Propolis
Mixed bee resin (plant resin plus bee secretions)
Bee Medicine. Western & European and Folk & home remedies.
Also called Bee glue, Bee propolis, Feng jiao
Pinyin: Fēng Jiāo
Spanish: Própolis
Allergy risk, including severe reactionsA sticky resin that bees collect from tree buds and use to seal and guard the hive. People use it as a mouth rinse, lozenge or skin cream.
Did you know? Its name comes from Greek words meaning 'in front of the city,' a nod to how bees use it to guard the hive entrance.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Mouth, gums & teeth. Small trials report help for mouth sores and gum inflammation. Results are mixed and the studies are small.Early proof
- Sore throat & cough. Lozenges may ease sore throat in small trials, but the evidence is limited.Early proof
- Infections. Lab studies show antibacterial activity. Human trials against serious infections are lacking.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Greek writers mentioned propolis in ancient times. It has long been used in European folk medicine for wounds and mouth sores.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Used as a mouth rinse, lozenge, tincture, or skin cream or ointment. Strength varies because propolis composition depends on local plants.
Lozenge, tincture, topical and capsule.
Where to get it
Bees collect it from tree buds and sap in many climates. Its chemistry depends on local plants, so Brazilian green propolis differs from European propolis. Sold as tinctures, lozenges, sprays, capsules and creams.
Be careful
Allergy is the main concern, including skin rashes and rare severe reactions. People allergic to bee products, pollen or Peru balsam should avoid it. Products vary a lot in strength.
Avoid if: bee product allergy; pollen allergy; ragweed allergy.
Mixing with other things
No specific mixing notes on file. That doesn't prove it's safe with everything; ask a pharmacist about your full list.
The honest take
Propolis has some real research for mouth sores and sore throat, but the trials are small. Its strength and mix vary by source and product, so results are hard to compare. Allergy is the main risk, and claims that it fights serious infections rely mostly on lab work.