Propolis: Benefits, Uses, How to Take It, and Who Should Take It

Many people have probably heard of propolis, and it is often used as medicine, with high nutritional value. People who often suffer from mouth ulcers use propolis oral films, and once applied, it heals within a few days. So what are the benefits, effects, and ways to take propolis? Who is it suitable for?

1. What is propolis?

Propolis, also called bee glue, is a resinous substance formed when bees collect plant sap, pollen, or nectar and mix it with their own secreted saliva and beeswax. It is used to repair the hive and serves as backup food when bad weather prevents them from going out to forage. It is generally dark brown or yellowish-brown in lumps, softens when heated, is sticky, has a fragrant odor, tastes slightly bitter, and is somewhat pungent.

2. Benefits and effects of propolis

Propolis nature and flavor: slightly sweet; neutral in nature

Propolis meridian entry: liver; spleen meridians

1. Benefit one: lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol

Propolis contains more than 300 nutrients in 20 major categories. The most representative active substances are quercetin among flavonoids, terpenoids, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester among organic acids. These substances have good effects in lowering blood lipids, lowering blood sugar, and protecting blood vessels.

2. Benefit two: antiviral and antibacterial effects

Because propolis has antibacterial components, it can prevent invasion by mold, bacteria, or viruses. It has good therapeutic effects on skin diseases such as shingles, dandruff, psoriasis, skin fissures, corns, and burns.

3. Benefit three: treats oral diseases

The terpenoid components in propolis have good bactericidal effects and a good repair effect on various oral diseases such as mouth ulcers. It can also be used to treat stomach ulcers.

4. Benefit four: boosts immunity

Propolis has antiviral components and can enhance human immunity, making the immune system less vulnerable to viruses.

5. Benefit five: beauty and skin care effects

Propolis can beautify the skin and delay aging, and is also the best health product for women.

6. Benefit six: tumor prevention

Propolis contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester, a substance with very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that can play an anti-tumor role.

In addition to the above effects, propolis also has anesthetic and analgesic effects and aids in the treatment of diabetes.

3. How to take propolis

1. Take it with staple foods

If you are using propolis liquid, you can drip it onto staple foods such as steamed buns and eat it together, or mix propolis into milk, honey, alcohol, soy milk, or congee and consume it together.

2. Take it on an empty stomach

Propolis is generally more effective when taken on an empty stomach in the morning and evening, one capsule (or two capsules) each time, taken with warm water. People with diabetes should take it half an hour before meals.

3. Avoid taking it with Western medicines

Propolis can enhance drug effects, so try to avoid taking it together with Western medicines. It is recommended to space the two at least 1 hour apart.

4. Do not take it with tea

Do not take it with tea. The theophylline in tea can destroy the effects of propolis and cause nutrient loss.

5. People who should avoid it

Pregnant women, infants under 1 year old, people with severe allergies, people with low blood pressure and low blood sugar, and people with intestinal dysfunction and diarrhea are not suitable for taking propolis.

6. Dosage

Be sure to choose propolis products produced by reputable manufacturers, and the dosage of propolis must be taken according to the product instructions.

4. Who is propolis suitable for?

1. People in sub-health and those who need to improve immunity

2. Middle-aged and elderly people

3. People with diabetes

4. People with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

5. People with gastrointestinal diseases

6. People with insomnia

7. People with high blood lipids and high blood pressure

8. Tumor patients

9. People with skin diseases

10. People with oral diseases

Conclusion: Propolis has considerable effects on the human body. It can be taken by cold patients with prolonged cough and by patients with nasal congestion. Regular use can also enhance immunity and strengthen our physique. However, note that pregnant women and young children had better not take it, so as not to affect physical development.