1. Is propolis a special type of honey?
No, bees collect nectar from flowers to make honey, which serves as their food. To produce propolis, bees gather resin from plants (especially poplars) that is used to protect buds from pathogens and weather.
2. What does propolis contain?
Propolis is one of the richest natural substances in polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and help protect against many pathogens.
3. What is propolis used for?
Propolis products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics and food, are rich in polyphenols that enhance immune system defenses.
4. When should propolis be used?
Historically, propolis has been used for oral cavity and throat issues, but it is advisable to take it regularly to support immune defenses.
5. How are propolis products used?
Three to four times a day according to label instructions, ensuring thorough distribution in the oral cavity and allowing it to act for a few minutes.
6. Are there studies on propolis?
Yes, numerous studies exist. Propolis is one of the most extensively studied natural products worldwide, focusing on its protective activities on tissues.
7. Why is propolis bitter?
The polyphenols, particularly tannins, give propolis its typical bitter taste. Thanks to modern formulation technologies, Alveario has also developed products with improved palatability, making them enjoyable even for children (e.g., Propoli Buon Gusto).
8. When should propolis be used?
It is advisable to use propolis products regularly, especially during high risk periods (e.g., cold weather or sudden temperature changes). It’s good to use them at least once daily. Before and after attending events or meeting many new people, it is recommended to use it as well.
9. Is propolis a plant-based product?
Propolis contains active substances of plant origin-polyphenols-that bees rework to stabilize and prolong their effectiveness. Therefore, propolis is considered an animal-derived product.
10. Do bees suffer if we remove their propolis?
No, the propolis used for Alveario products is collected by cleaning hives (scraping) at the end of the year of from special grids placed in the secondary hive chambers (honey supers). The propolis produced to protect the brood nest is never removed.
11. What’s the difference between drops and spray?
The spray is convenient, pre-formulated, and ready to use, ensuring even distribution in the mouth. The drops are a concentrated extract and are recommended to be dissolved in a hot beverage or a spoonful of honey.
12. How do the three propolis sprays differ?
Spray forte: a high-quality formulation refined over the years, suitable for multiple adult uses.
Spray Buon Gusto: formulated for those who dislike the strong taste of propolis, suitable for children as it is alcohol-free, with a lower polyphenol content than Spray Forte.
Spray Extra: an innovative formulation of extra-concentrated hydro-alcohol-glycerine propolis with a lower alcohol content (40°) with a polyphenol content calculated with the certified ISO method 50% higher than the Propolis Forte Spray and all the main sprays on the market.
