Matjaž Pogačnik: renowned apitherapist and enthusiastic innovator of apitherapeutic products

The CEO and founder of Medikoel, Matjaž Pogačnik, is a man with a vast knowledge of apitherapy, an excellent bee expert and a renowned apitherapist. Je tudi avtor strokovnega priročnika za inhalacijo panjskega zraka. Much of the credit for innovations and developments in apitherapy in this field goes to him, in collaboration with his fellow experts. Among the milestones of his career are the many innovations that have left their mark on the world of apitherapy and beekeeping. The vision of bringing a part of the hive into the space, and with it all the benefits of the hive air and propolis to the human being, has been realised over the years with his help.

All apitherapeutic products created under Pogačnik’s guidance and expertise reflect advanced methods of therapeutic use of bee products and knowledge about bees (inhalation of hive air, aerosol and propolis vapour). The remarkable benefits were soon realised by beekeepers from different countries, who today help many people to feel better in their apitherapy chambers using Medikoel’s apitherapy devices (especially Api aerosol, Propo Steam, aerosol inhalers for aerosol therapy).

Sooblikovanje prihodnosti čebelarstva

Matjaž Pogačnik is an established name in the world of apitherapy, as shown by the important milestones in his career. Since l. 2017 onwards, he is the President of the Anton Janša Breznica Beekeeping Association, where he successfully guides and inspires beekeepers at all levels. But his influence goes even further. Between 2019 and 2023, he took over the leadership of the Apitherapy Commission of the Slovenian Beekeeping Federation (ČZS). Leta 2026 je napisal S svojim znanjem Matjaž Pogačnik z veseljem ne le vodi, ampak tudi oblikuje prihodnost čebelarstva, ki se razvija pod njegovim vodstvom. Leta 2026 je svoje bogato znanje in dolgoletne izkušnje strnil v celovit strokovni priročnik, namenjen vsem čebelarjem, ki želijo odkriti nove potenciale svojega čebelnjaka ter svojo dejavnost nadgraditi z apiterapijo in inhalacijami panjskega zraka.

Začetki poti in prvi apiterapevtski izdelki

Matjaž Pogačnik has always been an innovator and researcher, especially when it comes to people and the laws of nature. He has always sought ways to improve well-being and quality of life. This has led to a number of products that are now part of the Medikoel range. In his work with bees, he was also constantly on the lookout for new solutions, and it all started in 2008. 2016, when he completed the apitherapy course and became a member of the Dr Filip Terč Apitherapy Association.

Vdihavanje panjskega zraka nekoč neznanka, danes redna praksa sodobnih čebelarjev in apiterapevtov

Matjaž Pogačnik found inspiration for his work in cooperation with an experienced beekeeper and the then President of the ČD Hoče pri Maribor, Mr. Štebljaj, who approached him in 2014 with the challenge of inhaling hive air. It was at this time that the first findings on the usefulness of hive air were made. Matjaž Pogačnik offered a solution with a mask, a hose and a non-return valve that is attached to the hive and then l. In 2018, the Api Aerosol I hive air inhaler was launched and in the same year an improved version, the Api Aerosol II, was launched. Since then, the apitherapeutic devices for inhaling hive air have only improved and have become a symbol of health and well-being.

Detailed guidelines for the proper practice of apitherapy, the use of the devices, all key steps, and the applicable regulations can be found in the manual.

In the videos below, Matjaž Pogačnik shows this innovative Api Aerosol 2 apitherapy device up close and also how to install it on an AŽ hive.
VIDEO 1: Preparing for installation
VIDEO 2: Installing the Api Aerosol II on an AŽ hive – Full step-by-step demonstration of the process

Izhlapilnik propolisa – ko se združita inovativnost in čebelarstvo

His extremely important contribution to the apitherapeutic profession is the Propo Steam propolis vaporizer, which he has been developing for 2 years (2016-2018) and allows inhalation of 12% propolis essential oils. The device has the advantage of being used in two ways: the propolis vapour can be inhaled directly through the mask (it is very important to follow the inhalation protocol) or indirectly in the room. In both cases, we benefit from the extensive therapeutic properties of propolis and achieve antibacterocidal and respiratory care in a 100% natural way.

Širjenje znanja o vdihavanju panjskega zraka v mednarodnem in domačem okolju

Pogačnik’s work is not only inspirational, but also educational and supportive, and his influence extends beyond Slovenia’s borders. As an expert on the mechanism of operation and use of hive air inhalation devices, he has lectured at numerous international fairs and events, including in Pazin (HR), Zagreb (HR), Belgrade, Akademija pčelarstva i apiterapije Srbije (SRB), Sarajevo (BiH) and, of course, here in Slovenia. His knowledge has helped many beekeepers and apitherapists who wanted to harness the power of apitherapy.

Over 60 individuals have been trained and certified to use Medikoel apitherapy devices. Processes and application programmes are precisely defined and this is a prerequisite for the successful use of hive air and other supportive therapies for maximum results. During the training, Matjaž Pogačnik not only explains the use and handling of apitherapy devices, but also gives many key tips and best practice experiences that make an apitherapist really good and lead to perfect results.

Kaj Matjaž Pogačnik počne danes?

Even today, Matjaž continues to continuously search for new technologies in the field of apitherapy. His passion for development is expressed through the continuous improvement of existing devices, such as the ME 127 Apitherapy Apparatus Cleaning Set, or the Varroa destructor Sound Eliminator, where he has been working on the development and validation of the device since 2008. 2018.

While we can expect more innovations and achievements in the near future, its mission remains firm: to create advanced solutions that support human health and respect the bee kingdom. So, since l. 2019 he is working intensively on the development of the advanced API – premium hive air inhaler and for the last 4 years he has been developing the APIALP portable apitherapy hive. Much more will be known soon, but the new products certainly bring freshness to apitherapy.