Propolis – The Natural Antibiotic That Works Wonders
Propolis, also known as “bee glue,” is a powerful, natural antibiotic – and one that continues to astonish both scientists and holistic health practitioners. What makes it truly unique is its incredible ability to fight bacteria without creating resistance. To date, there is no known bacterium that can thrive or multiply in the presence of propolis. Even the notoriously resilient Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph), which has developed resistance to many modern antibiotics, cannot survive against it.
But the benefits of propolis don’t stop at bacterial infections. It is also highly effective against viruses and fungi, making it one of the most potent natural remedies available to us today. In times of epidemics or widespread seasonal illness, simply chewing a small ball of propolis twice a week can significantly boost your immune defenses and protect you from catching infections.
Feeling a Sore Throat Coming On?
If you’re starting to feel the first signs of a sore throat or cold – that scratchy feeling, mild aches, or early fatigue – don’t wait. Take 2–3 small balls of propolis about the size of a match head, and chew them thoroughly before bed. Let the natural oils and resins work through your throat and sinuses as you sleep.
By morning, you’ll likely feel much better – many of the symptoms may be reduced or completely gone. Propolis stimulates your body’s natural defense mechanisms, enhances your resistance to numerous diseases, neutralizes bacterial toxins, and helps eliminate them from your system.
Enhancing Antibiotic Therapy Naturally
Propolis isn’t only effective on its own – it also works in combination with conventional treatments. When used alongside prescription antibiotics, propolis can reduce the required medication dose by up to 50%, while still maintaining the same level of therapeutic effect. This is especially useful for people looking to minimize side effects or reduce long-term antibiotic use.
Different Forms of Propolis Usage
Propolis can be used in several forms, making it a versatile natural remedy:
Alcohol-based tincture
Water-based infusion
Propolis water solution
Propolis ointment
Propolis suppositories
Each of these has specific uses, depending on the condition being treated. Below, we’ll explore how to prepare and use alcohol-based propolis tincture, which is among the most common and versatile forms.
How to Make Alcohol-Based Propolis Tincture
Making your own propolis tincture at home is straightforward, but there are a few important tips to follow to ensure quality and effectiveness.
Ingredients & Tools:
15–20 grams of pure propolis
100 ml of 70% alcohol (preferably not stronger)
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Freezer and fine grater
Dark storage space
💡 Note: Using 70% alcohol is preferable over 90%, because the beneficial compounds in propolis are partially water-soluble and partially alcohol-soluble. The balance in 70% alcohol allows for better extraction of the full spectrum of its healing compounds.
Instructions:
Freeze the Propolis: Place the propolis in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes. Once it’s hardened, it becomes much easier to grate.
Grate the Propolis: Use a fine grater to turn the frozen propolis into small shavings or powder. This increases the surface area and helps it dissolve more thoroughly in alcohol.
Mix with Alcohol: Add the grated propolis into a glass container, then pour in the alcohol. The standard concentration is 15–20 grams of propolis per 100 ml of alcohol, but this can be adjusted based on need.
Shake and Store: Seal the jar and shake well. Store it in a dark place at room temperature. Shake the mixture at least once a day, ideally twice – once in the morning and once in the evening.
Wait One Week: After 7 days, your tincture is ready to use. You can strain it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove undissolved particles if desired.
How to Use Alcohol-Based Propolis Tincture
This tincture can be used in many therapeutic ways, including for:
1. Oral and Dental Health
Propolis is excellent for gum infections, mouth ulcers, toothaches, and tonsillitis. Dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse or gargle 2–3 times per day.
2. Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
For middle ear infections, mix propolis tincture with vegetable oil in a 1:2 ratio (1 part tincture, 2 parts oil). Warm the mixture to body temperature, and apply 3–5 drops into the ear with a dropper. For children, reduce the dose to 3–5 drops; for adults, use 7–10 drops. Apply 3–4 times a day for best results.
3. Age-Related Hearing Loss
In elderly patients experiencing gradual hearing loss, the same oil and propolis mixture can be used. Apply a few drops in the ear once a day for 10 consecutive days to potentially improve hearing and ear health.
A Truly Versatile Natural Remedy
The list of conditions that propolis may help with is long and growing. Aside from colds, sore throats, ear infections, and gum disease, it has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer properties. It supports wound healing, protects against oxidative stress, and helps maintain a strong immune system.
The beauty of propolis is that it works in harmony with your body, not against it. It stimulates your own immune system to fight off invaders and helps maintain the delicate microbial balance in the body, rather than wiping everything out the way synthetic antibiotics often do.
Final Thoughts
In an age where antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, natural solutions like propolis are gaining renewed attention. This remarkable substance, created by bees from plant resins and used to protect their hives, offers us a powerful, time-tested alternative or complement to modern medicine.
Whether you use it as a preventative during flu season, as a remedy for sore throats or infections, or as a supportive therapy alongside prescribed medications, propolis deserves a place in every natural medicine cabinet.
So next time you feel a cold coming on or need immune support, don’t underestimate the power of this small but mighty natural healer.
