Propolis vapour – an innovation in apitherapy
Did you know that propolis can also be inhaled? The sensation and effect are similar to bringing part of a beehive into the room. Yes, it is possible. A great deal has been written about the beneficial effects of propolis in the form of tinctures, ointments, sprays, and similar products. However, one lesser-known therapeutic benefit of propolis is propolis vapour, which is produced by heating propolis to a precisely controlled temperature of 82 °C, releasing propolis essential oil. Since propolis essential oil cannot be purchased separately, this makes it all the more valuable. But how can propolis vapour be produced and its benefits used? Is this available only to beekeepers, or can propolis vapour therapy be used by anyone, including at home?
We are all familiar with propolis in the form of tinctures and creams, but not enough is known about the extraordinary effects of propolis vapour. It is obtained by heating propolis to a specific temperature. The therapeutic effect of the essential oils contained in propolis vapour has been the subject of much professional research.
The answer to this is the great innovation in apitherapy, the Propo Steam propolis vaporiser, which is delighting many, not only apitherapists and beekeepers, but also families and individuals who use it in the comfort of their own home (no apitherapy background required). Why? The main reason is 100% natural protection against airborne microbes and respiratory care without chemicals and artificial additives. A gift from nature!
PropoSteam vaporizer as a result of the most up-to-date knowledge on propolis
Propolis serves as a defence for the bee colony against external factors and the same for humans – antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant immunomodulatory action. If we imagine what this power of propolis means in practice for our respiratory system and the space in which we move, man is indeed lucky to have nature to help him with his ailments.
Propolis becomes a liquid above 70 °C and vaporises intensely above 80 °C. Deep-frozen propolis can be crushed in grinders and the resulting propolis can be heated. This is also how our propolis tablets, Propotab, are made. The ground, frozen propolis is compressed and shaped using a machine to make it convenient for use with the Propo Steam vaporizer (the propolis tablet is adjusted to the size of the dosing cup). Alternatively, you can simply use propolis from a local beekeeper, fresh in a piece, just cut to the appropriate size.
Propolis in tablet form, PropoTab, for more convenient use with PropoSteam, as they fit into the size of the active ingredient cup. It contains no other additives or adulterants, it is pure propolis.
This apitherapeutic method is an innovative way of harnessing the beneficial effects of propolis, all that is needed is the right device to heat the propolis in the right way. If it is heated too much or too little, the therapy is inadequate and there is no effect. The evaporating point of propolis is 82 °C, higher temperatures burn propolis. Our PropoSteam is designed to ensure a constant heating to exactly 82 °C, which is not easy to achieve. Another advantage is that the interior of the vaporizer is all metal, the propolis container is glass and the body is plastic.
Two ways to use PropoSteam
PropoSteam is designed to allow the use of propolis or propolis-containing additives. vapour in 2 ways:
1. Indoor use: vaporised propolis is released into the room to disinfect the air of harmful microbes (bacteria, viruses, mould, etc.), organic solvents and airborne particles. When the propolis vapour fills the room, it is as if we are mimicking the situation in a hive – an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant immunomodulatory environment. This means a disinfected room, which is a crucial step towards respiratory health. If we do not inhale microbes, we are protected against bacterial and certain viral infections. Killing germs before they enter our body through the respiratory tract is the best way to protect our respiratory health.
To disinfect and purify the air, PropoSteam is used by releasing the vapour into the room. Since we stay in the bedroom all night, this is the ideal place to use PropoSteam.
The ability of propolis to disinfect the space of microbes and thus all bacteria, moulds, etc. is a great discovery, both for the profession and for man. The first studies are still being carried out, and we at Medicoel have done one of our own, where we measured the composition of propolis vapour and found that it contains 12% propolis essential oil. This is remarkable because propolis essential oil is not (yet) available for purchase like other essential oils.
2. Intensive Mask Therapy: propolis vapour is inhaled through the mask and thus benefit the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action on the respiratory tract. When we want intensive propolis therapy for our respiratory tract, we advise inhaling propolis vapour through a mask. As the presence of essential oils of propolis in the vapour is very high, 10 intense breaths in three repetitions (30 breaths in total) are sufficient. Exhale out of the mask so as not to accumulate exhaled waste air in the mask. We recommend one of the packages that already includes everything you need, e.g. this package)
Propolis inhalation therapy uses a mask and a tube that can be quickly and easily attached to the PropoSteam vaporizer. Direct inhalation has the highest yield of propolis vapour and the strongest effect on the respiratory tract.
In 2017, we conducted a pilot study in Slovenian kindergartens to assess the specific effect of PropoSteam’s antibacterial action in indoor spaces on children’s health. We observed two groups of children: the first stayed in a room where PropoSteam was operating, while the second stayed in a room without PropoSteam. The results showed that children in playrooms where PropoSteam was in use remained healthier and did not show symptoms of respiratory illnesses or similar childhood diseases compared with children who were not exposed to PropoSteam.
The overlooked benefits of propolis vapour
We are all familiar with propolis tinctures, creams, ointments, emulsions, soaps, toothpastes, disinfectant sprays, etc., for 1) preventing and treating infections (it works against bacteria, viruses and fungi), 2) reducing inflammation and relieving pain, 3) boosting the immune system, and also 3) protecting cells against free radicals, as propolis is a powerful antioxidant.
Propolis has exactly the same properties on our respiratory tract when we inhale it. when we fill a room with propolis vapour. Summarising the key potential benefits of inhaling propolis, you will also understand why propolis vapour is increasingly recognised and beneficial for many people:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Propolis contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Inhaling these substances can help reduce inflammation in the airways and lungs.
- Antimicrobial properties: Propolis has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Inhalation can help fight respiratory infections such as colds, flu and other respiratory infections.
- Strengthening the immune system: Propolis can stimulate the immune system, which helps the body to better cope with infections and diseases.
- Antioxidant effects: it is rich in antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative stress, which is beneficial for overall health and well-being.
- Allergy symptom relief: some studies show that propolis can help reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching and stuffy nose.
- Respiratory support: inhaling propolis can help relieve symptoms of asthma and bronchitis and other chronic respiratory diseases.
For therapy in the apitherapy chamber
More and more beekeepers, specialised professionals, and holistic health practices are offering apitherapy chambers where we can inhale beehive air or propolis vapour, harnessing the natural properties of bees to support human well-being and respiratory health. If you or your children experience chronic or acute respiratory problems, or if stress and lifestyle factors mean that your immune system needs additional support, look for an apitherapy chamber in your area. Here is a list of all those using Medikoel apitherapy products to provide treatments.
If you are passionate about apitherapy and are considering setting up your own apiary therapy room or adding apitherapy services to your existing activities, a professional apitherapy manual is also available. It guides you step by step through the entire protocol, from planning and equipping the space to the proper, safe, and professional implementation of beehive air and propolis vapour inhalation.
Holistic therapy under professional guidance in the apitherapy chamber (in the beehive) with Medikoel apitherapy products.
If you want the most effective and holistic apitherapy for yourself, visit the apicomore, where they follow the protocol that most comprehensively cares for all the airways and is performed by certified apitherapists for the use of Medikoel apitherapeutic devices, who have been trained by apitherapist Matjaž Pogačnik. The protocol specifies the exact sequence of the procedure, the duration of each treatment and which apitherapy devices and attachments are used for which purpose. In very simple terms, it is a combination of three therapies:
- Respiratory care and preparation with aerosol inhaler therapy,
- Therapy inhaling hive air directly from the hive,
- Propo Steam vapour inhalation therapy.
A combination of all three methods is best for the respiratory tract, as each of them nourishes the mucous membranes and affects the respiratory tract in its own way. Več o celostnem apiterapevtskem tretmaju z vsemi tremi metodami si lahko preberete v našem priročniku.
An example of an apitherapy chamber, where holistic treatment of an individual is carried out according to an apitherapy protocol using Medikoel products.
Let’s learn from nature and resort to 100% natural methods. Apitherapy is just that, connecting man and bees. Through this coexistence, it offers friendly solutions to boost health and well-being. If you want to use Propo Steam at home or incorporate it as apitherapy in your healing practice, take a look at our online shop, we especially recommend the apitherapy product packs, which already include everything you need for immediate use.
RESOURCES
Vošnjak Mitja, 1992: Propolis : the medicine of tomorrow
Pedrotti Valter, 2003: Honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis and poison : properties and effects of beehive products and apitherapy
Pušnik Vlado, 2020: Propolis production
Pušnik Vlado, 2020: Propolis processing
Milivojevič ognjen, 2012: Natural healing with bee products
Kandolf Borovšak, Andreja, 2016: Quality and safe bee products – a beekeeper’s permanent concern and responsibility
Bentzien, Claudia ; Salata, Claudia, 2017: Mmm— honey : delicacies from honey, wax and propolis
Internal source, expert interview: Matjaž Pogačnik
