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Since ancient times, scientists and philosophers have used products of natural origin not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. Propolis was the most popular beekeeping product. Propolis was especially useful for children: it was used to treat a variety of diseases. Now there are many techniques for preparing various drugs based on this component - you can choose any one depending on the purpose of the drug.
At what age can propolis be given to children?
Before we talk about the method of using this product, we need to understand what it is and what are the features of this product. They started using it back in Ancient Greece. It was already used for medical purposes back then. In addition, propolis was the most popular disinfectant.
Propolis is a complex complex of organic compounds with a sweet odor.To prepare it, bees use the resinous substances of plants. Moreover, insects collect these liquids from different parts of plants (buds, leaves, branches, grasses). Then, with the help of salivary secretion and wax, the “nectar” is processed. As a rule, high-quality propolis is extracted by bees from aspen, oak and birch (in rare situations from poplar). In these cases, the product contains up to 70% resinous substances.
By the way, the color of this product will depend on the tree from which the resin was produced. So, for coniferous species it will be dark brown in color, and for deciduous species it will be close to a brown shade.
Composition of propolis
The beneficial and healing properties of this beekeeping product are due to its composition.
It contains several main substances.
- Wax. It makes up approximately 1/3 of the total mass of the bee product.
- Essential oils. Their number is close to 10% of the total number of components.
- Resins. They make up more than half the mass of the component.
- Pollen. It is responsible for the “stickiness” of the product.
- Microelements: potassium, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, manganese, iron, nickel, bromine, zinc, copper, aluminum.
- Vitamins: A, B, E, PP.
- Organic acids: caffeic, ferulic.
Thanks to the complex action of these compounds, the desired product is used not only in medicine, but also in many other areas of life.
Forms and dosages
Although there are many different types of this medicine, the most popular among users are:
- water tinctures;
- alcohol tinctures;
- oil tinctures.
In addition, ointments and creams based on propolis are used for children.
Age of children to take propolis
Children are allowed to use all possible options for propolis-based medications.However, the dosage and method of administration depend on the age of the child.
The alcohol tincture should have a concentration in the range of 5-10%. Moreover, before use it should be diluted in water. Take the alcohol tincture drop by drop for each year of the child (3 years - 3 drops, 4 years - 4 drops, and so on). Upon reaching the age of 14 years, the child can be given an “adult” dose.
If your baby is allergic to the tincture, it is recommended to dilute propolis in milk and honey.
All medications can be purchased at the pharmacy, but everyone’s body is individual, so many doctors advise preparing tinctures at home.
The healing properties of propolis
Propolis is considered the most useful beekeeping product. It has a number of valuable properties.
- It helps in the prevention and treatment of colds and infectious diseases. It owes its antimicrobial effects to the presence of organic acids in its composition.
- Propolis is used to heal various superficial wounds and moderate burns.
- This bee product can be used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.
- It is known that this bee component is a powerful antioxidant.
- It is used to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system, as it strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
- Many neurologists recommend their patients to use this bee product to prevent diseases “on the basis of nervousness.”
- It is used in gynecology in the treatment of various diseases of the uterus.
Despite all the positive aspects, propolis has a drawback - it is not suitable for all people (an allergic reaction is possible). It is important to consult your doctor before using it!
How to take propolis for children
There are different methods for preparing medicinal propolis preparations. Moreover, these remedies will differ depending on the healing effect.
For acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections
To prevent acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, it is necessary to give children a tincture (water or oil) at least 2 times a year for 7-10 days (regularly once a day, every day).
For treatment, inhalations with propolis are used.
For sore throat, bronchitis and tonsillitis, which often accompany colds, babies should be given this bee product with milk at night. This bee component does not combine well with antibiotics, so it should be given 2-4 hours after taking the last medicine.
For diseases of the ENT organs
In case of dental problems, the child should be asked to gargle with tincture. And babies need to lubricate their gums with an ointment based on this product (this helps when teeth are cutting).
For sore throat, propolis should be diluted with glycerin - this will give maximum effect.
The bee product also helps with otitis media. It is enough to insert a cotton swab moistened with a tincture of this component, and the problem is solved. In more acute and difficult periods, the solution must be instilled into the ears for a long period of time (at least 3 days).
When coughing
There are 2 options here:
- Carry out inhalations 2 times a day.
- Make “cakes” from propolis and apply to your throat throughout the day.
It is recommended to give the tincture with honey at night.
With a runny nose
Children need to lubricate their nose with a tincture of water 2 times a day. But older children can make nasal drops by mixing an alcohol solution of propolis with a solution of sea salt in a 3:1 ratio.
For gastrointestinal diseases
Depending on the affected organ, the technique for taking this component will be different.
Stomach
The tincture should be consumed by first diluting it in milk. It should be taken on an empty stomach, about half an hour before meals.
Liver
To treat jaundice, dilute the tincture with water. You need to use it in a course (1 month), and every week the concentration needs to be increased by 10 drops, and start with 20 drops. In addition, taking the drug does not depend on the time of eating!
Intestines
And for this organ, a wide variety of all kinds of propolis-based products are used:
- tiles;
- tinctures;
- lotions;
- suppositories and ointments.
Regardless of what a person chooses, they will in any case help normalize intestinal function.
How to prepare propolis for children for immunity
Propolis for immunity should not be given to children right away. First you need to check if you are allergic to honey. To do this, just wipe an area of skin with the tincture and wait for 24 hours (if there is no redness, then there is no allergy).
In addition, propolis to increase immunity in children is not recommended for use by children under three years of age.
There are various propolis recipes to improve immunity for children.
Before preparing them, it is worth understanding some rules of what is needed for the tincture to give the most beneficial effect to the child.
- Propolis should be natural and fresh.Buy only from trusted suppliers in specialized stores!
- The product is subject to preliminary preparation: cleaning from contaminants and subsequent freezing.
- Alcohol (as one of the main ingredients) should be 70 percent. To dilute propolis powder, the required ratio of 1:9 should be taken into account.
If the alcohol tincture is not tolerated by the child’s body, then it is better to dilute it in oil. To do this, dilute the tincture in a water bath (in a porcelain bowl), stirring constantly until the liquid is completely dissolved, and then strain the resulting solution through several layers of gauze into a separate container.
Water tincture of propolis for children
This is the simplest recipe for a propolis-based drug.
Ingredients:
- propolis – 0.01 kg;
- water – 0.01 l.
Cooking algorithm:
- Prepare water: boil, cool to room temperature.
- Pour into a saucepan and bring to a temperature of 50 degrees over low heat. Add bee product.
- Pour into a thermos and let it brew for 24 hours.
The use of an aqueous solution of propolis by children should not exceed a period of three days, otherwise the tincture will deteriorate and lose all its beneficial qualities.
Alcohol-based propolis for children
To save money, an alcohol tincture can be prepared at home, but this will take a much longer period of time than the previous method.
Ingredients:
- propolis – 10 g;
- alcohol – 100 ml.
Algorithm:
- Mix ingredients in a glass container and close.
- Place in a dark place for 10 days. Shake occasionally.
- Filter into a container through cheesecloth.
- Close with a lid and refrigerate.
Unlike other means, the use of propolis tincture with alcohol by children has a long-term nature, since the shelf life of the product is longer (up to 5 years).
How to give propolis to children for immunity
The healing bee remedy is used during periods of cold exacerbations. As a rule, the course of therapy ranges from 2 weeks to 1 month. Propolis should be taken once a day, and in severe situations - 2 times.
Precautionary measures
You need to remember the following rules:
- Self-medication can only make the situation worse. First of all, you need to see a doctor.
- Before taking beekeeping products, you should be sure that the child’s body does not have allergic reactions.
- Homemade preparations should only be done in clean containers and with clean hands.
Contraindications
Despite its medicinal properties, propolis also has contraindications for children:
- It should not be used by children with individual intolerance to the components of this product.
- You should not give propolis to children who are allergic to honey.
In any case, you should consult your doctor before use!
Conclusion
Propolis will help children in a variety of situations: for this, there are a variety of methods for preparing medicines at home based on this product. However, it can also become your worst enemy, since it has contraindications. It is worth remembering: self-medication of children is prohibited.
