Does Propolis Help With Allergies? What the Research Says

Bee propolis is a resin-like substance bees make from plants and use to protect the hive. People use it for a range of things, from soothing a sore throat to helping with minor skin problems and wound healing, and many people also take it for immune support. But can propolis also help with allergies? The short answer is: maybe, but we don’t have enough good human research yet to know for sure. Lab and animal studies are promising, and there are a few human studies too. But so far, the evidence isn’t strong enough to say that propolis reliably helps with hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people, which is worth knowing before you try it. Let’s look at what the research actually shows. Why do researchers think propolis might help? Propolis contains natural plant compounds that seem to affect some of the processes involved in allergic reactions. It may affect histamine release During an allergic reaction, certain immune cells release histamine. This is one of the main chemicals behind symptoms such as sneezing, itching and a runny nose. One lab study suggest that propolis may reduce the release of histamine. Research using cells from people wi...