Propolis

Propolis, also known as Bee Propolis or bee glue occurs naturally in honey, bees make propolis from tree sap and wax to help seal off their hives. Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, and is sometimes added to lip gloss and other cosmetics.  At least 180 different compounds have been identified so far in propolis.

Nature provided the ideal answer for the bees. Certain trees, such as poplar, willow, horse chestnut and birch, exude a sap which has antibiotic qualities to protect that tree from infection. Bees gather this sap, remetabolized it with their own nectar secretions, and took it back to the hive. They put this substance all over the hive so every bee could 'brush' against it and become 'immunized'.

Some 20 years ago propolis was 'rediscovered' by a Danish scientist, K. Lung Aagaard and a French doctor, Remy Chauvin. They worked specifically to standardize the quality of this natural product. The use of propolis for medical purposes and to prevent decomposition dates back to the ancient world. In the Middle Ages propolis was used to disinfect the newborns' umbilicus, as a cicatrizing and as a treatment for sore throats.

Some Russian literature from the 20th century refers to a preparation made of propolis, aromatic herbs and olive oil as an excellent remedy for sore throats and dental caries. For similar purposes propolis was also used in Eastern Medicine.  Today hospitals, clinics and universities in many parts of Europe, are testing propolis for the treatment of many illnesses and conditions of immunity.

Propolis is a very complex mixture that varies according to the source it comes from. Propolis is a mixture of resin, essential oils and waxes mixed with bee glue. Propolis it contains amino acid, minerals, ethanol, vitamin A, B complex, E, pollen and highly active ingredients known as flavonoids or bioflavonoids. Propolis offers antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, and even antiviral properties. With its antiseptic properties it provides a hospital clean environment for the rearing of brood. Propolis works against bacteria in several ways. One study reported that it prevented bacterial cell division and also broke down bacterial walls and cytoplasm, which is how some prescription antibiotics work. As a antibiotic propolis help the hive block out viruses, bacteria, and other organisms.

Moreover, propolis stimulates the body's immune system and can thus be considered as a food supplement which helps to keep a state of healthiness and wellbeing. Following are the most important properties of propolis given in detail:

- antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral action;

- antioxidant (and, as a outcome, anti-ageing) and anti-rancidity effect;

- immunostimulant;

- anaesthetizant.

The propolis benefit spans numerous illnesses, supplements, and the natural human diet effectively. It contains a wide variety of nutrients vital to healthy living. Propolis has been shown to stimulate various enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation and collagen formation, as well as improve the healing of burn wounds. These effects have been shown to be the result of the presence of arginine in propolis. Ethanol extracts of propolis have been found to transform human hepatic and uterine carcinoma cells in vitro, and to inhibit their growth.

Propolis extract has been used to treat:

- TB

- Ulcers

- Hypertension

- Mitosis

- Colitis

- Periodontal disease

- Skin problems (Wound Healing,

- Boost immunity

- Cholesterol Leveling

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Infectious Illnesses (such as cuts, sores, influenza, bacterial infections, pharyngitis and other throat infections, the common cold, and even allergies)

Propolis is available in propolis tablets, propolis capsules, propolis powders, propolis extracts, propolis tincture, propolis drops, propolis spray, propolis creams, propolis lotions, and propolis ointments forms at your local health food store and from numerous online distributorships.

Propolis Plus (90 Caps) by Solaray

Bee Propolis (100 Tabs) by Twinlab