Unfortunately, I am no stranger to a sore throat. So, when the opportunity arose for me to test out some products from Natural Life, I was thrilled to discover a range of propolis products. My sister in law has been telling me for years now how good propolis is for general health and wellbeing, and it’s a substance I’d been meaning to check out.
So, I was very excited to not only receive some propolis capsules but also some propolis and manuka spray as well as some “Propicol” which are propolis and manuka honey candies.
As a frequent sufferer of a sore throat from acid reflux, I was particularly excited to have access to the spray and the candies. Both of these products combine the wonders of manuka honey with this magical propolis substance, in an easy to use format.
While I love a ‘natural’ way to treat anything, it’s important to note that this advice should not replace that of a medical practitioner. If you have a severely sore throat and these propolis products are not helping at all, please seek medical advice. Also, as a side note, if you are allergic to bees or bee products, then these are not the products for you as propolis may cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals.
Luckily enough for me, I am not allergic and so was able to give these products a try. To be honest, there’s not much for me to report about the propolis capsules as I guess they’re more of a long term way to support your immune system.
No side effects or any real changes noted for me as yet, but, as I’ve said, you wouldn’t really expect an immediate response from these.
I was keen to suck on a “Propicol” lolly. These candies have lemon and honey flavour – the honey being Manuka honey with an MGO of 550. They also contain the power of propolis. These were quite sweet – they do contain sugar as well as the manuka honey, but were a pleasant way to get your dose of propolis and manuka.
But, my favourite of these three products is, hands down, the propolis and manuka spray. Pitched as a peppermint flavoured spray designed for sore throat relief, this product is a little gem! Being prone to fairly frequent sore throats from my acid reflux problems, I have been delighted to be able to simply spray this product (9 times like it says on the packet) into my mouth/throat and have my sore throat completely disappear instantly!
It tastes like alcohol (it does contain ethanol) which for me, as a non drinker, was a bit of a shock to the system. I’m not sure which ingredient does it but there is a definite mild numbing effect (for me at least) which instantly takes away any pain from a sore throat. It also leaves your mouth feeling healthy and fresh. I really do enjoy this product and will continue to keep it on my desk to ward away any sore throats that start to arise. It will also be perfect for mouth ulcers (which I also sometimes suffer from) or any other oral concerns.
So, it’s fair to say that these propolis and manuka honey products have won me over, so I thought I’d do a bit of a deep dive into these natural substances and find out some more about them and why they’re so helpful for complaints such as a sore throat. Here’s what I found out:
What Is Propolis?
Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by bees from the sap of trees and plants. Bees use propolis to seal cracks and gaps in their hives, as well as to line the interior of the hive, protecting it from bacteria and other microorganisms.
Propolis is made up of various plant resins, beeswax, essential oils, and pollen. It has a complex chemical composition, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and other compounds that are believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Propolis is often used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including sore throat, colds and flu, skin infections, and digestive issues. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and topical creams.
How Is Propolis Made?
To make propolis, the bees collect the plant resins and bring them back to the hive. They mix the resins with beeswax and enzymes from their saliva to create a sticky, resinous substance. They then use this propolis to seal the hive and protect it from external threats.
Beekeepers collect propolis by scraping it off the hive and processing it into various forms, such as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and topical creams. However, it is important to note that excessive harvesting of propolis can harm the hive and reduce its ability to protect itself against diseases and other threats, which is why it’s important to buy your propolis from a reputable company who ensures the ongoing wellbeing of their hives.
How Much Propolis Should I Take A Day?
The optimal dose of propolis depends on various factors, such as the individual’s age, health status, and the reason for taking it. Propolis is available in different forms, such as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and topical preparations, and the recommended dosage can vary depending on the form.
In general, there is no standard dose of propolis that has been established. However, some studies have used doses ranging from 500 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams per day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
It is also important to note that propolis may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you are allergic to bee products, such as honey or pollen, you may also be allergic to propolis. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, stop using the product and seek medical attention immediately.
Why Is Propolis Good For You?
Propolis is considered to be beneficial for health due to its complex chemical composition, which includes various plant resins, beeswax, essential oils, and pollen. Here are some potential health benefits of propolis:
Antibacterial and antiviral properties
Propolis contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. This makes it effective in fighting off various infections and diseases.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Propolis also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. This makes it beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions, and other inflammatory diseases.
Immune system support
Propolis has been shown to help support the immune system by promoting the production of antibodies and stimulating the activity of white blood cells.
Wound healing
Propolis has been used for centuries to promote wound healing due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to help stimulate cell growth and repair damaged tissues.
Antioxidant properties
Propolis contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Is Propolis Spray Good For A Sore Throat?
Propolis spray works so well for a sore throat because of its ease of administration – a couple of quick sprays and you’ve got your product right where you want it – on the sore, affected area.
The natural antibacterial, antiviral and antiinflammatory properties of propolis combine with the soothing and moisturizing effects to create a product ideally suited for relieving sore throats.
What Does Propolis Throat Spray Do?
Propolis throat spray is a natural remedy that is used to soothe and relieve sore throat, cough, and other throat irritations. It is a liquid solution that contains propolis.
Propolis contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. When used as a throat spray, propolis can help to:
- Relieve sore throat: Propolis has a soothing effect on the throat, which can help to relieve pain and discomfort associated with sore throat.
- Fight infection: Propolis has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to kill the bacteria and viruses that cause sore throat and other throat infections.
- Reduce inflammation: Propolis has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the throat.
- Hydrate the throat: Propolis spray can help to keep the throat hydrated, which can reduce irritation and discomfort.
To use propolis throat spray, simply spray the solution directly onto the back of your throat. Follow the instructions on the product label or as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Manuka honey is known for its unique antibacterial properties, and it has been used for centuries by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand for its medicinal properties.
Manuka honey is different from other types of honey because it contains high levels of a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which is responsible for its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO content, the stronger the antibacterial activity of the honey. Manuka honey is graded based on its MGO content, with higher grades indicating higher levels of antibacterial activity.
In addition to its antibacterial properties, manuka honey is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for its potential health benefits, including:
- Treating sore throat and cough
- Promoting wound healing
- Treating acne and other skin conditions
- Relieving digestive issues, such as stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Boosting the immune system
Manuka honey can be used as a dietary supplement or applied topically to the skin. However, it is important to note that manuka honey can be expensive, and not all products labeled as manuka honey may contain the same levels of MGO. It is important to choose high-quality, genuine manuka honey from a reputable source to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Why Does Honey Help A Sore Throat?
Honey is a natural substance that has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It has several properties that make it effective in relieving a sore throat:
- Soothing effect: Honey has a soothing effect on the throat, which can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat. It also forms a protective barrier over the throat, which can help to prevent further irritation.
- Antibacterial properties: Honey has antibacterial properties, which can help to kill the bacteria that cause sore throats. It also contains enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural antiseptic.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the throat that often accompanies a sore throat.
- Moisturizing effect: Honey is a natural humectant, which means that it helps to draw moisture into the throat. This can help to keep the throat hydrated, which can reduce irritation and discomfort
So it’s clear to see that when you combine the natural healing benefits of propolis and manuka honey, you’re creating a superpowered natural healing substance. With natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, it’s no wonder that these products are such good natural remedies for healing a sore throat.
Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention my favourite part – all of these Natural Life products are Australian made and owned! You know how much we love to support Australian businesses here at Mum Knows Best.
If you’re ready to stock your medicine cabinet with some of these Natural Life products, you’ll find them all here. At the very least, you’ll want to get your hands on a bottle of the Propolis and Manuka Spray – it’s a miracle worker on a sore throat!
I’m very excited to let you know that the good people at Natural Life are offering 20% off storewide for Mum Knows Best readers! All you need to do is use the coupon code NATURALLIFE when checking out from their store.
No Comments