Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees from plant materials, has been used traditionally for centuries in folk medicine to support the health of mucus membranes, particularly in the mouth and throat. Its use dates back to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times, where it was applied for wound healing and as an antimicrobial agent. Traditional practices have relied on propolis for soothing sore throats, treating mouth ulcers, and promoting oral hygiene, likely due to its perceived antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Scientific studies have begun to explore propolis’s effects, with some research indicating antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory actions relevant to mucus membranes. For instance, several in vitro and small clinical studies suggest that propolis extracts can inhibit the growth of oral pathogens and may reduce symptoms in conditions like aphthous ulcers and pharyngitis. However, the body of clinical evidence remains limited, with most studies being small, short-term, or not rigorously controlled. Therefore, while there is a basis in tradition and some promising preliminary scientific findings, the use of propolis to support mucus membranes is not yet strongly validated by large-scale, high-quality clinical trials.

In summary, propolis is primarily justified for mucus membrane support based on traditional use, supported by moderate but not conclusive scientific evidence.