Often called “natures penicillin,” bee propolis has effective antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. This substance recently has been “rediscovered” for its healing and medical properties. Not only does it help prevent infectious diseases; it clears them from the body as well.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a resinous substance gathered by the bees from the leaf buds and the bark of certain trees and bushes. The bees use the propolis as a “cement” that lines the walls of the hive in which they prepare honey, bee pollen, Royal Jelly and other related by-products. Nature has provided bees with this substance to keep them and their hives free of germs in spite of 40,000 to 50,000 bees being crammed into close quarters in the hive.
Bees collect propolis, treat it with their own enzymes and use the sticky material, like putty, to seal cracks and patch holes in the hive and to sterilize it. It protects the insects and their homes from contamination, moisture and germs that could lead to infection or disease. Bees are the only insects having been found to be bacteria free, due to the actions of propolis.
Natural acids and their derivatives as well as terpenoids are also found in propolis, which contribute to the antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral effects.
Propolis is uniquely rich in the caffeic acid phenethyl ester, which in animal studies has inhibited cancer growth and reduced inflammation as effectively as drugs. This super anti-inflammatory improves the absorption of vitamin C and helps to retard bacterial and viral infections.
Propolis is rich in minerals, B vitamins and antibiotics and works to raise the body’s natural resistance by stimulating it to produce its own disease fighting defenses.
Propolis contains all the known vitamins except for Vitamin K. Of all the fourteen minerals the human body requires for normal function, propolis contains all but one: sulfur. Sixteen amino acids within propolis have been identified and it has even more bioflavonoids than found in oranges.
Propolis acts as a local anesthetic, reduces spasms, and helps in the healing of gastric ulcers, while showing improvement on pulmonary functions and strengthening capillaries.
Propolis is a choice ingredient in wound salves. Along with being anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, propolis stimulates new tissue and new cell growth. It promotes swift replenishing of the skin, thus aiding in the quick and aesthetic healing of abrasions and acne, and can be used as a natural alternative for iodine. This is important in promoting the quick healing of wounds and diminishing the occurrence of scars.
Propolis has also shown positive effects in those with arthritic conditions, stiff joints, and in the regeneration of bone tissue.
Antiseptic properties make propolis an ideal nutritional supplement for the throat, mouth and gums.
An average healthy adult can take daily oral doses of propolis to boost the immune system and increase resistance. When prescription antibiotics must be used, propolis works synergistically to boost the effectiveness of the prescription, while strengthening the body and drastically reducing recovery times. Propolis has seen positive results at times when prescribed medication was of no avail. It boosts the immune system, and at the same time, scavenges for and fights invaders, something prescription antibiotics cannot do.
Propolis is known to be a safe, natural supplement, producing no known negative side effects, and when taken regularly, can actually create a positive reaction to almost any disease. In today’s world where antibiotics are routinely over-prescribed, propolis may be your very best natural defense against illness and chronic disease.
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