Remedies for sore throat: the benefits of propolis and honey

Deal with a sore throat using natural products? 94% of Italians who turn to the pharmacist do so, according to new research conducted by EMG Different on behalf of Alphasigmawith the aim of investigating the attitude of Italians towards treating sore throats.
Furthermore, in 92% of cases, regarding the composition of natural remedies, it is the propolis the ingredient considered most important, together with honey (74%) to counteract this seasonal disorder.

Propolis and honey, unique benefits

Used at the time of the Egyptians as a remedy for embalming and by the Greeks and Romans to fight infections and pain in the mouth, propolis has powerful antimicrobial properties and for this reason it is still today an effective and very widespread natural remedy in the case of oral diseases, first of all sore throats, one of the most common ailments during the cold months, commonly treated with the use of lozenges and sprays .

«Viruses, bacteria, allergies and cigarette smoke, smog, rising gastric acid juices towards the throat contribute to eroding and inflaming the epithelial barrier that defends our throat», explained the doctor Paolo Petroneotolaryngologist and ENT Medical Director, CTO Hospital of Bari, on the occasion of the event The Neo Evolution: NeoBorocillina tells the habits of Italians in treating sore throats through the point of view of pharmacists, organized in Milan by Alfasigma. «And at that point it doesn’t take much, with the arrival of the first cold and the first changes in body temperature, to trigger that annoying and unbearable pain in the throat that everyone has felt at least once in their life and which can also cause coughing, lowering of voice, pain when swallowing”.

Sore throat, because the antibiotic is often not needed

However, it is good to know that in the specific case of sore throat, only 1 adult and 3 children out of 10 may need an antibiotic. Their active substances, in fact, only work in the presence of bacteria, while the majority of cases found are viral in nature.

«When the first home remedies such as lemon juice, boiling herbal teas and hot milk do not achieve the desired results, patients turn to the pharmacist for more serious and effective solutions», underlines Petrone. «Fortunately, pharmaceutical science provides us with products based on natural substances such as propolis and honey which medical literature talks about a lot. Safe products, which can also be used by children and the elderly, and which, without being real drugs, they have an important antibacterial role and help soothe the first discomfort caused by a sore throat».

Propolis and the importance of the concentration of polyphenols

If you act promptly, within the first 24/48 hours from the onset of symptoms, the action of the virus can in fact be counteracted thanks to the use of natural products such as propolis. The only precaution, where possible, is to carefully check the quality of the propolis you choose to use. Like honey, it changes based on the climate and the bees that produce it. Since the plants are different from area to area, the effectiveness can vary depending on the quantity of polyphenols contained, (studies conducted by Alphasigma they demonstrated that the concentration of polyphenols necessary in propolis for it to be effective against sore throat must not be less than 20%).

In fact, polyphenols are attributed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They would be able to protect cells from oxidative stress, also carrying out an antibacterial, antipruritic, antiparasitic and cytotoxic action.

6 benefits of honey against sore throat

Propolis and honey represent a winning combination against sore throat, thanks to the characteristics that both possess. In the case of honey, six advantages in particular emerge, as explained by Paola Benatti, Head of Nutraceutical, Cosmetic & MD Development – Corporate R&D of Alfasigma:

• Carry out aantimicrobial action since it contains hydrogen peroxide inside
• It’s a acidic substance and acids are enemies of bacteria.
• Has a’soothing action on the mucous membranes.
• It acts from oral cavity lubricant because the sugars contained stimulate salivation.
• It is particularly recommended in case of cough in children.
• Create a barrier effect on the throatbecause it is spread on the mucous membranes offering greater protection from allergens, pollutants and external agents in general.

Do propolis and honey really work? All that remains is to test its effectiveness next time you have a sore throat!