Propolis - Nature's Antibiotic
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| Propolis |
During cold and flu season everyone seems to have their own magical cure ... and I am no different! Mine, of course, comes from the hive. The minute someone sneezes or coughs I am very quick to recommend, and usually share, my no fail cure, propolis!!
Most people know that bees collect nectar and pollen (or they should if they're reading my blog!!) Honey bees also collect resin from trees. Preferably conifer and poplar trees. This is carried back to the hive on her back legs, just like pollen. This resin is mixed with a little bit of wax and water and becomes an incredibly sticky product called propolis.
Propolis in the hive
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| Propolis in the hive |
Those innovative honey bees have thought of everything, including an all-purpose antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral substance. With up to 60,000 individual honey bees in one hive, it's important to maintain a clean environment.
Every cell in the hive is polished with propolis. A queen bee will inspect each cell for cleanliness before she's willing to lay a precious egg in it. Honey cells are also sterilized with propolis.
Propolis for beekeepers
For beekeepers working in the hives, propolis is a bit of a nuisance. It is very sticky, and pulling boxes, or supers, apart to check hives requires special tools to break the propolis seal. Although, a hive full of propolis is generally going to be a healthy hive!
Propolis for all of us
Honey bees use propolis to sterilize their hive, we use it as a natural antibiotic. Unlike honey, propolis is not sweet and does not taste good. Even so, millions of people continue to take it in its various forms.
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| Propolis in capsule form |
Capsules. Probably the easiest form to take. This convenient way allows you to enjoy all the benefits, without the nasty taste.
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| Propolis in spray form |
Liquid spray. This direct application method is most effective for sore throats, sores in the mouth or dental/gum issues. There is the unpleasant taste factor, but the effectiveness makes it well worthwhile. In this form, propolis should be in everybody's first aid kit. It is amazing for disinfecting and healing cuts, abrasions and also bug bites/stings.
Tincture. For children and people who can't swallow capsules, this is a nice option. A few drops can be added to a small glass of juice, usually masking the taste. Propolis is highly recommended in this form for topical application.
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| Propolis in powder form |
Powder. This versatile option is the most potent and can be added to other applications. It is often included in soaps, creams and ointments, or mixed with a little bit and honey for a stronger dose.
Propolis as a medical treatment
Kills bacteria
Treat asthma
Prevents cavities
Anticancer activity
Reduces heat stress
Treatment for warts
Treat food poisoning
Treat food poisoning
Lowers blood pressure
Treat seasonal allergies
Anti-inflammatory effects
Promotes athletic performance
Reduces fat and cholesterol levels
Protects against cell phone radiation
Helps build and maintain healthy bone tissue
Propolis and general health
I like to take one or two propolis capsules daily to maintain a healthy immune system. If I think I might be getting sick, I simply up the dose!
In the past, studies on beekeepers have shown they tend to be one of the healthiest, long-living groups of people. It was discovered, that while they tend to sell most of the honey their hives produce, they were eating the 'hive droppings' which consist mainly of propolis and bee pollen. Today, these 'hive droppings' are purposefully collected and shared with the rest of the population. Interesting!!
This is just another amazing product that is so good for us from that most amazing creature, the honey bee.
This is just another amazing product that is so good for us from that most amazing creature, the honey bee.
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| Propolis |
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