Most people know about the health benefits of honey, but have you considered using other bee products such as propolis as a health supplement? You should!
It is an incredible natural health supplement, and an increasing number of people from around the world are becoming aware of the powerful medicinal properties of propolis, and how it can benefit your health when consumed regularly.
Firstly, what is propolis and how is it made?
Often referred to as bee glue. Propolis is a natural, non-toxic, resinous and sticky substance that is produced by honeybees. Sounds interesting right! How do they do this? Through combining tree resin with digestive secretions, beeswax, and pollen.
Propolis is extracted from the beehive using a special mesh that is placed inside the hive and collected in the summer months.
Protect and strengthen the beehive
Bees use propolis to protect and strengthen their hive. With this natural product, the hive is protected from rain, and pests such as insects and rodents.
Propolis maintains aseptic conditions and the appropriate temperature within the hive. It acts as a biocide that successfully fights bacteria, fungi and larvae of certain pests.
In order to eliminate the potential infection within the hive, the bodies of dead pests are covered with propolis and thus prevent their decomposition.
How is Propolis so powerful?
The powerful properties of propolis comes from the tree resin that makes up its bulk, plus essential oils and bioflavonoids. Resin is the trees natural protection against infection and parasites.
When the bark of a tree is damaged, it oozes resin to seal the wound, and prevent fungi from entering. Trees also produce resin as a response to parasitic infection, as it can kill attacking insects and their larvae.
The digestive secretions produced by bees when they harvest the resin further enhance these healing properties.
They break down the chemical structure of the resin, that releases a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids, and make them more bio-available to animals. The bees then combine the processed resin with beeswax and pollen to form propolis.
The exact makeup of propolis depends on the type of tree resin and flower pollen harvested by bees, and the time of year.
Propolis contains antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant properties.
Sounds too good to be true right?
What are the health benefits of Propolis, and how can it positively affect my body?
Propolis is high in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B1, B2, B6, C, E, and P, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains a high concentration of flavonoids, which contribute to beneficial amino acids and other compounds.
For centuries, propolis has been used medicinally among different cultures, such as Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese.
Because your gut makes up about 70% of your entire immune system, taking propolis every day over a long period of time, is a great way to help strengthen this!
Some of the potential benefits it offers when regularly consumed or used by humans include:
Anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation throughout the body, improving overall health, and reducing the symptoms of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Its antiviral properties help the body to fend off and recover from viruses more quickly.
The fungicidal properties prevent and help the body to heal from fungal infections such as candida albicans, which is the most common type of fungal infection.
As an anti-parasitic, it can help the body to fight and recover from invasion by parasites.
It can help wounds to heal and prevents infection and scarring.
How do I take Propolis?
It's a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect your body against the effects of free radicals, which are associated with ageing and many health conditions.
It supports and stimulates the immune system, raising the body’s natural resistance to bacteria and infections.
Studies show that propolis can help prevent dental caries and control gingivitis and plaque. It reduces halitosis (bad breath) and symptoms of periodontitis.
Not only is it good for boosting immune function but may also help to balance auto-immune dysfunction.
A great skincare supplement. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, this means it’s great for acne prone skin, and promotes faster wound healing. Which in term can help keep your skin looking clearer, younger and fresh!