Propolis is of great importance for bees, as it ensures cleanliness, sterility and a “healthy atmosphere” in the hive. It protects the bee house from harmful external influences and mercilessly destroys different types of viruses, bacteria and even some fungi. Propolis can act in a similar way on the human body. Thanks to its unique properties, this substance is able to cope with a variety of both internal and external diseases. However, to achieve a positive effect, it must be used correctly. To solve various problems with the body, dry propolis is used quite rarely; most often, treatment occurs with the help of products prepared from it. One of these remedies is propolis tincture with alcohol - this is what we will talk about today.
Directions for use and doses
Externally, locally.
- Areas with superficial damage to the skin (microtraumas) are treated with a swab moistened with propolis tincture 1-3 times a day.
- For chronic purulent otitis, after thoroughly cleaning the pus, insert a tampon soaked in propolis tincture for 1-2 minutes 2-3 times a day or 1-2 drops into the ear 3-4 times a day.
- For chronic pharyngitis and tonsillitis, propolis tincture is applied to the tonsils 1-2 times a day for 8-15 days. In addition, for chronic tonsillitis, an aqueous solution of propolis tincture in a ratio of 1:20 is used for inhalation. The course of treatment is 1-2 inhalations per day for 7-10 days.
- For periodontal diseases, propolis tincture is administered in turundas into periodontal pockets for 5 minutes after deep curettage.
- In case of damage to the oral mucosa, an aqueous solution of propolis tincture (15 ml per 1/2 cup of warm water) is used for rinsing 4-5 times a day for 3-4 days.
What are the benefits of alcohol tincture of propolis?
Propolis is a resin-like substance produced by bees to disinfect honeycombs, seal the hive, and insulate objects that might accidentally fall into it. It can have different colors, mainly the shade depends on which plant the resin was extracted from by insects for its production. Brown, gray, brown, reddish and even greenish propolis are equally useful and suitable for preparing tinctures. Exactly what beneficial properties this substance has was described in one of our articles. Propolis tincture with alcohol, in principle, has the same properties. The main one is a powerful bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect, which gives the product the ability to destroy pathogens. Moreover, taking it orally, unlike most antibiotics, does not lead to dysbacteriosis, but on the contrary, improves the composition of the intestinal microflora. In addition, alcohol tincture of propolis has a wound healing and analgesic effect. It is an excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. With its help, you can strengthen the immune system, rid the body of toxins, improve metabolic processes and prevent the occurrence of blood clots.
Propolis tincture - medicinal properties
The chemical composition of propolis is quite diverse. These include organic acids, essential oils, cinnamic alcohol, wax, etc.
In addition, it contains vitamins B, A and E. Its main medicinal properties are worth noting:
- antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
- antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral,
- diuretic, choleretic,
- astringent,
- wound healing, anesthetic.
All this allows you not only to effectively fight various diseases, but also to cleanse the body of foreign elements. All medicinal products produced on the basis of bee propolis have a number of unique properties and characteristics. So, there is no negative or irritating effect on the intestines, which completely eliminates the risk of developing dysbiosis. Propolis tincture can be taken simultaneously with antibiotics, which will also increase the effectiveness of their effects.
Storage rules
Propolis-based alcohol can be stored both at room temperature and in the refrigerator. The temperature should be between 0 and 18 °C. The tincture should be kept in a glass container with opaque walls and under a tight lid; the drug should be stored in a dark place away from direct sunlight. Small children, who may inadvertently swallow the medicine, should not have access to propolis tincture.
If storage conditions are met, the shelf life of the tincture is 2 years. After this, the product loses its valuable properties, and the drug must be prepared again.
Indications for use of propolis tincture
Alcohol tincture calms the nervous system, normalizes sleep and appetite. It can be used to get rid of diseases of the stomach and intestines, genitourinary system, oral cavity, etc.
However, you should be extremely careful and first make sure that you are not allergic to it.
- as a pain reliever;
- to improve the process of spending adrenaline;
- for effective cleansing of blood vessels from cholesterol, improving metabolism and diseases;
- to speed up the healing process of wounds and cuts;
- as a means of rejuvenating the body, suppressing the development of cancer;
- to increase immunity, get rid of tuberculosis, colds, diphtheria and a number of other diseases.
Alcohol tincture with walnuts for colds (recipe No. 3)
To prepare a preparation with walnuts for colds you will need:
- propolis 10 grams
- dried walnut partitions 10 grams
- pure medical alcohol 80 ml
- dark glass bottle
In order for the bee product to dissolve without residue, it must be crushed to the state of small shavings or crumbs. To do this, you can put it in the freezer for a couple of hours, then grate it on a fine grater or grind it using a ceramic mortar. Mix propolis with alcohol in a dark glass container. Place the tightly closed bottle in a dark place for two weeks. The bottle should be shaken well every day. Then pass the resulting solution through four layers of gauze to clean the solution from excess impurities. Add walnut partitions and keep in a dark place for 30 days. This remedy is ideal for combating acute respiratory infections, ARVI, sore throat, influenza and other colds.
Preparing propolis tincture with alcohol at home
Making your own alcohol tincture is quite realistic and simple. To prepare the solution you will need real 70% medical alcohol (you shouldn’t use stronger alcohol) and natural propolis, crushed into small crumbs. To preserve the medicinal properties, it is important to mix everything and infuse it in a dark bottle in a cool place. The proportion for 10% tincture is 10 g. propolis and 90 ml of alcohol; 20% - 20 gr. propolis and 80 ml. alcohol Over the next 10 days, the solution should be carefully filtered, carefully pouring into a clean container. The finished tincture retains its healing properties for health for 3 years.
How to take propolis tincture
The healing properties of propolis tincture directly depend on strict adherence to recipes. If you take the drug according to proven instructions, the medicinal effect will be noticeable, and the propolis infusion will not cause harm.
For acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, colds
Since propolis infusion has pronounced antimicrobial and antiviral properties, it can be used for any cold. A combination of internal use and rinsing gives a good effect:
- for rinsing, you need to dilute 1 small spoon of tincture in a glass of warm water and properly treat the throat and oral cavity;
- for internal use, you need to dilute 2-3 drops of tincture in a large spoon of water and take it every day, gradually increasing the amount of the medicine until the volume is 30 drops per 200 ml of liquid.
To treat a cold, propolis tincture is usually drunk for 10 days, during which time it manages to have a beneficial effect.
For sore throat
The anti-inflammatory properties of propolis have a beneficial effect on sore throat. The tincture relieves inflammation in the throat and kills germs, helps eliminate pain and swelling of the mucous membranes.
To treat sore throat, the tincture is usually used in the form of gargles. Just 30 ml of the product is diluted in a glass of warm water, and then gargled four times a day for several minutes.
For otitis media
The healing properties of propolis infusion relieve inflammation during otitis and help to cope with the disease faster. A small spoon of the product is diluted in a glass of water, and then 2 drops are instilled into each ear daily for 5-7 days.
Propolis with alcohol fights infectious processes in otitis media and improves the general condition of the body. However, in severe cases of the disease, it is better to consult a doctor before using the product.
For sinusitis
The tincture can be beneficial for sinusitis; the propolis-based product helps cleanse the nose, relieves purulent processes and eliminates inflammation. The instructions for using propolis look like this: 2 drops of diluted tincture should be instilled into each nostril up to 3 times a day. The therapeutic effect will occur in just a few days.
For tonsillitis, pharyngitis
The tincture helps to cope with tonsillitis and pharyngitis if used in the form of inhalations and lubricate inflamed mucous membranes.
For inhalation, the tincture is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 20, the procedure is carried out twice a day for 10 days. You can also lubricate the mucous membranes twice a day with a diluted tincture, but for up to 14 days.
When coughing
Inhalation of diluted propolis tincture is good for coughs, colds and bronchitis. You need to add 2 drops of the product to 10 ml of clean heated water, and then use the medicine three times a day.
It is also recommended to use the drug with milk for a speedy cure. No more than 30 drops of tincture are diluted in a glass of warm, but not hot milk, and then drunk three times a day shortly before eating.
For diseases of the oral cavity
The drug based on bee substance has a good effect on dental diseases and inflammation of the gums. The way to use propolis is to dilute 15 ml of tincture in half a glass of heated water, and then rinse your mouth thoroughly for several minutes. Particular attention should be paid to problem areas, and the procedure is allowed up to 5 times a day.
Propolis tincture not only disinfects gums, teeth and mucous membranes, but also has an analgesic effect. It can also be used to eliminate discomfort before going to the doctor.
For atherosclerosis
The beneficial composition of propolis has a beneficial effect on the condition of the circulatory system. Drinking alcohol helps regulate blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Take the tincture for atherosclerosis three times a day, shortly before meals. Usually a 20% product is used - 30 drops diluted with 50 ml of water and consumed on an empty stomach. In total, you need to continue treatment for no more than 10 days - if you drink propolis for too long, it can be harmful.
Advice! Another recipe suggests mixing propolis in alcohol with hawthorn tincture; the products must be combined in equal proportions, and then diluted with half a glass of water. They also drink the medicine three times a day on an empty stomach.
For gastrointestinal diseases
Taking propolis tincture orally helps against disruptions in metabolic and digestive processes. A useful product based on bee substances helps to establish metabolic processes and improves digestion. The tincture can be used in small dosages for gastritis and a tendency to heartburn, for ulcers and poor digestion.
The tincture is usually drunk with milk - 40 drops of the product are diluted in a glass of heated liquid and drunk three times a day on an empty stomach. You can continue therapy for up to 2 weeks, after which you must take a break.
When using the drug to relieve stomach problems, it is especially important to follow the dosage. Strong tincture in excessive quantities will not only not bring benefit, but will also harm the body.
For diseases of the genitourinary system
An alcoholic product based on bee substance is recommended for use for prostatitis, cystitis, and gynecological inflammation in men and women. Most often, the drug is taken orally - 30 drops of tincture are dissolved in a glass of warmed milk and drunk twice or thrice a day for 10 days.
After a break of 1-2 weeks, treatment can be repeated. Propolis fights well against internal inflammation and quickly relieves unpleasant symptoms of genitourinary infections and bacterial diseases.
For skin diseases
A product based on bee substances is very widely used for skin diseases. Propolis helps relieve symptoms of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis, soothes irritation and prevents infectious processes. The restorative properties of the tincture contribute to faster renewal of epidermal cells.
In particular, for eczema and psoriasis, it is recommended to use the following recipe:
- First, prepare a decoction of oak bark - pour 1 large spoon of the raw material with 5 tablespoons of water and boil for 20 minutes, then filter;
- Add 1 small spoon of 20% alcohol infusion to a glass of the resulting decoction and stir;
- The product is carefully applied to the affected areas of the skin three times a day, and the treatment is continued for 2 weeks.
The bee substance in alcohol helps very well against acne and blackheads. In this case, it is recommended to make the following mask:
- tincture in a volume of 1/2 small spoon is diluted in 2 glasses of warm water;
- add 1 large spoon of cosmetic clay;
- add 1 small spoon each of olive oil and lemon juice;
- mix thoroughly and distribute over the face.
You need to keep the mask on for 15 minutes, after which it is removed with plain water without using soap. If you do the procedure at least twice a week, propolis in alcohol will quickly demonstrate its beneficial properties.
For mycoses
Propolis tincture is an effective antifungal agent. The drug does not allow the fungus to multiply, quickly eliminates the disease and also helps restore damaged skin.
The drug is used in two ways:
- Compresses. A cotton pad is moistened in 10% tincture and applied to the problem area. You need to keep the compress until the cotton pad is completely dry, and it is recommended to repeat the procedure twice a day.
- Foot baths. Pour a liter of hot water into a basin, add 3 small spoons of the drug and keep your feet in the healing bath for 15 minutes. After this, the skin is carefully blotted with a towel and lubricated with a softening and restorative ointment.
Treatments for fungal diseases should be carried out regularly until complete recovery.
For stress, depression, nervous system disorders
The vitamins and minerals in the tincture have a good effect on the nervous system. The drug can be used for severe emotional stress, depressive disorders and stress.
The drug is usually taken 30 drops three times a day; the drug can be diluted not only with water or milk, but also with tea. The tincture acts quite quickly - a positive effect from its use is observed after 2-3 days. However, to obtain maximum results, it is recommended to continue treatment for at least 3 weeks. During this time, the emotional background will level out and sleep will stabilize.
To strengthen the cardiovascular system
Bee substance in alcohol helps well with hypertension - the alcohol infusion reduces blood pressure to normal values. Use the product in a standard dosage - 30 drops three times a day, first dilute the tincture in a glass of water or milk. The course of treatment takes 20 days, after which you need to take a break.
The beneficial effect of the tincture on blood vessels also has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart. With normal blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening conditions develop much less frequently, the brain works better and memory does not suffer.
For diabetes
Healing propolis brings significant benefits for diabetes. As the disease progresses, serious complications arise in the functioning of the vascular and digestive systems. A tincture of bee substance prevents these consequences; it helps maintain normal blood pressure, protects against fragility of blood vessels and disruptions in the absorption of food.
The tincture should be taken with milk according to the following scheme:
- on the first day, only 1 drop of medicine is diluted in 30 ml of milk;
- on the second day another drop is added;
- The volume of the drug is increased until the single dosage is 15 drops.
After this, the dosage begins to be gradually reduced in a similar way - drop by drop. Treatment can be continued with short breaks for up to six months in a row.
Restrictions and contraindications
Despite all the benefits, using propolis in alcohol can have a negative impact on the body’s condition. It is necessary to stop using the tincture:
- if you are intolerant to alcohol or completely prohibit its use;
- if you are allergic to bee products, propolis in this case can lead to serious complications;
- with liver and kidney failure;
- in case of exacerbation of stomach and intestinal ailments, although the bee substance has a beneficial effect on digestion, in the acute period of illness the tincture can be harmful;
- with a tendency to seizures and epilepsy;
- for severe disorders of the nervous system.
It is strictly prohibited to use the drug by pregnant women and nursing mothers. For them, the remedy, even in minimal concentration, poses an increased danger.
