Propolis - useful properties and contraindications

Propolis or bee glue is a building material for the hive, with which hard-working bees close up the gaps in the walls. There he serves as an “orderly”, disinfecting the area and preventing the entry of foreign agents.

People from ancient times noticed this ability of propolis and tried to use it for medicinal purposes. Since then, bee glue has been widely used in traditional and traditional medicine, physiotherapy, pharmacology and pharmaceuticals, homeopathy, etc.

Of course, like any other bee product, propolis is a highly concentrated remedy that, if carelessly applied, can produce side effects. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the ways of using bee glue and possible contraindications.

Characteristics of propolis

The honey product is produced exclusively by bees - in an independent form, it is not formed.

The hue and texture of the glue will depend on the habitat of the insects. In nature, dark brown propolis is most common, but sometimes white, red, green, and black can be found. In the warm season, the consistency of the product is more fluid and sticky, and at low temperatures it hardens and becomes brittle.

Classical propolis of temperate climate contains about 200 useful components, among them:

• vitamins of groups B, E, H, P, A and C;
• propolis flavon;
• polyphenols;
• aldehydes;
• organic alcohols;
• resins;
• flavonoids (kaempferol, apigenin, akacetin, ermanin);
• essential oils;
• fatty acid;
• wax;
• vegetable balm;
• pollen;
• lipophilic acaricides (natural pesticides against some parasites, such as ticks);
• amino acids;
• proteins;
• Sahara;
• enzymes;
• lactones, quinones, ketones;
• plant steroids.

Macro and trace elements (calcium, vanadium, magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus, potassium, nickel, sodium, zinc, copper, tin, manganese, sulfur, iron, cobalt, silicon, chromium, titanium, fluorine, strontium, antimony, selenium).

For treatment, pure propolis concentrate (gum) is used, as well as water, oil and alcohol solutions, homemade ointments and creams.

Treatment with propolis

Bee glue is successfully used in all areas of medicine, allowing you to cope with various groups of diseases.

Propolis against pathogenic microflora
The composition of the product includes essential oils, which play the role of natural antibiotics, as well as various alcohols, amino acids and flavonoids. All of these components effectively fight disease agents:

• Candida fungi and yeast infection;
• viruses (influenza, hepatitis, herpes, chicken pox and others);
• rods (tuberculosis, intestinal);
• other microorganisms (trichomonas);
• allergic antigens;
• parasites (salmonella, Ascaris, Giardia, etc.).

It is important to emphasize that bee glue destroys pathogenic representatives without disrupting the body’s natural microflora, without causing dysbiosis, vaginosis, etc. In this respect, propolis compares favorably with synthetic antibiotics.

Due to its properties, the bee product is effectively used for:

• catarrhal diseases (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, flu, bronchitis);
• mycosis of various locations;
• diseases of the oral cavity (candidiasis, glossitis, herpes, periodontal disease, stomatitis);
• infectious diseases of the digestive tract and urogenital system;
• allergic reaction.

Also, due to its antibacterial, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory properties, bee glue helps fight nasopharyngeal diseases:

• sinusitis;
• sinusitis;
• rhinitis (including allergic nature);
• sphenoiditis;
• ethmoiditis;
• frontal sinusitis

Tincture of propolis reduces redness and swelling of the mucous sinuses, removes nasal congestion, runny nose.

Effective bee product and infections of the middle ear (otitis). The ester of caffeic acid reduces inflammation of the middle and inner ear, restores hearing, eliminates shooting pains.

Propolis and pressure
Bee glue reduces the secretion of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TG), which prevents the relaxation of smooth muscles, dilation of blood vessels, normalization of blood circulation in the heart.

As a result of a decrease in TG, the heart freely pumps blood, so that the pressure drops to the normal mark.Propolis is an ideal remedy for the treatment of hypertensive states (hypertension and hypertensive crisis, preeclampsia, etc.).

Propolis and diseases of the digestive tract
Bee product for many centuries used in diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as colitis, gastritis, acidity, obstruction, ulcerative lesions.

Propolis heals mucous surfaces, while producing an anesthetic effect. At the same time, the acidity of gastric secretion decreases, and spasms of smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines decrease.

Bee glue is also used in case of severe intoxication of the body, chronic diarrhea, and dysbacteriosis. It promotes the rapid removal of toxins and toxins, promotes the secretion of phagocytes - cells that bind and remove foreign particles.

The use of propolis slows the growth of Campylobacter yeyuni, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus fecal, which mainly provoke food poisoning.

Bee glue is also used for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. Use it in the form of homemade creams and ointments, rectal suppositories. The tool reduces inflammation of hemorrhoids, restores normal blood flow in the veins, heals anal fissures.

Propolis and malignant processes
Antioxidants in the composition of bee glue slow down the oxidative reactions in the body, reduce the risk of occurrence of good and malignant tumors.

Thanks to propolis, the cell membranes are cleaned and their normal breathing and nutrition are restored. Malignant cells stop dividing, thereby the tumor process slows down or stops (of course, in the early stages). The blood supply to cancer cells is also disrupted, as a result of which they die and are removed from the body without affecting the living cells.

When running oncology, the bee product works as an anesthetic and immunomodulator, maintaining the quality of life of the patient.

Scientists have discovered a unique compound of CAPE in propolis, which prevents the growth of malignant cells of the intestine, cervix, prostate, etc. Red (Brazil) and brown (Cuba) types of bee glue have such valuable properties.

Propolis and leather
The product is rich in organic acids, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, which complexly affect the skin, protect it from the negative effects of external factors.

Bee glue helps to get rid of the following skin problems and diseases:

• acne and acne;
• boils, boils, pustular lesions;
• warts;
• ulcerative lesions;
• fungal diseases (candidiasis, mycosis);
• pottery in children;
• dermatitis of various nature (including allergic);
• mechanical wounds, punctures, cuts;
• burns and frostbite;
• abscesses and cysts;
• psoriasis;
• insect bites.

Propolis tincture treats warts in just 2 weeks. In this case, it is necessary to apply it both orally and locally in the form of lotions and applications.

For thermal and chemical burns, fat propolis is melted to the state of a cream. The tool has analgesic properties, contributes to the rapid healing of wounds and the growth of new tissue.

Propolis and other diseases
Effectively bee product fights with other diseases and pathologies.

1. Osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, osteochondrosis and other skeletal lesions. The tool helps to restore bone and cartilage tissue, suppresses inflammatory processes, increases bone density. The use of propolis tincture produces prevention of fractures and cracks.
2. Seasonal allergies. Components in the composition of bee glue slow down the effects of histamine - an allergen that causes body reactions (runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, fever).
3. Overheating of the body. Antioxidants reduce the feeling of fatigue, eliminate dehydration, thereby reducing the effect of heat stress.
4. Diseases of the reproductive system. Propolis is used in the treatment of thrush, trichoplasmosis, vaginal herpes, pubic lice. It also stops endometriosis - the proliferation of the mucous membrane of the uterus, which is one of the common causes of infertility.
5. Dental problems. Propolis tincture lubricates ulcers in the mouth, foci of stomatitis, bleeding gums and other lesions of the mucous surface. Gum from a bee product reduces the risk of caries and plaque by 60%. And you can get rid of persistent toothache by gluing a piece of natural bee glue to the affected tooth.
6. Sugar and gestational diabetes. Propolis slows down the production of enzymes that are responsible for the increase in blood glucose.

Contraindications to the use of propolis

The bee product is the strongest allergen, both food and respiratory. The reaction to propolis is manifested in the form of eczema and dermatitis, asthma attacks, urticaria, rhinitis. Accompanied by itching and burning of the skin, multiple rashes, high fever, general weakness, intoxication and headache. Propolis is contraindicated in persons who have a history of allergies to any medicinal herbs, needles, salicylates, and other beekeeping products.

It is recommended to limit the use of bee glue in the following cases:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• children's age (up to 3 years);
• exacerbation of asthma;
• diseases of the digestive tract, liver or kidney in acute form;
• recovery from surgery or serious injury;
• bleeding disorders.

Propolis is a natural antibiotic, thanks to which it successfully fights pathogenic microflora, cleanses the body of toxins and metabolic products, and models immunity. Use the therapeutic bee product wisely, and then the risk of side effects and allergies will be almost zero.

Video: how to cook and use propolis