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What is propolis (bee pitch), what are its benefits for us and how to use it
PAnd above all, we want to confirm that propolis and bee pitch are one and the same. Propolis is more of an international name, while bee pitch is Lithuanian. Recently, we have seen a lot of interest in this bee product, so we have prepared a detailed article based on the findings of scientists. We'll talk about what propolis is, its benefits and how to use bee pitch.
Tcome on, it will be useful! Happy reading...
Quick facts
| Substances contained in propolis | ~50 of % are flavanoids, phenolic acids and their esters. ~ 30 % Waxes and fatty acids ~ 10 % Essential oils ~ 5 % pollen |
| Vitamins and minerals in various proportions | C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E, Sr, Ba, Cd, Sn, Pb, Ti, Ag, Co, Mo, Al, Si, V, Ni, Mn, Cr,Na, Mg, Cu, Ca, Zn, Fe, K |
| Benefits of Propolis | Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, anticancer, antihypertensive, etc. |
| How to use bee pitch | Propolis is used dissolved or extracted in water, oil and alcohol. |
| Shelf life of propolis | Unlimited |
What is propolis (bee pitch)?
Propolis - is a substance produced by bees, like other bee products. Bee pitch is made up of wax, bees' saliva and other secretions, and various plant resins. As with other bee products, the composition of bee pitch has not been fully studied by scientists because no one has ever tracked a bee... However, it has been observed that bees collect plant sap and resins from young buds and deposit them on their hind legs, as pollenand when they return to the hive, they take everything off, combine it with wax and process it. According to various scientific sources, such a product thus has around 180 different components. Wow!
Bee pitch - propolis - is the bees' glue and sealant that helps protect them from predators and various pathogens.
As well as Honey drop - one piece of propolis is also different in composition from another. Since the main antibacterial effect of propolis is due to the resins of the plants, its specific effectiveness depends on the predominant plant resins. Therefore, the pitch will be the same in a pine forest and different in a meadow.
To answer the question "what is propolis?", we need to look at its purpose in the hive. Bees do not produce it for lack of something to do. In the hive, propolis acts as a sterile glue. It seals all the cracks and gaps to protect the bees from visible and invisible enemies: bacteria, viruses, fungi, pests and predators. Bees thus use propolis as an antiseptic, antiparasitic and antimicrobial agent.
Propolis is sticky between 25°C and 45°C and starts to dissolve at 60°C, 70°C or even higher.
Benefits of propolis for the human body
Overall, the benefits of bee pitch can be described as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and reducing oxidative stress. Propolis is superior to many other herbal preparations in terms of its benefits, as its composition is much more impressive and rich. So, what are the benefits of bee pitch?
Antibacterial and antiviral effects
Studies show that propolis is able to destroy the RNA of viruses before they enter the cells, thus stopping them from multiplying. This effect has been observed in studies of a wide range of viruses, including different Herpes . The most common bacteria, such as staphylococci and streptococci, were also unable to withstand its effects, E. colli etc. The principle of action is quite simple: the bacterial wall and part of the cytoplasm are destroyed and protein synthesis is stopped, which means that the bacterium can no longer reproduce.
Fungicidal effect
Fungicidal properties have been observed in popular myelomycetes as well as in fungi causing candidiasis and other diseases. Polyphenols and other active substances in bee pollen inhibit the growth and spread of fungal spores and help wounds heal.
Anticancer effect
Like other bee products, bee pitch has tumour-inhibiting properties. It stops cells with abnormal growth cycles from multiplying and spreading to other tissues, and promotes their apoptosis (timely death), potentially reducing the size of the tumour.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Thanks to its flavanoids, bee pitch is also anti-inflammatory. Its active ingredients, once they reach the focus of inflammation, inhibit it and stimulate healing processes.
Liver protection
As bee pitch has strong antioxidant properties, it has been shown to help protect liver cells from mercury toxicity and reduce oxidative stress. In tests on mice, it has also helped protect the liver from alcohol damage.
Antioxidant effect
Like all antioxidants, it inhibits the formation of free radicals. Since free radicals are closely linked to ageing and cell damage, propolis can help ward off a wide range of free radical-related diseases: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's syndrome, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease. It also supports red blood cell count by reducing lipid peroxidation.
Promoting wound healing
Propolis promotes the accumulation of collagen and other substances necessary for healing at the site of the injury, as well as reducing free radicals that inhibit healing. It improves blood circulation and various enzymatic processes that help tissues regenerate faster. In addition to all this, it also helps wounds to heal by protecting them from the growth of various micro-organisms. Thus, the use of bee pitch can help heal both internal and external wounds.
How to use bee pitch?
The use of bee pitch depends on the form in which we use it. The most popular way to use bee pitch is in liquid form - dissolved in oil, water or alcohol.
Pure bee pitch
Raw bee pitch is chewed like chewing gum but not swallowed. You can also put a piece of the pitch on a sore tooth.
Propolis solution
An aqueous or ethanolic solution of propolis is most often applied internally by drops or injection. Propolis solution can be bought at a pharmacy or made yourself. In our article "How to prepare bee pitch extract" Here are 3 simple recipes for using bee pitch.
Propolis oil
Propolis oil is suitable for treating external wounds or as a drop for the nose and throat. You can also make your own oil by mixing and heating pure oil with propolis in a 10:1 or 20:1 ratio. It is important to heat the mixture in a water bath at a medium temperature, as too much heat will destroy some of the active ingredients.
Bee pitch, like all bee products, is a true gift from bees to us. Let us consume them in moderation, responsibly and respectfully. They have really worked hard to get this into our hands.
Stay healthy and happy!
Our natural bee propolis and other products
Bee pollen
€2.20 - €6.80
Bee bread
€2.70 - €14.80Royal jelly (royal jelly)
Original price was: €28.60.€24.30Current price is: €24.30.
This article is based on the following sources:
- Anjum SI, Ullah A, Khan KA, Attaullah M, Khan H, Ali H, Bashir MA, Tahir M, Ansari MJ, Ghramh HA, Adgaba N, Dash CK. Composition and functional properties of propolis (bee glue): A review. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2019 Nov;26(7):1695-1703. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.08.013. Epub 2018 Aug 17. PMID: 31762646; PMCID: PMC6864204.
- Pasupuleti, V. R., Sammugam, L., Ramesh, N., & Gan, S. H. (2017). Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2017, 1259510. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1259510
- Wagh V. D. (2013). Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2013, 308249. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/308249
24 thoughts on "What is propolis (bee pitch), what are its benefits for us and how to use it"
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A very fair and good article.
Thank you 🙂 Since we are very interested ourselves, we want to pass on that knowledge to others. Especially since there is not much information about bee products and bees in Lithuanian yet.
Thank you for an interesting article.
I would like to know why it is not possible to ingest the pitch after chewing it ?
"the pitch is chewed like chewing gum but not swallowed"
Respectfully,
Hi Aurika, it's great to hear that you found it useful. We'll clarify what we meant to say. The pitch can be swallowed, but the emphasis should be on chewing, as that is when the active substances are dissolved in the saliva. Raw pitch is not well digested, so chewing it will be more beneficial. Swallowing is possible if you wish, but not necessary.
Thank you for the clarification.
Chewing raw piki causes it to get all chewed up in the mouth.... it is, of course, necessary to chew it for a long time.
Hi I heard bee pitch helps with stomach ulcers? And how to use it?
Good afternoon,
It really helps. Use a spirituous solution of bee pitch in the morning on an empty stomach. Add 10-20 drops of the bee spirit solution to a glass of water and drink it on an empty stomach. Half an hour later, we can have breakfast 🙂
Hello, how to make the spirituous solution of pitch, where to get the spirit.They say you need 70 degrees of it, or am I wrong.Could you make it and I would be happy to buy it, I need it for stomach diseases.Thank you
Good morning, Laima!
Absolutely correct, the bee pitch should be infused with 70 proof medicinal spirit, which is the most absorbent 🙂
I invite you to read how to make a spirit pitch solution here: How to make bee pitch dressing
Contact us, we will help you - +370 639 45 702
Hi, is it true that the manufacturer does not recommend making your own piki at home? They say that you have to remove some additives, which is what they do... That's what the pharmacist said... And I always make my own... What do you think, are those additives terrible? 😄
Good morning, Marta,
There is no truth in that. Naturally, every producer wants the consumer to always buy only from them 😀 and there is no way to produce anything yourself.
No matter what, bees' pee can't even contain any impurities. Good luck with your home cooking 🙂
Thank you, I thought so, I just wanted your confirmation👍
Hi, I was wondering how long you can use the pitch extract?
And is 80% alcohol suitable?
Dalia, the pitch extract does not really have an expiry date 🙂 it will not spoil if used properly..
And the good properties of bee pitch are best absorbed in 70 % medicinal alcohol
I meant is it possible to take the pitch extract continuously, or can you take it for a certain period of time and take breaks. Can it be a daily use. Thank you 😊
Thanks for the clarification! Consuming just to consume is definitely not the way to go 🙂 especially in summer.
All bee products, whether bee pitch, bee bread or pollen, are best consumed periodically. You take bee pitch for a month, then take bee pollen the following month.
Personally, our family has used bee pitch extract when we feel unwell, when viruses are attacking us... Either we spray bee pitch extract down our throats, or we just drink a little bit of it.
Thank you, now I know I'm taking it for my stomach. I can say it really helped!
How fun to read this!!
I have read that it helps a lot with stomach problems. I bought some Bee Pitch infusion with alcohol, how exactly to use it to be effective, because I have a lot of acid and I had a stomach bacteria, now my stomach hurts again, I would like to treat it in a folk way and not to resort to chemical drugs. Thank you
Good morning,
You are very wise, and the treatment is folk medicine 🙂 Chemical drugs should always be avoided..
Use a spirit solution of bee pitch in the morning on an empty stomach. Add 10-20 drops of the bee spirit solution to a glass of water and drink it. Half an hour later have breakfast
Hello,
And how should children and adults use bee pitch extract prepared in water? thank you
We recommend drinking a teaspoon of the bee pitch solution in water on an empty stomach every morning 🙂
Hi, I'm full of diseases, so I decided to try bee pitch. I've poured it with pure alcohol, maybe it hasn't destroyed the properties of the good stuff.? 120ml of pitch and 1 L of sp. I kept it for a month in the dark, stirring. I will have to calculate the prop. And onwards. I got good information from you.Thank you.
Hello, Rimantas,
Next time, dilute the medicinal spirit with boiled water to a strength of 70 % 🙂 and then make the propolis solution. This will be a much more effective solution for your body 🙂