Propolis is one of the treasures that bees bring to us. Although it is less known than pollen or honey, propolis is not useless for our health. In this article, let's discover this amazing product that is propolis.

Qu’est-ce que la propolis ?

The word "propolis" means "city outskirts" in ancient Greek. Indeed, the propolis is a real bulwark for bees: its resinous material allows them to protect the entrance of the hive from bacteria.

Each bee that enters the hive must pass through a sort of propolis "airlock" to get rid of the parasites on their legs. It is, like our good old doormat, a way to preserve the cleanliness of their home.

Une substance résineuse riche en nutriments

The secret of propolis is that it contains countless essential nutrients for the body. In fact, there are over 400 compounds in varying amounts.

On y retrouve par exemple :

• 50 to 55% of resins and balsams

• 30 to 40% beeswax

• 5 to 10% essential oils

• 5% pollen

• Vitamin B3 

• Trace elements (silicon, zinc and iron)

• Flavonoids

5 actions bienfaisantes de la propolis sur la santé

1. La propolis, un désinfectant de toutes les époques

For several millennia, civilizations have used propolis to purify and disinfect their wounds.

Already in ancient times, the Egyptians used it in their ointments and to embalm their mummies before their passage to the afterlife. In the same period, the Greek Aristotle spoke of it in one of his works as a "remedy for skin diseases, sores and suppurations".

In the 19th century,propolis was also present on some battlefields. This sticky material was then used to disinfect the wounds of wounded soldiers and allow them to heal more quickly.

Even today,propolis is considered a powerful disinfectant, whose antifungal and antibacterial effects are recognized by science. However, these are not its only properties and propolis can soothe respiratory ailments and stimulate the immune system.

2. La propolis pour contrer la fatigue

The vitamin B3 is well known for its stimulating effect. It is said to transform food into a source of energy for the body and even act on stress. 

So, if your propolis is rich in vitamin B3, then you would be more likely to counteract sluggishness, depression and fatigue.

3. Les propriétés de la propolis sur le poids

According to the findings of researchers from Harvard and the University of East Anglia in England, the flavonoids present in propolis would have effects on overweight.

According to them, a diet rich in flavonoids would make it easier for people to maintain their weight and it would even help them lose unwanted pounds more easily!

4. L’effet « anti-âge » de la propolis

Thanks to itsmany micronutrients, propolis could positively impact your overall health but also your aging.

Iron, silicon and zinc, to name a few, are true anti-aging treasures.

Zinc, for example, is known to act on over 200 different enzymes, including:

• On those that protect the body against free radicals responsible for premature aging.

• On those that synthesize proteins and allow cell renewal, healing and immunity.

Iron on the other hand allows cells and muscles to oxygenate properly.

Together, these trace elements play an interesting role in the aging of the skin and body.

5. Propolis et articulations douloureuses

Silicon is the trace element that is most naturally present in the human body. In particular, it is used in the manufacture of bone tissue and in everything related to the strength and flexibility of tendons...

Although naturally present in the body, the silicon level in the body begins to decrease drastically by age 55. Thus, when we reach this stage we lose 40% of our silicon reserves.

And it is around this age thatjoint pain usually occurs. So if you have joint problems, it's important to watch your silicon levels, as a deficiency could be causing your pain and propolis can help restore it.

Pour conclure sur la propolis

Although a material found only in beehives, propolis has a lot to offer us in the field of natural health. And if propolis interests you, don't hesitate to discover the many benefits that other products of the hive can bring: pollen, honey, royal jelly have not yet delivered all their secrets.