Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Propolisis a mixture of pollen and beeswax produced by honey bees.
It contains flavonoids and has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Propolis has a long history of use as a natural treatment for many health problems.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
In addition, propolis is sometimes found in nasal and throat sprays, mouthwash, and toothpaste.
Researchers attribute this to small sample sizes and how studies were organized and carried out.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
Be sure to follow all product use instructions.
Stop taking propolis two weeks before surgery.
Do not use propolis if you are allergic to bee products (including honey).
Side Effects
Propolis may lead to side effects in some individuals.
Due to a lack of research, little is known about propolis’s short-term or long-term side effects.
Stop using propolis and contact your healthcare provider if any side effects occur.
Summary
Propolis is a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and trees.
It is available in many forms and can be taken by mouth and applied to the skin.
Therefore, it is unlikely that you will need to take propolis in supplement form for any health reasons.
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