Propolis is made by the western honeybee and some other stingless bee species as a hive sealant and embalming agent. It doesn’t sound like a wellness supplement when you say it that way, but more people than ever are taking it as one.

Supplementing with propolis in late summer makes sense for your wellness. Now’s the time that you can enjoy being outdoors more than at any other time of the year. A capsule, tablet, or other delivery format that keeps you well is worth it.

Late summer and wellness

It’s late summer now, but it’ll be autumn before you know it. Feeling as well as you can between now and then should be your priority.

Working on your wellness takes a few things: eating well, exercising within your limits, and using supplements that complement your health goals.

Everyone eats, and everyone moves, so really, the optional part is supplements. Most people take supplements to top-up their nutrition from their diet, and as an attempt to improve a health concern, such as a lack of energy or being prone to colds.

Propolis is growing as a supplement of choice because it’s natural and complements additional supplements, such as vitamin C and zinc, with no overall downside. It’s effectively an extra product you can take and monitor for wellness improvements.

Propolis and wellness -- what it offers

Bees make propolis and use it in the hive as a protective product. It’s a smart move; hives are prone to disease, invaders, and destruction from the elements when unsealed. Propolis is that sealant, and it offers promising wellness benefits.

There are trace amounts of antibacterial agents in propolis. That’s why it’s effective at keeping infection out of hives. Taking propolis for the same carries no risk and provides an additional angle to keep you feeling well.

Other trace compounds in propolis include polyphenols and flavonoids. In large enough quantities, these are helpful for minor wound healing and immune support, although one standard propolis supplement dose doesn’t provide a significant amount.

Taking propolis does provide some health-beneficial elements, then. It takes time for these to take effect in your body, and results vary.

When to start taking propolis for wellness

There are a few situations when taking propolis makes sense. It is not a cure-all or magic supplement for your health, but it can assist you with these goals:

  • Feeling more energetic. Propolis with Vitamin C & Zinc tablets is your go-to product here. Propolis is popular as a morning supplement for energy. Vitamin C is also authorised in the EU register of health claims to contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
  • Improving skin and nail health. Propolis cream is a popular product for dry skin, and the zinc in the tablets we mentioned above has authorised claims for contributing to healthy skin, nails, and hair.
  • Cutting down on unhealthy sweets. Pick Propolis Lozenges in Honey & Eucalyptus, Aniseed, or Turmeric & Ginger as a replacement for boiled sweets and lozenges that don’t contain any helpful ingredients.

How to start taking propolis

You can take propolis as a solid (capsule, tablet) or a liquid -- propolis liquid pulls double duty in drinks and wet foods or as a topical product for your skin.

The daily dose with capsules and tablets is 1,000mg. It’s best to take it for around 60 days before deciding if it has any summer wellness benefits.

Related: Five simple ways to incorporate propolis into your wellness routine

Propolis’s place in your late summer wellness routine

Don’t treat propolis as a replacement for your multivitamins or other supplements. Its compounds are different and carry their own potential benefits.

Taking propolis alongside your regular supplements is best, and there are no reasons to reduce the dose of those supplements or switch things around.

Propolis is not known to react with or affect other supplements. Something to consider, though, is any other additional ingredients, such as vitamin C. These additions could push your daily intake above normal if you're already taking the vitamin separately.

Starting your propolis journey

Propolis is worth taking for late summer wellness. It works with your current routine, and there are multiple formats to try.

The place most people start is a daily capsule or tablet because it’s convenient. You can then move on to throat sprays and other products as needed.

Browse our complete propolis range to start your journey when you’re ready.