Radica
Propolis is a resinous excretion of the tissues of buds and bark of trees that protect them from harmful microorganisms. Bees collect it and mix it with the secretion of the mandibular glands, enzymatically modifying it so that the most important constituents, flavonoids , become pharmacologically active substances. The word propolis is derived from the Greek word pro – defense and polis – city, which means the defense of the city, that is, the defense of the hive. Propolis closes hives in beehives, but the more important role of propolis is the disinfection of honeycomb cells before hatching of young bees. Bees propolis mummify smaller animals that reach the hive.
Propolis is also called natural antibiotics, and thanks to new scientific knowledge, it is called a “21st Century cure”.
Flavonoids in propolis
Propolis contains more than 200 components (vegetable resins, balms, wax, pollen, organic acids, polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, terpenes, flavonoids …). The pharmacologically most important are flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant pigments that play a protective role in plants. Many therapeutic effects have been attributed to flavonoids, for example, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor. They are increasingly referred to as aids in the treatment of various diseases due to their proven ability to “capture” free radicals and their ability to inhibit specific enzymes .
Native purified propolis standardized to flavonoids
A number of factors such as vegetation composition, bee cultivation, collection method, storage conditions and extraction process can affect the quality (proportion of flavonoids) and thus the therapeutic value of propolis and its preparations. New analytical methods make it possible to standardize propolis on the composition of pharmacological substances – flavonoids, so native (original) propolis is purified, selected, analyzed and standardized. Chemical characterization and standardization of propolis are prerequisites for its future applications in modern medicine.
Native propolis – Some manufacturers point out that native propolis is more effective than the one sold to us. The difference is that native propolis is not molten in ethanol. However, research shows that propolis dissolved in ethanol is equally effective.
The health benefits of propolis
Propolis works well for the general health of the person taking it. It has a proven antibacterial activity, and here’s what is attributed to it (proven, unproven):
- strengthens the immune system and resistance to disease
- acts antibacterial
- protects the liver
- protects teeth from caries
- soothes wounds
- enhances fertility
- potentially a cure for some cancers
- alleviates burns
Propolis and sore throat
One of the most effective painkillers is propolis spray, which is applied directly to the mucous membrane of the throat. It’s available for purchase at every pharmacy. More about » sore throat
Propolis without alcohol
There are variants of propolis spray with and without alcohol. Alcohol has a strong antiseptic effect, so a spray with alcohol has a better effect, but children and alcohol intolerants should choose a non-alcohol spray.In case of severe sore throat, choose a spray with alcohol, and in case of severe sore throat or if you are intolerant to alcohol, choose a non-alcoholic version.
The price of the drug with propolis
Depending on the packaging, quantity and manufacturer, the price of propolis products ranges from around 25 kunas to 150 kunas. Propolis spray with alcohol at the pharmacy costs about 45 kuna.
I think it works but just a bit expensive.