The reverse of what usually springs to mind is generally true for honeybees. Propolis is really more medicinal than honey. Propolis is a resinous material that bees produce by combining plant resin and tree bud resins with enzyme secretions of their own. Propolis is used by bees inside the hive as a sealant, protecting from bacteria and disease.
Propolis has been in use by humans for thousands of years-and with good reason. It is rich in natural substances with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, hence considered the antithesis of natural wellness. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming, while the Greeks put it on wounds to hasten healing.
Today, however, modern science reiterates what was an implicit understanding of our forebears. NIH-published studies are backing the claim that propolis contains over 300 bioactive compounds, of which most are antioxidants that bolster the body against infections. The WHO also recognizes and highlights the potential health benefits of bee products, such as propolis.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on store-bought propolis products. With a little effort, you can make a propolis tincture at home and use it in multiple ways. Let me walk you through it.
1. Start With a Propolis Tincture – The Foundation of All Uses
A tincture is basically a concentrated liquid extract.
Let’s look at the Step by Step guide to make tincture at home!
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Clean your propolis first – Take the raw propolis and soak it in water for around 3 days. This process helps in removing all the dirt and softens the resin.
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Next Step is to Add Alcohol – The the soaked propolis that is now softened and it should be placed in ethyl alcohol (at least 70% proof) in the 1:3 ratio (1 part propolis to 3 parts alcohol).
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Let it rest – Shake it daily and leave in a cool, dark place for at least 1 to 3 weeks. (A pro tip: Please do not use a denatured or contaminated alcohol used for the process as it may be hazardous for health).
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Next filter the mixture – Use a fine filter or cheesecloth to strain it.
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Store properly – The last but most important step is to pour the tincture into a dark glass bottle and keep it away from direct sunlight to maintain the quality.
Since we have used alcohol which acts as a preservative your tincture can last for months, even years, if stored correctly as explained above.
2. Support the Immune System
Perhaps one of the most common applications of propolis tincture is for boosting the body's immunity.
A few drops used daily can help your body to ward off season-in and season-out infections like common colds and coughs. Its antioxidant compounds work as a natural shield against potential invaders on the immunized part of your body.
3. Fight Sore Throats and Mouth Ulcers
Because propolis has strong antibacterial properties, it is great for oral health. It works miraculously for sore throat, mix a few drops in warm water and gargle when you have a sore throat. It also works well as a natural mouthwash to fight bad breath and plaque buildup.
4. Great for quick healing of Minor Cuts, Burns, and Skin Irritations
Propolis has always been popular for its wound-healing ability. Dab a little diluted tincture directly onto cuts, scrapes, or burns to help them heal faster. It is also used as an instant soothing home remedy when mixed with aloe vera gel for quick relief.
5. Confront Acne and Other Skin Problems
Propolis is one of those substances that are a boon if you have acne-prone skin. It has antibacterial actions that calm redness and inflammation. Just put a little of it (diluted) on pimples or mix in a drop or two with your night cream.
6. It Can Be Put in Your Personal Care Routine
Propolis has become the new age special ingredient in beauty enhancement products. You can do it all under a budget and at home by adding a few drops of tincture in your face masks or home made creams. Rich in antioxidants, it helps your skin fight daily damage from pollution and UV exposure.
7. Support Digestive Health
To improve your gut health, promote healthy digestion and maintain an overall balance related to gut mechanism, you can take propolis daily. You can add it in warm milk and take it before bed for great results.
8. Preserve Food Naturally
To your surprise, propolis is an excellent additive to honey, syrups, or herbal oils for the purpose of prolonging their shelf life, with its property of naturally preventing bacterial and fungal growth.
9. Home-made Healing Balms
The world is shifting towards organic and if you are among those you can make herbal remedies at home with the help of propolis. You can combine a few drops from tincture with beeswax of organic coconut oil to make an all purpose balm that has healing proprties at home. It will come handy to get relief from minor cuts, for healing dry skin or allergies of some kinds.
How Much Is Too Much?
Start slow. Adults can try 2–5 drops per day and work from there. If for topical application, do a patch test first to rule out any allergic reaction. Pregnant or nursing women, or anyone with an allergic reaction to bee products, should first consult their physician.
Why Propolis Belongs in Your Home
This isn't one of those trends that come and go; rather, propolis is a natural remedy that has been around for ages and still proves effective to this day. It is very practical, highly efficient, and can be prepared right in your kitchen. Be it for fighting colds, soothing minor skin irritations, or making DIY remedies, propolis tincture can be your convenient option.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
