Propolis is made from plant resins which are high in bioflavonoids. Flavonoids are chemicals which are antioxidant. They have been shown to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic and antitumoral. When these chemicals come into contact with bacteria and viruses they have the effect of inhibiting their growth. Propolis does not target specific bacteria or viruses, like a pharmaceutical antibiotic. Rather, it helps the body defend itself against the infection by suppressing the replication of bacteria, preventing its spread around the body.