Description
The Most Natural Antibiotic
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 colled 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 slick 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-clan environment for the rearing of brood.
History of Propolis
The term “propolis” comes from two Greek words: “pro,” which means “before,” and “polls,” which means “city.” The use of Propolis in popular medicine goes back all the way to ancient times.
Egyptians, Greeks and Romans reported the use of Propolis for its general healing qualities and for the cure for some lesions of the skin. Since the 12th century in Europe, folk remedy has attributed an important place to Propolis for certain preparations for external use. However, it has only been in the last twenty years that scientists have been able to prove that Propolis is as active and important as our forefathers thought.
Recognized by Science
Propolis is now considered an important part of dietetics and a natural cure by the World Health Organization. Its popularity is ever increasing, due to its many possibilities. The concentrations of flavonoids seem to be responsible for the great antibiotic effects of Propolis. Flavonoids possess many potent curative.
The Constituents of Propolis
Chemically speaking, propolis is a very complex mixture. Its chemical elemen’s 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 aid, tetochrysin, isalpinin, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and ferulic acid.
Health Benefits of Propolis
Propolis acts as protection from bacteria and viruses for the bees, and it is collected for humans for use as:- Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antibiotic
The antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Propolis also offer opportunities in food technology and cosmetics. It is apparent, that Propolis incontestably has many nutritional and energetic benefits.
- Activates the thymus gland and therefore strengthens the immune system
- Stimulates white blood cells
- Has a protective effect against virus infections (cold, flu, herpes), rheumatic fever, respiratory infections, inflammation
- Protects against side effect of irradiation
- Protects against damage to liver cells
- Promotes healing of sores, wounds, acne, blemishes, eczema
- Might prevent the development of cancer
- Has beneficial effect on the bodies absorption of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
- Protects the body from oxygen free radical damage (Diseases associated with free radical damage include cardiovascular diseases leading to heart attacks, strokes, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Cancer as well poor liver function
