Propolis (bee glue) is a gummy sticky substance, the color of which varies from yellowish green to dark green and brown, with a bitter taste and characteristic odor. It is produced by bees from its own saliva, pollen, wax and sticky substances released by some coniferous and deciduous tree species. Based on propolis, water and alcohol extracts, ointments, balsams, tinctures, candles are made.
Water extract of propolis - application
The water extract of propolis is brown, often turbid, the color of coffee with milk, liquid. It can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently.
On sale is most often 1%, less often - 5% solution. When preparing an aqueous extract of propolis at home, any desired concentration can be obtained, which depends on the purpose for which the solution will be used.
Water extract of propolis is used as an external antiseptic and antibacterial agent:
- for the treatment of difficult healing wounds and ulcers, as lotions;
- for mouthwashes with stomatitis;
- for a gargle of a throat at an angina , a tonsillitis;
- for instilling eyes with conjunctivitis;
- for the lavage of sinuses in sinusitis;
- for syringing with erosion of the cervix, inflammation of the vagina;
- as an antifungal agent, in particular, with candidiasis.
Inside the water extract of propolis is usually used in folk medicine to strengthen immunity , combat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
There are no obvious contraindications to this drug, except for an individual allergic reaction.
How to prepare water extract of propolis?
As with any home remedy, there is no single instruction for preparing a water extract of propolis, there are many options. But in all cases, before cooking, propolis is recommended to freeze, then it is fashionable to powder it, since at room temperature it is a rather viscous substance.
Let's consider some of the most common recipes of how you can make a water extract of propolis:
- Powder of propolis (10 grams) pour warm water (100 ml) and stand on a water bath for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly. The temperature of the mixture when heated should not exceed 80 degrees. The resulting mixture is filtered and poured into an opaque vessel or container of dark glass. The solution is stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 10 days.
- The ground propolis is covered in a thermos, poured with boiling water and insisted for 24 hours. For long-term storage, a solution prepared by this method is not intended.
- The ground propolis is poured with warm water in a ratio of 1: 2 and kept in a water bath for about an hour, after which it is filtered. The water extract of propolis obtained in this way can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months, but since it is very concentrated, it must be diluted with boiled water before the application to the desired concentration.
How to take water extract of propolis?
Most often before use, the extract of propolis needs to be diluted, especially in the case of home cooking, where the concentration of propolis in the solution can be very high.
- For rinses, a tablespoon of the extract is added to half a cup of water.
- For the washing of the maxillary sinuses, the extract is diluted 1: 2.
- For eye treatment, given the sensitivity of the mucosa, it is best to use a water extract of propolis with a minimum
concentration, purchased at the pharmacy. It is also desirable to dilute it with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 2. Bury a solution of 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day. - For syringing on 0.5 liters of water, add 3 tablespoons of extract.
- When ingested, the drug is usually diluted in a glass of warm water or milk and taken twice a day. The amount of the drug differs depending on the concentration and shape of the release and can vary from 30-40 drops to a teaspoonful.
Aqueous extract of propolis very often gives a sediment, so it must be shaken before use.