Propolis with alcohol: what it helps with, tincture recipe and application.

Propolis, also called bee glue, is a waste product of bees.

Propolis has a thick consistency, dark color and a specific odor. It occupies an important place in the life of bee colonies, providing protection against bacteria, viruses, and specific diseases.

Bees also use it to isolate foreign organisms and objects that have entered the hive from the outside.

Due to its medicinal properties and unique composition, propolis is widely used in both traditional and folk medicine. Various ointments, tinctures, creams, as well as other medicines are made based on propolis. But alcohol-based propolis is most popular among consumers.

In this article, we will analyze in detail what this remedy helps with and how to use it, whether there are medicinal properties and contraindications, and whether harm to the body is possible from its use.

Composition and value of propolis alcohol solution

The bee substance propolis is used for treatment in many forms - it is diluted with water and absorbed in its pure form, oil extracts and ointments are prepared for external use. But one of the most effective healing agents is an alcohol tincture of propolis; it is in combination with alcohol that the substance fully reveals its medicinal properties.

The composition of the alcohol tincture includes:

organic acids and fatty acids;
essential oils;
iron, manganese and zinc;
copper and iodine;
potassium;
tannins;
polyphenolic compounds;
resins and wax;
vitamins - A, PP, B2, B3 and B6;
ascorbic acid;
flavonoids;
beneficial flower pollen;
terpenic acids.

In total, propolis tincture contains over 250 chemical compounds. It is not surprising that the medicinal properties and contraindications of propolis alcohol tincture are highly valued in home medicine.

Composition of propolis

The exact composition of propolis is almost impossible to determine. This is perhaps the only substance that does not lend itself to careful study and analysis. This is due to the fact that the composition can vary significantly depending on the habitat of the bee swarm.

Propolis cannot be classified into any of the groups of substances studied to date. However, there are conditional substances that are present in propolis:

Wax. This is a light, viscous substance, the total volume of which in propolis can be at least 8%.
Plant resins. Their quantity predominates in the composition of propolis. Resins, in turn, consist of various types of acids of organic origin.
Vitamins (H, B2, B1, P, C, A, E, B6) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, silicon, etc.).

As mentioned above, bees use propolis both for lining and clogging the hive, and for its disinfection. Depending on its purpose, there are two main types of substances, the composition of which is enriched with antibiotic and disinfectant components.

The healing properties of propolis tincture with alcohol

A useful alcohol tincture has numerous medicinal properties. In particular, the drug:

has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects;
disinfects tissues and promotes their regeneration;
strengthens immune resistance and helps the body independently fight viruses;
helps with skin diseases;
improves the functioning of the nervous system and normalizes sleep;
has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach and intestines;
promotes healing of cuts and ulcers.

Alcohol tincture can be used in small dosages for both external and internal diseases.

Properties of propolis

For medicine, the most important properties of propolis are those that allow them to destroy harmful bacteria. This substance effectively fights microorganisms that are harmful to human health. Propolis helps with treatment:

tuberculosis bacillus;
influenza virus;
Trichomonas;
herpes virus;
candidiasis;
fungal diseases;
hepatitis A.

Propolis destroys and removes harmful bacteria from the body, but does not have a negative effect on human microflora. Propolis is one of the few substances with antibiotic properties that do not cause dysbacteriosis.

Among the beneficial functions of propolis are:

disinfection from bacteria, viruses and fungi in the treatment of chronic diseases;
stabilization of vascular walls and capillaries, improving blood circulation;
eliminating inflammation, reducing swelling, reducing the permeability of vascular walls, and pain in places affected by infection;
supplying the body with nutrients and vitamins;
pain reduction;
supply of vitamins that provide an antioxidant effect;
strengthening the immune system;
improving metabolism in the body;
prevention and treatment of tumors.

Propolis can be used even in the absence of health problems for the purpose of prevention. It prevents the occurrence of viral infections in humans. The advantage of propolis over other drugs is that microorganisms do not develop resistance to it with prolonged use. This feature is associated with the chemical composition of the substance containing elements from various plants, each of which has its own protective qualities.

If propolis is used in conjunction with antibiotics, it enhances their capabilities.

What does propolis tincture with alcohol treat?

The drug is used for complex treatment of a wide range of ailments. Most often the tincture is used:

for stomach ulcers, gastritis and chronic pancreatitis;
for inflammatory diseases of the throat and nasopharynx;
for vascular and heart diseases;
for skin inflammations and injuries, healing burns and cuts;
for gynecological inflammation in men and women;
for joint ailments and dental diseases;
for colds, viruses and flu;
for eye diseases and metabolic system disorders.

Important! Using propolis tincture with alcohol according to the instructions is beneficial only if you are not allergic to bee products. In case of individual intolerance, it will only cause harm.

Traditional simple tinctures

An infusion of propolis in alcohol, the preparation of which was described above, is considered traditional. This is the exact extract that is sold in pharmacy chains; it contains 10% active ingredient. At home, you can increase the volume of beekeeping product in the medicine. Then the drug will become more concentrated and potent.

Simple liquid alcohol extract

A simple liquid extract is made from alcohol, with a strength of 96%. Using the above table and instructions, you can easily create a universal alcohol infusion. It is taken orally in diluted form and is also used externally.

Propolis tincture with vodka

In the absence of ethanol, infuse bee glue with good vodka. The medicinal properties of such a drug are no different from the alcohol extract. The only difference is that the risk of burning the mucous membrane is reduced when using undiluted medicine. The recipe for infusing propolis in vodka is completely similar to the method for making an alcoholic infusion.

An extract made at home with vodka is used in the treatment of stomach ailments and weakened immunity. They are also used for rubbing and compresses.

Alcohol propolis, which has a shelf life of 3 years, must be stored in a dark and cool place out of reach of children.

How to infuse propolis in alcohol at home

You can prepare propolis using alcohol at home yourself. There are 2 recipes - one of them requires propolis to be heated, the other involves cold infusion. In terms of medicinal effectiveness, the drugs are similar to each other; you need to choose a prescription based on your own convenience.

How to infuse propolis in alcohol: a heated recipe

To prepare the medicinal product faster, the product needs to be heated. To do this you should:

pour 10 g of propolis with 70% strong alcohol, in an amount of no more than 100 ml;
heat the mixture to 50 °C, there is no need to bring the alcohol to a boil;
Stir well and remove from heat.

After this, the tincture is passed through tightly folded gauze, poured into a glass container and stored in a dark place for a week. The tincture is then used to treat a specific disease according to the chosen regimen.

How to prepare propolis in alcohol by long-term infusion

The second method suggests preparing propolis in alcohol without heating. In this case, preparing the tincture takes longer.

The recipe looks like this:

10 g of bee substance is poured into 100 ml of alcohol in a glass container;
shake the ingredients thoroughly;
For 2 weeks, place the container in a dry and warm place, away from direct sunlight.

The tincture must be shaken daily so that the beneficial substances are better distributed. After the expiration date, the medicinal drink is filtered through cheesecloth and consumed according to a specific recipe.

Advice! If desired, you can make not only the standard 10% tincture, but also a stronger 20% product - propolis should be added to 100 ml of alcohol in an amount of 20 g.

How to collect propolis?

Method 1

Scrape propolis from hive bodies and frames using a special chisel.

Don't scrape all the propolis off the hive that the bees are using! They also need the hive to be healthy. When inspecting, only clean out the propolis that is in your way or that prevents you from returning the frames back to the case or magazine. Save this propolis from any container

Method 2

Propolis traps are placed at the top of the hive so that light enters and the bees begin to block it.

When the trap is full, remove it and place it in the freezer.

Once frozen, you can bend, twist and punch the trap and most of the propolis will be collected.

Store the propolis you have collected in a plastic bag or sealed container in the freezer until you are ready to remove impurities from the propolis.

How to take propolis tincture with alcohol

The general rule for using alcohol tinctures is that the healing agent should be taken only in small dosages and for a short time. But the exact dosage regimen depends on the disease for which the tincture is used.

For diabetes

Since propolis has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas and metabolic system, you can drink propolis tincture in alcohol if you have diabetes. They do it according to this scheme: first, add only 1 drop of tincture to 1 large spoon of milk, gradually increase the dosage of the drug to 15 drops.

You need to take the tincture for a month, after which you take a break for another month. Before starting to use the tincture, it is recommended to consult a doctor and obtain his approval.

For immunity

Vitamins and microelements contained in propolis tincture strengthen the internal strength of the body and improve immunity. The drug can be used for both medicinal and prophylactic purposes. In both cases, propolis with alcohol will help increase resistance to viruses and infections.

To improve immunity, it is recommended to take propolis with alcohol orally daily, diluting 20 drops of the remedy in 20 ml of plain water. You need to drink it on an empty stomach twice a day; in total, it is recommended to take bee substance in alcohol for no longer than a month in a row.

When coughing

Propolis tincture prevents the development of inflammatory processes and promotes the removal of sputum. When coughing, the drug is used as follows:

no more than 20 drops of the product are diluted in a glass of warm water or heated milk;
stir the product;
drink on an empty stomach about an hour before eating.

You can take the tincture twice a day - the total daily dosage should not exceed 40 drops. The drug must be dissolved in water or milk, otherwise the strong product will burn the mucous membranes of the throat and only make you feel worse.

For sore throat, pharyngitis and tonsillitis

The use of alcohol tincture of propolis has a strong healing effect for sore throat and pharyngitis. For a sore throat, it is necessary to use gargles - 1 small spoon of tincture is diluted with 1 glass of warm water, and gargle for 2-3 minutes.

Rinsing should be done at least 6 times a day, and propolis should be used after meals. In total, it takes about a week to continue treatment.

Attention! The rinse should not be swallowed; it is too concentrated. It is also forbidden to gargle with pure alcohol infusion without diluting with water, in which case the drug can also burn the mucous membranes.

For acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and colds

The tincture has pronounced anti-inflammatory, warming and antipyretic properties. It can be used to prevent influenza or to treat colds, in both cases the remedy will be beneficial.

For colds, the recipe and use of propolis tincture with alcohol looks like this - it should be added in an amount of 20-30 drops to warm tea or milk and consumed twice a day. At the same time, you can gargle; the drug is diluted in water in a ratio of 1 to 10 and the throat is treated every 3-4 hours.

For gynecological diseases

For inflammatory and infectious processes of a gynecological nature, propolis-based tincture is used externally. The drug is diluted with water to obtain a concentration of no more than 3%, which means that only 3 ml of the medicinal product should be added to 100 ml of heated water.

A cotton swab is moistened in the prepared solution, and then inserted into the body and left overnight. When used in this way, a weak solution of propolis tincture quickly relieves inflammatory processes and improves well-being.

For heart and vascular health

The beneficial properties of propolis in alcohol strengthen blood vessels, make them less fragile, prevent the development of atherosclerosis and protect the cardiac system from heart attacks. When used prophylactically and therapeutically, the drug reduces blood pressure and thins the blood.

Traditional medicine offers the following recipe for treatment with propolis in alcohol to strengthen the heart and blood vessels:

30 ml of propolis tincture in alcohol is mixed with garlic tincture in equal proportions;
add 50 g of honey to the remedy;
The ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

You need to take the medicinal mixture 25 drops three times a day for a month. After this, it is necessary to take a break for another 5 months and, if necessary, repeat therapy.

For toothache, stomatitis and oral diseases

Propolis tincture with alcohol has not only disinfecting, but also analgesic properties. The product can be used for inflammation of the gums and toothache. Add 20 drops of the remedy to a glass of water or herbal decoction, then moisten a cotton pad and apply it to the sore spots.

You can also rinse your mouth with tincture diluted with water - this will also have a disinfectant and analgesic effect. The drug is diluted in a glass of warm water in the amount of 1 small spoon and rinsed the mouth for 2-3 minutes, trying to treat problem areas especially carefully.

For skin diseases

The antiseptic properties of propolis help eliminate inflammatory processes in the epidermis and speed up skin healing. The product can be used in two ways:

wipe ulcers and irritations daily with tincture previously diluted with water - the proportion is 1 to 10;
treat sore spots with any healing ointment with the addition of a few drops of propolis tincture.

The drug not only helps heal inflammation and ulcers. The tincture can be used externally to treat cuts and abrasions, bruises and sprains. In the latter case, the beneficial substances in the product penetrate into the tissues through the skin and have a therapeutic effect.

For joint pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of the tincture have a good effect on rheumatism and arthritis. Propolis with alcohol soothes pain, relieves swelling and helps restore joint mobility.

Apply the remedy externally. A standard tincture of 10% is diluted in equal proportions with water, a gauze bandage folded in several layers is moistened in it, and fixed on the sore spot for half an hour. You need to do such compresses up to 5 times a day.

For the stomach

The bee substance in alcohol helps well with stomach diseases - propolis relieves pain and heartburn, soothes nausea, and is beneficial for gastritis and stomach ulcers. Also, the positive effect of the product is manifested in cases of dysbacteriosis and increased gas formation; propolis in alcohol helps eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

The remedy is usually taken with warm milk - 20 drops of tincture are diluted in a glass of drink and consumed on an empty stomach. You need to drink the product three times a day, and the total duration of treatment should take 20 days, then take a break for 2 weeks.

Important! When treating the stomach with propolis, you must follow the recommended dosages; exceeding the volume of the drug will have the opposite effect and will only worsen the condition.

For eyes

For conjunctivitis and other inflammatory eye diseases, propolis tincture effectively relieves irritation and pain, promotes cell regeneration and prevents vision loss. The tincture is taken in two ways - internally and externally:

For internal use, propolis in alcohol is diluted in a glass of water in the amount of 20 drops and taken three times a day before meals, on an empty stomach.
You can also drop the product into the eyes if there is severe inflammation - the drug is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 10, slightly heated until warm, then filtered and instilled 2 drops into each eye.

It is strictly forbidden to drop the drug into the eyes, not diluted with water - this will cause severe burns to the retina. Before using a home remedy, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist and make sure that the bee substance in alcohol will not be harmful.

For healthy hair

Vitamins, acids and minerals in alcohol-based propolis have a beneficial effect on hair condition. Propolis in the form of a tincture strengthens curls, restores their structure, and protects hair from weakening and loss. It is especially useful to use the drug with frequent dyeing and after other aggressive procedures that weaken the hair.

To restore hair, use the following product based on bee substances:

the usual tincture of 10% in the volume of a tablespoon is mixed with 1 egg yolk;
add a large spoon of burdock oil;
Stir well and apply to hair for half an hour.

After this, wash your hair using a mild natural shampoo. It is recommended to repeat the procedure twice a week, and then within a month the result will become noticeable.

Also, for weakened hair that is falling out, simply rubbing the tincture into the scalp helps a lot. It is also recommended to do this 2 times a week; apply alcohol-based propolis to dry or slightly damp hair after washing.

Advice! The bee substance in alcohol not only strengthens the hair, but also helps get rid of dandruff, as it normalizes the oiliness of the scalp.

Methods of external use

Used externally for the following problems:

varicose veins;
pain in the teeth, spine and joints;
hair problems;
rashes and pimples;
inflammation of the gums;
diseases of the genital organs;
nail fungus.

Wounds and postoperative sutures are disinfected: the liquid is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2 and applied to the affected part of the skin. For this it is better to use a 10% medicine. To treat acne, the solution is applied to the skin 2-3 times a day.

For varicose veins, rub the product into places where the veins are especially visible. Compresses are also applied 2-3 times a day. The product treats the spine well. To do this, you need to make compresses from soaked gauze 3-4 times a day for 10-20 minutes.

To treat nail fungus, you need to moisten a cotton swab in a 10% solution and apply it to the site of the disease 3-5 times a day. To improve the condition of the hair, the medicine is diluted in a decoction of nettle or burdock and applied to the hair roots. The product should be left on the hair for 1.5-2 hours, after which it should be washed off with warm water.

To treat radiculitis, you need to use a mixture of medicine, vegetable oil and honey. The product must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the site of the disease and secured with a bandage. It is better to apply the mixture before bed and leave it on the body overnight.

Gargling

For acute sore throat and sore throat, the product is used to rinse the throat and mouth. To treat children, a little citric acid is added to the medicine. You need to rinse 4-5 times during the day.

For inflammation of the throat and purulent sore throat, gargling is supplemented by treating the back of the nasopharynx. To do this, use a highly concentrated solution in a 2:1 ratio with water. The medicine must be thoroughly mixed and the throat treated with a baby syringe. After the procedure, you should not drink or eat food for an hour.

Gargling

Nasal rinsing

If there is no effect from washing the nasopharyngeal mucosa with salt water, add a little tincture to the medicine. For rinsing, you need to prepare a solution of 2 tbsp. salt water and 1 tsp. tinctures. Water should be 90% concentrated.

The procedure must be carried out using special devices. These are sold in all pharmacies. Sometimes small teapots are also used for brewing. Propolis will quickly destroy an infection that has entered the nasopharynx.

Oral treatment

For periodontal disease, apply a cotton wool soaked in medicine to the purulent formations. You need to be careful, the first procedures can cause severe pain.

To treat teeth and gums, prepare a rinse solution. For 1 glass of water you need to take 2 tsp. medicines and a similar amount of calendula oil. You need to take the liquid into your mouth and hold it there for 3-4 minutes, then spit it out. Carry out procedures until the disease disappears completely, as well as for prevention.

Using bee glue helps with herpes. To do this, prepare a solution of medicine and butter. The product is applied to the foci of the disease. Herpes goes away after just a few uses.

For toothache and inflammation of the gums, a solution of infusion and herbal decoction helps. For a glass of liquid you need 18 drops of 10% medicine. The product should be moistened with cotton wool and applied to sore spots.

Otitis and rhinitis

The product is good for treating colds of the ears. For lumbago in the ears, a pharmaceutical tincture is used, which must be dripped into the ear canal (2 drops each). After the procedure, you need to close the ear canal with a cotton swab and lie for 20-25 minutes on your side, so that the sore ear is at the top.

To treat chronic rhinitis, it is necessary to instill special drops in the nose. To make it yourself, you need to prepare a solution of 2 tsp. medicine and 2 tbsp. water. You can add vegetable oil to the mixture. You need to drip 6-9 times a day.

Treatment of thrush

When thrush appears, douching is done with a solution of medicine and water (1:1). The procedure must be carried out in the evening.

The course of treatment lasts 10 days. At night, use tampons soaked in eucalyptus oil. During treatment, it is forbidden to eat sweets, yeast baked goods and milk.

Features of using propolis tincture with alcohol

Since the bee product tincture contains strong alcohol, when using it it is especially important to observe strict dosages and not exceed the daily dose of the drug:

Adults, in the absence of contraindications, are allowed to consume up to 60 drops of standard 10% tincture per day and 30 drops of concentrated 20% tincture. You can take the product up to 3 times a day, but it is important to ensure that the total volumes of the drug do not exceed the daily norm, for example, with three doses, you can take no more than 20 drops of the product at a time.
When treating children under 12 years of age, you can use 20 drops of regular tincture 10% per day and 10 drops of a stronger tincture 20%. Propolis tincture should be given to children only in cases of extreme necessity; it is better to limit it to external use of the drug.
For children under 3 years of age, propolis tincture with alcohol is contraindicated in any volume.

In order for the remedy to demonstrate its valuable properties as much as possible, the tincture must be consumed on an empty stomach, about 40 minutes before eating. The drug must be diluted with water; taking propolis is not recommended in a state of severe hunger.

The total treatment time can take 1-2 months in a row. Then you should take a break for 2-4 weeks; with continuous use, the drug begins to do more harm than good.

Treatment of colds, coughs, sore throats, sinusitis

Runny nose

Recipe 1:

Lubricate the nasal passages and maxillary sinus areas with propolis ointment 1-2 times a day, do not go outside for 2-3 hours.

Recipe 2:

If the runny nose is severe, place tampons with propolis ointment and 1-2 drops of alcohol tincture in each nostril for several minutes.

Recipe 3:

Mix two parts of freshly squeezed beet and carrot juice, one part of alcoholic propolis tincture.

Place in nose or moisten inside nostrils with a cotton swab.

Cough

Recipe 1:

Stir 1 tsp. propolis tincture and 100 ml of warm milk.

Take the medicinal composition orally half an hour before meals in the morning and evening.

Recipe 2:

Brew 1 tsp. St. John's wort herb with a glass of boiling water, simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes, strain after 30 minutes, bring the volume to a full glass with boiled water.
Add 1 tsp. alcohol 10% propolis tincture.

Gargle 4-6 times a day with 1/2 cup.

Lung diseases

Recipe 1:

Place an aluminum mug in boiling water, add a little propolis to the mug.

Under the influence of temperature, phytoncides are released, and they penetrate the body with water vapor. Perform inhalations in the morning and evening for 10 minutes, 2-3 hours before night rest.

Recipe 2:

Take 1 tbsp. propolis oil several times a day, washed down with milk.

Duration of treatment is up to a year, constantly increase the concentration of propolis.

Bronchitis, pneumonia:

Take 10% propolis tincture orally, 20 drops per 1/2 glass of milk before bed.

Pneumonia

Take a few drops of propolis tincture diluted with water half an hour before meals in the first half of the day.
At night, take an aqueous solution and rub your chest with an alcohol tincture.

Duration of treatment is 3-4 weeks.

Flu

In the spring or early summer, bees “guess” the type of influenza virus and produce propolis with medicinal properties to destroy it

Several times a day, instill honey mixed with a drop of alcoholic propolis tincture into each nostril.

Angina

Recipe 1:

To relieve inflammation, lubricate the tonsils every half hour with a 10% alcohol solution or mixed with honey and Kalanchoe juice.

Recipe 2:

Dilute 1 tsp. propolis tincture in 1/2 cup warm water.

Gargle every hour.

Recipe 3:

Place a piece of resinous substance behind your cheek at night.
During the day, chew propolis with a match head after each meal or hold it behind your cheek.

Eat up to 5g per day.

Treatment of sore throat with propolis is used to speed up recovery and avoid complications.

Sinusitis

Recipe 1. Elimination of pain, purulent discharge:

Mix honey and propolis in equal quantities.

Secure the mixture overnight with adhesive tape on both sides of the nose, in the area of the paranasal sinuses.

Recipe 2:

Mix 5g propolis, 10g honey, 15g melted cocoa butter, 20g calendula juice, 30g sea buckthorn oil.

Restrictions and contraindications

Despite all the benefits, using propolis in alcohol can have a negative impact on the body’s condition. It is necessary to stop using the tincture:

if you are intolerant to alcohol or completely prohibit its use;
if you are allergic to bee products, propolis in this case can lead to serious complications;
with liver and kidney failure;
in case of exacerbation of stomach and intestinal ailments, although the bee substance has a beneficial effect on digestion, in the acute period of illness the tincture can be harmful;
with a tendency to seizures and epilepsy;
for severe disorders of the nervous system.

It is strictly prohibited to use the drug by pregnant women and nursing mothers. For them, the remedy, even in minimal concentration, poses an increased danger.

What are the benefits of propolis alcohol tincture?

Propolis in alcohol is one of the most commonly used remedies in traditional, folk medicine. The list of useful properties of the product is numerous.

Let's list the main ones:

Propolis with alcohol is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It contains active components that respond to inflammatory processes that are so dangerous to the body.
Bee glue contains substances that can activate the regeneration process of body cells. These substances help restore and cleanse the body weakened by disease.
Propolis has a special healing property: pathogenic microorganisms are not able to adapt to the elements in its composition, which cannot be said about antibiotics of medicinal origin. Therefore, the effectiveness of propolis with alcohol is sometimes higher than that of many expensive drugs.
Preventive use of the product will significantly increase immunity and protect against many infectious diseases of an inflammatory nature. In combination with alcohol, the anti-inflammatory effect is enhanced, which is why propolis infused with alcohol is especially useful during the cold season.
This product is often used by cosmetologists, because bee glue has a number of properties for the skin and hair, and alcohol has an excellent cleansing effect.
If you use propolis in alcohol regularly, you can reduce the likelihood of developing cancer. Sometimes it is even used for cancer, for oncology, to treat diseases, but this happens infrequently.
The product is able to heal skin lesions, wounds, burns thanks to the regenerating substances contained in propolis.
Often the healing liquid is used as a mild pain reliever. This happens especially often in dentistry and cosmetology.
An alcohol tincture is effective in combating infectious diseases: mumps, scarlet fever, diphtheria... The liquid will become a component of complex use.

Storage rules

Propolis-based alcohol can be stored both at room temperature and in the refrigerator. The temperature should be between 0 and 18 °C. The tincture should be kept in a glass container with opaque walls and under a tight lid; the drug should be stored in a dark place away from direct sunlight. Small children, who may inadvertently swallow the medicine, should not have access to propolis tincture.

If storage conditions are met, the shelf life of the tincture is 2 years. After this, the product loses its valuable properties, and the drug must be prepared again.

Scope of application

Propolis is effective for:

stomach ulcers - taking oils and alcohol tincture enhances the effect of other medications, relieves inflammation, reduces pain, accelerates healing;
Helicobacter - the use of water and alcohol tinctures based on propolis helps to destroy bacteria that provoke the development of gastrointestinal diseases;
gastritis – using pure propolis, or as tinctures, helps reduce the symptoms of the disease;
nail fungus - using infusions externally eliminates itching and inflammation, inhibits the development of fungus, so that the diseased nail is gradually replaced by a healthy one;
pancreatitis – combined use of alcohol tincture with medications helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and relieve inflammation of the pancreas;
hemorrhoids - suppositories, ointments and microenemas, which contain propolis, help eliminate the disease;
sinusitis - tinctures, drops and inhalations with propolis treat the disease due to its antibiotic effect;
gastroduodenitis – the use of tincture eliminates inflammation, prevents the development of irritation, ensuring healing;
liver diseases – accelerates cell recovery without harming the body (treatment is carried out only in conjunction with other medications);
gum diseases - chewing and applying pure propolis eliminates bleeding, unpleasant odor, inflammation, harmful bacteria;
bronchitis - the use of tinctures, inhalations and chewing of pure propolis relieves inflammation of the respiratory system, softens the symptoms of the disease, and speeds up treatment;
prostatitis – the use of suppositories containing propolis helps eliminate the disease;
endometriosis - the use of tinctures and special suppositories is recommended.
intestinal diseases - propolis relieves inflammation, restores damaged tissue, speeds up treatment when used together with other medications;
sore throat – an alcohol tincture or gargle solution with propolis relieves irritation in the throat and improves immunity;
acne - applying special plates soaked in propolis tincture to the affected areas, or using ointments reduces the manifestation of symptoms.

When treating with propolis, its use is recommended exclusively together with other medications. The substance can be taken separately only for preventive purposes.

Propolis in cosmetology

Beekeeping products in all their diversity have long occupied an honorable place in the beauty industry. They are actively used on an industrial scale in the manufacture of creams, masks, and balsamic products. Folk cosmetology is not lagging behind in this matter. There are many recipes with propolis that are easy to prepare at home. Here are just a few popular ones.

Hair masks with propolis

Traditional methods always help preserve the beauty of a woman’s main wealth – hair. As for propolis, its possibilities in this area are limitless. A simple hair mask, the recipe for which will be given below, will help eliminate dandruff, restore healthy shine to your strands, stop rapid hair loss, and give your hair amazing volume.

To do this you will need a small piece of good quality propolis and a little alcohol. Before preparing the composition for the mask, you need to place the propolis in the refrigerator for half an hour to make it easier to grate. The crushed base should be placed in a container that does not allow light to pass through, and alcohol should be added in a ratio of 4:1. The mixture obtained in this way must be stirred for 15 minutes, and then placed in a dark place for 10 days. The infusion should be shaken periodically and passed through a paper filter before use. You can simply rinse your hair with the resulting infusion or prepare nourishing masks based on it.

For example, you can use this recipe: take a spoonful of propolis and cognac infusion, add 40 g of burdock oil and one egg. After mixing the ingredients, apply the composition to your hair, rubbing into the roots, and rinse after 40 minutes.

Face masks

Propolis is indispensable when you need to improve the condition of your facial skin. A unique set of useful components that nature has endowed with bee glue can transform your appearance in a few home sessions: remove wrinkles, refresh your complexion, tighten the contours of your oval. All these actions together rejuvenate a woman and make her more attractive. Women with combination skin type can use one of these recipes:

Melt two teaspoons of honey.
Then add a teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil and the same amount of 10% propolis tincture to the honey.
After mixing the ingredients, apply the cooled nourishing mass to the surface of the face.
After a quarter of an hour, rinse off the composition with warm water.

This recipe is so effective that with regular use it helps eliminate even deep wrinkles.

Video:

natural face lifting cream with propolis Expand

What is propolis

When buds appear on the trees in the spring, an army of bees rushes towards them. These hardworking insects are attracted to a special resinous substance that is secreted by unbloomed leaves. Under the influence of enzymes produced by bees, this substance turns into propolis - a resinous, very plastic substance of a brown-brown or greenish hue. But sometimes this beekeeping product takes on a reddish tint. This difference in color can be explained simply: the color, as well as the smell of propolis, largely depends on which plant, in what place and at what time the bees collected the resin.

Propolis is popularly known as bee glue. This name is due to a number of qualities inherent in adhesive structures. Propolis, like no other natural material, is rich in useful components, and its healing properties are actively used in traditional and folk medicine, cosmetology and other fields. An interesting fact is that bees produce this unique substance throughout their lives. They use it as a building material and also for protection against pathogenic microorganisms. The plastic structure of bee glue and its pleasant aroma allows little workers to create a comfortable microclimate in the hive, which is a necessary condition for the reproduction of offspring. It is worth noting that a separate group of bees is responsible for collecting this product.

Pharmaceutical products from propolis

Pharmacy tincture of propolis, which is produced by many pharmaceutical companies, remains extremely popular. manufacturers. Many patients simply cannot imagine numerous rinses for sore throat, stomatitis and gingivitis, instillation into the ear for otitis media without the use of the medicinal properties of propolis tincture.

The drug proposol based on bee glue copes with many dental ailments of the oral cavity and has a convenient sprayer.

Purified, molded propolis can be purchased at the pharmacy. The properties of propolis are used in the manufacture of ointments, creams, shampoos, masks and toothpastes. Propolis suppositories (suppositories) are successfully used for hemorrhoids.

Propolis rarely causes allergies, which makes it possible to use it even in the treatment of allergic skin diseases. However, there is still a possibility of high sensitivity. Persons with allergies are recommended to conduct skin tests before use, keeping on hand means to relieve exacerbations of the disease.

How do bees make propolis?

The production of this healing product by bees is carried out from resinous substances that are strictly plant in nature. They are collected from buds, branches, and leaves of trees. Bees mainly use chestnut, willow, aspen, poplar, birch, and herbaceous plants. All plants from which these resinous elements are extracted have pronounced bactericidal properties.

The bulk of the final product is formed from flower pollen shells. It is impregnated with a resinous substance - a natural balm. It is a solution consisting of resin and essential oil. The substance protects the contents of pollen cells from the effects of unfavorable external factors, including excess moisture, sunlight, high and low temperatures.

We looked at where propolis comes from. All that remains is to familiarize yourself with the nuances of collecting this product. Traditionally it occurs in the last weeks of summer or the first days of autumn. There is also a limitation on the time of day: most often, propolis collection occurs at 10-15 hours of the day, since at other times the surfaces for collecting resins become too hard and unsuitable for the process. It is extremely rare to collect propolis in the spring.

The tendency to collect this substance depends on the breed of bees. A large amount of the product is collected by insects in the Caucasus, in central Russia. Much less propolis is observed in bees in Ukraine and Italy. Indian “honey miners” do not collect propolis at all. According to statistics, one family of bees is capable of collecting about 100-150 g of “bee glue” per year.

Insects grab resins with their jaws and pull them into threads until they break. Then they remove lumps of resin from the jaws and place them in special baskets with pollen. In this process, the insect mixes resins with the secretion of its maxillary glands, which gives the product unique healing and cosmetic properties and makes it indispensable throughout the world.

What is "bee poop" called? People usually call them propolis due to their characteristic appearance. However, this product has nothing to do with bee excrement. Propolis is collected using a special grid. Each hive yields from 50 to 150 g per season. Some leave it in its original form, while other beekeepers process it in a water bath while preserving its basic healing properties.

Contraindications and precautions

Treatment with propolis should be carried out with caution, since this substance is very active, and when using it, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction. As a result, the disease may not be cured, but rather, the condition may worsen. The main risk group includes people with hypersensitivity and allergies to bee glue. Before you start taking propolis, you need to do a test: take a small piece of the product and apply it to the skin in the elbow area; if there is no itching, swelling and redness, then the product can be used.

In addition, you should take propolis carefully if you have the following pathologies:

for kidney stones;
for diseases of the biliary tract and liver;
with pancreatitis.

In all other cases, treatment with propolis has no contraindications. The product will be an excellent medicine and means of preventing various ailments, will help strengthen the immune system, rejuvenate and restore the body.

Oil with propolis extract

Another method of treatment with propolis is the preparation and use of oil. It’s easy to make at home:

melt 1 kg of butter in an enamel bowl;
Separately grind 150 g of bee glue and add this powder to the oil;
heat the ingredients for 30 minutes at a temperature of 80 degrees, remembering to stir them at intervals of 5 minutes;
Until the oil composition has cooled, it must be placed in glass jars with tight lids, and the bottom wax layer must be removed.

During the preparation of this product, propolis transfers all its healing properties to the oil. The finished product must be stored in the refrigerator.

Treatment with propolis oil for the following ailments is common:

peptic ulcers of the intestines and stomach - take 1 teaspoon of oil with propolis 1-1.5 hours before meals, treatment period - 3-4 weeks;
for tonsillitis and pulmonary diseases, it is necessary to take 1 teaspoon of the drug 2-3 times a day an hour before meals; treatment with propolis can last from 4 to 10 months.

You are allowed to consume no more than 1 kg of propolis oil per month.