This blog post is sponsored by Beekeeper’s Naturals. All thoughts and ideas are my own.
What is bee propolis throat spray used for, what are some of the benefits and what does it have to do with people with diabetes?
Using bee propolis throat spray may help support your immune system and offer antioxidant-like benefits. Let’s dig into the science surrounding this natural remedy.
*This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services. This article and the links contained in it provide general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Do not use the content in this article in place of the advice of your physician or registered dietitian. Always consult with your physician before starting a new supplement or over-the-counter treatment/medicine.*
What is propolis?
What is bee propolis? Bee propolis is a resin produced by honeybees inside their hives. Honeybees use propolis to seal holes and cover surfaces in an effort to keep microorganisms, fungi, other insect invaders outside of the hive. Thus, propolis helps bees maintain a sterile and clean environment inside their hive.
Bee propolis is also sometimes referred to as bee glue.
And, just as honey produced by bees has shown to be associated with a number of health benefits in humans, so has bee propolis.
No surprise, bee propolis has a very similar taste to honey. (The first time I tried it, I was a bit surprised, though I don’t know exactly what I was expecting, ha!) It’s almost like a less sweet honey.
Bee propolis benefits
Research has shown bee propolis may offer the following benefits:
- Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
- High levels of antioxidants, primarily flavonoids
- Possible improved blood glucose control in animals
Bee propolis contains:
- Antioxidants
- Thiamin
- Vitamin B6
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
Bee propolis and diabetes
For me, as someone living with diabetes, I was highly intrigued to read not just about possible immune boosting benefits of a propolis throat spray, but also that oral propolis may have some benefits for blood sugar support as well.
People with diabetes typically have somewhat of a compromised immune system as part of living with altered blood sugars. Even people with diabetes who have the best blood sugar control can be at an increased risk of getting sick and be slower to recover. So, finding ways (approved by your doctor or healthcare team) to potentially boost your immune system’s capabilities can be helpful.
Furthermore, there have been numerous animal studies that show propolis may offer possible blood sugar support as well as promote healthy blood lipid levels, but quality human studies are lacking.
It’s definitely an area to pay attention to and keep an eye out for future research! Additional studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism in which propolis may help as well as more human studies.
What is bee propolis throat spray used for?
One of the most common ways to utilize bee propolis is with a propolis throat spray. Most people use a propolis throat spray to do one of two things:
- Support an existing healthy immune system because of propolis’ antioxidant properties
- Soothe a scratchy or scratchy throat and/or other upper respiratory tract symptoms
Propolis throat spray benefits
What does propolis throat spray do? Studies have shown that a bee propolis throat spray may be helpful for soothing some minor respiratory symptoms, as well as supporting an existing healthy immune system because of it’s antioxidant activity.
Is propolis spray good for a scratchy throat?
Anecdotally, many people report feeling relief of a scratchy throat from a bee propolis throat spray, and research has also shown it can be helpful for a scratchy throat as well as other upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.
Beekeepers Naturals Propolis Throat Spray
Beekeepers Naturals Propolis Immune Support Daily Throat Spray is available over the counter and comes in a 1.06 fl oz bottle. The beekeepers Naturals propolis throat spray has a variety of uses:
- Daily immune system support
- Immune boosting precaution when traveling
- Soothing a scratchy throat
How to use propolis throat spray
Beekeepers Naturals propolis throat spray can be used daily 1-2 times per day, and even up to five times/day when soothing a scratchy throat. Use 3-4 sprays each time.
As always, consult with your doctor before using any new over-the-counter treatments, medicines, or supplements, including a propolis throat spray.
I like to carry the Beekeepers Naturals propolis throat spray with me when I’m traveling for that added immune system support I mentioned above. And, I also keep it next to my sink and use as needed when I’m at home.
And, one of the things I like most is it doesn’t taste gross like a lot of other throat sprays. It actually feels quite nice and as I mentioned above, tastes very similar to honey… just a little less sweet in my opinion.
Can you use propolis throat spray if you’re allergic to bees?
If you are allergic to bee stings or bee products, your safest option is to avoid using products with bee propolis in them.
Again, consult with your doctor before using any new over-the-counter treatments, medicines, or supplements.
Where to buy propolis throat spray
You can buy Beekeepers Naturals Propolis Immune Support Daily Throat Spray straight from their website. Use code MILKANDHONEY for 20% off any order.
You can also find Beekeepers Naturals at a variety of retailers here in the US. Check the store locator on their website to find it near you. I found it at my local Target!
Want more information on immune health and staying healthy?
Check out these other articles…
- Stress and Diabetes: The Impact on Glucose Levels
- Should You Be Taking Probiotics For Diabetes?
Sources
- Rivera-Yañez, Nelly et al. “Biomedical Properties of Propolis on Diverse Chronic Diseases and Its Potential Applications and Health Benefits.”Nutrientsvol. 13,1 78. 29 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu13010078
- Diabetes and Your Immune System, CDC (2023).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-immune-system.html
- Wagh, Vijay D. “Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials.”Advances in pharmacological sciencesvol. 2013 (2013): 308249. doi:10.1155/2013/308249
- Magnavacca, Andrea, et al. “The antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of propolis: An update and future perspectives for respiratory diseases.”Medicinal Research Reviews42.2 (2022): 897-945.
- Esposito, Cristina 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 : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacologyvol. 80 (2021): 153368. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153368
- Ożarowski M, Karpiński TM. The Effects of Propolis on Viral Respiratory Diseases.Molecules. 2023; 28(1):359. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010359
