Bee products/Propolis

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Bee Propolis

The term "propolis" comes from two Greek words: "pro," which means "before," and "polis," which means

"city." This ancient term came into being centuries ago when some early

Greek student of Nature established the fact that honeybees use propolis

to narrow the opening into their "cities," or hives, to keep out unwelcomed

intruders. Many sources attribute the word to Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

What is Propolis ?

Propolis is a sticky resin that seeps from the buds of some trees and

oozes from the bark of other trees, chiefly conifers.

The bees gather propolis, sometimes called bee glue, and carry it home in

their pollen baskets. They blend it with wax flakes secreted from special

glands on their abdomens.

Propolis is used to slickly line the interior of brood cells in preparation

for the queen's laying of eggs, a most important procedure. With its antiseptic

properties, this propolis lining insures a hospital-clean environment for

the rearing of brood.

The Constituents of Propolis Chemically speaking, propolis is a very complex mixture. Its chemical elements

vary according to its source. Colors range from golden brown to brownish

green to reddish brown to blackish brown. A broad analysis reveals approximately

55 percent resinous compounds and balsam, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent

ethereal and aromatic oils, and 5 percent bee pollen. Many flavonols contribute

to propolis. Other components include cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, vanillin,

caffeic acid, tetochrysin, isalpinin, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and

ferulic acid.

The Properties of Propolis Propolis is another medicinal marvel from the beehive. Research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties. Propolis is Nature's premiere preventive. It is so powerful

in action, it is often called Russian penicillin in acknowledgement of the

extensive research the Russians have mounted on this wonder worker from the

bees. Propolis demonstrates strong antimicrobial properties against various

bacterial and fungal infestations. Even streptococcus bacteria have been

shown sensitive to propolis.

Natures's Preventive Medicine Propolis has been justly called Nature's premier preventive. The immune

system is supported and strengthened by the ingestion of propolis. Modern scientific studies indicate that those who take propolis regularly escape

winter colds and sore throats and seem to develop a natural immunity to common

viruses, including the various strains of flu.

Chemical antibiotics destroy all bacteria in the body, both the friendly, (necessary flora required for healthy functioning in the entire gastrointestinal

tract) and the bad intestinal flora. An individual who constantly takes

prescribed antibiotics for one condition after another soon learns to his

sorrow that the drugs may no longer work as well as they once did. As invading

bacteria get "smarter," the drugs become less and less effective.

Propolis, the natural antibiotic, works against harmful bacteria without

destroying the friendly bacteria the body needs. Propolis has also been

proven effective against strains of bacteria that resist chemical antibiotics.

The field of influence of propolis is extremely broad. It includes cancer,

infection of the urinary tract, swelling of the throat, gout, open wounds,

sinus congestion, colds, influenza, bronchitis, gastritis, diseases of the

ears, periodontal disease, intestinal infections, ulcers, eczema eruptions,

pneumonia, arthritis, lung disease, stomach virus, headaches, Parkinson's

disease, bile infections, sclerosis, circulation deficiencies, warts, conjunctivitis,

and hoarseness.

Propolis helps regulate hormones and is an antibiotic substance that stimulates

the natural resistance of the body. Propolis may be used by everyone, sick

or healthy, as a means of protection against microorganisms. Propolis is

also efficient against conditions caused by bacteria, viruses, or different

fungi. Propolis cures many diseases because it is a special natural substance

with strong effect.

Use it as part of your daily program of supplementation. It has helped

the bee society survive and thrive for over 45 million years. It may well

help you survive ... for a long time!

Don't Bee Burned

A natural mixture of bee pollen and other substances produced by honey bees,

propolis offers significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.

Not surprisingly, research finds propolis, or "bee glue," comparable to

silver sulfadiazine in treating second-degree burns. Following minor burn

patients, investigators noted no significant difference between the natural

and pharmaceutical treatments in the formation of bacterial colonies. In

addition, burns treated with propolis were less inflamed, and the patients

using this natural skin cream healed faster Propolis is also less expensive

and less likely to produce allergic side effects.