Pharmacy Find: Propolis Spray

A few weeks ago I had about an hour to spare in Vienna, and having consulted our Black Book thoroughly before my trip, I knew I wanted to visit Saint Charles Apothecary. The Black Book entry on the apothecary had a photo of a dark, seemingly hand-carved wooden cabinet lined with rows of neatly organized tinctures and potions, which was enough to pique my interest. When I arrived, I learned that the cabinets (and the pharmacy itself) date to 1886, and that the shop has always focused on the healing power of nature, specifically herbs, though they now carry brands like Aesop alongside their own product line. 

I was fascinated by their hyper-specific products: antibacterial spruce resin ointment, a magnesium gel for sore muscles, essential oil blends for aufguss sauna sessions, and even a spray made just for yoga mats. I came across a 100% propolis spray and remembered hearing about the amazing properties of this bee byproduct during a beekeeping lesson last year. 

Propolis is a resinous substance bees produce primarily for hive maintenance—to seal cracks and holes in the beehive—and the claims around it are pretty incredible: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, packed with polyphenols and antioxidants. After two trips to Europe in two weeks, I was starting to feel run-down—you know that feeling when you cross the tipping point and just have to admit you’re getting sick and ride it out? That’s where I was, and this 18-euro bottle of amber-hued liquid staring back at me was my only hope. 

I took a few sprays and immediately questioned if this was meant to be ingested or applied topically, that’s how potent the taste is, but was assured it’s meant to be sprayed in your throat and that you get used to the flavor. Jury’s still out on that, but it did nip whatever oncoming malady I had in the bud, and I’ve been taking a spray of it once or twice a week since for good measure. Luckily, they ship worldwide, so if you want to stock up for cold season, you don’t have to fly to Vienna. If you do give it a try, I’d just recommend keeping an Altoid on hand as a chaser.