Herb
Propolis
A resin bees make to seal the hive, used in throat sprays and salves for its natural antimicrobial, soothing action.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 76/100Tap to see the breakdown
👶 Safe for children?
This remedy carries age-related cautions. Please read them before giving it to a child, and check with your pediatrician or pharmacist first.
- Avoid in pregnancy without guidance; not for infants.
🌱 What it is
Propolis is a resin that bees create by mixing tree and plant sap with their own beeswax and enzymes, using it to seal cracks and protect the hive. People collect small amounts for use in sprays, tinctures, and salves.
✨ Why it's good for you
- May help soothe an irritated or scratchy throat
- May help support the skin around minor scrapes or cold sores
- May help offer natural antimicrobial support
- May help support the body's normal defenses
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1 spray or lozenge (as directed) · about 5 calories
- Trace flavonoids
- Trace plant resins
- Negligible protein
- Negligible carbohydrate
Source: USDA FoodData Central
🥄 How to use it
Use a propolis throat spray or lozengeA small medicated sweet that dissolves slowly to soothe the throat. How to make a lozenge → for a sore throat, or dab diluted propolis tinctureA concentrated herbal extract made with alcohol. How to make a tincture → on a cold sore or minor wound; follow product directions.
How much: Per product directions as a spray, lozengeA small medicated sweet that dissolves slowly to soothe the throat. How to make a lozenge →, or diluted tinctureA concentrated herbal extract made with alcohol. How to make a tincture →.
Show full details & how to prepare it
Propolis is the sticky, resinous 'bee glue' that bees gather from tree buds to seal and protect their hive — and its naturally antimicrobial nature has made it a long-standing remedy for sore throats, mouth and gum troubles, cold sores, and minor wounds. It's most convenient as a throat spray, lozengeA small medicated sweet that dissolves slowly to soothe the throat. How to make a lozenge →, or diluted tinctureA concentrated herbal extract made with alcohol. How to make a tincture →.
Ways to prepare it
⚠️ Cautions
- Those allergic to bees, bee products, or pollen may react — test a small amount first.
- Stop for any swelling, rash, or irritation.
- Avoid in pregnancy without guidance; not for infants.
📚 What others say
- A traditional antimicrobial resin from the hive
- Long used for sore throats, gums, and minor wounds
Learn more
🕊️ A word of encouragement
The hive's own guardian balm, freely shared. Protection and healing often come from humble sources.
💬 Ask Remy about Propolis
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
Your vote is saved. Source endorsement totals come from books and studies (+7 per book, +5 per article). You can change your vote anytime from this device.
💬 Comments & experiences
Share what worked for you — and reply or 👍 like the experiences that resonate. Comments get a quick review before they appear publicly, to keep things safe and honest. Please don't make medical claims.
💚 Have an experience to share? Create a free account to join the conversation — your words might be exactly what someone else needs. Reading is always open to everyone.
Know a remedy like this?
Share a structured suggestion and our team will review it for the site.
Suggest a similar remedy