What is propolis? Everything you need to know about propolis.

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What is propolis? This is a question many people may ask as soon as they hear the word. What is this ingredient? How is it produced? And why is it produced in the first place? We will provide comprehensive answers to all these questions and more in today's article.

What is propolis?

You may find some brief answers to the question, "What is propolis?", which define it as a by-product of beehives. However, these answers don't reveal the full story. To understand what this product is, one must consider the journey bees take to produce honey.
  • Bees roam different areas, whether wild or mountainous, with the primary goal of finding trees that have blossomed, where they begin to absorb the nectar of flowers to convert it into honey. However, during this journey, the bees also produce propolis.
  • Propolis is produced from the bark of trees that bees pass through during their journey. Propolis is the resinous substance used to seal the entrances to the hive during the winter months, meaning that propolis production is a precautionary measure to protect the bee colony from any intruders.
  • In addition to its importance to bees, propolis remains essential for overall health. Numerous studies and experiments have concluded that this natural ingredient can provide the body with impressive preventative and therapeutic benefits.

What is propolis made of?

To complete our answer to the question, "What is propolis?", we will now address the elements it is composed of. The secret lies in these elements, from which propolis derives its high nutritional value and unparalleled health benefits. Below is an explanation of these elements and the proportions of each:
  • Resin content ranges from 50% to 70%.
  • Beeswax content ranges from 30% to 50%.
  • Pollen grains are present at a rate of 5%.
  • Other compounds represent the remaining percentage, and include: vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, natural sugars, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and some aromatic compounds.

Different cases of propolis

  • Solid propolis.
  • Liquid propolis.
  • Sticky propolis.
  • Propolis powder.

Therapeutic benefits of propolis

Propolis, sometimes called propolis, is a supplement produced by bee colonies. This product has a remarkable ability to improve many bodily functions. The following lines will explain its most prominent therapeutic benefits:
  • Treatment of colds and upper respiratory infections.
  • Treatment of minor burns and superficial wounds.
  • Improve digestive system functions and treat stomach and colon problems.
  • It helps reduce the symptoms of liver cirrhosis due to its diuretic effect.
  • Treatment of ulcers in diabetic patients.
  • Suppresses various infections such as: sore throat, mucositis, and arthritis.

Benefits of propolis at the preventive level

  • Prevents diabetes as it regulates blood sugar levels.
  • Prevent oral thrush.
  • Protection from vaginal swelling.
  • Prevention of tuberculosis.
  • Prevent dementia and Parkinson's disease.
  • Prevents osteoporosis because it contains a sufficient amount of calcium.
  • Protection against heart and arterial diseases by lowering triglyceride levels.

The effect of propolis on malignant tumors

In answering the question, "What is propolis?" we must point out that questions about its nature have increased recently, coinciding with the emergence of a study published recently in 2021. This study aimed to understand the relationship between propolis and malignant tumors at both the preventive and therapeutic levels. The study concluded with the following results:
  • Propolis helps reduce the chances of healthy cells turning into cancerous cells.
  • Cancer cells find great resistance to their attempts to multiply when they are committed to taking propolis.
  • Propolis blocks the pathways responsible for exchanging signals between cancer cells.
  • The severity of the side effects of some cancer treatments is reduced when propolis is taken, including: chemotherapy symptoms and radiation therapy symptoms.
  • Researchers have come up with the final word, which is that propolis can be an effective complementary treatment for malignant tumors, but it cannot be a sole treatment and should not be relied upon alone.

Cosmetic uses of propolis

The question "What is propolis?" is on the tongues of many women, especially since this natural ingredient has many cosmetic uses. It can be included in cosmetic recipes, and cosmetic products containing propolis may be purchased.
  • Propolis helps treat irritated skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also works with other ingredients to clear pimples, allowing women to achieve radiant, healthy-looking skin.
  • Due to its antioxidant content and its ability to stimulate collagen production, propolis helps combat signs of aging, including wrinkles and expression lines.
  • Propolis treats excessive pigmentation to even out skin tone, while also helping people with oily skin improve their appearance, especially since it regulates the sebum secretion of the skin's layers.
  • Propolis has shown significant potential in strengthening hair follicles and reducing hair loss, so it can be used to maintain scalp health.

Some warnings before using propolis

Now that you know what propolis is, and have reviewed its preventative, therapeutic, and cosmetic benefits, we must point out some warnings that must be taken into account before using propolis, lest some groups be harmed by its use. The following points will explain the warnings regarding its use in detail:
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient scientific evidence regarding the safety of using propolis during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so women are advised to avoid using it during these periods to avoid any side effects.
  • Bleeding cases: Anyone suffering from bleeding should refrain from using propolis due to its blood clotting inhibitory effect. The same applies to those who are about to undergo surgery, as they should refrain from using it for a sufficient period of time before undergoing the surgical procedure.
  • Asthma patients: According to some experts, propolis can increase the severity of symptoms experienced by asthma patients, so they are advised not to use it.
  • Allergy to bee products: Propolis is not recommended for people who have had an allergic reaction to honey, pollen , or other beehive products.
Read also: Learn about the components of Sidr honey and their effects on the body.

Where do you get propolis from in Saudi Arabia?

To ensure you get authentic propolis, you should purchase it from a store trusted by consumers. We recommend Fahad Al-Qanun's store , which offers 100% natural products sourced from its own beehives in Hail.
The store guarantees the authenticity of its products and their lack of any artificial additives that would reduce their nutritional value, allowing you to reap the greatest share of the benefits we mentioned above.

The finest types of propolis - Fahd Al-Qanun

Fahad Al-Qanun offers you liquid propolis , which is easy to use alone or mixed with other natural ingredients. This product has a dark brown color that tends towards black, while its perfect taste and aromatic flavor are among the most prominent factors that make it a popular choice for everyone, regardless of age.
To minimize the risk of propolis being exposed to heat and moisture, this package features a top opening. This allows you to extract the appropriate amount while keeping the propolis fresh and high in nutritional value for as long as possible.
You can order the product now through Fahad Al-Qanun's website or by contacting the store viaWhatsApp . The store offers fast and excellent shipping services, which means the product will reach you in full quality, wherever you are in the Kingdom.
With that, today's article comes to an end. We've answered the question, "What is propolis?" by reviewing the conditions under which it's produced, its most prominent benefits, its various uses, and a reliable source for purchasing it in Saudi Arabia.
Important notice:

Consuming honey for medicinal purposes without consulting a doctor may cause health problems if you suffer from any type of allergy to honey. Please consult a doctor before taking this step and ensure that there are no side effects. We at Fahad Al-Qanun's website for original honey do not recommend honey as a treatment for any disease and we disclaim all responsibility.

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