(Newswire.net — April 6, 2021) —
Propolis is a very interesting compound produced by bees from sap coming from evergreens or needle-leaved trees. It is practically a combination of sap, beeswax, and discharges from bees. The result is a greenish-brown, sticky product that is normally used to coat hives.
According to researchers, propolis is made out of over 300 compounds. Most of these are polyphenols, which are antioxidants. Specifically, flavonoids are produced.
Propolis is believed to be antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial. There are even reports, like with A Pinch Of Thoughts, where propolis is useful for those suffering from acne. The truth is that we have access only to limited scientific research related to propolis. What we do know is the connection between propolis and the following.
Wounds
In propolis we can find pinocembrin, which is an antifungal flavonoid. Thus, propolis has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These are great in wound healing. In one study, we were shown that propolis helped people that were suffering from traumatic burns to heal faster. We even now know that when using a propolis alcoholic topical extract, the results are more effective than with steroid creams to reduce mast cells for oral surgery wounds.
Genital Herpes And Cold Sores
The ointments that include 3% propolis might help with healing time and also reduce symptoms in sores appearing due to genital herpes and in cold sores. The application of topical propolis 3 times daily helps to reduce the negative effects of cold sores much faster than when you do not get treatment. Propolis cream can reduce herpes virus amounts inside the body and protect you against potential future breakouts of cold sore.
Cancer
Many scientists believe cancer can help with some specific cancers. This study by Trusted Source showed that some anti-cancerous propolis effects include:
- Reducing the multiplication of cancerous cells.
- Blocking the pathways that help the cancer cells to signal each other.
- Reducing the possibility that cells will turn into cancerous cells.
It is also suggested that propolis can be considered as being a complementary therapy for cancer. Taking Chinese propolis is potentially helpful to deal with breast cancer.
Safety Concerns With Using Propolis
At the end of the day, it is really important to understand the fact that there is still not enough evidence to be sure that propolis is completely safe. However, using it is not at all high-risk. Typically, people do take in some of it when eating honey.
The problem is that you need to check to see if you are allergic to bees or honey. If you are, you might end up having an allergic reaction to all products that contain propolis. Also, when using it for a very long time, propolis can potentially cause an allergic reaction.
One thing you might not know is that many beekeepers do have an allergy to propolis simply because they are around this compound so much. Typically, the allergic reaction is similar to a skin breakout that is similar to eczema. As a result, before you use propolis, make sure that you discuss things with your doctor. This is particularly the case when you suffer from asthma or you have some existing allergies.