|  | Alternative Medicine | Naturopathy

Propolis Benefits

Propolis is a resin made by bees using a combination of the buds of conifers and poplars, beeswax and bee secretions. Also called Russian Penicillin, Hive Dross and Beeswax Acid, propolis is sometimes used in herbal medicine.

  1. Function

    • Herbalists believe that propolis has the potential to fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections as well as to relieve inflammation, according to RxList (see Reference 1 below).

    Uses

    • Common uses for propolis include as a healing aid after mouth surgery and as a relief agent for outbreaks of genital herpes, tuberculosis, nose and throat cancers, ulcers, the common cold, wounds, minor burns and toothaches.

    Reactions

    • Because it is derived from bees, propolis can cause life-threatening anaphylactic allergic reactions in some patients. If you have an allergy to bees, you might be susceptible to such a reaction after using propolis.

    Risks

    • The lozenge form of propolis is known to cause mouth ulcers in some patients. The long-term effects of the supplement are unknown.

    Contraindications

    • If you have a history of eczema, asthma, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor before using propolis. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take propolis due to its possible adverse effects on the fetus.

Naturopathy - Related Articles