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Propolis
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honey /
royal jelly
/ propolis
/ bee pollen /
Ph balancing /
vitamins
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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