Ways to Use the Natural & Antibacterial Propolis Liquids
- Chalmers Dale & Co. Pty. Ltd
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
If you haven't heard about Propolis before, here's a quick introduction:
Propolis is a sticky resin made by bees to protect their hives from invading pathogens. Inside the hive it helps maintain a sterile environment for the bees to work and for the queen to lay her eggs and raises the babies.
Basically, propolis is how bees keep their hive and every bee inside it, safe from the threat of parasites, bacteria, fungal or viral outbreaks.
Learn more about propolis here (it's fascinating) or, skip to how YOU can use it to protect yourself!
Just like bees, we can use propolis to protect against harmful microbes in and on our bodies.
The anti-microbial benefits come from concentrated bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, coumaric and caffeic acids. These, as well as other nutrient elements make propolis antioxidant and anti-inflammatory too, an extra health win!
Propolis is often used as a liquid because it's very versatile.
As a liquid, Propolis comes in different strengths. The dose is easy to measure and change but adjusting number of drops and it can then be applied applied to skin, taken orally or even mixed with foods like Manuka Honey foe extra healing potential.
Here are some ways you might use Propolis Liquid to support your health:
As an antibacterial oral mouthwash
If you struggle with bad breath, plaque buildup, coated tongue, frequent infected gums or gingivitis, rinsing with Propolis liquid could help. The anti-inflammatory and tissue healing effects of Propolis add extra support in these cases. HOW TO: Simply add ~10 drops of Liquid Propolis to a small amount of water. Swish the mixture in your mouth for a minute or so, then spit out. Rinse with plain water. Repeat 2-3 times daily as needed. For even better results, use a Propolis toothpaste alongside this oral rinse!
2. For small skin wounds and irritations
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Propolis can help keep small cuts and abrasions clean, minimise risk of infection and speed healing.
HOW TO: Apply 2-3 drops of Propolis liquid to a wet cotton pad and pat the affected area. You can apply a little more generously if you wish. Add a plaster if needed. You can also mix a few drops of Propolis Liquid with a little Manuka Honey and apply for even stronger results.
3. For mild acne and pimples
Most Propolis liquids are dark in colour and not appropriate for the face. However, our Propolis Aqua Liquid is made with a different extraction and filtration process to deliver a clear, alcohol-free Propolis Liquid. In this form, you may try the antimicrobial action of Propolis to minimise breakouts, assist healing and reduce inflammation from pimples and mild acne.
HOW TO: Apply 2-3 drops of Chalmers Dale clear Propolis Aqualiquid to a wet cotton pad and wipe lightly over affected areas. You may do this at the end of your regularly cleansing routine.
4. Gargle for sore throats
You can find relief from sore throats by using Propolis liquid as you would any other type of antibacterial throat gargle. You should feel some level of immediate relief. This may also help prevent progression of infection.
HOW TO: Use 10-15 drops of Propolis liquid in a small amount of water and gargle for 10-30 seconds, then spit out. Repeat this 3-4 times daily. If symptoms do not improve after 1-2 days, see your doctor.
5. For gut and general health
The anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antibacterial activity, combined with anti-inflammatory effects can be useful to reduce overgrowth of harmful gut bacteria and fungi including H.pylori, giardia and e-coli. Propolis also shows promise for use with for inflammatory gut conditions including ulcerative colitis.
HOW TO: Use 10-15 drops of Propolis in 100mls water. Stir, and drink. This intake is minimal and supportive of gut health, and is not being suggested as treatment for a condition. Consumed in this way, the nutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits of Propolis Support ongoing general health and wellbeing.
Are there side effects?
There are very few to zero side effects of Propolis, however it would be amiss not to highlight some individuals may be allergic or reactive to some compounds in Propolis, particularly people with known bee allergies. Caution is recommended.
Otherwise, if you never tried Propolis Liquid before, now you know how--give it a try today!
References relating to this content:
Almuhayawi, M.S. (2020) “Propolis as a novel antibacterial agent,” Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 27(11), pp. 3079–3086. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.016.
Braakhuis, A. (2019) “Evidence on the health benefits of Supplemental Propolis,” Nutrients, 11(11), p. 2705. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112705.
Martins, M.L. et al. (2020) “Propolis benefits in oral health,” Natural Oral Care in Dental Therapy, pp. 211–228. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119618973.ch14.
Nichitoi, M.M. et al. (2021) “Polyphenolics profile effects upon the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of propolis extracts,” Scientific Reports, 11(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97130-9.
Pasupuleti, V.R. et al. (2017) “Honey, propolis, and Royal Jelly: A comprehensive review of their biological actions and Health Benefits,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, pp. 1–21. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1259510.
Przybyłek, I. and Karpiński, T.M. (2019) “Antibacterial properties of propolis,” Molecules, 24(11), p. 2047. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24112047.
Silva, L.M. et al. (2018) “Propolis and its potential to treat gastrointestinal disorders,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, pp. 1–12. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2035820.
Zulhendri, F. et al. (2021) “Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of Propolis: A Review,” Foods, 10(6), p. 1360. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061360.