Bee Propolis Benefits and Its Uses
Another name for bee propolis is bee glue. It is a waxy, sticky substance that is naturally manufactured by bees and is said to have anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bee propolis has an abundance of antioxidants called bioflavonoids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes in it.
For centuries, it has been faithfully used in enhancing the body’s immune system, treating viral infections for example genital herpes, aiding in preventing cancer, and treating a variety of skin conditions.
Propolis is found in cream, ointment, liquid, lozenge, and oral rinse form as well as in capsules. It is available in tincture form as well as a spray for pulverizing over a wound. The creams can be applied over tender body areas. Bee propolis is also found in a candy form for people suffering with a sore throat or pharyngitis.
Bee propolis benefits include treating acne, abscesses, allergies, aging, minor burns, and gastrointestinal problems, for instance peptic ulcers. It is also used for treating throat and nose cancer, halitosis, and inflamed mucous membranes of the throat and mouth. Currently though, there is not enough evidence as to the effectiveness when using bee propolis for all of these purposes.
Propolis is used by bees for gluing and keeping the hive together. They mix secretions and beeswax with resins that come from poplar and conifer tree buds. These resins contain properties that are naturally germicidal. Down through the centuries, propolis has been used on wounds and has also been a remedy for various ailments such as tuberculosis, itching, osteoporosis, and cancer.
Today though, propolis is also used to make cosmetics and chewing gum and is being looked into its possible uses as an enamel hardener for teeth and dental sealant. Preliminary studies have been done on animals and humans as to its effectiveness in treating dental pain, inflammatory diseases, infections, minor wounds and burns. The benefits of bee propolis are varied:
- Topical Uses - Active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, terpenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids are active ingredients of bee propolis. Using propolis as a topical antiseptic ointment has been done since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The propolis is said to speed up the tissue repair and healing process of sores, scrapes, bruises, cuts and other wounds. A propolis tincture can be applied on any affected area. You will be able to see a new peel forming and coat the bleeding area. This keeps impurities such as dust and bacteria from reaching the wound. Three days later, depending on the severity of the injury, the peel will fall away and the skin will appear as new.
- Boosts the Immune System Propolis is said to prevent and aid in treating common colds, the flu, tuberculosis, and other acute infections. It is presumed that bee propolis stimulates white blood cells into attacking and destroying pathogens. It could also help in stimulating the development of antibodies for building immunity to various illnesses.
- Treatment for Genital Herpes - Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted chronic and persistent viral infection. Bee propolis could give a person suffering from an outbreak some relief. It was shown in a study that anti viral activity was exhibited against the genital herpes.
- Neurofibromatosis Treatments Compounds found within bee propolis could be beneficial in treating this genetic disorder. It causes coffee-colored patches of skin and produces tumors on the nerve tissues of, in particular, the spinal column, brain and ears. Studies have found that the propolis could stop the growth of these tumors. More research however, must be carried out to prove the effectiveness of bee propolis benefits.
- Natural Antiseptic - For therapeutic uses, a three percent extract of bee propolisointment can be applied to herpes blisters up to four times every day.
- A mouth rinse made from bee propolis mixed with water and a bit of alcohol might effectively reduce inflammation and pain and speed up the healing time after any mouth surgery.
- It could also help in healing gingivitis.
- Bee propolis benefits include combining its healing properties with an anesthetic effect.
- Throat infections such as a cough, tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also be treated with propolis.
- Anti Inflammatory- Liver and kidney inflammations, acne, tooth pains and prostatitis have all been treated with bee propolis. Propolis can be used both externally and internally.
- For taking internally, mix thirty drops propolis tincture in a glassful of water. Drink half a glass twice every day.
- Health benefits of bee propolis could include protecting the liver from environmental or alcohol toxins. People in Europe use bee propolis on a common basis for treating ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcers.
- It is said to have a curative effect on the digestive organs that include the intestines and stomach. This is because the flavanoids have anti inflammatory products.
- Antihypertensive - If you have high blood pressure, forty drops of propolis tincture every day could help to lower it by following this natural treatment.
I suggest you should not use any bee propolis products if you have allergic reactions to bee stings, honey, bee pollen, poplar trees or conifer trees, or are asthmatic. Allergic reactions could include wheezing, itchy throat, skin flushing, hives or headache. If these symptoms start to develop you must discontinue using any bee product immediately. Allergic reactions that become severe are possible and could be extremely serious and require urgent medical attention. Nursing or pregnant women should not take bee propolis as there is no sufficient information within this area.