Propolis: what it is, what studies show and who should avoid it
Propolis, also known as bee glue, is one of the most popular bee products. People often choose it during the cold season or for the throat.
In this article, we explain in simple terms what propolis is, what studies show, what forms it comes in and who should be cautious.
In brief. The composition of propolis varies greatly depending on its origin, so there are no authorised EU health claims for it.1 There are a few small studies on specific extracts, but their results cannot be applied to all products.2 Propolis can cause allergy, especially in people who are allergic to pollen or bee products.3
What is propolis?
Propolis is a sticky substance that bees make from the resin of tree buds and their own wax. Bees use it to seal gaps in the hive.
Propolis contains hundreds of substances, including polyphenols – plant compounds that are often studied in laboratories. However, the composition of propolis varies greatly depending on where it comes from and which plants the bees collected the resin from.1
What do studies show about propolis?
Propolis is most often studied for throat and upper respiratory tract complaints. One of the more recent studies was carried out in Italy.2
Example. The study involved 122 adults with mild cold symptoms. For five days, they sprayed either a standardised propolis extract or a placebo into the mouth. On the third day, 17% of participants in the propolis group and about 72% in the placebo group still had symptoms.2
The result is interesting, but the study was carried out at a single centre and with one specific extract. Another propolis product may have a completely different composition. For this reason, when assessing propolis claims, EU experts noted that it was unclear which type of propolis the claims should apply to.1 Therefore, manufacturers cannot promise that propolis strengthens immunity or protects against colds.4
What forms of propolis are there?
| Form | Good to know | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Tincture (drops) | Propolis dissolved in alcohol. | Not suitable for children, pregnant women or anyone who needs to avoid alcohol. |
| Capsules, tablets | Often combined with royal jelly or bee pollen. | Check how much propolis is in a serving and add it up if you use several bee products. |
| Sprays, lozenges | Intended for the mouth and throat. | Study results apply only to the extract that was studied.2 |
| Cosmetics | In creams, ointments, shampoos. | Before using for the first time, test on a small area of skin. |
How much propolis should you take?
There is no recommended daily intake or safe upper limit for propolis. This is because propolis is not a nutrient and its composition varies greatly.1
Follow the dose stated on the label and do not combine several propolis products at the same time. In the study mentioned, the spray was used at 2–4 sprays 3 times a day for 5 days.2 This is not a general recommendation for other products.
Side effects and safety of propolis
The most common problem is allergy. Over five years, Italy's surveillance system received 18 reports of suspected reactions to propolis products. Of these, 16 were allergic, and 6 people needed hospital or emergency care.3
Avoid propolis or consult a doctor first if:
- you are allergic to pollen or bee products, or have asthma;3
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding – safety data are lacking;
- you want to give propolis to a child, especially an alcohol-based tincture;
- you take medicines or have a chronic illness.
When to seek urgent help. If your lips or tongue swell or you have difficulty breathing after using propolis, call an ambulance (112). If a sore throat does not go away within a few days or a high temperature develops, see a doctor.
Please remember that a food supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet.5
Selected products with propolis
Commercial information. These are products available in our shop. This is not an effectiveness ranking. Before buying, check the composition and instructions for use on the product page.
Royal Jelly Propolis Complex - N60 - Royal Jelly with Propolis - Swanson
Capsules with propolis, royal jelly (5:1 concentrate) and bee pollen. The manufacturer recommends 1 capsule 2–3 times a day. Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people allergic to bee products.6
FARMONA NIVELAZ.FEET Propolis ointment
Cosmetic ointment for dry, hardened skin on the feet, with propolis extract and calendula oil. Before using for the first time, test on a small area of skin.7
FARMONA Herbal Care Restorative Heel Mask Propolis 100 ml
Mask for dry skin on the heels, with propolis and honey extracts, beeswax and oils. Use daily, preferably in the evening.8
Garnier Botanic Therapy Honey & Propolis for very damaged hair 400 ml
Shampoo for very damaged hair with honey and propolis. If you are allergic to propolis, choose products without bee products.9
Frequently asked questions
Does propolis strengthen immunity?
This has not been proven, so the EU does not allow such a claim to be used.1,4 For the immune system, a varied diet, sleep and physical activity matter most.
Can propolis tincture be given to children?
The tincture contains alcohol, so it is not suitable for children. Most propolis supplements are intended for adults. Always consult a doctor about your child.
How can I tell if I am allergic to propolis?
Allergy can show up as a skin rash, itching, or swelling of the mouth or lips.3 If you are allergic to pollen or bee products, consult an allergist before using propolis.
Scientific sources
- EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to propolis (ID 1242, 1245–1248, 3184) and flavonoids in propolis (ID 1244, 1644, 1645, 3526, 3527, 3798, 3799). EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1810. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1810
- Esposito C, Garzarella EU, Bocchino B et al. A standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis for remission of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): a monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2021;80:153368. PubMed
- Menniti-Ippolito F, Mazzanti G, Vitalone A et al. Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products. Drug Saf. 2008;31(5):419–423. doi:10.2165/00002018-200831050-00007
- Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. EUR-Lex
- Directive 2002/46/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to food supplements. EUR-Lex
- Swanson. Royal Jelly Propolis Complex, 60 capsules. Product label.
- Farmona. Nivelazione Stopy propolis ointment. Product label.
- Farmona. Herbal Care restorative heel mask Propolis, 100 ml. Product label.
- Garnier. Botanic Therapy Honey and Propolis shampoo, 400 ml. Product label.
Disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Food supplements are not intended to treat or prevent diseases and are not a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Before using supplements, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if you have a chronic illness or if you take medicines, consult a healthcare professional.
