Propolis: what is it?

Pure propolis is a resinous substance produced in tree buds to protect them from attacks by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Bees collect this resin and transform it into propolis to line every corner of their hives. Bees use it to make the hive impermeable to moisture and drafts and to repair the hive by filling holes and cracks. It is also used to embalm certain predators so that they do not rot and to sanitize the inside of the hive to prevent the spread of microbes and viruses.

Beekeepers harvest propolis from bees by scraping the frames of the hive or placing grids on top of the frames. The grids are then scraped, and the "webs" are rolled up and placed in the refrigerator to harden and facilitate extraction.

What are the different types of propolis?

There are several varieties of propolis, each with specific properties depending on the species of bee, the season, the climate, the geographical environment, and the composition of the plants pollinated by the bees.

Propolis generally contains lipids, beeswax, essential oils, pollen, and organic compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids, and amino acids. It also contains vitamins (complexes A, B, C, and E) and important minerals such as aluminum, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc. This rich cocktail gives it its many benefits. (1)

There are several types of propolis: green, brown, yellow, red, black (the most antibacterial of all) and white (suitable for children and pregnant women).

Recognized for thousands of years for its therapeutic properties, propolis dates back to ancient times. By observing beehives, it was noticed that they remained intact despite high temperatures, humidity, and external pathogens. This is how the properties of propolis were discovered. The Greeks and Romans already used it to help sanitize and heal wounds. In Egypt, preserving the body was a tradition and a prerequisite for achieving immortality. Bodies had to be embalmed to prevent them from decomposing and to ensure that the soul could attain eternal life after death. The Egyptians used propolis to embalm humans, as well as sacred and wild animals. They also used propolis to make ointments. It was also used in the Middle Ages to heal wounds caused by arrows or knives.

Today, propolis is used in various traditional applications. It is recognized for its antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Winter ailments such as flu, colds, rhinitis, tonsillitis, and ear infections are areas where propolis has proven effective. In addition, it is also used to relieve certain signs of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cuts, and burns, thanks to its tissue-regenerating properties.

Propolis is a 100% natural plant substance packed with micronutrients and antioxidants, making it an ideal ally for treating a wide range of ailments. Anti-infectious, antiviral, a natural antibiotic and a powerful antioxidant, its properties can be used to tackle a wide range of problems:

• Bodies impacted by a difficult environment, stress, and preparation for a sporting competition.

• Seasonal hypersensitivity: sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, respiratory congestion, and tiredness.

• Hypersensitivity to pollen, dust, animal hair and house dust mites.

• Skin or hair irritations.

Composition of Propolis

It depends on the geographical area, the environment and the plants growing there. All propolis is different, and its composition varies according to the local botany. Propolis contains no fewer than 300 different components.

However, there are 5 key elements in its composition: 50-55% resins and balsams, 30% wax and fatty acids, 10% mix of essential oils, 5% pollen and 5% organic elements. These include flavonoids such as polyphenol, quercetin, galandin, caffeic and ferulic acid.

There are also minerals and trace elements such as iron, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese and vitamins (A, C and B group vitamins).

The therapeutic properties of propolis have been recognised for thousands of years. What are its properties and when should it be used?

Propolis can be taken in a variety of forms: as a liquid, spray, capsule, syrup, gum or chew.

Black propolis is highly concentrated and is macerated in brandy, which extracts the most powerful active ingredients. Powerful, it is used in small doses. It is mainly used for winter ailments.

White propolis is an aqueous extract obtained by maceration with spring water. Produced mainly in France and Europe, it contains less honey and pollen than black propolis. More suited to skin problems, it is very effective on irritated or damaged skin and is highly recommended for bites, itching or atopic dermatitis.

Start by choosing the form that suits you best, whether it's a capsule, syrup, liquid or spray. Follow the recommended dosage according to your needs. As part of your wellbeing routine, you can use it for:

• Skincare: use propolis locally to soothe skin irritations and burns, and promote cell regeneration. Combine it with products like Aloe vera gel to enhance its effects. In a face cream, it will help fight the signs of ageing and blemishes.

• Adding a few drops of propolis to your shea butter or avocado oil-based lip balm has a nourishing effect on chapped skin.

• Use in a lotion to soothe itching or tingling after waxing.

• Oral hygiene: add a few drops of propolis to your oral hygiene routine. It can be used as a rinse or gargle to relieve sore throats and protect your gums.

• In shampoo form, propolis has an anti-dandruff effect, limits excessive sebum production for greasy hair and cleanses your roots and ends.

• As a seasonal cure: consider seasonal cures, especially at the change of season, to boost your immune system and prevent winter infections.