Only a few people are aware that bees make not just honey but a waxy substance known as propolis which is also known as bee glue and is considered as a health balm. To know more about this fascinating element’s benefits, simply scroll down.
How Bees Make Propolis?
Bees create propolis by collecting resin from pine and several other evergreen trees that produce pine. Then they mix resin with pollen and wax flakes and take the mixture to the hive.
This sticky mess is usually used by the bees to patch up holes, seal cracks in the hive or build new panels
Apart from architectural duty, propolis also acts as an antiseptic barrier that protects bees from not only contamination from bacteria or viruses but from unwanted invaders like snakes, lizards or mice. Research has shown that bees living in hives that have propolis usually have quieter immune systems and lower bacteria levels in their bodies
Propolis has been recognized by medical practitioners who lived decades ago to offer relief form many problems like infections, wounds, etc. In fact, it was listed as a drug by the London pharmacopoeias of the 17th century.
- Cancer Prevention
According to a comprehensive review of the literature on cancer and propolis conducted at San Diego State University, it was revealed that many animal and laboratory studies support the efficacy of propolis against cancers of pancreas, brain, kidney, bladder, neck, head, skin, breast, prostate, liver, colon, and blood.
It was discovered that propolis like Organika® Bee Propolis may have about 300 active compounds that help fight cancers by harming cancer cell division, anti-angiogenesis, preventing cancer spreading from one organ to another, inducing programmed cell death and mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment.
- Antibacterial Properties
Propolis has many antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral powers. It has been found to prevent respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections and remedy common cold symptoms in children. In a study conducted on diabetic rats, applying propolis solution to wounds was effective as it sped up the healing process.
- Helps Heal Burns
Burns are among the most common problems that might be due to various factors like exposure to fire, electricity, etc. A study conducted in 2002 revealed that propolis can help in promoting the healing of minor burns. When comparing propolis skin cream with silver sulfadiazine, researchers found that both the options were equally effective in the treatment of second-degree burns.
- Parasite Treatment
Most of us have suffered in life due to parasites. Thankfully, propolis is quite effective in this area as well. Preliminary trials have revealed that propolis might remove parasites. A study proved that people who tool propolis regularly had about 60 percent success rate in getting rid of parasite giardiasis.
- Wart Cure
Propolis can also help with wart removal. In a study conducted on 135 patients with various types of warts that lasted for 3 months, it was found that patients who had plain and common warts and were given propolis had a cure rate of 75 and 73 percent. These results were significantly better than patients who were not given propolis but placebo or echinacea.
- Treats Genital Herpes
According to a study conducted on 90 women and men with herpes for 10 days, 24 out of 30 patients who were given an ointment containing propolis had healed. In contrast, only 14 out of 30 patients who were given ointments with flavonoids or acyclovir were cured and 12 out of 30 in the placebo group were cured.
- Helps in Preventing Dental Cavities
If you are among those people who constantly want to know how to prevent dental cavities then you should know that Greek and Roman physicians used propolis as a mouth disinfectant
Modern studies have also proven that it could help in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis. Different studies have also revealed that extracts from bee glue can also help in reducing tooth caries and limits bacterial plaque. Some studies have also shown that propolis might help in regenerating bone tissue, cartilage or even dental pulp.
Different Forms of Propolis
Now that you have learned about the benefits of bee propolis, it’s time to know about its different forms. You need to know that propolis can be bought in raw form from the local beekeeper or you can buy the extracts and tinctures of it as the latter are easier to use. You can also opt for propolis formulations for problems like acne, cold sores, dermatitis, wound healing etc.
Propolis is also available as creams, lotions, ointments, toothpaste, mouthwashes, etc. You can also find oral propolis formulations such as tablets, capsules, pastes, liquid extracts, etc. If you are confused then you should talk to your doctor about why you need propolis and let him or her give you the best advice.