The Powerful Natural Antibiotic
Propolis is a natural anti-cancer and antibiotic made by honeybees that is fast gaining in popularity in the application of home remedies! It’s a bee product that makes head turn and cause us to wow at the wonder of nature and marvel at the ability of the highly organized insect – honey bee. Enjoy the fascinating story of propolis and how the bees use it to protect themselves from diseases.
Some trees and conifers produce sticky resins as part of their immune system to defend themselves against disease. Honey bees collect these substances that ooze from the buds of these plants. (Research found out that honeybees make discrete choices among resinous plant species. PLOS ONE Journal, Oct 2013) After chewing them and mixing them with their saliva and other substances, propolis is formed. This nutrient-rich substance is of vital importance for the survival of the honey bees in the beehive. It is created to sterilize the hive and protect it against diseases and infection. Interestingly, “propolis” means “in defence of the city” in Greek. Not only does it help to inhibit the spread of bacteria, virus, and fungi that would otherwise pose a significant threat in the closely-knit quarters, it also helps fight against climatic changes, such as wind and cold.
Propolis contains approximately 50-70% resins, 30% wax, 10% etheric oils and 5% pollen. It is especially rich in amino acids which are vital for healthy immune system function. It has a high vitamin content (Vitamin A (carotene
Comb cell edges coated with propolis. Bees use propolis as a anti-bacterial and anti-microbial substance in their hive.
), Vitamin B1, B2, B3, biotin) and is extremely rich in bioflavonoids (Vitamin P) which are natural pigments in fruits and vegetables believed to have numerous immune building properties and health benefits. Bee glue contains almost 500 times more bioflavonoids than is found in oranges! It also contains an array of albumin, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Like Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, it contains a number of unidentified compounds which work together synergistically to create a balanced, nutritive substance.
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 it raw 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. Because of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, this precious substance has been used as a natural cure and healing agent for many centuries. In addition to anti-cancer, 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. Touted as an outstanding ointment for healing cuts and wounds and treatment for tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and intestinal infections, propolis contains an active component, Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester known to be effective in treating many other inflammatory disorders that lead to cell damage/death. Contributing to the anti-cancer propeties.
Propolis is also used as a natural alternative to penicillin and other antibiotics. It is said to be particularly safe and effective and inhibits the resistance-building effect that is a negative factor with prescription antibiotics. In fact, in the former Eastern Bloc countries, where beekeeping is widely practised, antibiotics have never been widely available. To help prevent many diseases, hospitals and clinics in these countries recommended washing, gargling or irrigating the sinuses with this natural antibiotic rinse, as well as taking it orally. A good weapon against bacteria when used topically, propolis can prevent skin infections, acne, burns, insect bites and can help heal infections that have already begun. According to a research published by Phytotherapy Research journal, in 2010, scientists at Strathclyde University, Scotland tested compounds extracted from bee glue on 15 different strains of the virulent superbug MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for tens of thousands of infections and deaths annually) and found that it appeared to work against more than 50% of the strains and
Using the Hive Scraper Tool to scrape propolis from the top bars and collect onto wax paper.
prevent them from growing. The study was the university’s response to the pressing need to discover and develop new antibiotics from natural sources as alternatives to current anti-MRSA drugs. Propolis was investigated because bees use it as an antiseptic glue to seal gaps between honeycombs and preserve their hives from microbial contamination.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Besides anti-cancer, any other propolis’ health and medicinal benefits touted include the following:
1. Correct chronic constipation
2. Lower cholesterol level
3. Regulate blood sugar. Studies have shown that propolis can inhibit enzymes that increase blood sugar and its antioxidant compounds have blood sugar-stabilizing benefits. (Can J Microbiol. 2013 Mar;59(3):197-203, Mutat Res. 2013 Sep 18;757(1):36-44).
4. Anti-cancer. Combat cancerous cells
5. Boost and strengthen body immunity system
6. Heal skin infections
Note of Caution: Propolis is generally non-toxic, though allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling, redness, eczema or fever have been reported. As the effects of this bee substance during pregnancy and breast-feeding have not been sufficiently evaluated, women should not use it during these times unless directed to do so by a physician.
“Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are generally used in the treatment of depressive disorders and some neurodegenerative illnesses… study was to investigate the MAO inhibiting effect of various apitherapeutic products, such as chestnut honey, pollen and propolis… All samples exhibited substantial inhibition of MAO, propolis having the highest.”
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, October 2014, Vol. 29, No. 5
We have four sizes and strengths available.
20% propolis is the mildest strength and comes in both 1 oz and 4 oz bottles;
25% propolis is my choice of medicinal strength to get maximum usage. 1 oz and 4 oz bottles;
50% propolis is very strong and used in treating sores, cuts, etc, etc in 1 oz and 4 oz bottles;
100% propolis is dried in capsule form and very effective in treating most above listed maladies.