Where is propolis used? What is bee propolis and how is it useful? Can you chew propolis

Few people think that plants are living organisms that have their own immunity. To maintain it, many of them secrete resinous substances with strong antibacterial properties. Bees collect this product and process it with their glands - this is how propolis (bond, bee glue) is obtained. According to some studies, propolis is a residual product in the first phase of pollen digestion. The composition of bee glue is not fully understood, but practice has shown that propolis treats most of the known diseases and serves as an excellent means of preventing them.

The bees themselves are used as a disinfectant: for sealing cracks, covering the notch, disposing of foreign objects. For example, insects that have penetrated a pest can sting to death and completely cover with propolis, because they are unable to remove it from their house on their own. The bee hive is sterile precisely because of propolis, which bees add in meager amounts even to caps for sealing honey ().

Freshly harvested propolis resembles a resin, plastic at high temperatures and brittle when frozen. The color of bee glue can be from gray and yellowish to various shades of brown - it depends on the location and composition of the plants, the degree of contamination, the shelf life and even the place of deposition in the bee house. Propolis has a strong characteristic smell - it is by this that one can most often determine the naturalness of the product. The taste of bee glue is bitter, with a characteristic tingling of taste buds.

To date, the composition of propolis has not been fully elucidated: among the identified 200 compounds, 16 classes of organic components have been identified. It is their multiplicity that provides a wide range of useful properties of propolis. In the composition of bee glue:

• 50-60% vegetable resins and pollen balm;
• 30% wax;
• 10% aromatic and essential oils;
• 5% other substances (micro and macro elements, steroids, vitamins, ketones, quinones, sugars).

The high healing qualities of bee glue are explained by the presence of enzymes (enzymes), essential oils, a wide range of essential trace elements, amino acids, and flavonoids in its composition. Previously unknown antimicrobial substances were found in propolis, which have activity not only against bacteria, but other microorganisms: viruses, fungi, protozoa.

Important! The chemical composition of propolis may vary depending on various factors, however, bee glue, even in small quantities, has exceptional properties for eliminating a wide variety of painful manifestations.

The strength of bee glue can be judged by the following fact: propolis does not lose its qualities even after boiling for an hour. This significantly increases the value of the bee product and allows it to be used for the preparation of a wide variety of products.

Description of the medicinal properties of propolis can be represented by a list:

• Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal);
• Immunostimulating and immunocorrecting;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Painkiller;
• Antioxidant;
• Fortifying.

Propolis preparations are used in the prevention and treatment of a number of pathological conditions:

For internal use:

• For infectious diseases: from the common cold to tuberculosis;
• With pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, ulcers, diseases of the gallbladder and liver;
• For problems with the heart and blood vessels: atherosclerosis, ischemia, heart failure, prevention of stroke and heart attack;
• For diseases of the genitourinary system: prostate adenoma, cystitis, inflammation of the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries;
• For neuropsychiatric disorders: neuralgia, depression, nervousness, sleep disorders (in combination with other drugs).

For outdoor use:

• For dermatological problems: wounds and ulcers, acne, herpes rashes, fungal infections, psoriasis (with simultaneous ingestion);
• For diseases of the oropharynx: inflammation of the mucous membrane (smell from the mouth), inflammation of the gums and toothache, inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, tonsils;
• For inflammation of the ear and eyes: otitis, mild forms of conjunctivitis and marginal blepharitis, as well as barley;
• For circulatory disorders: varicose veins, hemorrhoids;
• For rheumatic lesions: joints, soft and muscle tissues;
• With injuries of the spine and intervertebral discs.

Important! It is impossible to fully enumerate what else propolis helps with, but even the preventive use of products based on it has an extremely beneficial effect on all vital organs.

When using preparations based on propolis, maximum attention should be paid to contraindications - the product can exhibit strong allergenic properties. Persons who are prone to allergic reactions or have intolerance to other bee products should avoid propolis in the first place. For those who are not sure, you can conduct a provocative test: apply a little on the soft palate and wait 30 minutes.

Contraindications to the use of propolis are the following conditions:

• Severe pathologies of internal organs (liver, kidneys, etc.);
• Atonic bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis;
• The presence of neoplasms;
• Dermatitis and eczema.

Important! In each specific case, persons with serious somatic diseases or pathologies with an allergenic factor should consult an apitherapist. Propolis treatment is used as the main or additional therapy, depending on the diagnosis and doctor's recommendations.

Dosage forms of propolis

Of all the available dosage forms, it is the most popular - its healing properties are enhanced due to the alcohol base. In addition, this component provides a long shelf life in almost any conditions. The only thing that should be observed is the protection of the tincture from sunlight. However, propolis tincture is not the only option for preparing a medicinal product. There are several more dosage forms of propolis.

To prepare a 20% tincture, take propolis (100 g) and medical alcohol (500 ml):

• Propolis is pre-frozen - so it becomes brittle and crumbles more easily;
• Rub bee glue on a fine grater and place in a glass container;
• Pour in alcohol and close the lid;
• Place the container with the tincture in a cool place protected from light;
• Insist for 14 days. , periodically shaking;
• Filter and store in a dark place.

Alcohol tincture can be prepared with different concentrations, but most often a 10-20% solution is used in treatment. When buying at a pharmacy, make sure that the propolis preparation is for internal use - the manufacturer notifies you of this.

Aqueous extract

In a number of severe pathologies, treatment with alcohol-containing drugs is contraindicated. In this case, an aqueous extract of propolis is prepared - although the period of its use is much shorter, nevertheless, the value of such a remedy is in no way inferior to alcohol tincture:

• To prepare a 10% solution, place 10 g of crushed propolis in glass, ceramic or enameled dishes and add 100 ml of water;
• The container with the future tincture, while stirring, is kept in a water bath for about 1 hour;
• Leave to cool completely, filter and pour into a dark glass container, store in the refrigerator.

Important! The shelf life of an aqueous extract of propolis is much shorter than that of an alcoholic tincture: the duration of the preservation of properties in such a product is only 10 days. , while the presence of alcohol allows the use of the tincture for 3-4 years.

To prepare an ointment from propolis, peach, apricot or sunflower oil is used. However, the remedy has the greatest effect when using sea buckthorn oil:

• Pour 170 ml of oil into an enamel bowl, bring to a boil;
• Add 30 g of powdered propolis, stir and bring to a boil again;
• When warm, the product is filtered and placed in a glass container.

Propolis ointment is stored for only 8-12 months. under normal conditions: without access to light at room t. Used to treat skin diseases, wounds, burns, bedsores.

propolis oil

Such a tool can be used for external or internal use - depending on the type of oil. For example, burdock oil with propolis can only be used for external use.

For internal use, a preparation is prepared based on high-quality butter:

• At the required 10% concentration of the agent, 10 g of propolis ground into powder is added to 90 g of oil;
• In an enamel bowl, the mixture is placed in a water bath, where it is heated for 30 minutes. (at t +60 +70°С) or 20 min. (at t +70 +80°С);
• The finished product is transferred to a glass container and put in the refrigerator.

Important! Oil with propolis can also be used externally - in this case, the concentration of bee glue is increased to 40%.

The benefits of propolis are best manifested in combination with milk - a component of many remedies for the treatment of colds and stomach diseases:

• Boil 1 liter of milk in an enamel bowl;
• Add 50 g of propolis powder to it;
• When stirring, the surfaced impurities are removed from the surface and the propolis is completely dissolved (about 10 minutes);
• The product is cooled slightly, filtered thoroughly and, after complete cooling in an airtight container, stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days.

Important! The course of treatment with milk with propolis does not exceed 10 days. (3 p. per day per st. l.). If necessary, you can use an aqueous propolis tincture for treatment: for adults, 20 drops per 100 ml of milk, for children - 1-2. In this case, the milk is not boiled, but simply heated or cooled slightly after boiling.

propolis honey

When mixed with honey, the effect of using a product with propolis is enhanced several times - after all, both products have exceptional healing properties:

• To prepare 10% of the drug, take 10 g of crushed propolis and mix it with 90 g of honey;
• The resulting product is heated in a water bath, not exceeding t + 37.5 ° C, so as not to destroy the beneficial properties of honey;
• After complete dissolution of propolis, the mixture is slightly cooled, filtered and transferred to a glass container.

Store the remedy for no more than a year in a dark place, well-corked.

Important! For easier dissolution, only propolis is first placed in a water bath, and honey is added later.

For the preparation of candles, propolis extract is used: an aqueous extract from equal amounts of bee glue and water:

• To 1 part of propolis extract add 4 parts of any animal fat;
• Everything is thoroughly mixed and cylinders 1 cm in diameter are rolled out on parchment paper;
• Cut into pieces about 3 cm long and pointed at one end;
• Ready suppositories are cooled and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

In another way, a mixture of propolis (50 g), wax (50 g) and animal fat (200 g) is heated until completely dissolved in a water bath, after which candles are formed.

Important! Candles with the addition of bee glue are used in the treatment of prostate adenoma, hemorrhoids, and various gynecological diseases.

Oil-propolis balm

To prepare a 20% concentration, you will need:

• unsalted butter - 10 g;
• any vegetable oil - 70 g;
• crushed propolis - 20 g.

All ingredients are carefully ground in a glass or porcelain dish, kneaded and stored in a hermetically sealed container in the refrigerator. The balm is effective in the treatment of the common cold (in the form of tampons) and various chronic skin lesions.

Important! Spoiled propolis is not suitable for treatment. Loss of medicinal properties can occur due to improper storage conditions, contact with chemicals, contamination, several heatings and coolings. Spoiled bee glue loses its stickiness and vice versa becomes brittle even at normal t, it is easy to crumble it with your fingers. Such propolis is unusable and it is better to throw it away.

One of the easiest ways to use bee glue is to eat it fresh. To do this, it is enough to chew a propolis pea the size of a match head until the bitter taste and characteristic tingling disappear completely. In the absence of contraindications and side effects, propolis is used:

• with infections of the upper respiratory tract: tonsillitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis (up to 5 g per day);
• with gastritis, it is recommended to swallow even the remains of bee glue (no more than 5 g);
• to increase immunity for pregnant women and children: 1-2 g and not every day.

Chewing treatment occurs by transferring all the healing substances from propolis directly into the patient's body, while the remains (with rare exceptions) are recommended to be spit out, especially with regular use. However, not everyone can use this method, so propolis preparations are very popular.

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of bee glue have been used primarily in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract:

• With tracheitis, bronchitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, etc. For inhalation, 30 g of propolis and 20 g of wax are placed in a ceramic container and placed in a water bath. Breathe in vapors saturated with phytoncides, in tech. 15 minutes. (in the morning and in the evening). With bronchial asthma, it is recommended to carry out procedures up to 2 months. For colds, additionally take 35 drops of 20% tincture in 50 ml of water three times a day;
• With tuberculosis. The effectiveness of treatment with propolis is achieved with a gradual increase in the concentration of bee glue: they start with propolis oil with a 10% propolis content, later they move to 15%. Daily dose - 30-45 g, divided into 2-3 equal doses before meals (1 hour). The course of treatment is 4-10 months. , with 2-week breaks every 60 days);
• With angina. The most effective treatment is native propolis: a piece of bee glue is placed behind the cheek at night, and small pieces are chewed during the day after meals. Such treatment eliminates all symptoms in 2 days without any complications - the main threat in angina;
• For all types of sinusitis. Several times a day, inhalations are made with the addition of 0.5 tsp to 2 liters of boiling water. tinctures of bee glue with a concentration of 30%;
• With nasal polyps. At night, turundas with propolis ointment are placed in the nasal passages: 30 g of propolis powder, 20 g of vaseline oil and 50 g of butter. Treatment is carried out until the symptoms disappear completely - usually 20-30 procedures.

Important! In diseases of the respiratory tract, propolis treatment is carried out in a variety of forms: chewing, inhalation, rinsing with the addition of alcohol tincture or water extract, ingestion, lubrication of the mucous membrane.

When treating pathologies of the digestive system, several recommendations should be followed:

• Do not use bee glue preparations during periods of exacerbations;
• Strictly observe dosages;
• Take the remedy only in diluted form: in a glass of warm tea or milk;
• The greatest effectiveness - when taken on an empty stomach or in the middle of a break between meals.

Depending on the type of disease, treatment with propolis is carried out in the following order:

• With gastritis. For the treatment of gastritis with high acidity, take 40 drops of alcohol tincture (20%) three times a day for 14 days. With low acidity, a mixture of honey, Kalanchoe juice and alcohol tincture (10%) is made in the ratio: 78: 15: 7. All ingredients are mixed and heated in a water bath until they are completely dissolved. Take 3 r. per day for 1 tbsp. l. at least a month;
• With a stomach ulcer. Use 10% tincture: at the initial stage according to Art. l. three times a day - until scarring. After that, they take the drug after a week break, but after a day - until complete recovery;
• With pancreatitis. In this case, only an aqueous solution of propolis with a concentration of 1% is recommended: within a month, a teaspoon three times a day.

Important! Alcohol tincture of propolis in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases is used with extreme caution and only after a comprehensive examination.

Skin problems can be not only pathological, but the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of propolis in this case are at their best. Preparations based on bee glue are effective for:

• callus removal- a small cake of warm propolis is applied to the steamed problem area of ​​the skin and left for several days (3-5). After removing the compress, the corn is painlessly removed;
• seborrheic eczema- the disease of young children up to 5 months. The use of propolis ointment in the treatment gives good results. However, more chronic pathologies have a low cure rate (5-11);
• hair loss- total or nested. Apply 30% propolis ointment in combination with some medicinal herbs and onion masks;
• skin tuberculosis- also in complex treatment, but already with medications. For therapy, propolis ointment with a high concentration of bee glue is used - from 30 to 50%;
• varicose ulcers- the use of 15-20% propolis-based ointment when changing dressings every other day allows you to achieve stable results after about 2 months.

Important! Preparations of bee glue are used for preventive and therapeutic purposes for ulcers, wounds, bedsores. The disinfectant properties of the bee product help in getting rid of nail fungus: in the form of baths and ointments, rubbing and dressings. Only at the same time, shoes and clothes (socks, tights, knee-highs) should be disinfected in parallel, as well as those surfaces where a bare foot could walk - in the bath and toilet. In this case, it is necessary to check all family members so as not to transmit the infection to each other - only in this case the treatment will be effective.

Prostate adenoma and prostatitis

In the treatment of problems in the male genital area, various preparations with propolis are used:

• Suppositories are introduced at night into the anus. The procedures are carried out until complete recovery. Additional medicinal ingredients can be added to the candles: medicinal herbs (St. John's wort, motherwort, bearberry, etc.), honey, wax. The composition of the candles is changed every 2 months. ;
• Native propolis is taken on a general basis - no more than 5 g per day, the rest is spit out;
• An aqueous extract of propolis is taken for 3-4 months. under Art. l. morning, afternoon, evening shortly before meals.

Important! In the treatment of chronic forms of the disease, it is recommended to use an integrated approach and not to take breaks. In this case, 3 patients out of 4 are completely cured, and 1 feels a significant improvement.

Diseases of the urogenital area in women, especially young women, often give complications to general health, and this, in turn, affects the health of future generations. That is why the use of propolis preparations for women is preferable - because it is completely natural:

• With uterine myoma. In this case, complex treatment is carried out: ingestion of an aqueous extract of bee glue for 2 months. (three times a day, 1 tbsp.) in combination with propolis balls (small pieces of propolis or a similar pharmacy medicine) placed overnight in the vagina. Such procedures are carried out according to the scheme: 10 days - treatment, 5 - break;
• With endometriosis. The therapy is carried out according to a complex scheme: a combination of vaginal suppositories (pure propolis or mixed with honey) with douching or tampons moistened with solutions of alcohol or water tinctures. At the same time, the concentration is made minimal so as not to burn the mucous membrane with alcohol;
• With an ovarian cyst. Therapy lends itself only to undeveloped forms of the disease: they use propolis ointment with the addition of boiled egg yolk. The agent is impregnated with gauze swabs and laid overnight in the vagina for several weeks.

Important! However, the final decision on the treatment of gynecological problems with propolis is best made after consultation with your doctor. Perhaps he will even advise taking extracts or tinctures inside - in the absence of contraindications.

The effectiveness of preparations based on propolis is beyond doubt. This is evidenced by numerous reviews, centuries-old experience of beekeepers and even the presence of preparations with bee glue in pharmacies. In addition, I can only say that the author of these lines cured nasal polyps and atherosclerosis with propolis tincture. It is only important to observe the doses, regularity and stock up on the approval of the attending physician.

Another name for propolis is bee glue. It is a malleable substance that bees use to seal gaps in hives and seal off foreign objects that have somehow entered the hive. It is classified as a traditional beekeeping product, as well as honey, bee bread, zabrus and royal jelly. found in small amounts in zabrus and zabrus honey. It is made by the bees themselves. They mix a sticky substance that is extracted from the leaves of trees, vegetable juices, pollen and their own saliva. The result is a plastic black substance with fantastic healing properties. Most bees produce propolis around the end of summer. This is how they prepare for winter. The fact is that Propolis is a powerful natural antibiotic. Therefore, sealing the cracks in the hive, the bees also disinfect the air inside it. Thus, cleanliness and sterility are maintained throughout the winter.

The amazing properties of propolis have been known to people for a very long time.. In ancient times, people discovered that this substance has anti-putrefactive, embalming and mummifying effects. Avicenna, the great medieval scholar, called it black wax. He wrote in his writings that propolis pulls out pieces of arrows and thorns from wounds, cleanses the blood and softens wounds.

Everyone knows that bees are engaged in the manufacture of honey, but this is not the only product that is produced as a result of the activity of insects. In addition to honey, there is also wax, perga, propolis and royal jelly. Propolis can be considered the most popular product after honey, which is actively used in the treatment of many diseases. But only few people know what propolis treats and how to use it correctly. What are its medicinal properties and contraindications?

What is propolis

Propolis is a sticky substance that the bees themselves collect from the buds of trees, bring and put in the hive, adding wax, pollen to it and enriching it with useful enzymes.

Bees cover the gaps in their hive with propolis to protect it from viruses and various pathogens. If suddenly another insect gets into the hive, then its bees first bite, and then embalm using propolis. It can stay in the hive for a long time and not decompose.

Propolis is a building material of bees, which contains resins, balms, essential oils, wax, pollen and aromatic substances.

Propolis can be of different colors: greenish, gray, brown or reddish. If it is stored for a long time, it may be black.

This bee product is very useful for the human body. It smells good and tasty, reminiscent of honey, because it contains pollen from fragrant herbs and resinous greens. But how to use propolis correctly so that it brings the maximum benefit to a person?

Useful properties of propolis

Propolis is not yet a fully studied substance, so the whole range of its effects on the body has not been clarified, but it is already known that it has the following properties:

• disinfectants;
• antibacterial;
• antitoxic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• dermoplastic;
• antioxidant;
• immunomodulatory.

Due to the fact that propolis has a disinfectant effect, it helps to destroy pathogens and destroys toxins. It inhibits the activity of bacteria and viruses, helps slow down the growth of some of their species. In addition, this product has the ability to neutralize poisons released by decaying cells, accelerates the regeneration and healing of tissues. It is believed that propolis has an anesthetic effect, but this fact has not been officially confirmed.

Useful composition of propolis

It is important to know not only whether it is possible to use propolis inside, but also how it is useful for the body. It contains a huge amount of trace elements that are simply necessary for the proper development and functioning of the body. Propolis contains:

• magnesium is an essential element for the functioning of the heart and organs of the digestive system;
• potassium - supports the genitourinary system, normalizes intestinal motility, helps the brain to function;
• sodium - promotes vasodilation, maintains the correct water-salt balance, is responsible for the functioning of the kidneys;
• iron - helps the thyroid gland to produce hormones in the right amount, strengthens the immune system, gives the skin a fresh and healthy color;
• zinc - helps the body fight viruses and pathogens that get inside;
• manganese - indispensable for the proper functioning of the nervous system;
• copper - takes an active part in the synthesis of hemoglobin, affects the pigmentation of the skin and hair;
• cobalt - helps activates the growth of red blood cells, supports the pancreas;
• Phosphorus is indispensable for maintaining good condition of teeth and bones, supports the functioning of the heart, is responsible for muscle function and cell growth.

Can you use propolis? It is simply necessary, because in addition to the microelements described above, its composition also contains other equally important for the proper operation of all internal systems of the human body: aluminum, fluorine, tin, antimony, strontium and others. All of them play an important role in the work of each of the organs.

Of the minerals, the leading place is occupied by calcium, which is responsible for the process of blood clotting, prevents the formation of blood clots. The strength of bones and teeth depends on the amount of this element. In addition, it is calcium that is responsible for the functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands.

How to use propolis in its pure form? And just chew it, because it contains the whole group of vitamin B, as well as others: A, C, E, H and R. It also contains amino acids essential for the functioning of the body, including valine, glycine, asparagine and others .

Under what diseases and how to use propolis correctly in order to get the maximum amount of nutrients and strengthen your health?

Propolis: what diseases helps?

For many years, traditional healers have been actively using the product of the activity of bees to treat numerous ailments. They know exactly how to use propolis correctly so that it has its beneficial effect on the body and helps to get rid of the symptoms and the disease itself without consequences. And it helps with such diseases:

1. With stomach ulcers and gastritis. Propolis cannot completely cure an ulcer, but it can relieve inflammation and enrich the body with vitamins. It relieves pain well, removes the feeling of nausea and helps to speed up the regeneration process.
2. Myoma of the uterus. Officially, this method is not supported by doctors, but it certainly will not harm the body. You can use propolis in gynecology in the form of tinctures or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina.
3. Fungal infections. Due to its bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties, propolis can relieve itching and inflammation, and also prevents the further spread of the fungus. As a result of the treatment of the fungus with propolis (how to use, we will tell further), the diseased nail is replaced by a healthy and strong plate.
4. Propolis is excellent at fighting Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that settles in the stomach and causes peptic ulcer. It is enough to use propolis tincture - and the bacterium dies.
5. Due to the healing properties of propolis, it easily copes with the inflammatory process in the pancreas, restores the digestive system.
6. This type of vital activity of bees helps with sinusitis, colds.
7. The use of suppositories, ointments and microclysters with propolis helps to effectively cope with the symptoms of hemorrhoids. They contribute to the resorption of hemorrhoids.
8. Propolis extract is an excellent catalyst for the restoration of damaged liver cells. Propolis does not help with all liver diseases, but as an adjuvant it can be used, it will not get worse.
9. Men over 40 often complain about problems with male power, and this is due to diseases of the prostate gland. Propolis can help here too.
10. The bee product perfectly copes with intestinal inflammation, helps to restore damaged cells.

Due to its unique properties, the bee product can become an aid in the treatment of many diseases. But it is important to know how to use propolis correctly in order to get rid of diseases and strengthen the immune system.

Propolis treatment: recipes

The uniqueness of the bee product lies in the fact that a variety of products can be prepared from it: tinctures, aqueous extracts, ointments, pastes, oils, tablets, candles and others. It can be used for inhalations, compresses, baths, rinses. Sometimes they even chew it.

There are many recipes for preparing propolis, but so far none of them have received a quality certificate. Therefore, before using it to treat a particular disease, it is better to consult a doctor. It is important not only to know what propolis treats and how to use it, but also to learn how to cleanse it of excess impurities before using it as a remedy. The preparation procedure will be stretched, but in the end, the product for treatment will turn out to be more effective. Purified bee glue is softer.

Propolis treatment of peptic ulcer and gastritis

An ulcer is an injury to the lining of the stomach. In order to effectively cure the disease, it is necessary to find out the cause that adversely affects the mucous membrane. An ulcer appears in cases where the factors of aggression prevail over the factors of defense of the body. As a result, the mucous layer is destroyed, and propolis helps to create additional protection. It helps cells recover. Propolis tincture can be taken orally, it destroys bacteria that cause disease, helps to regenerate epithelial tissue.

Patients who suffer from peptic ulcer are advised to take 60 drops of 30% propolis tincture, which is diluted in a glass of milk. Drink the remedy three times a day before meals. Some experts recommend using an oil or water extract in the treatment. Warm drinks with honey have proven their effectiveness. The improvement is noticeable already in the first days after the start of the reception. Nausea is less common, pain decreases, acidity normalizes, ulcers scar.

How to use propolis for gastritis? In the treatment, you can use tincture, decoction with the addition of medicinal herbs or tincture.

Propolis oil can be prepared independently. To do this, you need to take 10 parts of an alcohol solution and 1 part of any oil, for example, sea buckthorn, olive or cream. The composition must be boiled and passed through cheesecloth, rolled up in several layers. Store in the refrigerator, take 30 drops with milk for 21 days before each meal.

And you can cook propolis with herbs like this: take a tablespoon of fennel fruits, licorice root, linden flowers and mint, add three glasses of water, boil for 20 minutes and leave for 3 hours, add three tablespoons of propolis honey to the broth. Take 1/2 cup before each meal.

Is it possible to use propolis tincture inside? It is possible and necessary for all diseases that affect the digestive system.

Fibroids treatment

Propolis acts on tumor cells, stopping their development. Myoma develops from the wall of the reproductive organ. Benign formations are dangerous because they can easily develop into oncology. Propolis effectively copes with pain and uterine bleeding.

Take alcohol or water tincture three times a day, 10 drops for 10 days. They also put tampons in the vagina, which are pre-moistened in the therapeutic mixture. To prepare it, you need to mix 40 grams of butter and propolis and add 120 g of sunflower oil.

Treatment with propolis for uterine fibroids is a good alternative to hormone therapy and surgery.

Propolis for pancreatitis

Propolis, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, will help get rid of inflammation of the pancreas.

It is necessary to take 1/2 teaspoon of alcohol tincture of propolis, diluted in 1/2 cup of water. The tincture gradually restores the damaged pancreatic mucosa and accelerates cell regeneration. Also, warm milk at night with a tablespoon of propolis honey will give a positive effect.

How to use propolis inside correctly? It is better to do this before meals to prevent rejection of food.

Propolis for hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids is a disease that causes a "collision" of the circulatory and digestive systems. Inflamed veins put pressure on the rectum, which leads to its dysfunction. Using propolis in such situations, it is possible to quickly remove inflammation, normalize digestion and blood flow.

Propolis can be used to make suppositories that have an anesthetic effect, relieve swelling, itching and burning, help wounds and cracks heal faster. Often, hemorrhoids occur in women during childbearing, and during this period most of the drugs are contraindicated for them, so propolis suppositories are an excellent solution to the problem.

Candles can be made at home or purchased at a pharmacy. Also, for the treatment of hemorrhoids, you can make baths with an aqueous solution of propolis.

Propolis for liver diseases

The liver is difficult to treat, but propolis copes with the task. It must be taken orally. How to use propolis tincture if there are problems with the liver?

You can use a 20% alcohol tincture or an aqueous extract. If the patient has jaundice, then drip 20 drops of tincture into a glass of water and drink for a week. After that, the dosage is increased by 10 drops and they drink again for a week and continue until complete recovery, but you can not increase the dose by more than 40 drops.

Chaga with propolis helps well, which is prepared as follows: mix 30 g of crushed propolis with 0.5 kg of birch fungus, place in a clay container, pour a liter of water and leave to infuse for 12 hours, strain. Take 3 tbsp. l. before every meal.

Propolis in the treatment of liver diseases has an anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect.

Propolis for colds

Every person in his life suffered from bronchitis, acute respiratory infections, influenza. During the illness, I had to take a lot of drugs, which then negatively affect the work of the intestines.

With bronchitis, propolis canvas helps well. This is a piece of cloth that beekeepers put under the hive cover to protect it from drafts. This piece of fabric is well disinfected by bees, because they treat everything inside the hive with propolis.

When the tissue touches the human body, it heats up, propolis softens, has a beneficial effect on the epidermis and fills the air with a pleasant aroma, while the respiratory tract is inhaled. It is necessary to apply it on the chest and back in the area of ​​the bronchi. The procedure lasts about 40 minutes. You can store the canvas for about 4 years, wrapped in polyethylene.

A cough in a person can occur due to various reasons. Infections, a foreign body in the respiratory tract, effects on receptors, and others. If pharyngitis is diagnosed, then inhalations and rinses with propolis help well. In the treatment of tonsillitis and flu, chewing propolis gives a positive effect.

For rinsing, you can use this recipe: a spoonful of St. John's wort is poured with 250 ml of hot water, infused for about an hour, filtered and 60 drops of propolis infused with alcohol are added.

How to use propolis tincture for influenza or acute respiratory infections? Medicinal milk, which is best drunk warm, helps well. Milk in combination with propolis helps the therapeutic composition to be better absorbed and relieve symptoms faster. Such a remedy perfectly protects against spring-autumn exacerbations of viral diseases. It is enough for children to add a couple of drops of tincture to warm milk before going to bed.

Any cold is easier to treat if you approach the problem comprehensively. You can not only take medicines inside, but also use them externally. Preparations based on propolis help stop the inflammatory process, relieve pain, and kill the infection that has affected the respiratory tract. You can treat the throat with a propolis-based spray, do inhalations and rinses, apply compresses, and chew. You can make lollipops with propolis at home, just put a couple of drops of tincture on a piece of sugar and the medicine for treating the throat is ready. It is already known how to use propolis tincture on alcohol, and you can still eat healthy honey with propolis.

Bee honey and propolis: the most useful mixture

At first glance, it may seem that it is completely absurd to mix honey and propolis, because these two components are already so beneficial for the body. But in folk medicine, there are many recipes in which these two products of bee activity are present.

This composition contains a large amount of carbohydrates and proteins, but there are no fats. And this is a huge plus for those who are afraid to spoil their forms or want to get rid of extra pounds.

This healthy mixture also contains glucose and fructose, which are responsible for the energy of the body and constantly support it. And this means that using honey with propolis, you can constantly keep the body in good shape, the central nervous system stabilizes, due to which insomnia and stress disappear. But this is all very important for modern man.

Have we already told you how to use pure propolis? But little is known about propolis honey, it can be bought ready-made on the market or cooked at home. To prepare it, you need 10 g of propolis and 90 g of honey of any kind. All components are sent to a container and placed in a water bath, you should wait until the propolis begins to soften. Mix well and strain the mixture through cheesecloth.

Honey with propolis can be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, adding a tablespoon to a glass of water. Thus, you can support the immune system and tone the body.

Contraindications to the use of propolis

It is important to know how to consume propolis in solid form, but it is also necessary to understand the contraindications so as not to harm the body. Pediatricians do not advise giving this product of bee activity to children under 3 years old, and all because their internal systems are not yet fully developed, and propolis can cause an allergic reaction. But this ban does not apply to those children who do not have manifestations of allergies, because the bee product can benefit a weakened immune system.

People who have contraindications to the use of alcoholic beverages? In this case, they simply need to opt for an aqueous extract.

• acute liver disease;
• oncology;
• alcohol intolerance;
• allergic bronchial asthma.

There are no special contraindications to the use of propolis, but a consultation with a doctor will not be superfluous.

In the article, we told how to use honey with propolis and other components, now it is up to the patient himself, who will comply with the dosage and course of therapy. Only in this case, propolis will bring positive results and cure a lot of diseases without consequences.

There is no beekeeper who does not know about propolis, one of the products that can be obtained from the hive. But many people who are far from beekeeping, due to the qualities and characteristics of this substance, are also forced to look for it. And for some people, propolis can be an affordable solution to the problem, but they simply do not know what it is, and how it can be used in everyday life and ... treatment. Let's try to fill this gap.

What is propolis?

It is essentially a resinous substance produced by bees and is often referred to as "bee glue" or "black wax". The consistency is similar to wax and at positive temperatures it is easily deformed, while maintaining overall integrity. The smell is quite pleasant, fresh propolis smells like needles, grass and leaves at the same time, if you set it on fire, then the aroma of smoke is associated with church incense. Its color can vary from dark green and yellowish brown to brown and dark brown. It is edible, but those who dare to try it in its pure form will be taken aback by its burning bitter taste.

Over time, stickiness and plasticity are lost, the substance hardens and darkens (up to black). If you follow the storage rules - keep propolis tightly closed, dry, in a dark place and at a temperature of 15-22 degrees, then its main properties remain for at least 10 years.

Until now, the process of formation of propolis has not been precisely established. Initially, it was assumed that the bond (another name for propolis) is sticky substances processed by special secretory enzymes of bees, collected by insects from the buds of a number of trees - alder, poplar, chestnut, and so on. Indeed, worker bees often bring glue on their paws, and may even nibble on bits of tree buds. All this is then processed and used. However, over time, it was noticed that only the amount of propolis present in the hive, but not its very presence, depends on the presence of suitable trees within reach.

Taking into account the fact that propolis always contains pollen, the version of German researchers (Veck, Philipp, Küstenmacher and others) about the internal origin of bee glue has the right to life. Adherents of this theory believe that it is a remnant of the first phase of pollen processing. But after all, in the hives located closer to the trees listed above, there is always more propolis. It turns out that everyone is right! And propolis can be brought from outside, and created inside. It remains to be understood why the bond is so important for the bees themselves, if they are ready not only to collect it, but also to make it on their own!

Moreover, in the modern world, with a lack of pollen and tree buds (as well as in the case of excessive sampling of propolis by the beekeeper), bees embark on a trick. Cases have been noted when insects carried tar, plasticine, resin and other materials into the hive, with which they are trying to replace the bond. Therefore, the beekeeper is simply obliged to control the degree of sufficiency of natural raw materials if he does not want to reduce the quality of the product. And the buyer should be attentive to the choice of the seller (supplier) of propolis.

Why is there propolis in the hive?

The most noticeable propolis is in the form of a film on the walls of the hive and on the frames, as well as in the form of sagging in front of the notch. By the way, just this served as the basis for the Greek name of the substance: "pro" - in front, "polis" - a city-fortress. Therefore, it is easy to understand its explicit functions - sealing connections and narrowing (closing in winter) of the entrance to protect the inside of the hive from external influences and intrusions. But bee glue also has other uses:

Bees add uzu to the wax used in the construction of honeycombs, which increases their plasticity and strength. Depending on the region, the proportion of propolis content in wax is 5-10 percent.

Ready honeycombs are always “washed” with propolis before laying, thereby polishing, cleaning and disinfecting them - it contains acids and other substances that destroy microorganisms. By the way, the same property allowed the bees to arrange a kind of “disinfection gateway” - each bee that arrived in the hive is simply forced to “wash itself” by crawling along the notch covered with a knot

Bee glue is also used to fix all the moving parts of the internal device of the hive, so novice beekeepers often perceive this substance only as an annoying hindrance during maintenance and collection.

When animals of such a large size enter the hive that the bees are not able to bear them after killing, for example, mice, the corpses also “roll up” in propolis. Such an operation allows you not to be afraid of harmful decomposition products of organic matter - the animal turns into a mummy.

Thus, there are practically no places in the hive where propolis would not be used, while in an accessible form (where the beekeeper can remove propolis without harming the bees), one swarm per season can “give” from 100 to 300 grams of bonds.

How long have people known about propolis?

People learn a lot of the properties of substances thanks to animals and insects, and sometimes they don’t even think about it, but simply in imitation they begin to look for similar applications. Judging by the history of the use of "black wax", then everything happened to him exactly like that ...

Ancient Egypt

Of the oldest mentions of the bond, it is worth highlighting the deciphered ancient Egyptian records. According to the data obtained, the priests, who at that time were the people closest to medicine and chemistry, used in their activities a sticky substance extracted from bee hives along with honey and wax.

True, the therapeutic use of propolis was limited to applying bandages with a bond on wounds and burns, and often the patient only got worse due to an incorrectly selected amount (and, possibly, due to an allergic reaction). But much more common was the use peeped at by bees - the mummification of the dead. Many modern Egyptologists have to thank, among other things, propolis, because it was he and several other components that provided the work for these lovers to dig deeper into mummies.

Ancient Greece

The nation of warriors and thinkers also did not pay attention to this product. And also, basically, I used it as an antiseptic. It is believed that the use of propolis in everyday life - for varnishing furniture, sealing dishes when storing food and other similar operations, the Greeks owe to Aristotle. At one time, this prospector studied the life of bees, and even built a transparent hive, but in this way he was able to find out only one thing - insects very quickly cover the inner surfaces of the walls with a dark substance.

ancient iran

The outstanding philosopher and physician Abu Ali ibn Sina, who is better known in Europe under the name of Avicenna, was also interested in bee glue in his research. In one of his works, The Canon of Medicine, the mud of beehives (dirty wax) is mentioned. Judging by the description, we are talking about propolis, and if we take into account the words “cleans a little and softens a lot”, then we can roughly imagine the main use of propolis according to Avicenna - the treatment of the same wounds and burns, as well as the removal of calluses.

Medieval Georgia

Judging by the fact that almost every Georgian medical book of the 10th-12th centuries mentions the use of propolis, this substance was well known in the Caucasus, both among professional doctors and among the common people. It was added to the means for the prevention and treatment of teeth, wax-propolis cakes were placed on the chest with a cold, and toys and tools were wiped with a clean knot, again they removed corns with it and sealed some containers.

Europe

Everything that has been said above (except for mummification) will also apply to Europe. But I would like to single out one of the options - it is not officially confirmed, but there are versions that Antonio Stradivari used propolis to create his unique varnishes, and that this is one of the components that helped him surpass his teacher Nicolo Amati.

Like it or not, everything was difficult to prove, if at all possible. But, in fact, any nation at all times has found use for propolis, and for the most part, the methods of use are similar. This is not surprising, because in its general composition this substance, for example from the Eurasian continent, will be very close to bee glue collected in Africa, America or Australia. Well, the Slavs, in whom even many surnames bear the imprint of a connection with beekeeping (Pasechnik, Bortnik, and so on), would be completely ashamed not to know about propolis, its properties and ... composition.

What is propolis made of?

However, it’s not a shame not to know the chemical composition of propolis, especially considering that even modern chemical laboratories do not allow you to get a thorough picture. There is nothing to be surprised here - propolis as a whole is not a single substance and simply cannot have a standardized chemical formula.

Organic substances in it are 16 classes at once, divided into 4 groups. About two hundred possible compounds are known, while in only one sample there can be up to one and a half hundred of them. It is this multiplicity, among other things, that is the basis for such unique properties of propolis. But more on that later, but for now let's try to derive the "arithmetic mean".

Approximately half of the mass of the sample is resinous components. These include aromatic acids, their esters and flavonoids (and the latter are represented by five different compounds, which is quite unique in itself). A third of the composition is already fatty acids, alcohols and their esters. 10 percent of the "average" bee glue consists of essential and aromatic oils.

5% are various substances, among which the most common are minerals, vitamins (most of all B vitamins), various sugars, steroids, as well as lactones, ketones and quinones. No less than 5 percent (up to 10-12%) of any sample of propolis will consist of proteins and amino acids. A number of amino acids are simply indispensable for humans, and the ability to obtain them in a fairly simple form is also unique.

If we talk about the trace elements contained in the product, it is much easier to list the missing ones from those that a person needs. Potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, silicon and many others, in general, almost the entire periodic table, are present here. And yet, propolis is one of the potentially largest suppliers of calcium to the human body - anyone who watches advertising knows the benefits of this mineral for homo sapiens.

If we recall the time of the discovery of propolis, then it will be all the more surprising that scientists continue to find previously unknown components in it. More recently, substances such as caffeic acid ester and pinocembrin, the strongest antifungal agents, have been isolated from the base sample. According to the degree of effectiveness of analogues among other antifungal drugs of natural origin, these compounds do not exist.

All this together in various combinations endows propolis with a number of qualities and properties, both characteristic of other beekeeping products, as well as other substances, and completely different from them. Let's try to highlight the main ones.

Propolis properties

Physical

Initially, soft propolis is quite difficult to choose from the hive, but due to the ability to change the structure when temperatures change, experienced beekeepers do not have problems with collection. Knowing that when the temperature drops below +15, propolis begins to harden and crumbles easily, they simply wait for the right weather conditions and scrape (with a special grater or a suitable scraper) bee glue from the walls of the hive and the frames of the honeycombs.

The higher the temperature, the more plastic the propolis is, and when the threshold of 80-105 degrees is reached, it can even turn into a semi-liquid state. At the same time, one of the main unique features of this product, as an organic substance, is its high resistance to high temperatures. Even if you boil "black wax" for an hour, it will still retain most of its qualities. Thus, its use makes it possible to combine heating, which is problematic for other substances, while maintaining the quality required in a particular situation.

At the same time, its own chemical resistance does not become a hindrance in cases where, due to the nature of the application, propolis needs to be dissolved. Propolis dissolves without problems in gasoline, methyl and ethyl alcohol. A little more difficult, but still quite effective, is the dissolution of propolis in acetic acid and ammonia. If necessary, and with proper pre-treatment, it will be possible to dissolve it in both water and oil (vegetable and animal).

Medicinal and pharmacological properties of propolis

Again, all the properties of propolis can hardly be called thoroughly studied, but a wide range of effects on various microorganisms is undeniable. At the same time, it is worth remembering the high content of sensitizers (esters of caffeic acids) that can cause contact dermatitis. In addition, many compounds are allergens.

There is plenty of evidence that bee glue can be used as an anesthetic. But at the same time, there are many cases when propolis did not have any analgesic effect when applied. And this despite the fact that the fact of exceeding the analgesic power of propolis (0-25% alcohol solution) before novocaine by 5 times has been scientifically proven! Perhaps the reason lies precisely in the multiplicity and variability of the composition.

Antibacterial properties are undoubted, as well as the ability to slow down and even stop inflammatory processes. Although in the latter case, individual perception, the degree of development of the inflammatory process, the correct dosage and use case will be of great importance. About the same how, when and in what form propolis can be used will be our next chapter ...

Possible uses of propolis

If we forget about the old options - disinfection of objects (tools), sealing containers, varnishing wooden surfaces, and so on, then in modern life propolis is most often used in traditional and folk medicine. It is easy to judge how wide the range of application of bee glue can be by a large number of dosage forms.

Whole propolis

This form does not require any special preparations. The main thing here is that the product is natural (poor-quality fakes are, unfortunately, very common), free from unnecessary impurities. It is usually used heated (softened) or ground into a powder and wetted with water.

Wounds, burns, frostbite are treated with whole propolis applications. In small quantities, it is possible to apply to the gums with their diseases and problems of the oral cavity. Unrefined propolis with a high wax content is used in the treatment of sinusitis and bronchitis by applying heated cakes to problem areas. Warts, calluses, corns and cornifications are removed by tying small cakes of bee glue to them (the greatest efficiency is achieved by first softening the object of exposure and covering the bandage with an impermeable film).

It is made from crushed, waxed propolis. Prepared propolis is poured with alcohol for 12 hours, after which it is mixed with melted vaseline (it is possible to use vaseline and lanolin mixed in half). The mixture is boiled at 70-80 degrees for ten minutes and filtered.

Propolis ointment is used externally, in much the same way as the whole product. But this form is more convenient for storage and use, especially when it comes to places where applying (holding) a bandage is problematic. In addition, the ointment is much faster absorbed by the skin, and useful substances get to their destination in a larger volume. An example of a more convenient use of the ointment is the treatment of hemorrhoids, boils in the inguinal and axillary region, and so on. Propolis ointment is also used in the treatment of skin diseases - dermatitis and eczema.

Oil

It is made in the same way as the ointment, but instead of vaseline, butter is used. Moreover, the concentration of propolis here is much lower - 1:6, 1:8 or 1:10, since this form is taken inside.

Its main purpose is the treatment of damage to the gastric mucosa (gastritis), and to some extent it also helps with problems of other organs of the digestive tract.

Alcohol tincture of propolis

20 grams of propolis is poured into 80 ml. 96% alcohol and insist a week in a sealed container, shaking occasionally. After a week, the tincture needs to be filtered through paper, and it is ready for use. It can be taken orally (drops) or used to prepare compresses (diluted with water).

As an option, it is possible to prepare alcohol with a higher concentration - 3:10. The principle of preparation is the same.

In its pure form, such forms are practically not used, but alcohol tincture of propolis diluted with distilled water is one of the most effective folk remedies in the treatment of otitis media. Highly diluted tinctures can be used for washing mucous membranes, wounds, rinsing the mouth.

Propolis decoction

Prepared at the rate of 1 part of propolis to 10 parts of water. Propolis is crushed, poured into a bowl and poured with the right amount of water, then put in a water bath. Shaking the pot frequently, boil for at least an hour. Prepare immediately before use, as when stored in this form, propolis loses its qualities.

This form is most often used to treat burns and eye injuries. A small concentration and the absence of aggressive components will guarantee that the mucous membrane and cornea will not be irritated, and propolis itself will accelerate healing. A decoction is also used for rinsing the mouth in diseases of the oral cavity, in particular gums and teeth, as well as in the treatment of inflammation of the ear. In the latter case, as an option, water can be replaced by vegetable oil.

Milk

Fresh milk is brought to 70-80 degrees and crushed propolis is poured into it (50-100 grams per 1 liter). With constant stirring (it is advisable to use a wooden spoon), we keep the milk in this temperature regime for 10 minutes. Cool, remove the formed wax layer and filter.

The resulting milk, although it has an impartial brown color and a bitter taste, helps with many health problems. In particular, with problems with the stomach, digestive and intestinal tract.

Inhalations

Both steam - with melting of propolis in water, and burning of a product are possible.

Usually used for chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia. According to unconfirmed data (anecdotal evidence), propolis inhalations can slow down and even stop the course of tuberculosis and silicosis.

Please note that all of the above options for using bee glue are more related to traditional medicine, and are not exact recipes or guidelines for treatment!

In general, official medicine treats propolis quite cautiously. Recognizing the antibacterial properties of this product, propolis is used as a component of many ointments. There are also special therapeutic toothpastes and shampoos, which contain propolis. At the same time, the chemical multiplicity makes it difficult to use it more widely, and it must be recognized with good reason - in addition to many useful components, there are also substances that are not needed for a person, and sometimes even dangerous. Medical doctors from science desire more advanced devices that could effectively separate propolis into components, filtering out everything unnecessary and choosing only useful components.

It is impossible not to recall apitherapy - treatment with bee stings and bee products. Its effectiveness has also been questioned for a long time by many traditional doctors. But the effectiveness of the use of apitherapy, at least in the treatment of gout and rheumatism, is already a scientifically proven fact. And propolis is not the last element among the components of this type of treatment.

By and large, propolis is a natural antibiotic, and therefore its use is appropriate. And finishing the conversation about the options for the use of propolis, it is worth noting one more thing. Perhaps, in terms of the speed of impact, labor intensity and cost of production, bee glue loses to synthetic preparations, but its use makes it possible to eliminate the addiction factor!

A synthetic antibiotic has a stable formula and therefore is unchanged. Bacteria, on the other hand, easily adapt to such drugs, therefore, with prolonged use of a synthetic antibiotic, the degree of its effect on pathogens decreases. And everything would be fine if the antibiotic was taken directly, but the modern food industry supplies a very large amount of synthetics to the human body. For example, in the form of antibiotic residues contained in fish, animal and poultry meat, as well as other products grown on large farms, where antibiotics are used both in growing and processing products. So it turns out that the human body gets used to certain synthetic products even when it seems to not accept them!

In the case of propolis, the same multiplicity of composition is an insurmountable barrier for microorganisms on the way to addiction. Therefore, the effectiveness of the product in a month or even a year will be as high as today or a couple of years ago. But this does not mean that everyone should immediately stop taking any synthetic antibiotics and switch to treatment exclusively with propolis and its derivatives.

Firstly, there are plenty of diseases that well-known natural medicines, including propolis, succumb to at least, and at most can lead to complications. Secondly, the high activity of propolis components and the personal qualities of the body simply do not allow the use of this product in treatment. And even if the prescription of the medicine before you was "approved" by many generations of your (and even more so, neighboring or friendly) ancestors, it is not a fact that it is not contraindicated for you.

So a consultation with a doctor before you start using propolis in treatment is a must!

And only a doctor can authorize the treatment, determine its method, and prescribe the dosage and duration. And this is where our story about propolis can end, because it remains only to list the options in which its use is prohibited or undesirable.

Contraindications

Approximately 3-4% of people are initially allergic to bee products. As many more may develop it from long-term use, from large single doses, or from mixing incompatible products. Propolis is not toxic, but can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock and suffocation. So for obvious allergy sufferers, it is strictly prohibited, and people with a predisposition to allergies and (or) high susceptibility should beware.

The effects of bee glue on the liver, biliary tract, pancreas and kidneys are still poorly understood. Therefore, in diseases of the listed organs, propolis, and the preparations in which it is contained, doctors try not to prescribe. You yourself should also remember this fact, and warn doctors about such problems in time.

When any neoplasms appear, neither they nor any other disease can be treated with propolis until a consultation with a doctor and a detailed analysis. Although propolis is used in the treatment of cancer, when trying to influence an unknown neoplasm, it is possible to activate its growth.

If you have no contraindications to the use of propolis and containing preparations, and the doctor has prescribed treatment, then you have only two mandatory actions:

1. Buy quality propolis

2. Get well

Content

A natural antibiotic - this is how propolis is called in folk medicine, which, if used correctly, can replace many difficult and dangerous drugs. It accelerates metabolism and wound healing, strengthens the immune system, kills pathogenic microorganisms, and is even prescribed for gynecological and urological diseases. The list of medicinal properties of this product is impressive, but how safe is it? What are the contraindications to it and when is it needed?

What is propolis

Bee glue or tie - this is how this beekeeping product is called. The word "propolis" was formed from the Greek "pro" (front) and "polis" (fortress), which is interpreted by experts as "protection of the fortress", since the bees that produce this substance use it to:

• sealing the hive (covering cracks);
• control of patency of the notch;
• honeycomb disinfection;
• isolation of foreign elements that have fallen into the hive (up to insects and mice that are mummified with bee glue).

Propolis is a viscous resinous substance that has a dark brown or greenish tint. It is based on sticky substances (phenolic compounds) collected from the buds of trees in the spring and modified by enzymes produced by the body of the bee. There are several theories about the exact origin of propolis: the most common is the resinous residue of the 1st phase of pollen digestion. Physical and organoleptic properties of propolis:

• The taste is burning-bitter, astringent.
• The aroma is persistent, combines the smells of honey, buds, wax and vanilla, while burning it is similar to the smell of incense. Over time, the aroma weakens.
• The color depends on the tree from which the adhesives were collected: it is always dark, with brown, green, yellow or red tints, becoming almost black with time.
• The consistency is soft, viscous, thickens and hardens during storage.
• Melting point - 80-104 degrees Celsius.
• When boiled, it retains all its medicinal properties.

Compound

Specialists found 16 classes of organic substances in propolis (among them more than 100 biologically active compounds), which determine the long list of medicinal properties of this beekeeping product. Schematically, the composition is as follows:

• 50% - resinous components (these include aromatic acids and their esters, flavonoids);
• 30% - wax;
• 10% - essential and aromatic oils;
• 5% - flower pollen;
• 5% - other substances (minerals, steroids, sugars, vitamins, quinones, lactones, ketones).

It is easy to understand why the medicinal properties of propolis are so highly valued by doctors, because this product contains almost all the trace elements necessary for the human body, minerals (among which calcium is especially distinguished), vitamins A, C, E, group B (B1, B2, AT 6). The most important in the composition of propolis are:

• flavonoids;
• amino acids;
• resins;
• antibacterial substances (natural antibiotics);
• chromium, iron, cobalt, copper;
• enzymes from the secretion of bee glands;
• organic (benzoic, coffee, cinnamic) acids;
• phenols;
• pectins.

The benefits of propolis

A large number of healing qualities present in propolis has led to the active use of this product in cosmetology and medicine. The full spectrum of its action has not been studied, but in official medicine The following pharmacological properties have been confirmed:

• antibacterial;
• antioxidant;
• antiseptic;
• immunomodulatory;
• painkiller;
• rejuvenating;
• antiviral;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antifungal;
• wound healing;
• vasoconstrictor.

The effect of propolis on the human body

Bee glue has the properties of a weak anesthetic, strengthens the body's defenses, increasing resistance to infections, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, destroys and removes toxins from the body. Experts say that there are no bacteria that are resistant to propolis, so it is a unique natural antibiotic that kills pathogenic microorganisms. All these healing properties of propolis have found application in official and traditional medicine, where it is used in the treatment of:

• Skin diseases (wounds, eczema, psoriasis, lichen) - the therapeutic effect is based on the removal of tissue edema, stopping the inflammatory process. Additional properties - prevention of decomposition processes on the surfaces of damaged areas of the skin or mucous membranes, stimulation of the regeneration of epidermal cells.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (dysbacteriosis, gastritis, colitis, chronic pancreatitis) - through the suppression of the activity of pathogens (disinfection), the severity of gastritis, peptic ulcer, dysbacteriosis decreases, and the sorbing components remove toxins.
• Dental problems - bleeding gums and previous surgical interventions require the use of the vasoconstrictor properties of propolis. Additionally, it helps to prolong the duration of action of local anesthetics.
• Gynecological, urological problems: prostatitis, fibroids and uterine erosion - the disinfectant and regenerative properties of bee glue help to cope with them.
• Viral, bacterial infections (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis media) - the therapeutic effect of propolis in this situation is based on immunostimulating, antiviral or antibacterial properties. Additionally, it helps to get rid of the inflammatory process.

The use of propolis

Due to the long list of medicinal properties, bee glue has gained popularity in official and folk medicine, and has become the basis for a whole list of medicines. ABOUT n is used internally and externally in its pure form and as:

• alcohol tincture;
• water emulsion;
• oil extract;
• ointment;
• suppositories.

With tonsillitis

Both forms of inflammation of the tonsils (acute and chronic), in the absence of contraindications, are quickly eliminated with mixtures based on any tinctures of bee glue - hydroalcoholic, alcohol, water. They are used to rinse the oropharynx, lubricate the tonsils, cleanse purulent plugs. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties will manifest themselves already on the first day with regular medical procedures:

• Lubricate the tonsils with a mixture of tincture with vegetable oil (1: 2) up to 3 r / day.
• The oropharynx should be rinsed with a mixture of propolis tincture (2 tsp) and St. John's wort decoction (1 tsp of raw material per glass) every 2 hours. The duration of treatment is until recovery, if there are no contraindications.

With rhinitis

To eliminate a severe runny nose and swelling, facilitate nasal breathing, fight infection, ointment and alcohol tincture are used (can be replaced with water if there are contraindications). Local application: lubricate the nasal passages with ointment or oil extract 4 r / day, tincture (dilute with water 1: 1) soak cotton swabs, which are placed for half an hour 2-3 r / day. Therapy is carried out until complete recovery.

For dental diseases

Acute toothache, previous surgical interventions (tooth extraction), increased bleeding of the gums, stomatitis - these problems can be dealt with with the help of alcohol tincture of propolis. It is used for rinsing and tamponing, and some experts advise mixing it with toothpaste during daily brushing. With stomatitis, you can simply chew a piece of propolis for half an hour or an hour (in other situations, this will almost not give a therapeutic effect). Alcohol tincture, in the absence of contraindications, is used as follows:

• Dilute 1 tsp. in a glass of warm (38-40 degrees) water, add 1 tsp. calamus tinctures. Rinse the mouth, holding a portion of the solution on the affected area (10-20 seconds). Carry out the procedure 3-5 r / day for 2 weeks.
• Mix the tincture with water 1:3, soak a piece of gauze or a cotton swab with this solution, apply to the affected area for half an hour. This method is practiced for toothache 1-2 r / day. It is advisable to use it for a short time (2-3 days), since the alcohol base can damage the gum mucosa.

For skin diseases

Minor injuries, psoriasis, eczema, lichen, acne - in such situations, all propolis-based products are applied topically, locally. Dermatologists say that any dosage forms are acceptable here (with the exception of suppositories intended only for gynecological problems): the benefits of propolis tincture for skin diseases are as high as those of an oil extract. The affected area is treated with the selected agent in the morning and evening, if necessary, a bandage is applied on top. The course of treatment is 2-4 weeks.

With onychomycosis

The antifungal property makes bee glue an excellent remedy for fungal infections of the nails of the hands and feet, especially in tandem with tea tree essential oil. This mixture helps to move away the infected nail plate, stimulates the growth of healthy tissues. A cotton pad with alcohol tincture (20%) in its pure form or with the addition of tea tree oil (1:5) is applied to diseased nails 1-2 r / day. The duration of treatment is 4-6 weeks. Since the use is external, there are almost no contraindications to the procedure, except for a pronounced allergy to bee products.

With excessive sweating

If there have been changes in the functioning of the sweat glands due to changes in the hormonal background (a common occurrence during pregnancy, during menopause), you can cope with the problem with the help of alcohol tincture, which is combined with a decoction of sage or wild rose (2 tsp per 100 ml). External use: wipe the armpits with the resulting liquid in the morning and evening after a shower. Treatment is carried out until the problem is eliminated.

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Bacterial infections, gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer disease can be cured by adding regular intake of home remedy on bee glue to the main therapeutic regimen. Its main medicinal properties are the reduction of intestinal spasticity, disinfection, normalization of the stool. The pure product is insisted on 95% alcohol (mixing 1:5) for 2 days, then diluted with cool water (3:10). Drink, diluting 1 tsp. funds in a glass of warm milk or water an hour before meals 3 r / day. Treatment lasts 10-20 days, and with an ulcer - 2 months.

For gynecological diseases

For the treatment of vaginosis, candidiasis, fibroids and cervical erosion, endometriosis, colpitis, topical use of propolis-based products is recommended. There are fewer contraindications to them than to tinctures and decoctions for internal use. The main dosage forms used in gynecology:

• suppositories;
• ointments;
• solutions for douching and tampons.

Remember that before using any of the products, washing is required, and for douching and tampons, an alcohol tincture is taken at a low concentration (3%), or an aqueous solution is used. For suppositories and ointments, the specifics of use are indicated in the instructions enclosed in the package. Tinctures and solutions are used as follows:

• For douching, 1 tbsp. l. in half a glass of water at room temperature, the procedure is carried out 1 r / day for 2 weeks. With mixed bacterial infections - 10 days.
• With myoma and erosion of the cervix, a swab with propolis ointment is inserted into the vagina (or a water-alcohol emulsion is mixed with water 1: 4, the swab is soaked with this) and left for 12 hours. The course of treatment is 10 days.

With atherosclerosis

A positive effect on blood vessels and blood flow is not the most pronounced therapeutic property of bee glue, but significant for the complex fight against atherosclerosis. For this, honey-garlic-propolis tincture is used, which is prepared at home and drunk for at least a month. There are many contraindications to such a remedy (all components are strong allergens), so a doctor's consultation is required. The recipe is as follows:

1. 12 days to withstand 200 g of crushed garlic cloves in a glass of medical alcohol.
2. Add 100 g of honey and 300 ml of water emulsion of propolis.
3. Stir, stand for another 3 days.
4. Dilute 20 drops of the resulting product in 1 tbsp. l. water at room temperature, take half an hour before meals 3 r / day.

How to use propolis in its pure form and with honey

If you have a piece of fresh bee glue, chew 5g for 10-15 minutes daily to boost your immune system, prevent tooth decay and bacterial or viral oral diseases. In the absence of contraindications, you can do this for a whole month. It will become even more effective in combination with honey:

1. Take both products in equal proportions.
2. Place in a water bath, wait for the solid component to melt over medium heat.
3. Stir, pour into a glass container.

The mixture can be used for immunity (eat 1 tsp daily or add to warm milk, tea), apply topically as a basis for vaginal douching (dilute similarly to warm water tincture), for inhalation in diseases of the respiratory system, for compresses on sore joints or when coughing on your back. Keep in mind that the strengthening of medicinal qualities is accompanied by an increase in the number of contraindications for such a tandem. The duration of treatment should not exceed 2 months.

Alcohol tincture of propolis

All the healing properties of this product can be felt by preparing an alcohol tincture, for which a piece of frozen bee glue (10 g) is finely rubbed and poured with cold water (2-3 l). After 8-10 hours, the floating debris is removed, filtered, and the raw material remaining on the gauze is mixed with 70% alcohol (100 ml). The tincture will be ready in 15 days. According to the specified recipe, a 10% remedy is used:

• In dental practice: rinsing the mouth (1 tsp per glass of water), performed for 2-3 weeks.
• For the treatment of skin diseases: clean tincture is used to treat nails with onychomycosis, acne, acne and boils locally 2-4 r / day. The duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks.
• For infections of the respiratory tract: swabs soaked in a tincture diluted 1: 1 with water, in the nasal passages (1-2 r / day) or gargle (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water) 3-5 r / day. Treatment continues until recovery.

How to brew propolis

Due to the minimum number of contraindications, the aqueous extract is used more actively than the alcohol tincture, although they are equal in medicinal properties. It can be prepared in 2 ways:

• Grate 10 g of chilled bee glue, pour 100 ml of water. Warm in a water bath, keep covered over low heat for an hour. The extract will keep for a week in the refrigerator.
• Pour 100 ml of warm water with 10 g of grated bee glue, leave for 24 hours in a thermos (necessarily with a glass flask). Filter, store a week in the cold.

A remedy is used for conjunctivitis and otitis media - 2 r / day, 2 drops are instilled (dilute in half with water) for 2 weeks, they replace alcohol tincture for diseases of the oral cavity, pharynx, lower respiratory tract (rinse). You can drink an aqueous extract during the SARS epidemic: dilute 1 tsp. in 50 ml of warm water, take 15 minutes before meals for 3 weeks 1 time per day.

Oil extract

Exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases (especially gastritis or peptic ulcer), otitis media, extensive burns and ulcers are contraindications for pure alcohol propolis tincture, so it is converted into an oil extract. It is often prepared with sea buckthorn oil to enhance the regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties of the product:

1. Combine sea buckthorn oil and alcohol propolis tincture 1:1.
2. Warm in a water bath, simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
3. Pour into a glass container.
4. Use inside (dilute 1-2 tsp in a glass of warm water, drink 2-3 r / day before meals) for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, or externally, instilling 2 drops into the ear canal (for otitis media) or lubricating the area of ​​the skin lesions in the morning and evening. Treatment is carried out until recovery.

Ointment

Skin diseases and injuries (cracks, calluses, burns), some gynecological (fibroids, erosion), surgical (hemorrhoids), musculoskeletal (sciatica) pathologies are the main indications for the use of propolis ointment, which is prepared in butter, lanolin, vaseline. Creation and use step by step:

1. For 100 g of the fatty component brought to a boil, take 10-20 g of fresh soft bee glue. The amount is determined by the indication for the appointment: 20 g - for mycoses, boils, 15 g - for wounds, ulcers, 10 g - for burns, for gynecological problems, hemorrhoids.
2. When all the components are dissolved and mixed, remove the composition from the stove, filter through gauze, cool.
3. Use 2-3 r / day. Apply a thin layer, cover with a cloth if necessary. The duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks.

Propolis contraindications

Pediatricians do not advise giving this product (and any products in which it is present) to children under 3 years of age, as they are highly sensitive to all allergens. This contraindication is relative and does not apply if the child does not have a negative reaction to bee products. Prolonged oral use is prohibited for persons with:

• liver disease (especially in acute form);
• oncology;
• alcohol intolerance (concerns alcohol-containing compounds);
• bronchial asthma of allergic origin.

A contraindication to local and systemic treatment is intolerance to bee products (in addition to allergic reactions, the danger is poor absorption of drugs). Pregnancy is not considered by most experts as a contraindication to the use of propolis (if there is no alcohol in the composition): it does not harm the fetus, therefore, gynecological and infectious diseases can be treated with it for women bearing a child.

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