I always like to keep certain supplements on hand this time of year, like vitamin C, and elderberry syrup. With all of the kid’s activities and traveling I do, we’re often exposed to germs. Propolis throat spray is a great (and tasty!) way to get some more immune support.
I keep several bottles of propolis spray in my house at all times. This way it’s always handy when I need one, like if I feel a sore throat or stuffy sinuses coming on. I love buying this brand, but it’s also possible to make it for yourself.
What is Propolis?
Bees make propolis from a mix of resin, beeswax, sap, and other things. You’ll also find antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. It’s vital to their survival, helps protect the hive, and strengthens the structure. It also guards against invaders like disease and parasites. Not only does it do all that for bees, but it has some amazing properties for humans too.
Benefits of Propolis
Propolis has countless biological active compounds. In other words, it has so many beneficial things we haven’t even discovered them all yet. The lengthy list of what it’s thought to help with includes:
- Antidiabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Anticancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- COPD
- Heart disease
- Digestive disorders
- Protects the brain and heart.
- Modulates the immune system
- And lots more!
This podcast guest recommends using propolis over raw honey for seasonal allergies. The good news is that with this DIY propolis spray you can have the benefits of both!
Where to Buy Propolis Spray
Maybe I’ve already convinced you to give propolis a try but you don’t want to make it yourself. The kids and I love this Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis spray (use code wellnessmama for 20% off). It’s naturally gluten-free, doesn’t have preservatives, and is made with New Zealand honey. This brand also has other bee products, like lozenges. And if your little ones aren’t keen on the taste of propolis, they also offer a kid’s propolis that’s milder and sweeter.
I typically get their products online but you can find them in-store at certain health food stores too. I’ve also seen them at Whole Foods.
How to Make a Propolis Glycerite
There are two ways to make this throat spray. You can either buy a premade propolis glycerite or make your own. Glycerites are similar to herbal tinctures but instead of using alcohol, you use vegetable glycerin. They do take 6 weeks to make though, so if you’re in a hurry buying it may be the better option.
Glycerites are safe for kids, naturally sweet, and won’t burn or irritate the throat like alcohol. Here’s how to make a bee propolis extract with glycerin:
- Place 2/3 cup of propolis powder in a 16-ounce glass jar.
- Combine 3/4 cup glycerin with 1/4 cup distilled water in a separate jar and stir well.
- Pour the glycerin/water mixture over the propolis powder and stir to combine.
- Put the lid on the jar and shake daily for 6 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a clean jar (this will take a while!). You may need to do this step twice to remove all of the powder.
You can easily double or halve this recipe depending on your preference. Once you have your propolis glycerite or have bought it, you’re ready to make the throat spray!
DIY Propolis Throat Spray
This propolis honey throat spray is great for soothing scratchy throats. You can also use it daily to help keep your immune system performing its best!
Yield: 1 ounce
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Combine the propolis, water, and honey in a small spray bottle and shake to combine.
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Add more water, 1/8 teaspoon at a time if needed for the right consistency. You want the mixture to be thick enough to coat the throat, but just thin enough to come out of the spray bottle.
Store the mixture in the fridge. This should last for several weeks.
If your honey is already on the thin side you may not need to add the water. You can try it without at first to see if it will work. Mine reluctantly came out of the sprayer but worked much better when thinned with a little water. The more water you add the shorter the shelf life though, so use sparingly!
How to Use Propolis Throat Spray
I like to use propolis spray at the first sign of illness. All you do is squirt a few sprays directly into the throat. The kids like it too because it tastes good and is sweet! This spray is also good when traveling or anytime you need an extra immune boost. I always have some with me when I’m on a flight to help keep inflammation down.
Here are more ways to stay healthy while flying.
Have you ever used propolis before? What are your favorite bee products to keep on hand? Leave a comment and let me know!