this reason, it would be best to use propolis under the supervision of a physician.
Propolis Allergy
Propolis allergy matches the allergy symptoms that can be seen in the use of other bee products. Attention should be paid to propolis allergy, which can show its effects more severely, especially in excessive use. Otherwise, it can also show its effects on the skin or internal organs such as the stomach and intestines. According to the research, the increase in the use of propolis-containing products has been parallel to the linear increase in the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis due to propolis. Initially, contact allergy to propolis was mostly reported in people with occupational exposure, but most of the current cases are the result of the use of propolis-containing products applied topically or taken orally. Allergic contact with ingested propolis has resulted in cheilitis, stomatitis, eczema around the mouth, lip edema, mouth pain, and shortness of breath.
Many minerals and vitamins found in bee products can trigger an unknown allergic reaction in you. We also recommend that you do not start taking bee product supplements without consulting your doctor if you have a known allergic reaction (11).
The Best Propolis at Bikalite
The safety of the product used in propolis and other bee products is a very important issue. At Bikalite, the documents belonging to the products and the manufacturers are meticulously examined, and only products that meet our quality criteria and are original are offered to you. When used correctly, propolis and other bee products at Bikalite meet the daily needs of you and your loved ones and ensure that you are healthier. You can shop from Bikalite with peace of mind.
Source:
- What Are The Benefits of Propolis
- Can You Use Honey to Treat Acid Reflux?
- The Benefits and Uses of Propolis
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20064186/
- Propolis
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6282378/
- https://pharmacy.mahidol.ac.th/journal/_files/2021-48-3_224-230.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220308155
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549483/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3120007/
- Propolıs - Uses, Side Effects, and More