Like any other honey bee products, around 10% of the human population would not be able to tolerate propolis.
And people who fall under this category will get unwanted skin reactions. The reaction will prolong a few days after you have stop taking propolis.
Are You Among those Allergic to Propolis?
- Asthma Patients:
If you have asthma, you should avoid propolis because some chemicals or impurities in it may induce an attack. - Those Allergic To Bee Stings:
If you’re allergic to bee stings, the bad news is propolis could induce a similar side effect. - Those Already Allergic to Bee Pollen:
Pollens in propolis may come from any plants – and not just plants in surrounding areas where you buy your product. So, if you’re already allergic to bee pollen or evergreens, you are advised not to use propolis. - Pregnant Women:
There are not many published clinical trials on the effect of propolis on pregnant women. Because the information in this area is limited, avoid using propolis if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. - Others at risk :
If you know that you’re allergic to black poplar (also populas nigra), poplar buds, honey and balsam of Peru, forget about propolis. There are around 8 to 13 compounds that propolis and balsam of Peru have in common. Some of these compounds are benzyl benzoate, cinnamyl cinnamate, and benzyl cinnamate. Several studies have suggested that patients who are sensitive to propolis also may react to balsam of Peru.
The cause of allergy
Allergic reaction from this substance was first documented in 1915 when a beekeeper suffered from dermatitis on his fingers and wrists. But the case was classified as an occupational effect.
And because propolis is also used as the coating on Italian varnish, instrument makers and musicians have also been reported to get contact dermatitis. Here are some cases of allergies suffered by those who use violins coated with propolis.
Right now it is seen mainly on those who :-
- use cosmetics containing propolis, or
- those who use propolis as their daily supplement.
The symptoms of allergies
- Redden.
- Develop rashes.
- Swell.
- Itch, or
- Crack.
It could also induce :-
- Eczema.
- Lesions.
- Psoriasis, or
- Mouth sores.
A word of advice
The best way to start taking propolis is to try it gradually. Use small quantities of propolis for the first few days. If there are no side effects, increase your propolis intake gradually to the full outlined dosage.
This way you would be able to test your comparability with the propolis product you’re taking and avoid embarrassing (and painful) reactions to the substance.
Similarly, if you decide to stop the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor, do it gradually (after his okay, of course).
Honey and Honey products should never be given to children 2 years of age or younger, there imune systems are not developed enough to process the bacteria that honey an related products are made from.Having stated this I do advocate the use of propolis and other bee related products as a natural medicine I am a three time “CANCER SUVIVOR”and I do use it.
I have just taken a propolis lozenge and then read on side effects
I am someone who is hyper sensitive to everything so now I am terrified of developing side effects.
Now I am very scared
Its such a shame these side effects happen, propolis sounds amazing!
How long after taking lozenge would the side effects symptoms appear?
I had the flu a week ago with a really bad cough so the chemist suggested i take propolis lozenges. I only had about 2 a day for 3 days and all of a sudden my face was burning up and skin texture was all lumpy.It was the same sort of reaction i had with an antibiotic erythromycin and it was very scary. I am allergic to all nuts and this causes swelling on the inside of my throat but the propolis reaction was burning on the outside.I never thought for a moment that a simple honey lozenger could do so much damage. I will never take propolis again and would suggest people with sensitive skin stay well away.
Hi Kim, it’s not the honey in the lozenga, it’s the bee products of royal jelly etc … A lot of people are allergic to that and the pharmacies should be asking people if they have any allergies to bee’s especially … you’re lucky to be alive, a percentage would actually die from that and in fact have … so please next time you get anything from a pharmcay ask if it contains bee products or even nuts … Take care
I have tried this product once only & I ended up in Hospital with throat starting to swell, hard to breath, dizziness, red rashes, anxious, it scared me, I only tried it because I was told of the benefits for your immune system. I am not allergic to bee’s, I suggest if you ever try any sort of medicine you seek medical advise before hand even with natural products, I will never try anything again just from word of mouth, this taught me a valuable lesson.
Hi ,what a great sight.
I purchased a packet of Propolis candy as i am waiting to go to dentist
for a rotten tooth.I was advised they where great for bacteria and would help with breath odour.
after 2 days and 12 candies i became etremley anxious.wrestless and itchy all over with a red face.
I am not allergic to bees but obviosly Propolis.
Hello, I’m 18, and I was told when I was 17 I have ulcerative colitis. I actually got rid of it last summeof 2010. But in december I was diganose with erythema nodosum. Which I. Had to go back on prednisone 40 mg all at once for a week. All before christmas too, taking the prednisone re-tore up my colon I’ve been on bed rest since then, tried several things to help. But nothing. I lost so much weight too went from 105 to 90. Lost muscle too. But I just started propolis today and I already feel a difference. I’m amazed. Hope it keeps working.
Hi,
my father uses propolis for about two months now. he suffered from stroke and his uric acid level is quite high.
the first month he’s doing okay, he said he never felt better.
but last week, his feet are swelling. I think it’s because the uric acid level is high again, although I don’t know why, we’ve been careful with his food now.
They said it’s because the detoxification process. And that’s how the propolis works. Is it true? or is it because he’s allergic to propolis? I’m really worried
thanks in advance for the answer.
I am sorry to hear about what happen to your dad Jane. But I’m not a trained doctor and I’m not in any position to give you any advice.
Again, I’m sorry but I can’t help you there.
Hey I don’t think this a detoxification process I would suggest you stop the propolis immediately and go for a doctor unless you want to stick to propolis
Hi, Jane. I have also experienced a similar phenomenon. My first reaction was also that it was detox., however it’s hard to say. Could you please update with regards to the outcome in your dad’s case? Many thanks, Eliot
hi! I think propolis is wanderful,its very interesting studied it.now I`m studing propolis and its compounds.
Hi,
my close family member was diognozed with stomach cancer and we have been treating him with propolis, honey and some vitamin and herbal supplements. (He didn’t take chemo, radiation and the surgery was inoperable) Anyway thankfully he is doing great after 11 months of his stage IV diagnose. Actually we didn’t make another trip to a hospital or to a doctor since then. Anyway for the last two months he is complaining about sour taste in his saliva. So he didn’t have this feeling for the first 9 months but now he started to feel like this.
I wonder if propolis can cause this permanent sour taste? He was taking three dosages almost everyday. Did anybody experience similar thing? Does anybody have an idea
Thanks!
Hello,
It is a healing modality called “NAET” which can eliminate the allergy to propolis.
Please go to:
http://www.NAET.com and look at there for NAET practitioner in your area.
It really works!
Good luck.
I can vouch for NAET it has helped my family greatly!
JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ALLERGY TO PROPOLIS BY DERMATOLOGIST BECAUSE OF SKIN IRRITATIONS FOR FEW YEARS, BECAUSE I HAVE REDDING OF THE SKIN TO FACE, CHEST, CHEST BEING THE WORST AREA, AND RED PATCHES TO MY ARMS HE BELIEVES I COULD HAVE ROSEA AND IS TREATING ME ACCORDINGLY. I AM ITCHING LIKE MAD AND STILL RED, DO YOU THINK HE COULD BE WRONG OR RIGHT. HE ALSO TOLD ME TO NOT TAKE TABLETS, USE CREAMS LOTIONS TOOTHPASTE ETC AS THIS WILL MAKE MY PROBLEM WORSE. I DONT KNOW WHETHER I’M COMING OR GOING. I TAKE SUPPLEMENTS IS IT IN THEM. WHAT WOULD IT BE KNOWN AS IN INGREDIENTS. CAN ANYONE ADVICE PLEASE.
I have used a 65% Bee Propolis tincture (dropper bottle) on and off for about 6 years. I am a vocalist and musician.My work does not allow me to miss a performance and propolis has been invaluable to me.I use it only when needed. On the earliest signs of a sore throat or throat related cough I take an initial dosage and then 3-6 more smaller doses over the next day or two.Amazingly, it has worked virtualy every time. This requires tipping the head back, mouth open wide and dropping the substance directly on to the affected area. This could prove uncomfortable for children.I would be very interested if anyone knows of reseach on any longterm affects.For now, I will use it as it is ‘sure-fire’ healing power.
Administer at much smaller doses at first to see if you are allergic.
I recently started using a new toothpaste and I noticed when i would finsihed brusing that my entire chin and lower lip would swell up and be very red– at first I did not think it was the toothpaste — but after the 3rd day of this reaction after brushing my teeth I figured it must be the toothpaste– funnily enough my 8 year old who reads everything said “it might be the toothpaste cuase it says on the back it can cause allergic reaction” sure enough he was right… who would have thought…
I have used Propolis off & on for a long time now. I had infection coming from one of my teeth, but i didn’t know which one. The entire right side of my face & every tooth both upper & lower hurt, including the gums & my jaw on the outside. I started taking 1 morning & 1 night & eventually got up to 5 in the am & 5 in the pm. It was the only thing that kept the pain from driving me crazy! Finally an old cap of mine fell off on the upper right side & the tooth was black!!! I did end up having it pulled but at least i knew where the pain was coming from because this had gone on for 3 years & i had been to 3 different dentists!!! Now i use it if i have any infection & my mother recently used it for her tooth pain until she could get to the dentist. She could not take regular antibiotics as they would hurt her stomach.
Hi, We gave a bottle of propolis to our friend in China in early 2007. She recently diagonised as breast cancer. She took propolis and suggested that propolis may cause her breast cancer as one of her friend diagnoised as breast cancer. do u have any ideas?
Propolis has been shown to inhibit cancer, not cause one.
There are at least 2 studies that showed it inhibit cancel formation in test animals.
One in 2001 at Ben Gurion Uni that shows how liquid propolis inhibit the growth of cancer cells after researchers infected the cell with cancer.
Another one was in Mansoura University, Egypt where liquid propolis was also shown to reduce the tumor in rats.
I belive you are correct! My Father had cancer and lived many extra years due to his daily dosages of propolis.
@Paula,
You’re probably allergic to propolis. The best way to reduce the swelling is by using a normal toothpaste.
Paula,
Your swelling is probably improved by now…but I imagine that like taking an antihistamine (like benadryl or claritin) would help.
I’ve been using a propolis toothpaste for 4-5 days as well as a different style of toothbrush. My gums are now sore and swollen. First I lightened the brushing style, then went back to my old toothbrush. Now I’ll stop the propolis toothpaste. I have had major localised swelling from the 3 beestings I’ve had in my life -ie. whole foot and whole hand,and a huge swelling on my leg-. Is there anything I can do now to calm the reaction in my gums?
Crystal,
As you boy is still small, you do not know what he’s allergic to.
I won’t give it to mine.
Is Propolis safe for two years boy?
Hi all,
I am allergic to bee sting I need doctors attention in a minutes after it happens, but I am not allergic on propolis. I take my in drops and it is made by friend of my pastor. I take two drops once a day with a sugar. Great staff.
I’ve been taking propolis for 5 weeks now, 60 drops a day, 30 in the am and 30 in the pm., with water.
I suffer from menopause and feeling tired all the time, i feel that since taking propolis I have more energy.
I feel better…is this one of benefits of taking propolis????
I did drop a bottle on my ceramic floor and it splashed and stained my white cupboards, it dried instantly….now i need to literally scrape it off and repaint???? WHY?
Aminah,
Like any chemicals, drugs and food, different people may react differently to propolis.
If you think what you feel right now is due to propolis, stop taking it and see if there’s any difference.
Hello,nice site, thnx.
I just began taking honey & propolis (1 tbl.daily) for it’s great anti-inflamatoy benefits, since I was diagnosed w/rheumatoid arthritis in June.
I did notice that my nose was runny all the time, but never atributed it to the propolis.
However, I was extremely anxious, nervous & restless while taking it. Do you think this could be related?
Nice info, I agree check your to see if your allergic to it first, like everything, that all mighty scratch test might do the trick or more or lest, know where you stand.
Propolis does work wonders for many things though, it’s worth reading about.
Enjoy
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