Side effects
Beside many very positive characteristics the Propolis for humans possesses also a certain allergenic potential, which represents the probably most important and most significant side effect. It behaves to humans like a contact allergen, which can lead in particular with humans with atopische disposition to a contact dermatitis. This is an allergic reaction of the skin, which is characterized by redness, swelling and scaling and follows contact of the skin with a certain substance.
Particularly affected are people with an allergic disposition or sensitive skin, for example in the context of neurodermatitis, but also people with allergies to components of bee products such as honey and royal jelly. Therefore these people should refrain from using propolis. Further the side effect profile is not sufficiently secured with pregnant women, so that also these should do without Propolis.
The same applies to the lactation period. Further the side effect profile is not sufficiently secured with pregnant women, so that also these should do without Propolis. The same applies to the lactation period.
Application
Due to its various modes of action, propolis is used in alternative medicine for various clinical pictures. It is understood as a kind of supporting measure and cannot cause a cure, so that a conventional medical therapy should not be avoided. Propolis is not used as a medicine, but is contained in cosmetics and homeopathic compositions.
Since the composition can vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer, no precise statement can be made about dosages and compositions of the products. In particular, creams, ointments and tinctures are used to promote wound healing. However, they should not be applied to open wounds.Typical areas of application are slight irritations of the skin, small abrasions or lacerations or medical foot care.
In case of allergic eczema or a tendency to allergic reactions, especially of the skin, ointments and creams containing propolis should not be used. Furthermore, propolis is used for the care of mucous membranes, for example in the form of mouthwashes or lozenges. Typical reasons for supportive care with propolis are aphthae, inflammation of mucous membranes in the mouth and smoking, but also medical dental care.
Here one uses the antimicrobial and wound-healing effects of propolis. Another very large field of application of propolis preparations are body care products. These also include ointments, creams and tinctures.
Shower gels, shampoos and body lotions with propolis are used in cosmetic series. These are characterized by their characteristic, fragrant scent. In the case of rheumatic underlying diseases, propolis ointments are also used to massage painful areas.
Another form of administration are nasal sprays. They are likewise used like mouth solutions and lozenges for the supporting healing of easy breath way infections. The internal use of propolis in the form of capsules and homeopathic globules is based on immune-enhancing and antioxidant effects, which have not been proven in humans.
Propolis tinctures are often used in homeopathy. They are usually offered as drops that can be swallowed. Mainly one hopes for an immune-strengthening effect, for example in the context of colds.
Since there are no uniform indications for the use of homeopathic remedies, the indications vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Tinctures can still be used as nasal sprays or in the form of mouthwashes to rinse the mouth and upper throat. The latter are used, for example, for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat mucosa and to improve oral and dental hygiene.
There are many different creams and ointments that contain propolis in different compositions. They are offered by many manufacturers and are available without prescription, as they are not drugs. Such creams and ointments are primarily used for personal hygiene and skin care.
For example, there are creams and ointments that are applied to light skin wounds and eczema to promote wound healing. Another area of application for creams containing propolis is medical foot care. Furthermore, ointments and creams can be used to treat herpes blisters and aphthae.
Caution is advised in case of an allergic disposition or very sensitive skin, for example in the context of neurodermatitis. In these cases creams and ointments containing propolis should be avoided. Capsules containing propolis are usually sold as food supplements and are also available from various manufacturers like other propolis-containing products.
In particular, an antioxidative effect and a strengthening of the immune system are referred to. However, these effects have not been proven in humans. Other areas of application such as depressive moods and asthma are partly declared by the manufacturer, but are definitely not recommended, as these are diseases requiring treatment.
Capsules containing propolis cannot help in such cases and only delay an adequate therapy. Further areas of application such as depressive moods and asthma are partly declared by the manufacturer, but are definitely not recommended as these are diseases requiring treatment. Capsules containing propolis cannot help in such cases and only delay an adequate therapy.
