Bee propolis or propolis is a natural resin from trees, flowers, and leaf buds that bees use to glue their hives. This resinous material does not just benefit bees, but had long been offering humans a very potent alternative medicine. Its history of treating several health conditions can be traced in Greece, Assyria, and Egypt. Because of its germicidal properties, Bee propolis is used to treat abscesses, wounds, acne, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, and pruritus or itch. Nowadays, Bee propolis is used in manufacturing chewing gums, creams and other cosmetics, lozenges, dental sealant, and tooth enamel hardener. It is also added in some food and beverages for its health benefits. Many studies also concluded that Bee propolis is a good treatment for burns and local wounds, infections, dental pain, genital herpes, and inflammatory problems.
Bee propolis is made available in several forms. They are manufactured as tablet, capsule, ointment, powder, extract, and lotion. It is also becoming a popular food supplement nowadays. In honey, small portions of Bee propolis can also be found.
Bee Propolis Benefits and Functions
- Improves the immune system. Bee propolis is known to increase the formation of antibodies that helps in resisting certain diseases caused by infections.
- Protects the liver. Bee propolis can help in protecting the liver against liver damage caused by alcohol and tetrachloride.
- Treatment for first and second degree burns. Creams made of Bee propolis are as effective as the medically prescribed burn creams. Moreover, Bee propolis helps in reducing the corresponding inflammation of the burnt skin.
- Improves the potency of antibiotics. When used with penicillin and other antibiotics, its effectiveness is improved from 10 up to 100 times.
- Increases fertility. Bee propolis gives infertile women more chance of conceiving a child.
- Improves bowel problems. Bee propolis can help patients with inflammatory bowel disorders like Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Promotes dental health. Using Bee propolis as a mouthwash can speed up healing time after an oral surgery. It is also helpful in curing gum infections and plaque.
- Treatment for vaginitis.
- Prevents and treats common colds. Bee propolis also posses antiviral characteristics especially against those that causes the common cold.
Side Effects
Bee propolis is known to be well tolerated by adults. However, the most common side effect of bee propolis is allergic reaction. When you are allergic to bee propolis, you may experience reddened, swollen, itching, and cracked skin. Other side effects my include eczema, psoriasis, mouth sores, and lesions.
Contraindications
- Bee propolis should be avoided by patients with asthma as it contains some substances that may set off an asthma attack.
- People allergic to bee stings are also not advised to take Bee propolis as it can cause the same effect.
- The effect of Bee propolis to pregnancy is not yet established. Pregnant and nursing mothers are not recommended to use Bee propolis.
Drug Interactions
Bee propolis when taken with Metronidazole may cause nausea and vomiting. Additive effects may be experienced if Bee propolis is taken with antimicrobial medications. Other drugs that may produce adverse effects with Bee propolis include anticoagulants, antifungals, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agents, and osteoporosis drugs.
