Reviewing Comvita Propolis Extract

Comvita Propolis Extract

I'm been using Comvita Propolis Extract for over 30 years now, let me tell you how and why I use it.

I first came across Comvita propolis products when I was living in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Comvita's home was about 45 minutes away from my home). I managed one of the largest health stores in New Zealand for approximately 10 years and as well as Comvita being a great brand (they now are a certified B Corporation which is hardly surprising as they have worked in harmony with nature since they began in the mid 1970s) they were also local so, of course we supported them.

Their most popular products back then were their propolis lozenges, which we had in bulk bins and had problems keeping stocked up especially in winter, and their mauka honey which is what they received international recognition for. My favourite product, however, was their propolis extract.

Propolis is what the bees use to protect the hive and keep it healthy as it helps to resist bacteria and I remember being in a training seminar and having someone tell us how amazing it was for sore throats.

What I was told to do was to put 2-3 drops of propolis extract into a little warm water, swirl it around and then gargle and swallow. The use of the warm water and the gargling were to help with the sore throat and the swallowing helped to make sure it didn't develop into anything worse.

I brought some and tried it out and it worked! I continued to use it up until a couple of years ago when I ran out and for some reason I didn't get anymore (pre-Covid I had stocked up when I went to New Zealand, but I hadn't been back since 2019). I decided to look online last month with a view to buying some online and found a local pharmacy stocked it so now I'm just waiting for a sore throat!

Why Does Propolis Work on Sore Throats?

Although propolis can be used for a lot more than just sore throats, this is the traditional use for it. It works because:

• Propolis is antibacterial and antiviral so will help to fight infections (a very good reason for swallowing!).
• Propolis is anti-inflammatory - it reduces swelling and this is also why it was recommended to use warm (NOT hot water) as it was supposed to also help with the inflammation.
• Propolis has a slight anesthetic property which is probably why it's recommended to gargle with it in order to numb the irritation slightly.

You can use it twice a day for sore throats, but I've never used it more than once a day - I actually have never needed to as it's always worked the first time.

What Else Can Propolis Do?

When I brought my recent bottle of propolis extract here in Australia, the packaging was slightly different and there was no mention of sore throats instead it only mentioned mouth ulcers, general well being and topical use. This sent me to look at what it's recommended for elsewhere around the globe.

Note: Personally I have only taken this for sore throats and I believe it has kept some colds and flus away as well.

Oral Health - apparently it's very good at fighting the bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. As I mentioned in Australia it's recommended for mouth ulcers.  For these things it's recommended to use as a mouth wash.

Immune Support - As it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that stimulate the immune system it's believed to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flue. Some people also use it preventatively, especially during seasonal changes. In this case it is recommended to use 1/2 tsp in 30 ml warm water once a day.

Wound Healing - topically it is supposed to promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of infection and is recommended on minor cuts, burns and cold sores. In this case they recommend apply 1/2 tsp to the dressing and cover the wound.

I have also seen that there has been some early research to suggest it may protect the gut lining and help with digestive health. There is also some talk about it helping to reduce oxidative stress and mentions it being very useful for people with inflammatory conditions.

A Consideration

If you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey then propolis could cause an allergic reaction. I personally would not recommend trying it in this instance as there are other products you could try which wouldn't put you at risk of a reaction.

Have you heard of propolis extract? Is it something you'd think of keeping on hand? Once I open a bottle of the extract I actually keep mind in the box (so that it's dark) and in the fridge (as it should be stored below 30 C which isn't always possible in my house!). It lasts for a few years and in my opinion is a great investment.