11 Potential Health Benefits of Propolis
by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - ✓ Evidence Based
The potential health benefits of propolis include its ability to protect the immune system, reduce inflammation, lessen allergic reactions, heal wounds, promote circulation, boost eye health, improve cognition, and strengthen bones.
Propolis
Although bees are perhaps most famous for their honey, they also have another valuable tool in their arsenal, propolis. Commonly known as bee glue, propolis is a type of resinous material that bees can collect on their legs from flowers, buds, and other sources of sap. It is then brought back to the hive, to be used mostly as a glue to fix any damage within the hive. While beeswax is generally used for large-scale construction, propolis is used continuously to repair their home. For thousands of years, it has been acquired and extracted from hives and used in traditional medicines. Not only does this bee glue repair the hive, but it also protects against diseases and provides a healthy environment for them to survive. [1]
Many of the applications of propolis for humans rely on those same characteristics. Research is ongoing concerning its usefulness in many health issues, but thousands of years of traditional use says a lot. Since bees are found throughout the world, many different applications and uses for propolis have been discovered and popularized. With the rise of global information sharing, it has once again grown in popularity. These health benefits are largely attributable to the terpenes, essential oils, antioxidants, organic compounds, and natural acids found in the propolis. The nutrient makeup varies based on the region as well as the variety in flora, so propolis can be somewhat different around the world. [2]
Health Benefits of Propolis
Let us look at the most important health benefits of propolis.
Wound Healing
One of the most valuable aspects of propolis, for both humans and bees, is its natural antiseptic qualities. By spreading propolis or its extract on wounds, you can protect open sores and cuts from infection, which are often far more serious than the wounds themselves. Secondly, its antioxidants can act to speed wound healing, stimulating blood flow and growth in those areas, along with reducing inflammation. [3]
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
In a similar vein, it can also be used as an anti-inflammatory cream for bug bites and other skin afflictions not technically classified as wounds. For thousands of years, insect bites, rashes, and skin irritations of every kind have been treated with salves made with propolis or applying the substance directly to the skin. This makes it effective today as a treatment for acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin infections. [4]
Stimulates Circulation
Some of the other active ingredients found in propolis stimulate the circulatory system in the body, which can help improve blood flow and oxygenation of various parts of the body. This means a boost in energy, more rapid wound healing, and a healthier metabolism. Blood flow through the arteries and blood vessels is also important to promote heart health and will lessen the chances of blood clots, atherosclerosis, and subsequent heart attacks or strokes. [5]
Boost Immunity
While we mentioned the antiseptic abilities of propolis above, the impact it can have on our immune system is much greater. By adding small amounts of it to your diet, you can increase the strength of your immune system due to its natural antiviral and antibacterial effects. [6]
Antioxidant Power
Antioxidants can neutralize and eliminate free radicals from many different systems of our body, which is why a high-antioxidant substance like propolis can be so valuable. Antioxidants work with the immune system to slow down the advance of free radicals. [7]
Anticancer Potential
Studies have found propolis to exhibit antiproliferative as well as radioprotective properties. Some animal studies have also pointed towards its potential antitumor activities. According to a 2014 paper published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, propolis is capable of inducing apoptosis, especially in cancer cells. However, the results are said to be dependent on the concentration of the product used. [8] [9]
Another 2016 research explores the radioprotective potential of this bee product, especially in cancer cells. It suggests that the use of propolis with radiotherapy can not only protect against radiation damage but also enhances the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. Further research is needed in humans to fully understand its therapeutic power. [10]
Reduce Allergy
In recent research studies, propolis has been found to reduce the severity of allergic reactions. By inhibiting the production of histamines, which occur when an allergen is encountered, it can help lessen the impact of allergens and thus improve the normality and quality of life for those who use it. [11]
Improve Cognitive Abilities
One of the other effects of antioxidants is an improvement in cognitive abilities. Free radicals are partially responsible for the “cobwebs” of old age, and by stimulating the use and creation of new neural pathways, propolis can keep cognitive disorders at bay and improve memory, retention, and interaction skills as we age. [12]
Oral Health
Due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties of propolis, bee glue is also widely used in oral hygiene products. It has been found to reduce plaque, canker sores, herpes, and various other oral diseases that affect the lips, gums, and throat. Mouthwashes and toothpaste that use propolis or its concentrated forms have been very effective in improving oral health. [13]
Vision Health
If you have ever worried about the quality of your vision as you age, then “look” no further than propolis, which has been connected to a reduction in cataracts formation. This is believed to be due to the antioxidants, amino acids, and bioflavonoids that are found in it. [14]
Hair and Skin Care
Propolis has been known for thousands of years as a way to improve the health and beauty of skin and hair. You can topically apply it to your skin and scalp. You will also get health benefits by consuming it. [15]
A Final Word of Warning: Although the benefits of propolis are impressive, side effects have been reported in the past, including those who suffer from asthma and anyone with bleeding problems. It can slow blood clotting and negatively impact respiration. If you are allergic to honey, bee products, or certain types of trees or saps, do not use propolis. Also, before adding this to your health regimen, speak to a medical professional, and always get nutritional supplements and herbal remedies from trusted sources.
Propolis: Usage, Health Benefits & More
When you get sick with a cold or flu, it's pretty standard protocol for your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. There's just one problem: Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in your system, which can knock your whole microbiome out of balance. (Ever take a Z-Pak only to be rewarded with a yeast infection a couple days later? There you have it.)
Of course, if your illness is minor and you'd prefer some drug-free relief, you've got plenty of natural options—take an ACV shot, bust out some yoga poses—but perhaps one of the most effective (and under-the-radar) fixes is propolis, a resin-like compound produced by bees.
You might say propolis is the pocketknife of the wellness world. Not only is it said to have serious immune boosting powers, but it's also good for your gut and skin. Often called "bee glue"—good to know for when you start Googling—it's the go-to cure-all for many holistic health insiders. But what, exactly, is it and how does it work? Here, we investigate what all the, um, buzz is about.
Keep reading to find out how to improve your gut, skin, and immune health with propolis.
What is propolis—and why is it called "bee glue"?
Anything with a nickname like "bee glue" requires some unpacking. Beekeeper's Naturals founder Carly Stein, who sells propolis in spray form, explains it like this: "People often confuse propolis and honey, but propolis is sticky, hard, and used as the lining of the hive walls," she says. Unlike honey, which is sourced from floral nectars, bees source propolis from tree resin and plants.
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"It's basically the immune system of the hive. It's being used as the ultimate protector," Stein explains. One example: When a mouse invades a hive box—something you might not think about, but it happens all the time—the bees sting it and kill it, but obviously can't drag its body out. "Bees actually mummify the carcass with propolis and that's enough to keep the entire environment sterile," Stein says. It's a pretty gross visualization—but it does accurately show the strength of the substance.
"Propolis is really the OG antibiotic."
And bees aren't alone in recognizing its powers. "The word 'propolis' was coined by Aristotle and means 'the defender of the city,'" Stein says. "The first known use dates back to 300 BC. People used it pretty similarly to how we use antibiotics today. Propolis is really the OG antibiotic."
Thankfully, you don't have to invade a bee hive to get your hands on it—propolis is now being bottled up and sold in spray, liquid, and capsule form.
How propolis benefits your immune system
Holistic medical expert and author Ray Sahelian, MD, echoes Stein's excitement. "Propolis has a number of beneficial substances known as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant and anti-cancer activities," says the doctor. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, he adds.
Basically, it soothes while killing germs, a one-two punch that quickly and effectively knocks out anything attacking your system. Scientific research backs this up. In one double-blind study, children with a severe viral condition were split up into two groups. One was given antibiotics and the other was given antibiotics and propolis. The group given the propolis recovered significantly faster than the other group.
Other ways propolis is used
Propolis is also popping up in skin products, since it's said to help soothe burns, while studies point to it as a potential treatment for candida (yeast infections) and cold sores.
It may help bolster the defense system in your gut, too. When Stein and her Beekeeper's Naturals co-founder Daniel Millar headed down to Mexico for a wedding, everyone in the wedding party was hit with food poisoning—except them. They both credit their daily propolis habit. "I think something in the food or water had fungus on it, which the propolis protected us against since it's antifungal," she says. (Of course she doesn't know for sure—maybe they just got lucky—but they could be on to something.)
What's more, taking propolis is virtually impossible to mess up. It can be used daily or on an as-needed basis, and you don't have to worry about OD-ing. Just make sure you go with a brand that's been tested for purity. "The main thing to pay attention to is the sourcing, because you won't want any pesticide residue to undo all the helpful benefits," Stein says. Try it next time you're under the weather—with any luck, you'll be back to feeling like queen bee in no time.
Speaking of immunity boosting, here's what a nutritionist eats when she starts feeling sick. Plus, learn how essential oils can help clear up your cold.
beesuniverse
Top 10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Propolis
Nothing Bees Create Goes To Waste
What can the health benefits of propolis do for you?
Consider bee propolis to be the “glue” that keeps everything together. Initially, propolis was thought to simply provide protection to the hive from severe elements (e.g., rain, cold winds, snow). But protection is the most simple purpose for propolis; additionally it helps: reinforce hive structure and stability; minimize disruptive vibrations; prevent disease and parasites from infecting the hives; and mummify small intruders who meet their death inside the hive. Propolis is typically a mixed resin composed of beeswax, saliva, sap, and various botanical products in the surrounding area. Like all things bee, propolis’ natural composition offers human an array of benefits when incorporated into a regular diet.
An All-Natural Fighter
10 Health Benefits Of Propolis That Will Change Your Life
Propolis Kills Bacteria
One study investigated the anti-bacterial capabilities of bee propolis in the mouth and more specifically with regards to root canals.
The researchers compared propolis with calcium hydroxide, which apparently is a very effective anti-microbial, and found that it is significantly more powerful at eliminating certain germs than calcium is.
Propolis has traditionally been used to kill colds and the flu, and this study clearly shows how its powerful bacteria-killing properties work throughout the body.
Propolis Lowers Blood Pressure
Nitric oxide is a very important substance for healthy hearts. The inner lining of your blood vessels use nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscles to relax, thus resulting in vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) and increased blood flow.
Reduction in the bioavailability of nitric oxide plays a significant role in the development of high blood pressure. Without it, you’d have a heart attack. There is an enzyme called Tyrosine hydroxylase (or TH for short) that limits that amount of nitric oxide you can produce.
Researchers had a hunch that propolis could decrease TH and in turn, lower blood pressure. So they took a bunch of rats and fed them something called nitro-l-arginine methyl ester for 15 days, to produce high blood pressure. They then fed the rats propolis for the last five days.
What they found after doing this was that propolis decreased TH activity in the rats. As a result, they suggested that propolis may help modulate blood pressure.
If you do suffer from hypertension, you may want to consider using raw honey, which contains propolis, as it has been proven to lower blood pressure.
Propolis Helps Treat Bone Diseases
Another health benefit of propolis appears to be that it helps to build and maintain healthy bone tissue.
Scientists recently investigated whether Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, a very powerful compound found in propolis, could halt or reverse osteolytic bone diseases. They discovered that this compound was very effective at suppressing the inflammatory compounds that cause bone diseases and even suggested propolis might be a potential treatment for bone wasting diseases like osteoporosis.
If you’re suffering from bone density loss or have a history of it in your family, taking a daily dose of propolis could be a very wise thing to do!
Propolis Helps Treat Allergies
An amazing health benefit of propolis is its ability to calm the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Scientists gave propolis to rats for two weeks and found that it significantly inhibited histamine release from the rats’ mast cells. Histamine is the compound that makes you sneeze, gives you watery eyes and a runny nose – generally making your life more difficult. Anti-histamines are the main allergy drugs sold over the counter.
Their results clearly demonstrated that propolis may be effective in the relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis through inhibition of histamine release.
So come allergy season, don’t only take your bee pollen but add a daily dose of propolis.
Propolis Boosts Prostate Cancer Cell Death
Prostate cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer in men. But there is exciting news regarding this deadly disease – one of the health benefits of propolis appears to be that it prevents and suppresses this type of cancer (at least in a test tube).
Scientists examined the cancer killing effects of propolis tincture on two common types of prostate cancer. They concluded that propolis tincture markedly improved cell death in prostate cancer cells and suggested the significant role of propolis in chemoprevention of prostate cancer.
Propolis Kills Colon Cancer Cells
Scientists recently decided to look at the anti-cancer and anti-microbial potential of propolis at the same time.
First they exposed propolis to four different pathogens. As those of us who’ve used propolis to kill many colds have known for years, the propolis showed very strong antimicrobial activity.
The scientists then tested propolis against colon cancer cells. They found that it caused the cancer cells to die by necrosis, which means that it interrupted the blood supply to the cell and caused just the local cancer cells to die and NOT healthy, living cells.
Chemotherapy does the opposite of this – it kills both healthy living cells and the cancer cells and is the reason why chemo has such violent and devastating side effects.
Ultimately, this research is very promising. Some of the healthiest peoples in the world have experienced the health benefits of propolis and other bee products for generations. This exciting new research may be indicative of why these people live such long, healthy lives and have such high rates of centenarians amongst them.
Propolis May Help Treat Food Poisoning
The aim of a recent study was to analyze the antimicrobial activity of propolis against the germs that cause what is commonly referred to as ‘food poisoning.’ (16 Campylobacter jejuni)
The scientists found that propolis inhibited the growth of C. jejuni, Enterobacter faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, the three bugs that are commonly found in food poisoning cases.
They went on to say that propolis preparations could be used as support to traditional therapy for infection, especially when antibiotics show no activity against these micro-organisms.
This is why I now keep a bottle of propolis tincture in my purse at all times and take a dose after eating in any unfamiliar place or restaurant.
Propolis Protects Injured Teeth
I’ll be honest – the study on dental health and propolis was pretty hard to understand (a lot of big, technical words that were beyond my vocabulary) But, I’ll do my best to sum it up for you anyways.
Apparently, traumatic injuries to the teeth present a challenging situation for the clinician because of post-treatment complications such as inflammation.
In this study, scientists evaluated propolis as an anti-resorptive agent. Basically, they wanted to see if propolis could help control the inflammation when someone’s teeth got knocked out so that they could put the teeth back in.
And what they found was that yes, propolis did indeed help. Propolis can affect very strong anti-inflammatory activity in many areas of the body. Inflammation is responsible for diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimers, and many more. Much of the recent research indicates that one of the primary health benefits of propolis isit’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Chances are that people who consume propolis on a regular basis have less inflammation in their bodies and ultimately less disease, leading to a healthier, longer lives!
Heat Stress & Athletic Performance
One of the reasons the health benefits of propolis are so vast is because it is so full of antioxidants.
And now research has discovered just how useful these particular antioxidants can be for athletes, as they protect athletes from overheating, according to an article in the Journal of Food Science.
An active ingredient in propolis known as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, or CAPE, triggers a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral.
Heat stress is considered to be the main factor underlying the early fatigue and dehydration seen during prolonged exercise in the heat.
Researchers examined blood from 30 competitive cyclists who engaged in endurance training for two to four years prior to the investigation.
The lead researcher stated at the conclusion of the study that CAPE (one of the powerful compounds in propolis) just might promote athletic performance. So athletes, take your propolis especially during the summer. It just may give you a safe, natural competitive advantage!
Propolis an Effective Treatment for Warts
This is a benefit I’ve had personal experience with. Propolis tincture killed a plantars wart of mine in less than two weeks and it has never come back.
Reported in the International Journal of Dermatology in November of 2009, scientists found that propolis shows strong activity against warts.
In a single-blind, randomized, 3-months trial, 135 patients with different types of warts received oral propolis, echinacea, or a placebo.
When patients with common warts treated with propolis, a cure was achieved in 75 percent and 73 percent of patients, respectively. These results were significantly better than those associated with echinacea treatment or placebo.
