Propolis is one of the most valuable beekeeping products. Since ancient times, it has been used in the treatment of various diseases - infections of the skin, respiratory tract and ENT organs, neuritis, diseases of the liver, stomach, intestines, etc. Modern medicine also does not forget about this healing product. A growing body of research confirms the therapeutic effect of propolis. You can find this remedy in any pharmacy; the most common forms are alcoholic tincture and aqueous extract.
In this article, we will discuss the effectiveness of propolis in the treatment of ear diseases. Treatment of ears with propolis involves the use of drops or turunda soaked in alcohol tincture of this product. You can also use pharmacy and homemade ointments. Let's consider in more detail how to treat ears with propolis.
Properties of propolis
Propolis is a solid, waxy substance of dark brown or dark green color, with a characteristic pleasant odor. It is a beekeeping product, which is a tree wax processed with bee enzymes. Bees use it to cover cracks and crevices in hives, and to decontaminate honeycombs before laying eggs.
Due to the disinfecting effect, propolis began to be used in medicine. Later, its other effects on the human body were also discovered, such as:
- analgesic effect;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiviral;
- acceleration of wound healing;
- general strengthening effect on the immune system.
What is the reason for such healing properties of this product? It turns out that it has a very rich composition:
- flavonoids - reduce capillary fragility, thin the blood, and also protect against free radicals;
- fatty acid;
- essential oils of plants;
- pollen;
- minerals - calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, fluorine and many other macro- and microelements;
- fat-soluble vitamins A and E, as well as water-soluble - C, P, B vitamins;
- amino acids, some of which are essential;
- bee enzymes with antifungal and antibacterial effect.
The medicinal value of propolis does not decrease when boiled and dissolved in alcohol. This expands the storage possibilities and ways of using this substance.
Treatment of ear diseases
Propolis is used as a primary or auxiliary agent in the treatment of such ear diseases:
Otitis
In case of otitis media, propolis can be used as a means of enhancing the main treatment. As the only method of treatment, it can be used only in the initial stages of the disease.
If there is a bacterial infection (for example, otitis media), you should consult a doctor and follow his instructions. Usually, treatment for otitis media involves taking antibiotics. This is necessary for the complete destruction of pathogenic microorganisms that multiply in the middle ear cavity. It is known that propolis enhances the effect of antibiotics.
How to use this product for otitis media? Naturally, propolis is not applied to the ears - its alcohol tincture is used for treatment. It is not recommended to use an aqueous extract for otitis media, as water causes maceration of the skin of the ear and eardrum, which can cause pain and deterioration. Alcohol, unlike water, evaporates quickly, and beneficial substances penetrate the tissues of the ear. Propolis tincture is injected into the ear using a pipette. 2-3 drops are enough. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day for 1-2 weeks. This remedy reduces pain, inhibits the vital activity of microorganisms and reduces inflammation.
Acoustic neuritis
Propolis tincture is also used for ears with neuritis - an inflammation of a nerve. This disease can be associated with infection or hypothermia. The main symptom of neuritis is severe ear pain, dizziness, and hearing impairment. For neuritis, use alcohol tincture mixed with olive oil (or any other vegetable). The oil forms a film that prevents rapid evaporation, due to which the beneficial substances act on the ear tissues for a longer time.
Tincture for neuritis should be used only after consulting a doctor.
Furunculosis
Furunculosis is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. With furunculosis of the ear canal, propolis is successfully used in the form of an ointment. Put a gauze turunda soaked in 20% propolis ointment into the ear and leave it overnight.
Contraindications
Propolis is a strong allergen and should be used with caution. People who are allergic to bee products should refrain from using medicines based on it, both for external and internal use.
Before using the tincture or ointment, be sure to do a sensitivity test - drop a little on the bend of the elbow and wait 12 hours. If there are even the slightest signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, rash, itching), this remedy cannot be used.
Can propolis tincture drip into the ear of children? Many people use this traditional medicine even for babies. In this case, it is recommended to dilute the tincture with boiled water (to prevent burns of the child's delicate skin). It is very important to consider the possibility of hypersensitivity - the younger the child, the higher the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction.
