5 Benefits of Propolis, The Relative of Bees Full of Benefits
You may have no doubt with a myriad of benefits of honey for health, Unfortunately, honey is not the only product produced by bees that have efficacious properties for health. Propolis, which has now begun to rise as a drug used for health reasons. So, what is propolis and what are the benefits of propolis that we can get?
Check out complete information about the efficacy of propolis and the side effects of propolis in this article.
What's propolis?
What are bees produced? Most of you will definitely answer honey, a food that is well known for its benefits. However, do you know that honey is not the only product produced by bees? In addition to honey, bees also produce other very useful products called propolis.
Propolis is a sticky substance or natural sap produced by honey bees. This sticky substance is a mixture of bee saliva, beeswax, and several other ingredients. When bees mix tree sap with substances they remove from the body, they will produce a sticky greenish-brown substance that is useful for coating their nests. Well, this is what is called propolis.
Honey bees collect sap from various plants to fill gaps and holes in their nests. This is done to protect the nest from external threats, such as microbes.
The word propolis itself comes from the Greek language, namely 'pro' (front) and 'policy' (city). This substance is used by bee colonies to maintain the environment of their nests from free radicals by reducing microbial growth on the nest wall, preventing uncontrolled air flow into the nest, and keeping the walls of the nest moist, as well as protection of predatory animals.
Propolis is one of the herbal medicines that have been known for thousands of years and is believed to be good for body health. Even humans at the time of ancient civilization have used this herbal medicine to help heal and prevent various kinds of health problems and certain diseases.
Greeks use it to treat abscesses. The Assyrians applied this herb on wounds and tumors to fight infection and speed up the healing process. Egyptians use it for mummy embalming. This herb is now increasingly popular as a treatment therapy in the form of medicines or cosmetic products.
What are the nutrients contained in propolis?
The content of these herbs varies greatly depending on the location of the bee and the type of tree or flower that is smoked by bees. For example, propolis honey from Europe will not contain the same composition as the honey of Brazilian propolis. This led to the difficulty of doing research to give precise conclusions about the benefits of propolis.
Even so in general researchers have found at least 300 types of compounds contained in this herb. Some chemical compounds found in propolis honey include candles, resins, balsams, aromatic oils, pollen, and other organic materials.
Most of these compounds are in the form of polyphenols, a form of antioxidants that can fight disease and damage to the body.
More specifically, this herb contains polyphenols called flavonoids. Flavonoids are substances produced by plants as a form of protection. This substance is commonly found in foods that are thought to have antioxidant effects such as fruits, green tea, vegetables, and red wine.
The benefits of propolis for health are based on the research of experts
In Indonesia, this herb has been registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). However, scientific research on the benefits of propolis is still very limited, so more research is needed to ensure the benefits of propolis for health.
Even so, researchers believe that these antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties in herbs can help protect the body against various diseases. Here are some of the benefits of propolis:
1. Treating wounds
The benefits of propolis to treat 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 propolis properties that can help speed healing of burns by accelerating the growth of new cells.
Other studies also show the efficacy of other propolis. The researchers found that these herbal alcohol extracts applied over the wound more effectively reduce mast cells, cells that stimulate the inflammatory response and slow wound healing.
2. Relieve pain due to genital herpes
Ointments containing 3 percent of these herbs can accelerate wound healing and reduce resilience and pain due to genital herpes.
A study shows that the use of this herb which is applied three times a day can relieve lenting pain. Researchers also found that these herbs in the form of creams not only reduced the number of herpes viruses in the body, but also prevented the appearance of resuscitation.
3. Anticancer
The benefits of propolis as a cancer drug have been studied several times. According to one study, there are several anticancer effects found in these herbs such as:
- Prevent cancer cells from multiplying
- Reducing the likelihood of a cell becoming a cancer cell
- Inhibit communication pathways between cancer cells
The study also suggested making this herb as an additional therapy (but not as a main therapy) for cancer. While other studies show that this herb can also be an additional therapy that is very helpful in treating breast cancer.
4. Skin care
It turns out that this one herb can also be used as skin care to help overcome various skin problems. Depending on the type of skin, this herb has different functions.
As a skin treatment, the overall efficacy of propolis is to help reduce pigmentation and redness of the skin due to inflammation, increase collagen production, and offer good antioxidants to protect yourself from pollution, sunlight, and radiation.
This herb is also recommended for the owner of acne prone skin or acne prone because it can help relieve redness due to inflamed acne. In addition, this herb also has a regeneration function so it can help restore damaged skin layers.
Not only that, this one herb is also considered to have the ability as a natural exfoliation to remove dead skin cells gently and smoothly. Yes, instead of using exfoliation products that contain hard acids to make your skin brighter and younger, this herb allows removing dead skin cells without making your skin peel off.
You can apply this herb directly to the skin as part of your daily skin care. This herb can also be mixed with water, taken orally in tablet form, or sprayed directly into the mouth every day to enhance the immune system's immunity and serve as a holistic treatment.
5. Benefits of other propolis
The benefits of other propolis are to increase the body's resistance to infection, reduce blood pressure and levels of bad cholesterol "LDL" in the body. In addition, this herb has also been used in mouthwash and toothpaste products to prevent dental caries (cavities) and treat inflammation of the gums and stomatitis.
Propolis honey is often used as an alternative treatment that is combined with acupuncture therapy or other herbal treatments to deal with inflammation and boils caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. Some infections that can be overcome by using propolis honey include thrush, Heliobacter pylori bacterial infection, intestinal infections, vaginitis, tuberculosis and upper respiratory tract infections (ARI).
It should be emphasized that the efficacy of propolis for health still needs to be reviewed because scientific research is still very limited. So, always consult your doctor before consuming this herb to determine the efficacy of propolis, dosage, and safety level.
What are the possible side effects of this herb?
Until now there is not enough research to conclude the safety of propolis honey. However, some studies say that these side effects of herbs include low to cause danger. Even so, that does not mean this herb has no side effects at all.
Propolis is a substance that is usually consumed when you eat honey. Well, therefore, if you have allergies to honey or bees, you will also have high potential allergies as a side effect of using these herbs.
There are some people who have a high risk of developing allergic side effects from the use of this herbal medicine. One of them, beekeepers. Beekeepers have a higher risk of allergies because they spend a lot of time dealing with these substances.
Usually, allergic reactions related to these herbal side effects are skin disorders, redness, itching and swelling. In addition, other side effects of the use of propolis drugs are irritation and mouth ulcers. These side effects often occur if you use this herb for a long time.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects that are not mentioned above. If you are worried about sharing the side effects mentioned earlier, please consult with your herbalist or doctor.
You should also consult a doctor first before consuming propolis honey as your treatment plan, especially if you have a history of allergies.
Which must be considered before consuming propolis honey
Certain conditions or diseases are advised not to use this herbal medicine to reduce side effects. Here are some health conditions that are not recommended using propolis drugs are:
Have a history of asthma. You are advised to be careful about using this herb if you have a history of asthma. Because the allergic reaction caused by the side effects of these herbs is considered to make the symptoms of asthma you experience worse.
Pregnant and breastfeeding. Propolis is one of the herbal products that are still not 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 consume this herb because the compounds contained in propolis honey will slow the blood clotting process.
Operation. If you want to do certain operations, you should stop using this herb 2 weeks before surgery. Eating these herbs may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.
This herbal medicine may also have an effect on the drug you are currently using. To ensure your safety, it is important to always tell your doctor and pharmacist about the medications and other supplements you are using.
In general, always consult a doctor before you take this herbal medicine. Especially if you have certain health conditions or diseases so you can avoid the side effects. Make sure if you get more propolis properties compared to side effects or risks.
Where can I get this herb?
Propolis is an herbal medicine that you can easily find. These herbs can be found easily in pharmacies, herbal shops, or stores that sell healthy foods of various shapes and brands. The topical form of the drug propolis is cream, ointment, and lotion. While the oral form of the drug propolis is a tablet, extracts of liquid, capsules.
Currently, there are no doses that can be recommended medically because more research is needed on the efficacy of propolis. This herbal dose can be different for each patient.
Usually, the dosage of herbal medicine will depend on the user's age, health, and several other conditions. However, a study recommends a daily dose of the drug propolis around 70 milligrams per day. Even so, this dose is not a recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration in the United States which is equivalent to the POM in Indonesia.
Keep in mind that herbal remedies are not always safe. Therefore, before you use this herb, it's good to read carefully the instructions for using the drug listed on the packaging label. In addition, choose herbal products that have been registered with the POM and guaranteed safety.
Regulations governing the use of herbal medicines are not as strict as general drug regulations. Further research is needed to find out the safety of this one herb. Before using, make sure you get more propolis properties compared to the risks. Consult with herbalists or doctors for more information.
