Propolis
Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. It is used by bees to seal unwanted gaps in the hive and to protect the hive from external threats. Propolis has been used by humans for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.
Composition[edit | edit source]
Propolis is composed of resins, waxes, essential oils, pollen, and other organic compounds. The exact composition of propolis can vary depending on the location of the bees and the types of trees and flowers they have access to. However, approximately 50% of propolis is made up of resins and vegetable balsam, 30% is waxes, 10% is essential and aromatic oils, 5% is pollen, and 5% is other substances, including organic debris.
Medicinal Uses[edit | edit source]
Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, burns, and skin infections. Propolis has also been used to boost the immune system and to treat colds and flu. Recent scientific studies have shown that propolis has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential medicinal uses of propolis.
Potential Risks[edit | edit source]
While propolis is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are allergic to bees or bee products. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include swelling, redness, itching, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. It is recommended that individuals consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement, including propolis.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
