Bee propolis benefits
Propolis is a mixture collected by bees. It is a sticky substance that is found in botanicals like tree buds and sap flows. Bees use it as a sealant for small gaps in their hives. Until the 20th century, relatively little was known about propolis, but now a number of significant human uses are coming to light.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians recognized propolis’ healing abilities and used it to cure skin lesions. Since the 1300’s, European folk remedy has respected and celebrated propolis as an effective external healing agent. Various preparations were made with propolis as the key ingredient to cure a variety of topical ailments. It was not until the late 20th century that science has begun to fully explore the benefits that propolis has to offer. Today the World Health Organization acknowledges propolis as an effective natural cure, whose popularity and widespread use are ever growing. As natural healing remedies have sparked more and more interest, propolis has come under investigation.
Bees collect resins from the buds of various botanicals. These include poplars, pine and birches. The honeybees chew on the resin, adding their saliva to the substance. This combination is called propolis, and is vitally important to bee survival. It is fundamental in building their hives, protects them against disease, and strengthens the hive walls to shield the honeybees from harsh weather. Propolis is dark brown in color and very sticky at room temperature and warmer. When it cools, propolis becomes brittle.
Bee propolis contains many flavonoids, which have healing and antibiotic effects. Flavonoids facilitate growth and health by doing a number of things such as stimulating hair to grow, blood to circulate, bile to be secreted and urine to be passed. Not only are flavonoids great antibacterial agents, they are also used to treat ulcers, arthritis and flu symptoms. Flavonoids can also be successful at treating more chronic diseases and health problems like stress and joint stiffness.
Propolis sounds like a simple mixture but it is in fact a complex compound, with over 100 constituents. Just over half of its composition is accounted for by resin and balms. It is 30% wax, 10% pollens, and 5% fixed substances. These are elements like grease, amino acid, microelements like zinc and copper, and amino acids. Propolis has a high vitamin content, particularly vitamins B, E and C.
Propolis has been shown to treat an astonishing variety of symptoms and ailments. These include acne, asthma, bleeding gums, the common cold, rashes, diarrhea, eczema, hay fever, hair loss, any type of inflammation, sore throats, toothaches, ulcers and warts. The amazing thing about propolis is that it has so many healing properties. It is an anti-fungus, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibiotic. It is a wonderfully versatile remedy to keep on hand because of its appropriate application to so many problems.
Propolis is a safe and effective natural medicinal ingredient. One thing worth noting is that the eye area should be avoided when using propolis. If it makes contacts with the eyes, irritation will occur. Prolonged and repeated use of propolis may increase people’s propensity for developing allergies.
Propolis is available to you in several different forms so you can choose whichever one makes you the most comfortable. You can take it daily in capsule or tablet form if this is easiest for you. You also have the option of ingesting it in a powder. You can mix it with food or water for regular consumption. There are also propolis creams and cosmetics on the market if you want to use it for a topical treatment. It is used in small quantities in many brands of honey, and available in nutritional supplements, which can be found at your local health food store or ordered online. It’s just a matter of sizing up your personal needs and shopping around before you will discover exactly what propolis can do for you.
[quote|tags=bee propolis]
Comments are closed
Related Information
