Bee propolis is a resinous mixture that honeybees produce by combining their own saliva and beeswax with an exuded substances they collect from tree buds, sap flows and other botanical sources. Propolis color can vary depending on what the bee collects from nature to create it, but usually it is a shade of dark yellow and brown.
Scientists have found that it actually contains more than 300 natural compounds, including amino acids, coumarins, phenolic aldehydes, polyphenols, sesquiterpene quinines and steroids.
Bee Propolis is said to have been used all the way back in the time of Aristotle circa 350 B.C. Ancient Egyptians were also known for using it in their mummification process, while the ancient Greeks and Assyrians loved it for its wound- and tumor-healing abilities.
Bee Propolis Throat Spray: Highlights and Benefits
1. Bee Pollen Can Prevent and Treat Sore Throats
Scientific studies have shown that bee propolis extract may naturally prevent as well as shorten the duration of the common cold, which can often include a dreaded sore throat.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9298305/
One study found that liquid propolis extract, when given to a group of very young school
children for the entire duration of a year’s “cold season.” The children treated with it had fewer colds with acute or chronic symptoms. The extract was also tolerated well.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9179964/
In another scientific evaluation of the effects of bee propolis on the common cold, the group taking propolis extract (amount not indicated) became symptom free than the placebo group. Specifically, the cold symptoms for the propolis takers went away 2.5 times quicker than the subjects who took a placebo.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2695883/
2. Bee Pollen Helps Combat Cancer
Bee propolis has anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. Two propolis components appear to be the most potent anti-tumor agents: caffeic acid phenethyl esters from poplar propolis and Artepillin C from Baccharis propolis.
A 2016 study showed anti-cancer activities and extended the survival of animal subjects who already had tumors. “From these findings, it is evident that propolis extracts can be considered as a naturally obtained agent extremely useful in cancer treatment.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27655216/
3. Bee Pollen Treats Candida Symptoms
Candida or candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus. This is the most common type of yeast infection found in the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina, and it may affect skin and other mucous membranes.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that propolis extract killed oral candida in 12 patients with denture-related inflammation and candidiasis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16161031/
A 2022 study found its antifungal activities when derived from different regions, showcasing these effects across the board.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8880174/
Other research published in 2011 in the Journal of Medicinal Food revealed that propolis seems to be the bee product with the highest antifungal activity as demonstrated by its effect on 40 different yeast strains, including Candida Albicans.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21128826/
4. Bee Pollen Helps Stop Herpes (Cold Sores/Fever Blisters)
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are extremely common. HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, which are commonly known as cold sores and fever blisters.
When left alone, herpes cold sores usually last about 1 to 2 weeks and are uncomfortable for a variety of reasons — causing redness, pain, burning and often embarrassment. Studies have demonstrated that bee propolis can stop both HSV-1 and HSV-2 from reproducing. A systematic review and meta-analysis of people with genital herpes and cold sores compared propolis to Zovirax, which is a common conventional treatment for genital herpes that lessens the symptoms of the infection. The subjects using the propolis, the lesions healed faster than the people who used the drug Zovirax.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34965458/
5. Bee Pollen Fights Parasites
Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that can occur in the small intestine and is caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. You can contract giardiasis from contact with infected people or by eating contaminated food or drinking water.
A clinical trial tested bee propolis extract on 138 giardiasis patients, both adults and children. The researchers found that the extract resulted in a 52 percent cure rate in children and a 60 percent elimination rate in adults.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3077894/
6. Bee Pollen May Improve Fertility for Females with Endometriosis
Researchers found that taking bee propolis at a dose of 500 milligrams twice a day for six months resulted in a pregnancy rate of 60 percent compared to only 20 percent in the placebo group.
