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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 beekeeping 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 depending on the purpose of the purpose of the remedy.
At what age can propolis be given to children
Before talking about the method of using this product, you need to figure out what it is and what are the features of this tool. They began to use it back in Ancient Greece. It was already used for medical purposes at that time. 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, grasses). Then, with the help of salivary secretions and wax, the "nectar" is processed. As a rule, high-quality propolis is obtained by bees from aspen, oak and birch (in rare situations 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 which it was produced. So, for conifers, it will be dark brown, and for deciduous ones, it will be close to a brown shade.
Propolis composition
The beneficial and healing properties of this beekeeping product are due to its composition.
It contains several basic substances.
- Wax. It makes up about 1/3 of the total 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 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 acid, ferulic acid.
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 many different types of this drug are common, 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 to take propolis
Children are allowed to use all possible propolis-based medications. However, the dosage and route of administration depends on the age of the child.
Alcohol tincture should be with a concentration in the range of 5-10%. Moreover, before use, it should be diluted in water. Alcohol tincture is taken drop by drop for each year of the child (3 years - 3 drops, 4 years - 4 drops, and so on). Upon 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 the propolis in milk with honey.
All medications can be purchased at the pharmacy, but everyone's body is individual, so many doctors advise to prepare tinctures at home.
The healing properties of propolis
Propolis is considered the most useful beekeeping product. Possesses 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 a variety of 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 diseases "on the basis of nerves."
- 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 for preparing 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 once a day, every day).
For treatment, inhalation with propolis is used.
With angina, 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.
With diseases of 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 in the case of teething).
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 tincture of this component, and the problem is solved. In more acute and difficult periods, the solution should be instilled into the ears for an extended period of time (at least 3 days).
When coughing
There are 2 options here:
- To carry out inhalations 2 times a day.
- Make propolis "cakes" and apply to the throat throughout the day.
It is recommended to give a tincture with honey at night.
With a runny nose
Babies need to lubricate their nose with a tincture of water 2 times a day. But for older children, you 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
You should use the tincture, first diluting it in milk. In this case, it should be taken on an empty stomach, about half an hour before meals.
Liver
For the treatment of jaundice, dilute the tincture with water. You need to use a course (1 month), and every week you need to increase the concentration by 10 drops, and start with 20 drops. In addition, the intake of the drug does not depend on the time of eating!
Intestines
And for this organ, a wide variety of all kinds of propolis-based products are used:
- tiles;
- tinctures;
- lotions;
- candles and ointments.
Regardless of what a person chooses, they will in any case help in normalizing the 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 you are allergic to honey. To do this, it is enough to wipe the skin area 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 old.
There are various propolis recipes 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 useful 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 dirt 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 alcoholic 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 porcelain dishes), 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 propolis-based recipe.
Ingredients:
- propolis - 0.01 kg;
- water - 0.01 l.
Cooking algorithm:
- 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 24 hours.
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 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:
- Mix the ingredients in a glass container, close.
- Place in a dark place for 10 days. Shake occasionally.
- Filter into a container through cheesecloth.
- Close the lid and put in the cold.
Unlike other means, the use of propolis tincture on alcohol by children has a long-term character, 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 colds. Typically, the course of therapy is from 2 weeks to 1 month. Propolis should be taken once a day, and in severe situations - 2 times.
Precautions
Remember the following rules:
- Self-medication can only make the situation worse. First of all, you need to see a doctor.
- Before taking beekeeping products, you should be sure that there are no allergic reactions in the child's body.
- Homework should only be done in clean dishes and with clean hands.
Contraindications
Despite its medicinal properties, propolis also has contraindications for children:
- It should not be used by children with individual intolerance to the components of the composition of this product.
- Do not give propolis to children with a honey allergy.
In any case, you should consult a doctor before use!
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, he can also become the worst enemy, since he has contraindications. It is worth remembering: self-medication of children is prohibited.
