Propolis
Propolis Information
It’s a lesser known fact that bees actually produce more than just honey. Bees also produce a substance known as propolis. Ancient civilizations used propolis for its therapeutic benefits thousands of years ago. To cure abscesses, the Greeks also employed it.
The Assyrians applied to wounds to help the body recover and fight infection. In Egypt, mummies were embalmed using it. Today, people all over the world use propolis for many different reasons. The location of the bees, the plants and flowers they have access to can affect the composition of the propolis.
What is Propolis?
Honey bees generate propolis, often known as bee glue, by combining saliva, beeswax, and exudate collected from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. Propolis is effectively a resinous substance. It is applied to vulnerable openings in the beehive as a sealant.
Small holes are repaired with propolis, whereas those bigger than the bee space are often filled with burr comb. Depending on the botanical source, it can be any hue, with dark brown being the most prevalent. Propolis is sticky at and above 20°C (68 °F); while at lower temperatures, it becomes rigid and brittle.
Worker bees primarily collect pollen, nectar, and the water and plant resin required for propolis synthesis. The environment and the gathered materials influence propolis's chemical make-up and characteristics.
Is Bee Pollen the Same as Propolis?
Bee pollen and propolis are very different things. Bee pollen is a combination of the numerous pollen that are gathered by bees to produce honey. Bees employ a combination of beeswax, other oils, and resins (propolis) to build their hives and preserve their honey.
What Distinguishes Propolis Tincture from Raw Propolis?
Raw propolis is precisely what its name implies: it is the unprocessed, natural product that is taken out of beehives after the bees have finished using it. On the other hand, propolis tincture consists of high-potency, raw propolis that has been dissolved in a liquid basis.
What is Propolis Used for?
Bee propolis health benefits include supporting the treatment of diabetes, cold sores, oral swelling and other skin sores. It is also used to treat burns, canker sores, and genital herpes, along with many other ailments. Propolis spray benefits the defence against fungi, viruses, and bacteria and is made for internal and external uses depending on the product it's in.
Additionally, it could reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. It is often used in several products, including vitamins, propolis spray, deodorants, and toothpaste. You should always look for reputable health advice when using propolis.
Where Can You Find Propolis?
Rarely is pure propolis on the market. Normally, beehives are used to harvest propolis in Australia. You can buy propolis in Australia at pharmacies and health stores. You can also buy propolis online at Mr Vitamins and take advantage of premium delivery services.
Lotions and creams are examples of topical forms. However, propolis is available orally in tablet, liquid extract, and capsule form. All of your propolis products are available at Mr Vitamins and at very competitive prices.
How to Use Propolis
Propolis throat spray benefits internal problems like mouth ulcers and sore throats. You can also suck on a little piece of propolis. Using propolis spray in Australia is far more common than sucking on it.
Propolis tincture can be administered directly to the skin to treat conditions including psoriasis and cold sores. To strengthen your immune system, mix 4-5 drops with a beverage and consume several times daily. To get the same results, you may also take propolis supplements.
What are the Benefits of Propolis?
Bees use propolis to fill up cracks in their hives to defend them from outside threats. Propolis is a disinfectant and has antibacterial qualities, making it the perfect substance to provide our honeybees with a clean, safe place to live and operate.
These characteristics are what allow propolis to aid human health. The following are examples of propolis applications and health advantages that practitioners have noted:
Wound Healing
A specific flavonoid found in bee propolis has been found to have antifungal properties. According to research, propolis can speed up the healing process for burn sufferers by promoting the production of new skin cells.
Cold Sores
Herpes virus levels are decreased by propolis, which also helps to prevent further outbreaks. According to studies, using propolis three times per day caused cold sores to heal more quickly than when it wasn't utilised.
Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Propolis is said to have anticancer properties, including preventing malignant cells from growing and lowering the risk that cells may develop cancer.
Strengthening Immune Systems
Similar to how it works in beehives, propolis' antibacterial capabilities help smother respiratory tract germs when consumed in the winter and help head off symptoms associated with colds and flu.