I always like to keep certain supplements on hand this time of year, like vitamin C, and elderberry syrup. With all of the kid’s activities and traveling I do, we’re often exposed to germs. Propolis throat spray is a great (and tasty!) way to get some more immune support.

I keep several bottles of propolis spray in my house at all times. This way it’s always handy when I need one, like if I feel a sore throat or stuffy sinuses coming on. I love buying this brand, but it’s also possible to make it for yourself.

What is Propolis?

Bees make propolis from a mix of resin, beeswax, sap, and other things. You’ll also find antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. It’s vital to their survival, helps protect the hive, and strengthens the structure. It also guards against invaders like disease and parasites. Not only does it do all that for bees, but it has some amazing properties for humans too.

Benefits of Propolis

Propolis has countless biological active compounds. In other words, it has so many beneficial things we haven’t even discovered them all yet. The lengthy list of what it’s thought to help with includes:

• Antidiabetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anticancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• COPD
• Heart disease
• Digestive disorders
• Protects the brain and heart.
• Modulates the immune system
• And lots more!

This podcast guest recommends using propolis over raw honey for seasonal allergies. The good news is that with this DIY propolis spray you can have the benefits of both!

Where to Buy Propolis Spray

Maybe I’ve already convinced you to give propolis a try but you don’t want to make it yourself. The kids and I love this Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis spray (use code wellnessmama for 20% off). It’s naturally gluten-free, doesn’t have preservatives, and is made with New Zealand honey. This brand also has other bee products, like lozenges. And if your little ones aren’t keen on the taste of propolis, they also offer a kid’s propolis that’s milder and sweeter.

I typically get their products online but you can find them in-store at certain health food stores too. I’ve also seen them at Whole Foods.

How to Make a Propolis Glycerite

There are two ways to make this throat spray. You can either buy a premade propolis glycerite or make your own. Glycerites are similar to herbal tinctures but instead of using alcohol, you use vegetable glycerin. They do take 6 weeks to make though, so if you’re in a hurry buying it may be the better option.

Glycerites are safe for kids, naturally sweet, and won’t burn or irritate the throat like alcohol. Here’s how to make a bee propolis extract with glycerin:

1. Place 2/3 cup of propolis powder in a 16-ounce glass jar.
2. Combine 3/4 cup glycerin with 1/4 cup distilled water in a separate jar and stir well.
3. Pour the glycerin/water mixture over the propolis powder and stir to combine.
4. Put the lid on the jar and shake daily for 6 weeks.
5. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a clean jar (this will take a while!). You may need to do this step twice to remove all of the powder.

You can easily double or halve this recipe depending on your preference. Once you have your propolis glycerite or have bought it, you’re ready to make the throat spray!

If your honey is already on the thin side you may not need to add the water. You can try it without at first to see if it will work. Mine reluctantly came out of the sprayer but worked much better when thinned with a little water. The more water you add the shorter the shelf life though, so use sparingly!

How to Use Propolis Throat Spray

I like to use propolis spray at the first sign of illness. All you do is squirt a few sprays directly into the throat. The kids like it too because it tastes good and is sweet! This spray is also good when traveling or anytime you need an extra immune boost. I always have some with me when I’m on a flight to help keep inflammation down.

Here are more ways to stay healthy while flying.

Have you ever used propolis before? What are your favorite bee products to keep on hand? Leave a comment and let me know!

If you’re still using store-bought lotion there are super easy natural alternatives that are fun to make! This DIY lotion recipe has three basic ingredients and only takes ten minutes to whip together.

The basic recipe is an ultra-moisturizing water-free version that lasts for years without preservatives. While lotion is technically a formulation of water and oil-based skincare ingredients, this one is oil-based. It feels more like a body butter and is great for dry skin.

Homemade Lotion

I discovered years ago that I could use natural ingredients to make my own skincare products and I haven’t looked back since! From homemade lip balm to whipped body butter I love making my own. Lotion bars were one of the first things I made and I’ve branched out to other kinds of lotion too. This version uses unrefined coconut oil, almond oil, and shea butter to nourish skin deeply.

Most lotions use emulsifying wax to blend distilled water and carrier oils together. It can be tricky to do at home. Plus it requires preservatives to keep it from going bad! This DIY lotion skips that problem by eliminating the water. You can further extend the shelf life by using vitamin E. This antioxidant helps oils not go rancid as quickly.

Choosing a Carrier Oil

I use sweet almond oil for the carrier oil since it’s a middle of the road oil. It’s not as heavy as coconut oil, but it’s more moisturizing than something like grapeseed oil. You could replace it with whatever liquid carrier oil you prefer. Jojoba, olive oil, or avocado oil are also good options.

This lotion is ultra-moisturizing and more oily than water-based lotions so you won’t need to use as much. It also has a longer shelf life than some homemade lotion recipes. All the ingredients are already shelf stable and no water is added.

Custom Lotion Making

Once you master the base recipe, have fun customizing your lotion to your skin type, skin conditions, and desired scent!

There are endless variations, but some of my favorites are:

• Baby Lotion – Infuse the oil with dried calendula and chamomile before making the lotion.
• Cooling Muscle Rub – Add peppermint, wintergreen, and ginger for sore muscles.
• Anti-aging Face Lotion – Use argan oil and add lavender and patchouli essential oils.
• Lavender and Vanilla Lotion – Add a few drops of lavender and a little natural vanilla extract.

Essential Oil Safety

So how many drops of essential oils should you add to your DIY lotion? It depends on the essential oil and your preference. If you add the optional shea butter, 45 drops of essential oil will be a 1% dilution. A 2% dilution is generally considered safe for skincare products like lotion.

If you like a really strong scent you could double the amount (to 2%). Or if you prefer a lighter scent or have more sensitive skin, you could cut the amount in half (or even less!). I avoid using essential oils on little ones, especially babies.

Certain oils like wintergreen, cinnamon, and lemongrass are harsher and need to be used in smaller amounts. Others, like grapefruit and lime, are phototoxic. Some of my favorite skin-friendly essential oils to use include:

Don’t Want to Make It?

If you want healthy lotion but don’t want to make it or don’t have the ingredients there are some good store-bought options. These lotions have clean ingredients and help hydrate thirsty skin:

Other Homemade Lotion Recipe Variations

There are lots of ways you can make your own lotion at home. Here are some more lotion tutorials to try:

Ever made DIY lotion before? How did it go? Let me know below!