Propolis is a precious ally
- #gianandreaguidetti
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
The Propolis
What is it?
What better way to defend a dog's body than with a phytotherapeutic superhero whose name literally means "defender of the city"? The term propolis comes from two Greek words: "pro," meaning "before" or "in defense of," and "polis," meaning "city." Its very origin is tied to this protective role, and it's the bees who created it to fulfill this defensive task. By gathering what they need from the buds and bark of various trees, bees process these materials with enzymes to create a sticky, resinous substance. They then use this to seal the gaps and entrances of their hives.
The Superpowers
The bees' ability to build these protective walls for their hive stems from their desire to keep out unwanted guests like bacteria and viruses. Propolis performs exactly this function. Thanks to its bactericidal properties, it disinfects parts of the hive, especially where the queen bee lays her eggs.
So, why not leverage its defensive abilities for dogs too?
While propolis doesn't have strong antibiotic power, its effectiveness is still significant and comes without the side effects often associated with traditional antibiotics. Its action is immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It boasts antibacterial and bacteriostatic properties (meaning it prevents bacteria from replicating) and also works against fungi and certain types of viruses. This makes it a valuable ally, especially for issues affecting the mouth and upper respiratory tract.
Where to Find It
Propolis is found in many pet foods and supplements, ready to gently but firmly defend your dog.
Feats
Like other herbal superheroes, propolis has often been overlooked, and its superpowers neglected. Beekeepers, in fact, sometimes considered it a nuisance, an obstacle to honey collection, ignoring that this very "obstacle" was actually a valuable resource.
However, this wasn't always the case; some ancient civilizations recognized its potential. The Incas used it, as did the Egyptians, who combined it with other substances to mummify bodies for their journey to the afterlife and to heal wounds, thanks to its restorative effects.
Master luthiers, including the renowned Antonio Stradivari, on the other hand, used propolis as a varnish for musical instruments.
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