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Bee
Propolis
Propolis
is a nutrient-rich substance made by honey bees. It is a
resinous substance gathered from deciduous tree bark and
leaves. Used as a healing agent for many centuries it
has the ability to provide protection against infectious
invaders, promote healing and regeneration of tissue,
and provides a superior source of energy and stamina.
Honeybees
create propolis to sterilize the hive and to protect it
against outside intruders and infection. It is also used
to seal cracks in the hive, and for this reason is often
termed ‘bee glue’.
Propolis,
to a greater extent than the other bee products, is used
externally as well is ingested. It is often applied to
skin irritations, cuts, rashes and bruises to sterilize
and disinfect the wound. It is used in tincture form as
a natural alternative to penicillin and other
antibiotics. Used as an antibiotic it is said to be
particularly safe and effective and inhibits the
resistance-building effect that is a negative factor
with prescription antibiotics.
The
fact that viruses and bacteria are unable to build
tolerances against propolis is particularly significant
to the medical field. In an age where prescription
antibiotics are commonly over prescribed, it is becoming
more difficult for scientists to remain one step ahead
when creating antibiotics to treat viral/bacterial
conditions. When antibiotics are taken too frequently,
the harmful bacteria that they are designed to eliminate
begin to build a resistance to the antibiotic, rendering
it impotent.
The
anti resistance-building properties of propolis have
been clinically verified under controlled conditions.
Prominent
Danish scientist, Dr. K. Lund Aagaard has conducted many
tests into the properties of propolis and believes that
in propolis he has found a substance with the greatest
efficiency against the greatest number of diseases.
What
is the chemical composition of propolis?:-
Propolis contains approximately 50-70% resins, 30% wax,
10% etheric oils and 5% pollen.
Propolis
is especially rich in amino acids, important for immune
system function.
It
has a high vitamin content and is extremely rich in
bioflavonoids (Vitamin P). Bioflavonoids are reported to
have numerous immune building properties and health
benefits. Bioflavonoids are the natural pigments in
fruits and vegetables and are found in abundance in
oranges. Propolis contains almost 500 times more
bioflavonoids than is found in oranges!
According
to researcher undertaken at the Second Leningrad
Scientific Conference on the Application of Apiculture
(bee culture) in Medicine, Bee Propolis is found to be
rich in: Vitamin A (carotene), Vitamin B1, B2, B3,
biotin. It contains an array of bioflavonoids, albumin,
calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Except
for vitamin K, Propolis contains all known vitamins and
has fourteen of the 15 minerals that the human body
requires for normal function. (it does not contain
sulfur).
Like
Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, Propolis also contains a
number of unidentified compounds which work together
synergistically to create a balanced, nutritive
substance.
Propolis
and our health:- Propolis
is commonly applied externally in treating cuts and
skin irritations, where its natural antibiotic
properties are shown to be effective.
"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." Dr. K. Lund Aagaard
Dr.
John Diamond, President of the International Academy of
Preventative Medicine says: "Our life energy is the
source of our physical and mental well-being, of glowing
health, of the joy of living..." "I have never
seen a patient with chronic degenerative illness who did
not have an underactive thymus gland. I believe it is
the thymus weakness or underactivity that is the
original cause of the illness.....of all the natural
supplements I have tested the one that seems to be the
most strengthening to the thymus, and hence the life
energy, is bee resin or bee propolis..."
Rich
in bioflavonoids, propolis may help in healing and
mending blood vessels and resisting the release of
histamine. Bioflavonoids are researched as having
particular benefit to high blood pressure, respiratory
infections and liver conditions. More recently, research
has shown that propolis may prevent or retard the growth
of certain types of cancerous cells in the human body.
(research at Columbia University)
Propolis
is commonly associated with the following:
-
natural
antibiotic
-
anti-inflammatory
-
allergies
-
cancer
-
sore
throats
-
colds
/ coughs /flu
-
fatigue
-
respiratory
/ sinus
-
acne
and skin disorders including shingles
-
Skin
cuts, burns, rashes, infections.
-
Dental
Care, cavities and mouth ulcers.
The
Vitamin A content of propolis has proven of interest in
more recent times. Vitamin A was the first fat-soluble
vitamin to be discovered. The body acquires some of its
vitamins A and C through animal fats and beta-carotene
and other carotenoids abundant in many fruits and
vegetables.
Vitamin A is commonly taken as a dietary health
supplement to help promote healthy eyesight and to help
resist infection. Vitamins boost immunity by enhancing
the infection-fighting actions of the white blood cells
called lymphocytes. They are also vital to the growth of
bones, skin and hair and may ease the symptoms of
inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers.
Frenchman,
P. Lavie, has been studying and writing about the
antibacterial properties of bee products and propolis.
His work represents many years of trying to unfold the
many claims relating to the benefits of bee products,
and working to add scientific substance to the claims.
One example of his studies revealed that adding hot
water or hot alcohol to propolis created an antibiotic
extract that remained stable for many months when
refrigerated. He also found that propolis proved
effective as a fungicide, being the only product from
the hive to have this property. His work lead to the
conclusion that propolis is created primarily to
maintain a healthy and illness-free environment within
the beehive. Considering the densely populated work
area, the occasional outside intruder and the many forms
of bacteria that must be combated, this is quite an
achievement.
Oral
Health and Propolis
Recent
studies into the medicinal properties of propolis have
shown it to be effective in dental hygiene and the
reduction of cavities. To this end, we are beginning to
see the emergence of propolis-based toothpaste and
dental hygiene products.
Medical
studies have also indicated that an ethanolic extract of
propolis has a similar effect to the commercial drug
novocaine. It may be these properties that give propolis
its powerful ability to reduce the pain from sore
throats.
Propolis
and Cancer
Clinical
studies on mice and rats have shown that propolis has
properties which might reduce the size of tumors, and
prevent the development of cancerous cells.
This
particular property of propolis is connected to its
strong antioxidant capability and the activity of the
compound CAPE.
Several
new studies into the potential benefits of propolis in
treating/inhibiting certain types of cancer are underway
and the projected outcomes look very promising.
How
is propolis processed for human consumption?:-
Propolis
can be purchased completely raw and unprocessed, but it
in its natural state is a sticky substance and is very
difficult to handle. Some beekeepers will package the
raw propolis and freeze it in small portions. It can
then be added to a coffee grinder in its frozen state
and ground for easy consumption.
Most
producers utilize a process where the active ingredients
are ‘leached’ into water or alcohol, then either
packaged in liquid form or dried and capsulated.
Summary:-
Propolis
has great potential in the medical field as a natural
antibiotic with non-resistance building properties.
A
versatile substance, propolis can be applied externally
to good effect and internally for boosting immunity and
destroying harmful toxins and ‘free radicals’.
With
modern research capabilities, I am certain that we will
see an upsurge in propolis related products, and that
before long the FDA will issue much needed guidelines
into the effective daily dosages and scope of uses for
propolis.
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