➡️3. Supports Respiratory Health:
Many people know this one and put it into practice. If you suffer from bronchitis, asthma, or are always dealing with stubborn mucus, using propolis can lead to significant improvement. It clears the airways and relieves that heavy feeling in your chest. Plus, propolis has expectorant properties, helping to eliminate accumulated mucus and making breathing lighter and easier.
➡️2. Helps Fight Herpes:
If you deal with recurrent herpes, you know how it goes: your immunity drops, and those painful, uncomfortable sores appear on your lips or elsewhere. Propolis can help in two ways. First, it strengthens your immune system, which can prevent sores from appearing as frequently. Second, when lesions do appear, applying propolis directly to them speeds up healing and relieves pain, acting as a natural antiviral.
➡️1.Potential Anti-tumor Effects:
Scientific research is exploring propolis’s potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It contains compounds that can act as a natural barrier, helping protect the body and prevent this disease. And if someone already has cancer? No, it doesn’t replace traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but propolis can be a valuable complement, improving quality of life and increasing recovery chances. All of this shows that propolis is another testament to nature’s power in the pursuit of a healthier, more balanced life.
⚙️How to Take Propolis Correctly
Taking propolis isn’t just about randomly dropping a few drops and hoping for results. The right way to use it is key to ensuring all the benefits of this powerful natural remedy.
First, the ideal dose depends on your weight! The rule for adults is half to one drop per kilogram of body weight. For example, if you weigh 70 kg, your dose should be between 35 to 70 drops daily.
If you really want to maximize your results, the best time to consume it is in the morning, on an empty stomach. This makes it easier for your body to absorb the bioactive compounds and gives your immunity a boost. The ideal is to take propolis on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast.
Now, if you have a cold or the flu, you can take 1 drop per kilo – but like anything, don’t overdo it, okay?
🎉Other Ways to Use Propolis
And there are other ways to use it if you don’t like the strong taste of propolis: capsules, sprays, ointments, and even creams.
I know what you might be thinking: “I already drink water on an empty stomach, now I have to take propolis too?” Well, if you don’t want to take propolis on an empty stomach, you can incorporate it into various recipes, like a morning shot, or dilute a few drops in your juice. You won’t lose the benefits.
You can also take it before bed. Taken at night, especially diluted in a tea – the best teas for sleep are guava leaf, chamomile, or clove tea – it can help calm your body and prepare you for a more restful night’s sleep. The compounds in propolis also have relaxing properties that help relieve accumulated stress and relax muscles.
So, when do you usually take your propolis? Morning, night, or maybe you split it between both times? Let us know in the comments!
❓Is Daily Propolis Intake Necessary?
Not necessarily. Of course, if propolis is used daily, you’ll get recurring benefits.
✅Choosing the Right Type of Propolis
With so many types of propolis available, which one is best for you?
- Green Propolis: As I mentioned, it’s from Brazil. It’s potent and rich in artepillin C. Ideal for those seeking immune system strengthening, plus antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection.
- Red Propolis: Also from Brazil, extracted from “rabo-de-bugio.” It helps control cholesterol, protects the heart, and improves skin health.
- Brown Propolis: This is the most common type. It strengthens immunity, aids respiratory health, and helps with wound healing.
- Black Propolis: Protects against neurodegenerative diseases and improves cardiovascular health.
Which one to choose? It depends on what you want:
- To strengthen the immune system: Green or brown propolis.
- For cardiovascular protection: Red or black propolis.
- For skin health: Green or red propolis.
- For prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: Black propolis.
⚠️Risks and Side Effects of Propolis
Despite being a natural product full of benefits, propolis can cause some adverse effects if not used correctly:
- Allergic Reactions: Especially in sensitive individuals.
- Digestive Problems: Some people report improvement in gastritis, but excessive consumption can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even diarrhea.
- Tooth Staining: Frequent use of propolis can darken teeth, especially if oral hygiene isn’t good. It’s like coffee… so, yes, you need to brush your teeth!
- Interactions: I almost forgot! It can interact with some medications, especially anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
And let me be clear: there’s no evidence of its safety during pregnancy and lactation. For children, it’s best to use with caution and always under medical guidance. Remember, like anything in life, the secret lies in conscious and balanced use. No exaggerations.
Source: Dr. André Wambier