Propolis: what is it?

Pure propolis is a resinous substance produced by tree buds to protect themselves against attacks by fungi, bacteria and viruses. Bees collect this resin and then transform it into propolis to coat every nook and cranny of their hive. Bees use it to make the hive impervious to damp and draughts, and to repair the hive by sealing holes and cracks. It is also used to preserve certain predators so that they do not rot, and to sanitise the inside of the hive to prevent the spread of microbes and viruses.

Beekeepers harvest propolis from the bees, either by scraping it off the hive frames or by placing grids on top of the super frames. The grids are then scraped clean, while the ‘webs’ are rolled up and placed in the fridge to harden, making extraction easier.

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 from which the bees forage. 

Generally speaking, propolis 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 aluminium, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc. This rich blend 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).

Recognised for millennia for its therapeutic properties, propolis dates back to ancient times. By observing beehives, it was noted that they remained intact despite intense heat, humidity and external pathogens. This is how the properties of propolis were discovered. The Greeks and Romans were already using it to help sterilise and heal wounds. In Egypt, the preservation of the body was a tradition and a prerequisite for achieving immortality. Bodies therefore 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 likewise used in the Middle Ages to heal wounds caused by arrows or knives.

Nowadays, propolis is incorporated into various traditional remedies. It is recognised for its antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal properties. Winter ailments, such as flu, the common cold, rhinitis, tonsillitis and ear infections, are areas where propolis has proven effective. Furthermore, it is also used to relieve certain symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cuts and burns, thanks to its tissue-regenerating properties.

Propolis is a 100% natural plant-based substance packed with micronutrients and antioxidants, making it an excellent ally for treating a wide range of ailments. A powerful antioxidant, propolis has been shown to possess various mechanisms of action in modulating inflammation, enabling it to tackle a wide range of issues, although none of these have been officially validated to date (2):

• Seasonal changes: the scientific evidence gathered supports the hypothesis that propolis may exert direct or indirect broad-spectrum antiviral activity against several different viral families, which can be of great help during seasonal changes, when our bodies are more vulnerable. (7)

• Seasonal hypersensitivities: sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, respiratory congestion, temporary fatigue.

• Dust-related hypersensitivities: animal hair and dust mites.

• Skin or hair irritation.

When should you take propolis?

Propolis can be taken at various times throughout the day, depending on your needs:

• Throughout the year, to boost your natural defences, to relieve ENT symptoms, soothe skin irritation or to improve your oral hygiene.

• At the change of seasons, particularly in spring and autumn.

• As a preventative measure, before periods of very cold weather.

Propolis has been used for thousands of years. Today, it is the subject of a large number of scientific publications, all of which agree on its benefits.  

• Antioxidant: It contains flavonoids, antioxidant substances that limit the damage caused by oxidative stress and the premature ageing of cells. It is thought to influence levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), two antioxidant enzymes in our bodies that are essential for protecting cells against oxidative stress. (3)

• Antiseptic and wound-healing: When applied topically, propolis helps to disinfect wounds and injuries thanks to the presence of flavonoids and benzoic acid. It is thought to have a beneficial antimicrobial effect with low toxicity to connective tissue and epithelial cells. (4)

• Tissue regenerator: Propolis alleviates pain and redness caused by burns or sunburn. It can also be applied to the skin to soothe irritation caused by eczema, psoriasis or redness. Propolis also helps to relieve burns. (5)

• Anti-infective, antiviral and antifungal: The rich composition of propolis helps to support the immune system. Numerous studies have examined the antimicrobial activities of propolis, including its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Its antiviral activity has also been documented. (6)

• Immunostimulant: Propolis supports the body’s natural defences by stimulating white blood cells, which are immune cells that protect the body against external pathogens. (7)

In capsules: propolis can also be taken in its pure form or as a freeze-dried powder. The capsules should be swallowed with a glass of water and have the advantage of being tasteless.

Propolis oral or nasal spray : The oral spray is more convenient if you wish to use it occasionally as part of your oral hygiene routine, to freshen your breath, for a sore throat, loss of voice or at the first signs of a cold. There are also nasal sprays available to clear the airways.

Gel, syrup : Propolis syrup is the most suitable form for ENT conditions. It soothes the throat and alleviates irritation. Often enriched with honey, essential oils and anti-infective herbs, it is an effective remedy against winter ailments.

Chewing gum: Propolis chewing gum is ideal for relieving coughs and sore throats, such as tonsillitis or respiratory conditions. Propolis chewing gum should be chewed for around thirty minutes to allow the active ingredients to be released and to benefit from its pain-relieving and healing effects.

Propolis can be taken in various forms: as a liquid, a spray, capsules, syrup, lozenges or chewing gum.

Focus on Organic Propolis Extract – Food supplement

An essential ally for winter, propolis is a true natural treasure produced by bees to protect the hive from pathogens. Alcohol-free, sugar-free and preservative-free, this organic brown propolis extract has a guaranteed high polyphenol content of 12 mg/ml and contains the full range of propolis’s many active ingredients. Produced using an innovative extraction process that concentrates the active substances in propolis in an organic vegetable glycerine base, this liquid organic propolis extract is water-soluble with no resinous residue and can be used as a food supplement during seasonal changes or as a natural aid to your wellbeing.

How? Take 1 pipette (1 ml) per day, either undiluted or diluted in water or honey. 

When? Ideally, propolis should be taken as a course of treatment during seasonal changes, particularly as winter approaches. It can also be used at any time of year, either on an occasional basis for a few days or as a 2–3-week course of treatment. It is recommended not to take it for more than 3 consecutive weeks, to prevent the risk of developing an allergy to it.

• The concentrated organic brown propolis extract, guaranteed to contain more than 12 mg of polyphenols per millilitre, is obtained through an innovative and gentle extraction process that preserves the full spectrum of propolis’s natural active compounds. The extract contains the polyphenols characteristic of propolis, such as flavonoids including galangin, as well as their glycosylated fractions and phenolic acids.

• The extract is fully soluble in water.

• This extract is formulated with organic vegetable glycerine; it is alcohol-free, sugar-free and contains no preservatives.

• High quality, manufactured in Europe, sourced from a reliable and traceable supply chain and tested on every batch.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Not recommended for people with allergies to bee products, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 6 years of age without medical advice.

• Prolonged use (more than 3 weeks) is not recommended.

Emilie is a biochemistry and natural active ingredients engineer. Emilie is also a naturopath, nutrition adviser and writer specialising in health, nutrition and wellbeing. She has worked for over 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry and in scientific communication, which gives her a comprehensive understanding of health and enables her to discuss these topics with both authority and clarity. Science is her foundation; words are her tools. She advocates a more preventative, more reasoned, more scientific and, of course, more natural approach to health!