Draper's Super Bee Apiaries, Inc.
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bees.
Bee Propolis
The term "propolis" comes
from two Greek words: "pro," which means "before," and
"polis," which means "city." This ancient term came into being
centuries ago when some early Greek student of Nature established the fact that honeybees
use propolis to narrow the opening into their "cities," or hives, to keep out
unwelcomed intruders. Many sources attribute the word to Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)
What is Propolis ?
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 called 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 slickly 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-clean environment for the rearing of brood.
The Constituents of Propolis
Chemically speaking, propolis is a very complex mixture. Its chemical elements 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 acid, tetochrysin, isalpinin,
pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and ferulic acid.
The Properties of Propolis
Propolis is another medicinal marvel from the beehive. Research shows
it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral
properties. Propolis is Nature's premiere preventive. It is so powerful in
action, it is often called Russian penicillin in acknowledgement of the extensive research
the Russians have mounted on this wonder worker from the bees. Propolis demonstrates
strong antimicrobial properties against various bacterial and fungal infestations.
Even streptococcus bacteria have been shown sensitive to propolis.
Natures's Preventive Medicine
Propolis has been justly called Nature's premier preventive. The
immune system is supported and strengthened by the ingestion of propolis. Modern
scientific studies indicate that those who take propolis regularly escape winter colds and
sore throats and seem to develop a natural immunity to common viruses, including the
various strains of flu.
Chemical antibiotics destroy all bacteria in the body, both the friendly,
(necessary flora required for healthy functioning in the entire gastrointestinal tract)
and the bad intestinal flora. An individual who constantly takes prescribed
antibiotics for one condition after another soon learns to his sorrow that the drugs may
no longer work as well as they once did. As invading bacteria get
"smarter," the drugs become less and less effective.
Propolis, the natural antibiotic, works against harmful bacteria without destroying the
friendly bacteria the body needs. Propolis has also been proven effective against
strains of bacteria that resist chemical antibiotics.
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.
Propolis helps regulate hormones and is an antibiotic substance that stimulates the
natural resistance of the body. Propolis may be used by everyone, sick or healthy,
as a means of protection against microorganisms. Propolis is also efficient against
conditions caused by bacteria, viruses, or different fungi. Propolis cures many
diseases because it is a special natural substance with strong effect.
Use it as part of your daily program of supplementation. It has helped the bee
society survive and thrive for over 45 million years. It may well help you survive
... for a long time!
Don't Bee Burned
A natural mixture of bee pollen and other substances produced by honey bees,
propolis offers significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Not
surprisingly, research finds propolis, or "bee glue," comparable to silver
sulfadiazine in treating second-degree burns. Following minor burn patients,
investigators noted no significant difference between the natural and
pharmaceutical treatments in the formation of bacterial colonies. In addition,
burns treated with propolis were less inflamed, and the patients using this
natural skin cream healed faster Propolis is also less expensive and less likely
to produce allergic side effects.
SELECTED SOURCES
"Comparison of Silver Sulfadiazine to Propolis in Second-Degree Burn Treatment"
by Scoff R Gregory ct al., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,
2002 Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche, MH ($59.95, Alive,
1997)
(The above information should not be seen as a claim for any remedial properties, it is entirely based on experience of propolis users, therefore it is advisable to consult your physician or homeopath regarding treatment).
