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Using Propolis

Posted February 6, 2026

DISCLAIMER: The blog below is generally created from the research listed in the “Referenced Material” section. This is not my research. All credit is given to these studies and researchers who are helping beekeepers better understand how we can improve our management practices.

It’s important for anyone considering personally using or offering propolis for consumption or topical use to others to be fully informed of the science, known effects, and include their healthcare provider in the decision. This blog is only intended to share some of the available information about propolis found on the internet and is not to take the place of medical advice that you should receive from your healthcare provider.

Propolis History

Propolis (bee glue) has been known for centuries. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were aware of the healing properties of propolis and made extensive use of it as a medicine. In the Middle Ages propolis was not a very popular topic and its use in mainstream medicine disappeared. However, the knowledge of medicinal properties of propolis survived in traditional folk medicine. The interest in propolis returned in Europe together with the renaissance theory of ad fontes. It has only been in the last century that scientists have been able to prove that propolis is as active and important as our forefathers thought. Research on chemical composition of propolis started at the beginning of the twentieth century and was continued after WW II. Advances in chromatographic analytical methods enabled separation and extraction of several components from propolis. At least 180 different compounds have been identified so far. Its antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anesthetic, and healing properties have been confirmed. Propolis has been effectively used in treatment of dermatological, laryngological, and gynecological problems, neurodegenerative diseases, in wound healing, and in treatment of burns and ulcers.

Ancient Civilizations

Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back thousands of years, with various cultures recognizing its healing properties.

Egyptians: Propolis was used in ancient Egypt for embalming and mummification. It was believed to have preservative qualities, helping to prevent decay in bodies prepared for the afterlife. The Egyptians considered it vital for health and longevity.
Greeks: Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, documented the use of propolis for treating wounds and ulcers. Another Greek physician, Dioscorides, mentioned its use for various ailments around 50 AD.
Romans: Propolis was widely used in Roman medicine. Pliny the Elder noted its effectiveness in treating tumors and wounds. Roman soldiers carried it for its healing properties.
Persians: The Persian physician Avicenna recommended propolis for conditions like eczema and rheumatism.
Jewish Tradition: In Jewish culture, propolis was used medicinally and is referenced in biblical texts, such as the Balm of Gilead.

Ancient Medicinal Applications

Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine,” recognized the healing properties of propolis. He used it to treat various ailments, including:

Wounds: Propolis was applied to sores and ulcers to promote healing.
Bruises: It was utilized for its anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling and pain.
Tumors: Hippocrates believed propolis could help disperse tumors, showcasing its potential as a first aid remedy.

Hippocrates’ endorsement of propolis reflects its broader acceptance in ancient medicine. His writings contributed to the understanding of natural remedies, emphasizing the importance of observing nature’s gifts for health. The use of propolis continued through history, with various cultures adopting it for medicinal purposes. Hippocrates’ insights laid the groundwork for future research into the benefits of propolis including its antimicrobial and healing properties.

Modern Medicinal Applications

Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, is today believed to have several medicinal properties, although scientific support for these claims varies.

Potential uses may include:

Diabetes Management: Propolis may help improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some studies show a slight reduction in hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood sugar levels. (Possible evidence so far)
Cold Sores: Applying propolis ointment can speed up the healing of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Studies indicate it may reduce healing time. (Possible evidence so far)
Oral Health: Propolis may help with oral mucositis (sores in the mouth) and has antibacterial properties that can prevent dental plaque formation. (Mixed evidence so far)
Wound Healing: Propolis is thought to promote new cell formation and accelerate healing, particularly in skin injuries. (Limited evidence so far)

Safety and Side Effects

Below are some of the possible safety concerns but the list should not be considered exhaustive on the subject. Further research is important for anyone considering including propolis in their self-treatment regiment.

Propolis is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but it can cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals allergic to bee products.
It may interact with medications that affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Common side effects include skin irritation and mouth ulcers, especially when used in lozenge form.
Propolis may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding, particularly in individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery.

While propolis shows promise for certain conditions, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using propolis, especially for medicinal purposes.

Not All Equal

The composition of propolis varies depending on plant source, season of harvest, geography, type of bee flora, climate, and honeybee species at the site of collection, and some of these are related. Propolis can be found in tropical and subtropical forests throughout the world. The composition of phytochemical constituents in propolis varies depending on the bee species, geographical location, botanical source, and environmental conditions. Typically, propolis contain lipid, beeswax, essential oils, pollen, and organic components. The latter include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids, amino acids, and aromatic acids. The biologically active constituents of propolis, which include countless organic compounds such as artepillin C, caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, apigenin, chrysin, galangin, kaempferol, luteolin, genistein, naringin, pinocembrin, coumaric acid, and quercetin, have a broad spectrum of biological and therapeutic properties such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstruct pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract-related diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and immuno-inflammatory agents.

Do Bees Eat Propolis

Honey bees do not eat propolis; instead, they use it as a sealant to protect their hives from the elements and to maintain hygiene by sealing off unwanted spaces. Propolis is made from plant resins and is used to reinforce the hive’s structure and defend against predators. Propolis is mixed with other substances to create a protective barrier, but it is not a food source for the bees themselves. While bees do not intentionally ingest propolis, they may consume small amounts incidentally when they mix it with other substances like pollen and nectar, which are their main food sources. The primary role of propolis is not as a food but as a protective material.

Though the bees themselves do not use it as a food source it has been proposed by beekeepers as an additive in artificial bee diets due to its antimicrobial capacity against common pathogens. However, the sublethal effects of propolis consumption remain poorly understood but studies have indicated that long‐term dietary intake of propolis may induce physiological changes in worker bees that could affect individual homeostasis and processes mediated by cuticular hydrocarbons. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the potential therapeutic role of propolis in beekeeping.

Conclusion

Despite promising results, propolis use faces multiple challenges and practical limitations related to; chemical heterogeneity and variations, lack of international regulatory standardization, limited large-scale clinical trials, and the lack of definitive empirical evidence. Many studies have been carried out to date with positive promising results; however, more are still required before giving the green card to propolis. When considering the use of propolis in the course of epigenetics and oncology, the evidence is not only limited, but rather requiring a more critical and caring approach. All these issues combined result in a cautious approach to this heavy-duty natural product.

Referenced Materials

Resistance Against Varroa and Tropilaelaps

Drone Genetics and the Continued Honeybee Evolution

Winter Torpor and CO2 Hypoxia

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