«Properties of propolis
Properties and Benefits
In addition to the characteristics listed in the previous article, propolis acts on our body also in other ways:
- stimulates the thymus, the gland responsible for regulating the hormonal and immune system in the period of puberty;
- activates the metabolism of cells and stimulates their division (this explains how propolis acts on wound healing, accelerating their course);
- in the geriatric field, improvements were observed in both the physical and mental conditions of the elderly who took it regularly;
- propolis is an adjuvant in all inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, even in those with pus production; from this point of view, its applications can be multiple since not only the digestive tract (from the mouth to the rectum), the respiratory system (from the nose to the pulmonary alveoli) and the genital organs are covered with mucous membranes, but also the joints, where thin membranes line the ends of the bones;
- propolis has also proved useful in case of metabolic disorders: its regular intake seems to correct high levels of lipids in the blood and circulatory problems, but of course in these cases it is necessary to act first of all on the diet, introducing healthier eating habits.
Against allergies
If you decide to try this treatment, you need to pay close attention to the percentages of pollen present in propolis, because, based on the severity of your allergy and the proportions between the various types of pollen present, you can risk experiencing allergic reactions. unwanted. A useful, but not always effective, way to prevent adverse reactions is this: spread a small amount of propolis in an area where the skin is more delicate and repeat the operation on the same area after 24 and 48 hours; if the skin is evidently reddened it means that that type of propolis is not tolerated, therefore it is necessary to avoid its intake.
Precautions and contraindications
Children under the age of 3 should not be given propolis.
Subjects who are aware of allergies and intolerances towards products deriving from the hive, or with allergies to pollen and / or bee venom, must absolutely not use products containing propolis.
In phytovigilance, adverse effects are known ranging from atopic eczema, linked to the use of propolis-based ointments, to edema in the mouth and tongue, up to acute asthmatic crises from vasoconstriction caused by anaphylactic shocks that lead to hospitalization of the patient.
Propolis-based products
Commercial formulations and therapeutic indications
The pharmaceutical forms on the market are numerous, but the most frequently used are the hydroalcoholic extract, or tincture, (10-40 drops, 2-3 times a day); the dry extract (1 or 2 capsules of 200mg per 2- 3 times a day); chewable tablets (1 to 3 times a day); the glycolic extract for external use, therefore creams, ointments, lotions, sprays and mouthwashes.
A good propolis tincture should contain 50 to 70 percent propolis.
These products are used for various problems, so it can be said that propolis is a phytotherapeutic that offers a valid help in the treatment of various symptoms:
- ENT DISEASES (inflammation of the mouth and pharynx; colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis and ear infections)
- DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT (allergic rhinitis and acute and chronic bronchitis);
- DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT (gingivitis, halitosis, canker sores, toothache, dental abscesses, gastric and duodenal ulcers);
- DISEASES OF THE UROGENITAL SYSTEM (nephritis; cystitis; inflammation of the urethra, prostate, vagina);
- SKIN DISEASES (psoriasis, cold sores, boils, acne, purulent wounds that are difficult to heal, burns and sunburn);
- WOUNDS AND BRUSHES;
- METABOLIC DISORDERS (eg hypercholesterolemia);
- DEFICIENCY OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM (prophylaxis against seasonal illnesses and relapses of infectious diseases).
