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, bee bread, propolis and bee milk. 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 stack in the hive, adding wax, pollen and enriching it with useful enzymes.
Propolis bees cover the cracks in their hive to protect it from viruses and various pathogens. If another insect suddenly enters the hive, then its bees first bite, and then embalm using propolis. It can be 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 stored for a long time, it may be black.
This beekeeping product is very beneficial for the human body. It smells good and delicious, it resembles honey, because in its composition there is pollen of fragrant herbs and tarry greens. But how to use propolis correctly so that it brings maximum benefit to a person?
Useful properties of propolis
Propolis has not yet been fully studied, therefore the whole spectrum of its effect 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 disinfecting effect, it helps to destroy infectious agents and destroys toxins. It inhibits the activity of bacteria and viruses, helps to slow down the growth of some of their species. In addition, this product has the ability to neutralize poisons that secrete decaying cells, accelerates tissue regeneration and healing. It is believed that propolis has an anesthetic effect, but this fact is not officially confirmed.
The beneficial composition of propolis
It is important to know not only whether propolis can be taken orally, but also how it is beneficial for the body. In its composition there is a huge number 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 digestive system;
- potassium - supports the genitourinary system, normalizes intestinal motility, helps the brain to function;
- sodium - helps to dilate blood vessels, maintains the correct water-salt balance, is responsible for the work of the kidneys;
- iron - helps the thyroid gland to produce hormones in the right amount, strengthens the immune system, gives the skin freshness 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 the hematopoiesis system, activates the growth of red blood cells, supports the pancreas;
- phosphorus - indispensable for maintaining good condition of teeth and bones, supports the functioning of the heart, is responsible for muscle function and cell growth.
Can I use propolis? It is simply necessary, because in addition to the trace elements described above, it also contains other elements no less important for the proper functioning of all the 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, calcium takes the leading place, which is responsible for the blood coagulation process and prevents blood clots. The strength of bones and teeth depends on the quantity of this particular element. In addition, it is calcium that is responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
How to use propolis in its purest form? And just chew, 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 .
What diseases and how to use propolis correctly to get the maximum amount of nutrients and improve your health?
Propolis: what diseases does it help?
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 a beneficial effect on the body and helps get rid of the symptoms and the disease itself without consequences. And it helps with such diseases:
- With a stomach ulcer and gastritis. Propolis can not completely cure an ulcer, but it is able to relieve inflammation and enrich the body with vitamins. It relieves pain well, removes the feeling of nausea and helps accelerate the regeneration process.
- Uterine fibroids. Officially, this method is not supported by doctors, but it certainly will not cause harm to the body. You can use propolis in gynecology in the form of tinctures or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina.
- Fungal affection. 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 treatment of the fungus with propolis (how to use it, we will tell further) the diseased nail is replaced by a healthy and strong plate.
- Propolis fights well with Helicobacter pylori - a bacterium that settles in the stomach and causes peptic ulcer. It is enough to use propolis tincture - and the bacterium dies.
- Thanks to the healing properties of propolis, it easily copes with the inflammatory process in the pancreas, restores the digestive system.
- This type of vital activity of bees helps with sinusitis, colds.
- 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.
- Propolis extract is an excellent catalyst for repairing damaged liver cells. Propolis does not help with all liver diseases, but as an adjuvant it can be used, it will not be worse.
- Men after 40 years often complain of problems with male strength, and this is due to diseases of the prostate gland. Propolis can help here too.
- The bee product perfectly copes with intestinal inflammation, helps restore damaged cells.
Due to its unique properties, a bee product can become an adjunct in the treatment of many diseases. But it is important to know how to use propolis in order to get rid of diseases, and strengthen immunity.
Propolis treatment: recipes
The uniqueness of the bee product lies in the fact that it is possible to prepare a variety of products from it: tinctures, aqueous extracts, ointments, pastes, oils, tablets, candles and others. It can be used for inhalation, compresses, baths, rinses. Sometimes they even chew him.
There are many recipes for preparing propolis, but so far not a single one of them has been issued 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 clean it of excess impurities before using it as a therapeutic agent. The cooking procedure will stretch, but in the end, the product for treatment will be more effective. Bee glue when peeled is softer.
Propolis treatment of peptic ulcer and gastritis
An ulcer is damage to the gastric mucosa. To effectively cure the disease, it is necessary to find out the cause, which adversely affects the mucous membrane. An ulcer appears in cases where the aggression factors prevail over the body's defense factors. As a result, the mucous layer is destroyed, and propolis helps create additional protection. It helps cells recover. Propolis tincture can be used internally, it destroys the bacteria that cause the disease, helps to regenerate epithelial tissue.
Patients who suffer from peptic ulcer are recommended to take 60 drops of 30% propolis tincture, which is diluted in a glass of milk. They drink the drug three times a day before meals. Some experts recommend the use of oil or water extract in the treatment. Warm drinks with honey have proven effective. The improvement is noticeable already in the first days after the start of admission. Nausea is less common, pain is reduced, acidity is normalized, ulcers are scarred.
How to use propolis for gastritis? In treatment, you can use tincture, a decoction with the addition of herbs or tincture.
For gastritis, it is recommended to take a 30% propolis alcohol extract of 20-40 drops, added to half a glass of milk or water. You can also take 10 drops of a 10% solution an hour before meals.
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, folded in several layers. Store in the refrigerator, take 30 drops with milk for 21 days before each meal.
And you can prepare propolis with herbs like this: take a tablespoon of fennel fruit, 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.
Can I use propolis tincture inside? It is possible and necessary for all diseases affecting the digestive system.
Fibroid treatment
Propolis acts on tumor cells, stopping their development. Myoma develops from the wall of the genital 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 for 10 drops for 10 days. Tampons are also placed in the vagina, which are pre-moistened in the treatment mixture. To prepare it, you need to mix 40 grams of butter and propolis and add 120 g of sunflower oil.
Propolis treatment for uterine fibroids is a good alternative to hormone therapy and surgery.
Propolis for pancreatitis
Propolis, which has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, will help get rid of inflammation of the pancreas.
It is necessary to take 1/2 teaspoon of propolis alcohol tincture diluted in 1/2 cup of water. Tincture gradually restores damaged pancreatic mucosa and accelerates cell regeneration. Also, a positive effect will give warm milk at night with a tablespoon of propolis honey.
How to use propolis inside correctly? It is better to do this before eating, in order to prevent food rejection.
Propolis for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids - a disease that causes a "collision" of the circulatory and digestive systems. Inflamed veins press on the rectum, which leads to its dysfunction. Applying propolis in such situations, it is possible to quickly remove inflammation, normalize digestion and blood flow.
From propolis, suppositories can be made that have an anesthetic effect, relieve swelling, itching and burning, help wounds and fissures heal faster. Often hemorrhoids occur in women during the bearing of a child, and during this period most of the drugs are contraindicated for them, so suppositories with propolis are an excellent solution to the problem.
Candles can be made independently at home or purchased at a pharmacy. Also, for the treatment of hemorrhoids, you can do baths with an aqueous solution of propolis.
Propolis for liver disease
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 20% alcohol tincture or water extract. If the patient has jaundice, then 20 drops of tincture are dripped into a glass of water and drunk for a week. After this, the dosage is increased by 10 drops and again drunk for a week and so on until complete recovery, but you can not increase the dose of more than 40 drops.
Chaga with propolis, which is prepared like this, helps well: mix 30 g of chopped propolis with 0.5 kg of birch mushroom, place in a clay container, pour a liter of water and leave to infuse for 12 hours, strain. Take 3 tbsp. l before each meal.
Propolis in the treatment of liver diseases has an anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect.
Propolis for colds
Each person in his life suffered from bronchitis, acute respiratory infections, and flu. During the illness, I had to take a lot of drugs, which afterwards adversely affect the intestines.
With bronchitis, propolis canvas helps well. This is a piece of rag that beekeepers place under the hive's cover to protect it from drafts. This piece of fabric is well disinfected by bees, because they are all that is inside the hive treated with propolis.
When the tissue touches the human body, it heats up, propolis softens, favorably affects the epidermis and fills the air with a pleasant aroma, while the airways are inhaled. It must be applied to 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 appear due to various reasons. Infections, a foreign body in the respiratory tract, effects on receptors and others. If pharyngitis is diagnosed, inhalation and rinsing with propolis are good. In the treatment of tonsillitis and flu, chewing propolis gives a positive effect.
For rinsing, you can use this recipe: a spoonful of hypericum 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? Well helps therapeutic milk, which is better to drink in a warm form. Milk in combination with propolis helps the medicinal composition to be better absorbed and to relieve symptoms faster. This tool perfectly protects against spring and autumn exacerbations of viral diseases. It is enough for children to add a couple of drops of tincture in warm milk before bedtime.
Any cold is easier to treat if you approach the problem comprehensively. You can not only take medications inside, but also use externally. Propolis-based drugs help stop the inflammatory process, relieve pain, kill the infection that affects the respiratory tract. It is possible to treat the throat with propolis-based spray, make inhalations and rinses, apply compresses, chew. You can make propolis lozenges at home, just drop a couple drops of tincture on a piece of sugar and you’re ready to cure your throat. It is already known how to use propolis tincture for alcohol, and you can still eat healthy honey with propolis.
Bee honey and propolis: a healthy mixture
At first glance, it might seem completely absurd to mix honey and propolis, because these two components are already beneficial for the body. But in folk medicine there are many recipes in which these two products of the activity of bees are present.
This composition contains a large amount of carbohydrates and proteins, but there is no fat. And this is a huge plus for those who are afraid to spoil their forms or want to get rid of extra pounds.
This useful mixture also contains glucose and fructose, which are responsible for the energy of the body and constantly support it. And this means that consuming honey with propolis, you can constantly maintain the body in good shape, stabilizes the central nervous system, due to which insomnia and stress disappear. But all this is very important for a modern person.
We already told how to use pure propolis?But little is known about propolis honey, it can already be ready to buy in the market or cook at home. To prepare it, you will 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 moment when propolis begins to soften. Mix well and strain the mixture through cheesecloth.
Propolis honey can be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, adding a tablespoon to a glass of water. Thus, it is possible to maintain immunity and tone the body.
Contraindications to the use of propolis
It is important to know how to use 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 to the activities of bees for children under 3 years old, and all because they have not yet fully developed internal systems, and propolis can cause an allergic reaction. But this prohibition does not apply to those children who do not experience allergies, because a bee product can benefit a weakened immune system.
How to use propolis for alcohol to people who have contraindications for the use of alcohol-containing drinks? In this case, they simply need to opt for an aqueous extract.
Prolonged use of propolis is not recommended for people who have:
- acute liver disease;
- oncology;
- intolerance to alcohol;
- bronchial asthma of an allergic nature.
There are no special contraindications to the use of propolis, but a consultation with a doctor will not be superfluous.
In the article we talked about how to consume honey with propolis and with other components, now the patient is left with the patient himself, who will follow the dosage and course of therapy. Only in this case, propolis will bring positive results and without consequences will cure a lot of diseases.