Propolis is produced from raw materials made by honey bees. The honey bee produces Propolis by collecting tree or plant resin, then mixing it with bee enzymes and sometimes beewax. The honey bees traditionally use Propolis to maintain the health of their hive, to protect the hive from spread of infection, and sometimes they will use Propolis to fill smaller gaps in the hive.
Health benefits of Propolis
Canker sores. Early research shows that taking propolis by mouth daily for 6-13 months reduces canker sore outbreaks.
Cold sores. Early research shows that applying 3% propolis ointment five times daily might help improve healing time and reduce pain from cold sores.
Genital herpes. Early research shows that applying a 3% propolis ointment four times daily for 10 days might improve healing of lesions in people with genital herpes. Some research suggests that it might heal lesions faster and more completely than the conventional treatment 5% acyclovir ointment.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Early research suggests that taking 60 drops of a preparation containing Brazilian green propolis daily for 7 days does not reduce H. pylori infection.
A type of intestinal infection called giardiasis. Early research suggests that taking a 30% propolis extract for 5 days can cure giardiasis in more people than the drug tinidazole.
Minor burns. Early research shows that applying propolis to the skin every 3 days might help treat minor burns and prevent infections.
Mouth surgery. Early research shows that using a propolis mouth rinse five times daily for 1 week might improve healing and reduce pain and swelling after mouth surgery.
Painful mouth sores and inflammation (oral mucositis). Early research shows that rinsing the mouth with a 30% propolis mouth rinse three times daily for 7 days helps reduce inflammation and improve the healing of sores in some people with mouth sores caused by chemotherapy.
Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis). Early research suggests that using Brazilian green propolis extract four times daily for 7 days can prevent oral thrush in people with dentures.
Upper respiratory tract infections. There is some early evidence that propolis might help prevent or reduce the duration of common colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Vaginal swelling (vaginitis). Early research suggests that applying a 5% propolis solution vaginally for 7 days can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people with vaginal swelling.
