Most people have a lot of respect for bees. After all, they have the ability to sting like no other and they make delicious honey (such a paradox, isn’t it?).
These hard-working insects however make another substance they are less known for- bee propolis. Propolis is a glue-like substance used to repair, mend and patch hives so as to keep their hive architecture from breaking down. They produce propolis by obtaining resin from pines and mixing it with pollen and wax flakes. Propolis not only mends and keeps the hive walls together, it also protects the hive because it serves as an antiseptic, hence the Greek name “propolis” which translates as “defense of the city.” By applying propolis on cracks and holes, bees also keep out dangerous microbes and fungi.
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Bee Propolis
Propolis is sometimes referred to as “bee glue”. This is appropriate because it’s thought to be good at fixing things. When applied externally, it is said to heal wounds and skin infections and even burns. It is said to have antibacterial, anti parasite and anti fungal functions. In children, it even prevents respiratory infections and middle ear infections. It helps to cure common cold symptoms and generally strengthens one’s immune systems.
Much like honey, although it is not as well known and discussed, propolis is a health- inducing agent with many great benefits.
Research has shown that propolis fights against cancer in the brain, pancreas, head, neck, kidney, bladder, blood, liver, colon, breast, skin and prostate. The compounds in propolis work to prevent the spread from organ to organ. It has also been shown to induce cell death and mitigate cancer cell division.
A study showed that propolis out-performed a common drug for herpes! 90 patients with genital herpes applied an ointment containing either propolis or two other common drugs four times. 24 out of 30 patients who applied the propolis ointment were cured.
Bee propolis is used in several ointments and even toothpaste! It serves well to prevent dental cavities. Bee propolis will also fight plaque and tooth caries.
People use propolis for a variety of purposes including dietary supplements. It has several nutritional benefits so it serves great in that respect too; it contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids. These supplements promote vitality and growth- longer hair, healthy nails. They promote the wellbeing of your digestion system as well as better blood circulation.
Propolis is said to be a good treatment for eczema. It can be used on the skin in the form of cream or lotion. One study reported that the oral application of propolis was responsible for curing different types of warts.
Where can you find propolis? It’s available in its raw forms from a local beekeeper but it’s also found in the “cappings” of honey- a mixture of honey, bees wax and propolis. Propolis extracts however are available in capsules, tablets, creams, lotions and ointments. These can be purchased from a drug store or pharmacy.
More research must be done on bee propolis so as to dictate dosages for supplements and discover more of its health benefits. It is best to check with a physician monitoring before indulging in large supplements to avoid harmful side effects (not yet known) or possible allergies.
D-TEK offers our very own line of bee products. Visit our store here.