The word propolis comes from the combination of the words "pro" and "polis" and means the material that bees use to defend their colony. Propolis comes from the collection of plant resources by bees, after processing it, adding wax and other substances that they produce. However, propolis is not food for bees but is used by them for various purposes.

Bees have been collecting propolis for millions of years to use as a kind of "silicone" or "putty" to cover cracks and holes, smooth surfaces and reduce the size of openings in their nest in order to protect their colony from potential enemies or extreme cold. They also use propolis to disinfect the honeycomb cells, where their babies will grow and store honey and pollen, as well as to seal the cells.

As for the composition of propolis, it includes more than 300 different substances, which vary according to the flora of the area from which the bees collect it. In general, propolis includes the following categories of substances:

Resins (45-55%), including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, etc.
Wax and fatty acids (25-35%)
Essential oils (10%)
Pollen (5%), including proteins and free amino acids
Other organic substances and minerals (5%), such as ketones, lactones, quinones, steroids, benzoic acid and esters, vitamins and sugars.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

The only reaction someone can have is an allergy. If you experience unexpected adverse symptoms after using propolis, such as roughness in the mouth, rash, nausea or diarrhea, you should stop using propolis and consult an allergist. Often, allergy occurs as a skin reaction to propolis contact.

DOSAGE:
For internal use: For the common cold, a popular "remedy" is to chew raw propolis into a ball, about the size of a chickpea, until it softens and becomes similar to chewing gum. Then swallow the soft mixture. We repeat this process 2-3 times a day, as soon as you feel a messy throat or burning nose. Usually, relief comes after two days, eliminating the sore throat and inflammatory cold. This procedure also applies to other gingivitis and skin problems.
For preventive purposes and to strengthen our immune system, we can take 25-50 drops of propolis extract in ethyl alcohol, mixed in a cup of water, once a day, in the first week of each month during the months when viruses are likely to appear. In case of illness, we can take this amount three times a day, always half an hour before eating. For children aged 3-12 years, the dose is half the adult dose. For children who cannot stand it, we can add the drops to honey.

For children under three years of age, for pregnant women and nursing mothers, we must seek the consent of the doctor.

There are no known negative interactions of propolis with other drugs (e.g. it has been experimentally shown to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics). Nevertheless, it is always good to inform our doctor about the use of propolis, so that he is aware of its positive effects and promotes its use.

For external use: A few drops of tincture can be applied directly to pimples, minor wounds, warts and all skin diseases caused by viruses. Also, we can mix a few drops of propolis with a spoonful of sweet honey to treat canker sores, burns, acne and other skin problems.