What can propolis be used for?

What is propolis?

Propolis, also called bee glue, is a mixture of plant resins, beeswax and pollen collected and processed by honeybees. Bees use propolis to build, repair and protect their hives, which gives it a clearer job description in a hive than in a supplement aisle. Its active components vary with geographic origin, so propolis is not one uniform ingredient with identical effects in every product.12

Which uses have the most support?

What can propolis do for skin?

Propolis appears in facial creams, lip balms, ointments and lotions. It is used for claimed antiseptic, anti inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but laboratory activity is not the same as a reliable skin treatment. Human research is limited, including for warts, fungal foot infections and diabetic foot ulcers. Treat propolis as an optional cosmetic ingredient, not a replacement for medical care for these conditions.12

Can propolis help teeth and gums?

Propolis comes in toothpaste and mouthwash, because apparently hive maintenance was not enough of a career. These products have shown improvements in measures of plaque and gum inflammation, as well as reduced growth of some oral bacteria. Success varies between formulations. Propolis has also shown potential to improve symptoms after periodontal treatment, which treats problems affecting the gums and tissues supporting teeth.23

Can propolis help recurring mouth ulcers?

For recurrent aphthous stomatitis, the medical name for recurring canker sores, propolis may reduce pain, redness and the time ulcers take to heal. Confidence in these effects is very low. Treatments have included products applied inside the mouth and tablets, with different concentrations and carriers. There is no settled best formulation or reliable number of days in which to expect a benefit. Minor canker sores commonly heal without scarring in 10 to 14 days anyway, so healing after starting a product does not automatically mean the product caused it.4

How much should you use, and how often?

There is no established general propolis regimen covering skincare, oral care and supplements. The mouth ulcer research used different formulations, concentrations and routes of use, rather than one standard treatment. Do not copy a tablet regimen onto a cosmetic product or assume a stronger extract will work better. A universal morning or evening schedule, skincare layering order and treatment strength have not been settled.4

Who should avoid propolis?

• Avoid propolis supplements if you are allergic to bee stings, honey, ragweed or chrysanthemum.
• Avoid propolis if you have known allergies to conifer, poplar, salicylates or balsam of Peru because of shared allergens.
• Do not take propolis with warfarin: it can increase the time blood takes to clot.
• Tell your healthcare team about propolis supplements, especially during cancer care or other prescribed treatment.

What reactions mean you should stop?

Stop using propolis if you develop itching, burning, a rash, swollen lips or mouth irritation. Seek urgent medical help for tongue or throat swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing problems. An allergic reaction can begin within hours to days once you are sensitised. Earlier use without trouble does not rule out a later allergy.1

If a reaction does not settle after stopping propolis, see a clinician. Hidden exposure in another cosmetic or oral care product can keep symptoms going. A dermatologist can investigate contact allergy with patch testing. Swallowed propolis also has reported serious adverse effects, including kidney failure and increased liver enzymes, so supplements are not automatically the safer option.12