Since people have learned to breed bees, the waste products of these beneficial insects have begun to be used for medicinal purposes. In the modern world, apitherapy (from the Greek. "Apis" - a bee) is also widely used in folk and traditional medicine.
This article will discuss one of the valuable beekeeping products - propolis, its effects on the human body, contraindications to the use, as well as preparations made on its basis.
Bee propolis
Propolis - the word of Greek origin ("about" - before, "policy" - the city, ie, "Before the city"). This accurately characterizes this substance, since the bees cover their gates in front of the hive, which can be called the "city gates" of the bee's abode. There are other names - Oza, bee glue. It is a gummy substance of resinous consistency, dark brown, greenish, red, white and black.
At room temperature, propolis has a sticky consistency, and at lower temperatures it becomes brittle and hardens. Propolis melts at a temperature of 70 ° C, and hardens and crumbles at 15 ° C.
If you want to get a plastic substance, hold the piece in your palms.
Bees collect a bond with young resinous buds on poplar, birch, alder and other trees in the spring, and then ferment. Insects close up their gaps as a sealant, regulate the permeability of the notch, disinfect cellular cells before the uterus sow them with eggs.
Did you know? In a book on archeology from the library of Babylon, written over 2700 years BC, found by archeologists, honey, propolis and other beekeeping products are described as medicines.
pharmachologic effect
Propolis has many pharmacological properties, as it contains organic acids, antibiotics, mineral salts, amino acids, trace elements and vitamins.
It contains up to 50 connections: various resins, balms, essential oils, wax, pollen. Due to the fact that the basis of this bee product are plant protective enzymes, it has unique abilities and capabilities.
Its anti-rotten, mummifying, bactericidal and embalming properties are known.
The antimicrobial ability of bee glue is determined by the substances that bees collect from poplar, birch, aspen and other medicinal plants. These substances may surpass antibiotics in activity, because even those bacteria that are resistant to them are detrimental.
Propolis is able to:
- destroy staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus hemolytic, sticks - diphtheria and pseudomonas;
- stop the growth of tuberculosis and the spread of typhoid;
- disinfect and heal various ulcers, non-healing wounds and infections in the mouth, throat, ears, nose;
- help in the treatment of caries, various gum infections;
- alleviate the condition of dermatitis and burns;
- cure chronic prostatitis in men and cervical erosion in women;
- have a positive effect on the stomach and intestines, respiratory system;
- act as an analgesic;
- heal deep cuts;
- treat persistent allergies.
Bee glue can be called a natural antibiotic; it is non-toxic, has no side effects.
Turmeric, wild garlic, thyme, white willow bark and sea buckthorn are also considered a natural antibiotic.Propolis especially successfully suppresses such pathogenic bacteria and viruses:
- herpes;
- flu;
- chickenpox;
- hepatitis;
- tuberculosis;
- trichomoniasis;
- candidiasis;
- angina;
- mycosis.
Important! If you take pure propolis for a long time inside, it can harm the liver and kidneys, provoke allergies.
Therapeutic effects of propolis ointment
Both in folk healing and in official medicine, propolis-based ointment is very popular.
It is used for grinding in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and colds, as well as for the treatment of various skin diseases.
For diseases of the musculoskeletal system, thuja, marsh wild rosemary, fennel, adam root, aspen, bay leaf, peaches are used.It can be:
- skin damage: abrasions, scratches, cracks, wounds;
- herpes on the lips (cold);
- trophic wounds and ulcers, including non-healing;
- skin inflammation, acne, acne, dermatosis, accompanied by itching;
- chronic neurodermatitis and eczema;
- diseases of the joints, inflammatory processes in the locomotor system;
- SARS, acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, other pulmonary diseases, accompanied by cough.
It promotes the regeneration of the skin, relieves itching and pain relief, strengthens the internal and local immunity. It has proven itself as a reliable prophylactic agent for acute respiratory infections, as it actively kills microbes.
The effectiveness of this ointment on the basis of propolis is high at any stage of the disease of respiratory infection.
As a means for rubbing, this drug enhances the metabolism, which is why inflammation passes faster both in the internal tissues and on the skin on the outside.
Contraindications for use
The main contraindication to the use of propolis ointment is an allergy to bee products.
Due to hypersensitivity to beeswax, the following reactions may occur:
- skin rashes;
- redness;
- itching;
- nasal congestion;
- anaphylactic shock.
If any of these reactions occur, it is necessary to immediately rinse the agent from the skin or mucous membrane of the affected person with running water. This should be done carefully and carefully to prevent damage to the skin. If the product gets into the eyes, they also need to rinse with running water. Remove the product from the nasal mucosa with a cotton wool and rinse with saline.
If after applying the ointment The face, eyes, larynx and nose swell from propolis in a person; first aid must be called to avoid asphyxiation.
To eliminate the symptoms, only injections of antihistamines are possible, since when taken in tablet form, asphyxia may occur in a person due to the tablets getting stuck in the swollen throat.
Drug interactions
Propolis ointment is not a medicine, therefore there are no special indications of its negative interaction with other drugs. The only thing you should pay attention to is that propolis is able to enhance the effect of other medicines. For example, some antibiotics, such as streptomycin and tetracycline. In relation to penicillin and chloramphenicol such action is not observed.
Important! In the interaction of propolis and antibiotics, probiotic therapy is not needed, since during its use the intestinal microflora is not destroyed.
Analogs
The pharmaceutical industry has developed and marketed many analogues and variants of propolis ointment. The composition of such products, in addition to propolis, includes any fatty basis.
This may be petroleum jelly, animal fats — fish, badger, butter (if the ointment is prepared at home) and vegetable fats, such as olive, sunflower, peach and other oils. Depending on the effects on the body, there may be supplements in the form of honey, turpentine, bee venom.
Here are some variants of propolis ointment developed in pharmacology:
- Ointment "Propoceum"The active ingredient is propolis. Indications: chronic eczema, neurodermatitis, pruritic dermatosis, trophic, non-healing ulcers.
- Ointment "Apilon"The active ingredient is propolis. Indications: burns, eczema, wounds, neurodermatitis, varicose ulcers, anal fissures, hemorrhoids.
- Ointment "Antiekzem"The active ingredient is an extract of propolis. Indications: eczema ears.
- Ointment "Floral"The active ingredient is an extract of propolis. Indications: as a cosmetic, restoring the skin, has an antiseptic effect.
- Ointment "Propogelant"The active ingredient is an emulsion of propolis, royal jelly and honey. Indications: treatment of pharyngitis.
Did you know? The doctor Avicenna, who lived in the 9th century AD, described propolis in his medical treatise “The Canon of Medicine” as a means of “pulling out” arrows from deep wounds. He also mentioned its cleansing and softening properties.
Other drugs based on propolis
In addition to ointments, the pharmaceutical production produces drugs in the form of tinctures, oils, emulsions, extracts, drops, aerosols, candles, pastes and tablets. Many of these dosage forms contain other bee products.
A brief look at some of the drugs.
Water Elixir Water-based propolis products have the highest bactericidal properties, since for this purpose distilled water is taken after its ionization with silver. The storage time of the water elixir does not exceed three months.
It helps well with the following problems:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- cardiovascular problems;
- gynecological diseases;
- problems with the respiratory system;
- disorders of the thyroid gland;
- diabetes.
Learn how diabetes is recommended to use marigold, Jerusalem artichoke, yucca, sorghum, dogwood, creeping couch grass, green onions, Chinese cabbage, sow thistle.Water elixir treatment should be carried out twice a year in courses of one month.
Alcohol tincture. May preserve bactericidal properties. If such a tincture undergoes high-quality purification from resinous impurities, it does not cause side effects.
It is used in the following diseases:
- periodontal disease, stomatitis;
- gastric ulcer, gallbladder disease, gastritis;
- cold, flu states;
- bronchopulmonary diseases;
- bedsores, burns, fistulas;
- low immunity;
- muscle and joint pain;
- for fractures;
Find out in which form the larkspur, goldenrod, black cohosh, ivy-like budru, maral root, geranium, royal jelly, and chard are used for fractures.
- diseases of the nervous system;
- thrombosis.
Butter. It has a good bactericidal action. It can anesthetize, relieve inflammation, increase body resistance, accelerates wound healing and recovery. It has proven itself in anti-tuberculosis therapy and in the restoration of the skin from thermal and chemical burns. It treats sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis. Oil should be taken three times a day, one teaspoon an hour before meals, until recovery occurs (one and a half to two months), after a break for two weeks, and if necessary, the course is repeated.
Pills. They usually contain 0.1 g of propolis base each, they help well with ENT diseases and problems of the bronchi and lungs, diseases of the oral cavity, stomach and intestines, and skin.
Learn how black cumin, Kalanchoe Degremona, wax moth tincture, sweet clover helps with ENT diseases.They have antibacterial and regenerating properties. They need to take three times a day, one tablet, while not swallowing, but dissolve in the mouth.
Ointment. Due to the high content of fatty bases in them, they have less therapeutic and bactericidal effect than other means. Vaseline, for example, is not absorbed by the skin, so the flow of active substances through the dermis is difficult because of it. It is better to buy an ointment based on lanolin, vegetable fat or animal oil - their therapeutic effect is much higher.
As already mentioned, they effectively treat skin diseases, frostbite, wounds, ulcers and burns.
Did you know? Propolis has a unique tart, spicy taste with bitterness. Shades of taste depend on which plants the bees collected nectar, during what period of the year, and even how they felt at that time.
How to do at home
To buy in a pharmacy ointment from propolis is not difficult. But there is no guarantee that it actually contains the declared natural components. To precisely protect yourself from a fake, you can try to make such a medicinal product for a home medicine chest on your own, in the necessary concentration for yourself.
Typically, bee propolis ointment makes 10, 20 and 30%. Consider how to prepare each of them at home, what ingredients are needed for this, for the treatment of which diseases each one is needed and the particularities of its application.
It is possible to cook liniments on the basis of other natural fats: fish, badger oil and lard. If you want to get a more liquid consistency, then preparing liniment based on natural vegetable oils, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Recipe 10% ointment
10% of the drug based on bee glue does not have a very high therapeutic effect. But such a low percentage is necessary in the treatment of certain types of diseases.
Indications for use
Effective 10% ointment for such diseases and conditions:
- burns;
- dermatitis, in particular solar;
- frostbite of the skin;
- trophic ulcers;
- hemorrhoids;
Familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the treatment of hemorrhoids with the help of kupeny, laconosa, swimsuit, purslane, milkweed, momordiki, creeping couch grass, euphorbia.
- joint pain and arthritis;
- cracked breast nipples in nursing mothers;
- colds;
- gynecological disorders: cervical erosion, colpitis, endocyrvicitis;
- baldness (initial stage);
- dry and oily seborrhea;
- pyoderma.
Ingredients
To prepare a therapeutic 10% drug, you need to take:
- 10 g of propolis;
- 10 g of medical alcohol;
- 90 g of animal fat;
- any essential oil (optional).
Cooking Instructions:
- First, you need to cool the propolis in the refrigerator, it will be easier to grind it with a knife or grate it.
- Pour the crushed product with medical alcohol (1: 1), shake well and leave for 10 days in a dark place.
- After this period, strain the infusion, pour the liquid into the enameled bowl and evaporate to a third of the initial volume in a water bath, so that the consistency of semi-liquid honey is obtained.
- Take natural butter, add the resulting extract in a ratio of 9 to 1 and heat in a water bath, stirring constantly until smooth.
- The resulting product is immediately filtered using gauze in several layers.
- Cool, stirring constantly. Transfer to an airtight container, preferably glass.
Mode of application
Here are some options for how you can apply the finished product for various diseases:
- Such a tool is good for colds when you already have a cough. Adults take 1 teaspoon 3 or 4 times a day, and children take a quarter of a teaspoon twice a day.
- Runny nose is treated as follows: process the nasal cavity with a cotton wool moistened with the preparation.
- Treat burns, dermatitis and sun dermatitis, frostbite of the skin, trophic ulcers. Carefully apply the ointment directly to the affected areas without bandaging them.
- For gynecological problems: erosion of the cervix, colpitis, endocyrvicitis - inject ointment-soaked tampons into the vagina at night, after 2 weeks (after consulting with your doctor).
- For pyoderma (purulent skin lesions) as an adjunct during antibiotics: apply a thin layer on the affected areas.
- Baldness, dry and oily seborrhea: daily rub into the scalp. Or make masks: rub into clean, damp hair and skin. Cover the head with a towel and leave for 30-60 minutes. Rinse with warm water and shampoo. To do this procedure 2 times a week.
- Nipple cracks: between feedings, apply on gauze cloth and attach to cracks, fix with a bra.
- Hemorrhoids - lubricate external nodes.
Important! If you use drugs based on propolis uncontrolledly and in large doses, it will adversely affect the immune system and lead to an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood.
Recipe for 20% ointment
Twenty percent ointment is stronger in its action, since the presence of propolis in it is more concentrated.
Indications for use
Ointment 20% concentration of propolis is also effective in some of the above diseases, which can be treated with 10% ointment (baldness, seborrhea, dry and oily, diseases of the joints).
Particularly effective in such conditions:
- furunculosis (helps the rapid maturation of furuncles and carbuncles);
For the prevention and treatment of furunculosis, hibiscus, soapworm, burdock leaves are used.
- rashes of different etiology;
- skin fungus;
- acne;
- pustular wounds;
- deep cuts;
- inflammation of the joints;
- rheumatism;
- arthritis and arthrosis.
Ingredients
To prepare 20% healing ointment, you will need:
- 20 g of propolis;
- 20 grams of medical alcohol;
- 80 g of animal fat.
Cooking instruction
The process of making 20% of the product is the same as the previous one, only you need to increase the volume of propolis raw materials to 20%, and reduce animal fat to 80%.
After cooking and evaporation, one third of the initial volume of the alcohol tincture should remain at the outlet.
Ready thick residue mixed with fat or vegetable oil (4: 1).
Heat in a water bath, stirring until the ingredients are fully combined. Strain, cool. Prepack in sterile containers and store in the refrigerator.
Mode of application
Ointment of 20% concentration is effective when:
- Furunculosis - make a cotton-gauze tampon, soak it with ointment and attach it to the boil, fix it with adhesive tape. Keep until softening of the boil and discharge of purulent contents.
- Era of a different etiology - apply ointment evenly on the problem area, cover with compress paper. To do within 3 days.
- In case of skin fungus, apply on the skin and nails affected by the fungus (they must be treated very carefully). This procedure must be done daily until the lesions disappear.
- Pimples, pustular wounds - every day several times to lubricate the skin affected by a rash.
- Deep cuts - accelerates tissue regeneration. Wash the wound with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply ointment to the affected surface with a spatula or cotton swab, and fix it with a bandage band on top.
- Inflammation of the joints, rheumatism, arthritis and arthrosis - take 10% ointment by mouth for 1 teaspoon 2 times a day before meals, and 20% - put on gauze and attach to the sore joint. Cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap, wrap with a woolen scarf. Hold 50 minutes. To do daily, the course - 2 weeks.
30% Ointment Recipe
30% ointment is one of the most saturated, and its scope of application is also corresponding: the treatment of serious diseases.
Indications for use
By applying a 30 percent ointment of propolis, you can alleviate the condition for such diseases:
- erysipelas;
- radiculitis;
It will be useful for you to learn how they fight radiculitis with radishes, horseradish, Indian onions, wild garlic, raspberries, and fragrant rue.
- sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve);
- lesions of the peripheral nervous system, neuritis, neuralgia;
- Siberian ulcerative carbuncle (anthrax);
- bedsores
Ingredients
To prepare 30% ointment from propolis, you need to take:
- 30 g of crushed propolis;
- 100 g butter.
Cooking instruction
Put 100 g of butter in a clean enameled container, let it boil over low heat, then cool to 60 ° C. Put 30 g of crushed propolis in this oil base.
Heat (not boiling!) And let stand 10 minutes, stirring continuously. Strain through a gauze filter. Allow to cool slightly and put into a china or glass dish with a sealed lid. Keep refrigerated.
Mode of application
- Radiculitis - make strips the size of mustard plasters from parchment paper, apply 30% ointment with a thick layer and apply to sore spots. Secure with a bandage, wrap with a woolen cloth on top. To sustain 5 hours.
- Sciatica - warm the ointment a little, then lie on the stomach and rub the ointment in the lower back, sacral area and buttocks. Cover with plastic wrap or towel, cover with a blanket. Leave for 2 hours.
- Erysipelas - affected skin during the day periodically treated with ointment. After a few days, relief should come.
- Neuritis, neuralgia - apply painful area to the painful area, leave for 30 or 40 minutes.
- Pressure ulcers - lubricate sore spots several times a day.
- Siberian ulcerative carbuncle - apply a thick layer of liniment to a gauze bandage, attach it to the ulcer, fix it with a bandage. Change this bandage every day.
In any case, it is necessary to test on itself this drug for its tolerance. You can make a small amount of it on your wrist and leave it for one hour.
If a skin reaction in the form of itching, redness or burning occurs, the use of the ointment should be stopped.
To summarize: propolis ointment is the very folk remedy that can be a salutary balm in the first-aid kit. When working in the house, as well as in the garden, there are always cuts, bruises, abrasions and burns, in which bee glue will be very useful. In the treatment of more complex and chronic diseases, this drug can become an indispensable aid in the form of an aid to the main prescription.