Honey and propolis are produced by bees for different purposes. Propolis is a sealant that stabilizes the hive, prevents bacteria and fungi growth, and has medicinal properties. Honey is a food source for bees and has antibiotic properties. Both are used in traditional medicine, but scientific evidence is unclear.
Both honey and propolis are produced by bees for use in the hive, but propolis is a type of sealant or caulk that removes small gaps or open holes that are about 0.2 inches (six millimeters) or less with beeswax. used to fill larger openings. Bees collect the resinous sap from trees or other sources and mix it with wax to make propolis, which is usually dark brown and sticky but can harden in cold temperatures.
Unlike propolis, honey is a liquid food source for bees made from regurgitated flower nectar that is stored in the wax combs of the hive. Honey is commonly consumed by humans and is sweet. Both by-products are known to have antibiotic properties and serve various medicinal purposes.
Although it was initially assumed that propolis was made and used by bees to protect the hive from exposure to rain and cold, the sealant is now known to serve a number of purposes. Propolis can make a hive more solid and stable as a structure, prevent excessive vibration within the hive, reduce the number of entries, making it easier to keep the colony safe and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Additionally, bees use propolis to safely seal in waste products, dead insects, or small animals that cannot be removed through the hive entrances. Bees produce honey to be eaten as food when it is cold and other food sources are scarce.
Honey and propolis are often used and marketed as traditional or alternative medicines, but the former are believed to have antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. The composition and properties of honey and propolis depend on the geographic location of the hive, the species of bees, and the types of trees and flowers from which the bees collect resin and nectar. Honey is often consumed in liquid form, while propolis can be taken in liquid form when a few drops are added to a glass of water or other beverage, such as gum, lozenges, cream, tincture, or a solid piece that is can dissolve in the mouth. . People who are allergic to bees should not consume honey and propolis without first talking to a medical professional.
Alternative or natural medicine practitioners may prescribe honey and propolis for a variety of reasons. Honey, when dissolved in tea or warm water, is considered by many to be an effective remedy for sore throats and coughs. Propolis is believed to be an effective treatment for burns and inflammation of the skin and has been shown to be an inhibitor of tumor growth. Some studies have shown that propolis may be effective against certain herpes viruses, parasitic infections, thrush, colds, stomach ulcers, and rheumatic diseases.
Propolis has been of great interest to those in the dental industry due to some studies suggesting that it may inhibit some oral diseases and infections and reduce plaque and dental pain when used as a mouthwash. In general, the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of propolis is considered unclear by many conventional medical professionals.
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