Hot weather and busy schedules put pressure on your body. Many people turn to propolis during summer months, believing it helps them stay well when they're run down.

Bees coat their hives with propolis for protection. Humans have used it for thousands of years, though science hasn't confirmed all traditional beliefs about its benefits.

Join us below for five reasons propolis might suit your summer routine.

1.   Daily immune support

You might choose propolis when summer schedules leave you feeling run down. Traditional belief holds that its natural compounds help your body cope with late nights and busy social calendars.

Propolis contains flavonoids and phenolic acids — the same protective substances bees use for their hives. Daily tablets fit into most routines easily, whether you prefer morning doses with breakfast or evening ones with dinner.

2.    Travel companion

Travel means constant environmental changes — recycled air on transport, dramatic temperature shifts between buildings and outdoors. Propolis has travelled with people for centuries, now available in formats designed for modern journeys.

Sprays work quickly when you need them, whilst lozenges provide longer-lasting coverage during extended trips. Many people report feeling better protected when taking propolis regularly throughout their travels, though individual experiences differ considerably.

3.    Skin support

Sun, chlorine and saltwater affect skin differently than winter weather. Some people apply propolis cream after outdoor exposure.

Propolis has been used on skin for centuries. Users report it feels soothing, though the effects differ between individuals.

Propolis creams come in 30ml travel sizes or 60ml home versions, both suitable for application after outdoor activities. Many users apply cream following swimming or gardening, believing it supports skin recovery from environmental exposure.

4.    Throat comfort

Propolis lozenges coat throat tissues as they dissolve, which is why people have used them for generations when feeling hoarse. Sprays target your mouth area quickly. Both formats have a traditional use for throat discomfort.

Ancient Greeks valued propolis for various purposes. Today's users often keep throat products handy during busy periods.

5.    Energy maintenance

Longer days mean less sleep for most people. You're active from early morning until late evening. Some believe propolis helps maintain energy levels. Nothing replaces proper rest, but many propolis users say they cope better with demanding schedules.

Liquid formats let you adjust intake easily - a few drops in morning coffee or afternoon water, depending on your day.

Practical formats

Different situations need different products. Daily tablets suit home use. Travel requires portable options.

Throat sprays work fast, and propolis lozenges provide a small pick-me-up with their sweet flavour (available in Honey & Eucalyptus and Turmeric & Ginger). Propolis liquid is fantastic for adding to smoothies. For dry skin, propolis cream is best.

Choosing quality propolis

Not all propolis products match the same standards. UK manufacturers follow strict guidelines for purity and potency.

Basic products contain pure propolis. Combination formulas add vitamin C or zinc. Both types have supporters who report benefits.

Price varies between brands and formats. Higher cost doesn't always mean better quality, so always check manufacturing standards instead.

Realistic expectations

Sleep, hydration and sun protection form the foundation of summer health — propolis sits somewhere in the supporting cast. Thousands of years of use across different cultures hint at real value, yet everyone responds differently to natural products.

Starting with small amounts helps gauge your response. Most users try propolis for several weeks before deciding if it helps.

Who should avoid propolis?

Anyone allergic to bees must skip propolis products. Reactions can occur even with processed supplements.

Pregnant women should consult doctors first, and children should not consume propolis. It is for adults only.

Some medications might interact with propolis. Check with pharmacists if you take prescription drugs regularly.

Summer storage tips

Heat affects supplement stability — store propolis products in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.

Heat affects different formats differently — liquids deteriorate faster than tablets, whilst capsules can melt if left in hot cars. Beach bags and tents reach extreme temperatures, so pack propolis carefully or leave it somewhere cooler.

Final thoughts

Today's propolis tablets contain the same sticky substance that Romans packed for military campaigns and Egyptians sealed in tombs.

Bees figured out tree resins could protect their colonies long before humans started scraping them from hives for our purposes.

Modern processing just makes it easier to swallow than the raw chunks our ancestors chewed - you get centuries of traditional use in a convenient supplement.

Try propolis if you're curious about traditional remedies. Stop if you notice no improvement after reasonable trial periods.

Additional reading: Explore Our Propolis Range