The fall season invites delicious seasonal produce items, cooler weather, and the beautiful changing of leaves. It is also a time of year when you are typically exposed to germs, due to lots of activities, traveling, and holiday gatherings. All that is wonderful, but it never hurts to have a little extra immune support to help you get through the season. That’s why we recommend that you keep a couple bottles of propolis throat spray in the house!
What Is Propolis?
Honey is not the only thing that bees make. Bees produce propolis, a compound from the sap on needle-leaved trees or evergreens. According to historians, Greeks used propolis to treat abscesses and Egyptians used it to embalm mummies. Assyrians applied propolis to wounds and tumors to help fight infection and accelerate the healing process.Â
The composition of propolis varies depending on the location of the bees and which trees or flowers they have access to. Propolis in Europe, for example, will not have the same chemical makeup as propolis from New Zealand. Continue reading to learn more about the purported benefits of propolis.
Healing Compounds In Propolis
According to researchers, there are more than 500 compounds in propolis. The majority of those compounds are in the form of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight oxidative stress in the body. Propolis also contains flavonoids, which plants produce as a form of protection. Researchers note that they are commonly found in fruits, green tea, vegetables, and red wine. Propolis is also rich in amino acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and some minerals like magnesium and potassium.Â
The research suggests that propolis exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Propolis contains pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts like an antifungal. It also exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity that may help with the healing of wounds, including burns. A 2019 review found that propolis works to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which could further support wound healing.Â
Regarding oral health, a 2021 review of studies found that propolis may help treat mouth and throat infections. Researchers believe that propolis’ antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties could play a role in improving overall oral health. More research is still necessary on this topic, though.
How To Make A Propolis Glycerite
There are really only two ways to make this propolis throat spray. You can buy pre-made propolis glycerite or make your own. A glycerite is similar to an herbal tincture, but it calls for vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol. Glycerites take six weeks to make, though, so you may want to consider the pre-made one if time is an issue. In order to make the propolis extract with glycerite, do the following:
- Place 2/3 cup of propolis powder in a 16-ounce glass jar.
- In a separate jar, combine 3/4 cup glycerin with 1/4 cup of distilled water and mix well.
- Pour the glycerin and water mixture over the propolis powder and stir to combine. Screw on the lid and shake once daily for six weeks.
- After six weeks, strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a clean jar. You may need to do this twice to remove all the powder.
Homemade Propolis Throat Spray
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon propolis glycerite (see above recipe)
- 2 teaspoons raw honey (or Manuka honey)
- 3/4 teaspoon distilled water
Instructions:
- Combine the propolis glycerite, honey, and water in a small spray bottle and shake well to combine.
- Add a little more water, 1/8 teaspoon at a time, to get the right consistency. Ideally, you want the mixture to be thick enough to coat the throat, but thin enough to come out of the spray bottle.
- To use, spray at the first sign of illness. Squirt a few sprays directly into the throat to help keep inflammation down.
