5 Benefits of propolis, bee sap that is full of benefits (not less than honey!): Uses, side effects, interactions

The health benefits of honey do not need to be doubted. However, did you know that honey isn't the only product bees make? In fact, bees also produce a sap called propolis. Propolis is said to be effective as a herbal medicine to treat various health problems.

So, what is propolis? Come on, see complete information about the properties of propolis and its side effects in the following article.

The origin of propolis

Propolis is a byproduct of the sap produced by honey bees. When bees mix tree sap with natural substances from the body, the bees will produce a greenish brown sticky substance to coat their hives. Well, this greenish brown sticky substance is called propolis.

Honey bees will collect sap from various plants to fill in the gaps and holes in their nests. This is done to protect the nest from external threats, such as microbes and predators.

The nutritional content of propolis

The content of bee sap varies greatly depending on the location of the hive and the type of tree or flower the bees suck. For example, propolis honey from Europe will not contain the same composition as Brazilian propolis honey. That is why each research result will show different nutritional content, depending on where the bee comes from.

Even so, in general, researchers have found at least 300 types of active compounds contained in this herb. Some of these include resins, balsams, aromatic oils, pollen, and other organic materials. Most of these compounds are contained in the form of polyphenols and flavoloid. Both polyphenols and flavoloid including antioxidants that can fight disease and damage to body cells.

Propolis has been used since ancient times

Propolis is a herbal medicine that has been known for thousands of years and is believed to be good for the health of the body. Humans in ancient civilizations have used this herbal medicine to help heal and prevent various kinds of health problems and certain diseases.

The Greeks used it to treat abscesses. The Assyrians applied this herb over wounds and tumors to fight infection and speed up the healing process. The Egyptians used it for the embalming process of mummies.

Some people believe that regularly consuming propolis can help increase endurance, so that your risk of infection or disease is lower. Some infections that are believed to be treated with propolis honey include canker sores, warts, and digestive disorders such as H. pylori infection which causes stomach ulcers.

Bee sap can also be used to treat infections such as vaginitis, tuberculosis (TB), and upper respiratory tract infections (ISPA).

Facts claim the benefits of propolis for health

From several studies that have been conducted, researchers believe that the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties in this herb can help provide protection against various diseases.

Here are the facts about the claims of propolis benefits that you need to know:

1. Treating wounds

The benefits of propolis for treating wounds come from a special compound called pinocembrin, an ingredient that functions as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. This substance plays an important role in accelerating wound healing.

A study found the properties of propolis which can help accelerate the healing of burns by accelerating the growth of new cells. Apparently, another study published in the journal Inflammo Pharmacology also found something similar.

Based on this study, it was found that extra propolis applied to the wound was more effective at reducing mast cells. Mast cells themselves are cells that stimulate an inflammatory response and slow wound healing.

2. Relieves symptoms of genital herpes

Topical ointments that contain propolis as much as 3 percent are known to reduce resilience (cold sores) and pain from genital herpes. This is based on a report from one of the studies published in the journal Phytotherapy Research.

The study found that applying this herb three times a day provided relief from bouncy pain. Not only that, this herbal ointment is also effective against the herpes virus in the body and prevents recurrence of symptoms.

3. Has an anticancer effect

The benefits of propolis as a cancer drug have been studied several times. According to one study published in the journal Clinical Review in Allergy and Immunity, this herb has a cancer effect that can prevent and inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body.

While other research shows that this herb can also be an adjunct therapy that is very helpful in treating breast cancer.

Unfortunately, research related to the benefits of propolis for cancer is still limited to animal studies. Therefore, it takes a lot of further research to really confirm the benefits of this herb for cancer therapy.

4. Maintain healthy skin

It turns out that this one herb can also be used as a natural skin care to help overcome various skin problems. As a skin care treatment, the overall properties of propolis are to help reduce pigmentation and redness in the skin due to inflammation.

These herbs can also help increase collagen production and protect yourself from pollution, sunlight, and radiation. For those of you who have acne prone skin (acne prone), You can use this herb to help relieve redness due to inflamed acne.

Not only that. Bee sap is also considered effective for exfoliating dead skin cells naturally, which is safer than commercial chemical-based skincare products.

You can use this sap as a daily skin care series in a variety of ways. Bee sap can be applied directly to the affected skin, mix it with water, orally take it as a tablet, or spray it directly into the mouth every day to boost the immune system.

But if you have sensitive skin, don't forget to test a little on the skin first before using it. If necessary, you should consult your trusted dermatologist first to ensure its safety.

5. Helps take care of teeth and mouth

Apart from being a skin care herb, this herb can also be used as a mouthwash, toothpaste, oral gel, and throat lozenge because of its recognized antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Based on research conducted in vitro, it is known that propolis has a positive impact on oral health. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can prevent the growth of Candida and Streptococci bacteria which cause tooth and mouth decay.

In addition, the caffeic acid contained in this herb is also effective in affecting the function of the epithelial membrane in the mouth against microbial exposure.

Safe propolis dosage

It should be emphasized that the benefits of propolis for health still need to be reviewed because scientific evidence is still very limited. More research is needed to confirm its benefits. So, always consult a doctor before you consume this honey sap.

Propolis is included in dietary supplements that are not regulated by national drug regulatory agencies, such as the FDA in the United States and BPOM RI. So, even this herbal dosage standard cannot be recommended medically. More research is still needed to ensure a safe dose of propolis for health.

Keep in mind that herbal remedies are not always safe. Therefore, before you use this herb, it's a good idea to carefully read the instructions for using the medicine listed on the packaging label. In addition, choose herbal products that are registered with the POM and their safety is guaranteed.

Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

Be careful using propolis if there is a history of allergies

Although some studies say that this herb has minimal side effects, you still have to be careful when using it. For some people, they may not develop any symptoms when using this herb.

However, it is a different story for people who do have a history of allergies to bees, honey, pollen, beeswax, or one of the constituent components in this herb. The reason is, they could have experienced a dangerous reaction.

Therefore, if you have a history of allergies to bees or products made by bees, you should not force yourself to use them. One of the people who are at high risk of developing a propolis allergy is a beekeeper. This is because they spend a lot of time in contact with the substance.

Usually, the most common allergic reactions to using this herb are a reddish rash, itching, and swelling. In certain cases, mouth irritation and ulcers can also occur as a result of using propolis for a long time.

There may be some side effects which have not been mentioned. If you are concerned about sharing the aforementioned side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Before using propolis, pay attention to this first!

Many people choose to use natural methods to treat various diseases because they believe it is safer and more effective. However, you must be careful when using herbal ingredients for the treatment of certain diseases. The reason is, herbal ingredients, including propolis, are not always safe for everyone to use. There are certain conditions or diseases that it is not recommended to use this herbal medicine.

Here are some health conditions that are not recommended to use propolis honey:

• Have a history of asthma. You are advised to be careful using this herb if you have a history of asthma. The reason is, the allergic reactions caused by the side effects of this herb are considered to be able to make your asthma symptoms worse.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding. Propolis is a herbal product that has not been proven safe for consumption in pregnant and lactating women. So, you should avoid taking this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Bleeding disorders. People who have bleeding disorders are advised not to take this herb because the compounds in propolis honey will slow down the blood clotting process.
• Operation. If you want to do certain surgeries, you should stop using this herb 2 weeks before surgery. Taking this herb may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

This herbal remedy may also have an effect with the drug you are currently using. Therefore, to avoid side effects and the risk of drug overdose, make sure you always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs and supplements you are currently using.

In general, always consult your doctor before taking this herbal remedy. Especially if you have certain health conditions or diseases. This is done to avoid side effects.

So that the benefits of propolis can be felt optimally, it is important to use this herb according to the rules. Before using, make sure you read the usage instructions that are printed on the packaging label carefully. Also make sure that you get more benefits than the side effects or risks of this herb.

Beware of fake propolis

Currently, propolis is one of the popular herbal medicines and is much sought after by people. You can find these herbs in pharmacies, herbal stores, stores that sell healthy foods of various shapes and brands, and on online shopping sites. Wherever you buy this herbal product, make sure that you are careful when buying it.

Along with the high demand for this herb in the market, there are many rogue merchants selling fake propolis honey. Therefore, make sure you buy this oil at an official and trusted distributor.

Also, make sure that the product you buy is registered and has a distribution permit from the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM). You can check the safety of the products you buy directly on the BPOM official website.