Propolis is an herbal, being made by bees from trees saps & resins. The bees harvest the immunity-boosting tree secretions like sap and resin and add enzymes through their body processes, as well as plants and beeswax. The end product is propolis which is antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is an excellent additive to lotions, salves, and balms for its skin healing abilities.
Propolis is commonly used for its healing, antiseptic and restorative capabilities. It assists in balancing, healing and soothing problematic skin. This resin accelerates the rate of cell growth and decongests pores. It also protects against bacteria and functions as a great anti-inflammatory agent.
Bee Propolis Recipes
Bee Propolis Balm
Apply to open wounds, leg vein ulcers, boils, acne, burns or any other skin irritations. Use on skin, lips, blemishes, and small boo-boos.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons melted beeswax
- 5 tablespoons infused calendula oil or olive oil
- 1⁄2 teaspoon lavender oil
- 15 ml bee propolis liquid extract (NOT homeopathic tincture)
Directions
- Melt the beeswax in a small glass measuring cup in a double boiler with boiling water about 2″ deep.
- Add the calendula oil and continue stirring with a wooden stick until blended and melted. Carefully remove the measuring cup and add the lavender oil and propolis. Let cool a bit but keep stirring so it doesn’t harden unevenly.
- Once it starts to harden a bit, replace the measuring cup in the water and melt the mixture again, stirring constantly. Remove again and keep mixing until cooled a bit, blended and paste-like and then add to the jar(s). Wipe out the measuring cup while still warm with a paper towel to remove balm before washing.
Propolis Salve
Helps heal cuts, small wounds, eczema, scrapes, cold sores, psoriasis, bug bites and burns.
Ingredients
- 20 drops propolis extract
- 1.5 tsp beeswax pellets
- 8 tsp tamanu oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Directions
- Melt beeswax and tamanu oil in a double boiler on medium heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and add the propolis and essential oils.
- Pour immediately into a container, letting it cool down until it solidifies.
- This makes a 1 oz. tin of salve.
The shelf life lasts up to a year in a colored glass jar or metal 1 oz. tin. Avoid using plastic jars.
Try Before You DIY
I have this salve for you to try before you DIY in my shop.
This salve can be used on scrapes, cuts, burns, rashes, really any open wound. Propolis is renowned for its antiseptic & antibiotic properties. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
Propolis ointment
Ingredients
- 3 tbs propolis tincture
- 50 grams coconut oil
- 1 tbs beeswax
Directions
- Put the coconut oil in a pot on low heat, and add the beeswax. Stir continually, until melted and ingredients are combined.
- Add the tincture and keep the mixture on the stove for 10 more minutes, stirring continuously.
- Turn off the heat and pour the mixture in a glass jar. Keep stirring until the mixture begins getting harder.
Use the ointment by massaging the affected area 2 or 3 times per day.
Apply to wounds, burns, eczema, herpes, warts, acne and oily skin. This amazing ointment is used on any type of skin irritation.
In my opinion, propolis is a must-have in anyone’s herbal medicine chest. With all its anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is an excellent additive to lotions, salves, and balms because of its skin healing abilities.
Would you try a salve or ointment with propolis to heal your skin?
You’re welcome!