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Since ancient times, scientists and philosophers have used products of natural origin not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. Propolis was the most popular bee product. Propolis was especially useful for children: it was used to treat a variety of diseases. Now there are many techniques for preparing various preparations based on this component – you can choose any one, depending on the purpose of prescribing the remedy.
At what age can you give propolis to children
Before talking about the method of using this product, you need to understand what it is and what are the features of this tool. It has been used since ancient Greece. It was already used for medical purposes. In addition, propolis was the most popular disinfectant.
Propolis is a complex complex of organic compounds with a sweet smell. For its preparation, bees use the resinous substances of plants. Moreover, insects collect these fluids from different parts of plants (buds, leaves, branches, herbs). Then, with the help of salivary secretion and wax, the “nectar” is processed. As a rule, high-quality propolis is extracted by bees from aspen, oak and birch (in rare cases from poplar). In these cases, the product contains up to 70% resinous substances.
By the way, the color of this product will depend on the tree from the resin of which it was made. So, for conifers, it will be dark brown in color, and for hardwoods, it will be close to a brown tint.
The composition of propolis
Useful and healing properties of this beekeeping product are due to its composition.
It contains several essential ingredients.
- Wax. It makes up approximately 1/3 of the entire mass of the bee product.
- Essential oils. Their number is close to 10% of the total number of components.
- resins. Make up more than half of the mass of the component.
- Pollen. She is responsible for the “stickiness” of the product.
- Trace elements: potassium, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, manganese, iron, nickel, bromine, zinc, copper, aluminum.
- Vitamins: A, B, E, PP.
- Organic acids: caffeic, ferulic.
Due to the complex action of these compounds, the desired product is used not only in medicine, but also in many other areas of life.
Forms and dosages
Although there are a lot of different types of this drug, the most popular among users are:
- water tinctures;
- alcohol tinctures;
- oil tinctures.
In addition, propolis-based ointments and creams are used for children.
Age of children for taking propolis
Children are allowed to use all possible variants of drugs based on propolis. However, the dosage and method of application depends on the age of the child.
Alcohol tincture should be with a concentration in the range of 5-10%. And before use, it should be diluted in water. Take an alcohol tincture drop by drop for each year of the child (3 years – 3 drops, 4 years – 4 drops, and so on). When reaching the age of 14 years, the child can be given an “adult” dose.
If the baby is allergic to the tincture, it is recommended to dilute propolis in milk with honey.
All medicines can be purchased at a pharmacy, but each body is individual, so many doctors advise preparing tinctures at home.
Medicinal properties of propolis
Propolis is considered the most useful product of beekeeping. It has a number of valuable properties.
- It helps in the prevention and treatment of colds, infectious diseases. It owes its antimicrobial action to the presence of organic acids in the composition.
- Propolis is used to heal various superficial wounds and moderate burns.
- This bee product can be used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.
- It is known that this bee component is the strongest antioxidant.
- It is used to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system, as it strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
- Many neuropathologists recommend their patients to use this bee product for the prevention of “nervous” diseases.
- It is used in gynecology in the treatment of various diseases of the uterus.
Despite all the positive aspects, propolis has a drawback – it is not suitable for all people (an allergic reaction is possible). It is important to consult your doctor before using it!
How to take propolis for children
There are different methods of preparation of medicinal propolis preparations. Moreover, these funds will differ depending on the healing effect.
With ARVI and ARI
For the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, it is required at least 2 times a year to give children a tincture (water or oil) for 7-10 days (regularly 1 time per day, daily).
For treatment, inhalations with propolis are used.
With sore throat, bronchitis and tonsillitis, which often accompany colds, babies should be given this bee product with milk at night. This bee component does not combine well with antibiotics, so it should be given 2-4 hours after taking the last drug.
For diseases of the ENT organs
For dental problems, the child should be asked to gargle with tincture. And babies need to lubricate the gums with an ointment based on this product (this helps when teeth are being cut).
For sore throats, propolis should be diluted with glycerin – this will give the maximum effect.
The bee product also helps with otitis media. It is enough to insert a cotton swab moistened with a tincture of this component, and the problem is solved. In more acute and difficult periods, the solution should be instilled into the ears for a long period of time (at least 3 days).
When coughing
There are 2 options:
- Carry out inhalations 2 times a day.
- Make “cakes” from propolis and apply to the throat during the day.
At night it is recommended to give tincture with honey.
With a runny nose
Babies should lubricate the nose with tincture of water 2 times a day. But older children can make nasal drops by mixing an alcohol solution of propolis with a solution of sea salt in a ratio of 3: 1.
With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Depending on the affected organ, the technique for taking this component will be different.
Stomach
The tincture should be used, after diluting it in milk. It should be taken on an empty stomach, about half an hour before meals.
Liver
To treat jaundice, dilute the tincture with water. You need to use a course (1 month), and every week the concentration should be increased by 10 drops, and start with 20 drops. In addition, taking the drug does not depend on the time of eating!
Intestines
And for this body, a wide variety of various means based on propolis is used:
- tiles;
- tinctures;
- lotion;
- candles and ointments.
Regardless of what a person chooses, they will in any case help in normalizing bowel function.
How to prepare propolis for children for immunity
Propolis for immunity should not be given to children immediately. First you need to check if there is an allergy to honey. To do this, it is enough to wipe the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin with tincture and wait for a day (if there is no redness, then there is no allergy).
In addition, propolis to increase immunity in children is not recommended for babies under three years of age.
There are various recipes for propolis to improve immunity for children.
Before preparing them, it is worth understanding some of the rules of what is needed for the tincture to give the most beneficial effect to the child.
- Propolis should be natural and fresh. Buy only from trusted suppliers in specialized stores!
- The product is subject to preliminary preparation: cleaning from contaminants and subsequent freezing.
- Alcohol (as one of the main ingredients) should be 70 percent. To dilute propolis powder in it, the required ratio of 1:9 should be taken into account.
If the alcohol tincture is not tolerated by the child’s body, then it is better to dilute it in oil. To do this, dilute the tincture in a water bath (in a porcelain dish), stirring constantly until the liquid is completely dissolved, and then strain the resulting solution through several layers of gauze into a separate container.
Water tincture of propolis for children
This is the simplest recipe for a propolis-based drug.
Ingredients:
- propolis – 0,01 kg;
- water – 0,01 l.
Algorithm cooking:
- Prepare water: boil, cool to room temperature.
- Pour into a saucepan, bring to a temperature of 50 degrees over low heat. Pour in the bee product.
- Pour into a thermos and let it brew for a day.
The use of an aqueous solution of propolis by children should not exceed a period of three days, otherwise the tincture will deteriorate and lose all its useful qualities.
Propolis on alcohol for children
To save money, alcohol tincture can be prepared at home, but this will take a much longer period of time than the previous method.
Ingredients:
- propolis – 10 g;
- alcohol – 100 ml.
Algorithm:
- In a glass container, mix the ingredients, close.
- Put in a dark place for 10 days. Shake periodically.
- Filter into a container through cheesecloth.
- Close the lid and refrigerate.
Unlike other means, the use of propolis tincture for alcohol by children is of a long-term nature, since the shelf life of the product is higher (up to 5 years).
How to give propolis to children for immunity
Healing bee remedy is used during periods of cold exacerbations. As a rule, the course of therapy is from 2 weeks to 1 month. Propolis should be taken 1 time per day, and in severe situations – 2 times.
Safety measures
You need to remember the following rules:
- Self-medication can only aggravate the situation. First of all, you need to see a doctor.
- Before taking bee products, you should be sure that there are no allergic reactions in the child’s body.
- Home preparations should be made only in clean dishes and with clean hands.
Противопоказания
Despite its medicinal properties, propolis also has contraindications for children:
- You can not use it for children with individual intolerance to the components of the composition of this product.
- Do not give propolis to children allergic to honey.
In any case, before use, you should consult your doctor!
Conclusion
Propolis will help children in a variety of situations: for this, there are a variety of methods for preparing medicines at home based on this product. However, it can also become the worst enemy, because it has contraindications. It is worth remembering: self-medication of children is prohibited.