Properties of propolis tincture and methods of its preparation

Propolis tincture is widely used in folk medicine. When making your own, you can use various types of ethyl alcohol, or sometimes water, as a base. The resulting product has antibiotic and antiseptic properties. It is used to treat diseases affecting various human organs.

Medicinal properties of propolis tincture

Propolis — is a substance that resembles resin or glue. Bees produce it to protect their nests from harmful insects and microorganisms. It also serves as a sealant for cracks in the hive.

Propolis copes with its tasks due to:

• its structure (its consistency resembles a paste or cream);
• predisposition to freezing;
• ability to disinfect.

People widely use bee products. One way is to prepare a medicinal tincture.

The finished home remedy contains compounds that are beneficial for the human body:

• flavonoids of plant origin;
• fatty, organic acids and amino acids;
• essential oils;
• vitamins of various categories;
• many minerals.

The beneficial properties of propolis tincture include:

• ability to localize inflammatory processes;
• detrimental effect on fungal microorganisms;
• the ability to relieve swelling;
• acceleration of the healing process of wounds and cuts;
• strengthening the human immune system;
• ability to replenish vitamin deficiencies;
• cleansing the body of toxins.

Cooking options

To prepare the tincture at home, you only need two ingredients: an alcohol/water base and propolis itself. Below are the methods for making this folk remedy.

On wine alcohol

Wine spirit is purified ethyl alcohol obtained by distilling natural wine material. It's quite difficult to find at retail.

The procedure for preparing the tincture:

1. Take 30 grams of propolis and 200 ml of wine alcohol.
2. Place the bee product in the freezer for about 1 hour.
3. After some time, take out the propolis and grate it on a fine grater.
4. Mix the resulting mass with the alcoholic product in a glass container and seal tightly.
5. Refrigerate (or store in a cool place) for 2 weeks. Stir the contents of the jar (bottle) 6 times a day. Use a wooden spatula or simply shake well.
6. After 2 weeks, filter the infusion through gauze.
7. Pour into an easy-to-use container. Refrigerate the tincture (just don't take it out).

The bottle must be tightly closed.

On ethyl alcohol

Ethyl alcohol is a solvent used in creating homemade propolis-based tincture recipes.

Cooking instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: 70% ethyl alcohol – 150 ml and propolis – 15 g.
2. Grind the main ingredient (propolis) as finely as possible.
3. Place the resulting substance in a glass container and fill it with alcohol.
4. Mix everything well, close the lid.
5. Place in a cool place. The key is to ensure the essential component dissolves completely.
6. Remember to stir regularly (at the discretion of the manufacturer).
7. After 1 month, strain the tincture and pour it into a glass container (it is important that the container is dark in color).
8. Store in a place where the temperature does not rise above + 4°C.

You can see the instructions for preparing a tincture with ethyl alcohol in the video:

On medical alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be purchased at any pharmacy. The manufacturer doesn't matter. Follow the instructions for preparation:

1. Take propolis (10 g) and alcohol (90 ml).
2. Cut the bee product as finely as possible (no need to freeze it first).
3. Place the resulting mixture in a glass container and fill with cold water (not ice cold). You'll need 100 ml of liquid.
4. Cover the resulting consistency with a cloth napkin.
5. Let the tincture rest. The purified glue should sink to the bottom of the container.
6. Carefully remove any crust of impurities that has formed on the surface.
7. Strain the mixture using any method.
8. Dry the washed propolis.
9. Take a dark glass container, place the bee product in it, and fill it with alcohol.
10. Place the tincture in a cool place for 10 days.
11. Take out the mixture, filter it again, and pour it into a bottle that will be convenient for storing the tincture.

On the water

This method of obtaining propolis tincture is recommended for use by people with contraindications to alcohol-containing products.

Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients - water for injection (200 ml) or fresh propolis (35 g).
2. Place the propolis in the freezer for 30 minutes. Grind the component using your preferred method.
3. Place the bee waste product in a heat-resistant enamel container. Fill with cold water until the propolis is completely submerged. Leave it at room temperature for 5 minutes.
4. Once impurities appear on the surface, remove it and let the glue dry.
5. Pour some water (purchased from a pharmacy) over the dried propolis and place the container in a double boiler. This will melt the propolis. Stir regularly.
6. Once the main component has turned into liquid and the particles have stopped floating to the surface, remove the tincture and let it cool.
7. Pour into a glass bottle.
8. Store in a cool place.

A visual demonstration of how to prepare a water-based tincture is shown in the video:

Application

The method of using the tincture depends on the concentration of the medicine and the condition being treated. A homemade mixture can be taken both internally and externally. Orally, it can be taken with milk, tea, or water.

The treatment period is one month. You should start with small doses of the tincture, monitoring your well-being. This composition is used for a variety of ailments.

In gynecology

For gynecological disorders, propolis tincture is used primarily vaginally. In terms of women's health, it is used for the following conditions:

1. Infectious, fungal infection. Dip a cotton swab in the tincture (3%), wait until it's completely saturated, and then insert it into the vagina for 15 minutes. Perform this procedure before bedtime. Alternatively, douching with a 3% tincture solution is possible.
2. Uterine fibroids. In this case, complex treatment is required. Insert tampons soaked in the tincture and take the mixture internally (10 drops 3 times a day).

Colds

Colds are often treated with propolis tincture. The method of application and dosage depend on the symptoms and the specific treatment.

Inhalation. Methods of application:

1. Place propolis (60 g) and beeswax (40 g) in a container, place the mixture in a water bath, and inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
2. Take 2 teaspoons of the 30% tincture, mix it with one liter of boiled water, and inhale over the container, covering your head with a thick towel. The procedure lasts 15 minutes.

Internal use:

1. To treat a cough, take a 20% alcohol solution, mix it with milk, and consume 1 teaspoon daily.
2. To help your body recover faster and strengthen your immune system, add a propolis alcohol solution to tea. Drink at least twice a day.

Local application:

• gargle (combine 100 ml of hot water with 50 drops of propolis solution), perform the procedure 3 times a day;
• use a solution to reduce the temperature;
• Treat a runny nose - put 10% alcohol tincture into your nose.

Infectious diseases

Propolis tincture alone won't treat serious infectious diseases. It's used as a supplement to a doctor's prescribed treatment plan. However, there are some milder illnesses that propolis tincture can treat:

1. Herpes. Apply a mixture containing propolis to the affected area. Do not dilute with water. Repeat the procedure three times daily.
2. Sinusitis. Add 2 teaspoons of tincture to 1 liter of boiled water and inhale the vapors for 15 minutes.

Skin disorders

Minor skin lesions can be treated with propolis tincture.

For nail fungus, apply a compress:

1. Soak cotton wool in the tincture and apply to the affected area.
2. Perform this procedure twice a day, after washing your feet. Continue the treatment until the problem is completely resolved.

For wet eczema, make compresses from the following infusion:

1. Pour 50 g of bark (oak or birch) into an enamel pan.
2. Pour 1 glass of hot water, bring the mixture to a boil and heat for about a quarter of an hour.
3. Cool the solution, add 4 teaspoons of tincture.
4. Apply the mixture to the affected area 2–3 times daily. Treatment duration is 2 weeks.

Digestive system

People who suffer from gastrointestinal damage are especially recommended to consume propolis tincture.

Gastrointestinal ulcer:

1. Add a maximum of 20 drops of solution to tea.
2. Drink 3 glasses a day 1 hour before meals.
3. Take a break after 3 weeks.
4. Repeat the course of treatment.

Gastritis:

1. Take 100 ml of warm water.
2. Mix the liquid with 5 ml of tincture.
3. Stir and take the mixture 1 hour before meals.

Contraindications and side effects

It is recommended to consult a doctor before using the tincture. The solution has contraindications.

Should not be used by people who suffer from:

• liver disease;
• asthma;
• dermatitis;
• rhinitis (if it is caused by an allergy);

Do not give to children under 3 years of age. Subsequently, the dosage is calculated based on the child's age: 1 year - 1 drop (2 years - 2 drops, etc.).

It's possible that children may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients. If redness or burning occurs, it's best to discontinue use of the tincture.

Propolis tincture is strictly contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Reasons:

• the alcohol contained in the composition may negatively affect the health and development of the fetus;
• the likelihood of developing an allergy increases several times.

If the dosage of the medicinal solution is exceeded, it may cause side effects:

• itching;
• burning;
• redness or rash on the skin;
• Quincke's edema (if using the solution as an ointment for the oral cavity).

Storage and shelf life

Homemade propolis tincture has a shelf life of only 1–3 years if stored at the correct temperature. Store in a dry, dark place at a temperature no warmer than 4°C.

Propolis tincture, which is water-based, contains no preservatives. It has a shelf life of 10 days at temperatures between 15 and 25°C.

Propolis tincture is an effective remedy. It helps combat many ailments. The key is to know how to properly select the proportions and monitor your condition to avoid overdosing. The solution is available in pharmacies, but it's best to make it at home according to your needs using natural ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions