Trace the rich and intricate history of propolis from ancient times to today, including its journey through diverse cultures and its newfound recognition in global skincare trends.
PROPOLIS: A BRIEF HISTORY
The first mention of propolis dates back to ancient Egypt, with vases depicting bees making propolis. In ancient Egypt, propolis was used as a medicine due to its soothing and healing properties, as well as to embalm the deceased. Recent studies have validated the antibiotic and preservative properties of honey, with a particular emphasis on propolis. These historical uses are supported by recent studies, which have validated the antibiotic and preservative properties of honey, with a particular emphasis on propolis. This may explain how mummies have remained so well-preserved over thousands of years. Propolis was associated with the gods, and honeybees were believed to be the tears of the sun god Ra. The bee was an insignia of kingship, with certain pharaohs being given the title of “Prenomen” ([He] of the Sedge and the Bee).
The medicinal properties of propolis were likely identified by ancient Greek and Roman doctors and scientists such as Aristotle, Pliny the Elder, Galen, Cornelius Celsus, and Dioscorides. Hippocrates, considered the father of modern medicine, was among the first physicians to use this substance in the treatment of wounds and ulcers, highlighting its early therapeutic applications.
The Greeks also used propolis as a central ingredient in the creation of an esteemed perfume called 'polyanthus'. This ancient fragrance recipe involved meticulously blending propolis with olibanum (frankincense), styrax, benzoin, and an array of aromatic herbs. When ignited on slow-burning charcoal, this harmonious mixture was said to release a captivatingly delicate and aromatic incense that delighted those who encountered it.
Ancient Arabs and Persians, meanwhile, used propolis for its medicinal and antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, curing infections as well as healing wounds and burns. In the 11th century, the preeminent Arab doctor Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna) spoke of the medicinal uses of two different kinds of wax — clean wax and black wax. The black wax was propolis.
Propolis has gained considerable recognition for its versatile applications in skincare.
During the medieval era in Europe, propolis was not widely utilised, yet its therapeutic knowledge persisted in traditional folk medicine, predominantly across Eastern European regions where it was used as a multi-purpose medicine for a wide range of ailments. One of its prominent traditional applications involves the use of alcohol-based tinctures to disinfect and aid in the healing of wounds, including burns, ulcers, bedsores, and other challenging injuries.
Interest in propolis experienced a revival during the Renaissance, when ancient remedies, such as those mentioned by John Gerard in his herbal book "The History of Plants" (1597), resurfaced. Gerard noted propolis's use in creating ointments renowned for their anti-inflammatory and bruise-healing properties.
This resurgence coincided with a broader rediscovery of traditional medicinal practices across Europe, influencing both academic discourse and practical applications in apothecaries and household medicine. The renewed interest led to further exploration into propolis's chemical composition and its potential benefits beyond topical applications, contributing to its gradual integration into early modern pharmacopoeias and botanical compendiums.
In modern times, propolis has gained recognition for its versatile applications in skincare. Its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations, such as creams, lotions, and serums. Propolis is valued for its ability to soothe and heal skin irritations, including acne, eczema, and minor wounds. It is also cherished for its antioxidant properties, which help combat free radicals and promote skin regeneration, contributing to a more youthful complexion.
The presence of propolis in skincare products is often accompanied by other natural ingredients like honey, royal jelly, and plant extracts in order to enhance its therapeutic effects.
Propolis's role in modern skincare extends to anti-aging formulations, where it assists in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through its collagen-stimulating properties. The growing interest in this ingredient has spurred a surge in research and innovation across a multitude of fields.
You can try propolis with AORE’s Glow-Enhancing Capsule Essence.
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