Considered one of nature's miracles, Bee Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to 350 B.C., the time of Aristotle. Propolis acts as a wonderful first line of defense against illness with its antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and exceptionally potent antiviral properties. It has been used in the past internally to combat bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections like tuberculosis, candidiasis, malaria, and colds. In Europe, Bee Propolis extract is used for the treatment of peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis. It is thought to have a healing effect on internal digestive organs, including the stomach and intestines. The influence of Bee Propolis is extremely broad, it includes cancer, infection of the urinary tract, swelling of the throat, sinus congestion, viral infections, bronchitis, diseases of the ears, chicken pox, varicose veins, pneumonia, arthritis, lung disease, stomach virus, diverticulitis, headaches, Parkinson's disease, arteriosclerosis, sclerosis, circulation deficiencies, warts, viral infection like herpes simplex and skin disease like psoriasis and eczema, depression, insomnia, conjunctivitis and hoarseness. Propolis is an almost indispensable dietary supplement that helps to ward off colds and other viral infections, chronic coughs, infection and may even help to alleviate asthma. A study found that an ointment containing Bee Propolis is able to heal genital herpes lesions. Good results have been reported for the use of Bee Propolis on burns, surgical wounds, and other topical wounds. Other studies found that Propolis extracts may have a positive effect on the liver by protecting it from alcohol or environmental toxins. It also holds promise for dental conditions like gingivitis, cavities, mouth ulcers, and periodontal disease. Immune-enhancing it is loaded with virtually every nutrient that we need for daily function. It is believed to be an excellent supplement for building up the immune system, forming antibodies and helpful in cases of staphylococcus, streptococcus, salmonella, proteus vulgaris, and Koch's bacillus infections.
The immune system, the key to protection against infection, aging and cellular destruction, has been shown to become rejuvenated through the use of all-natural food substance created in beehives, Bee Propolis. It offers hope for extending the prime of life by building resistance to aging and many illnesses through the use of Bee Propolis extract to strengthen the cellular defenses. Researchers have discovered that it prevents disease in the colony by inhibiting the growth of fungi, viruses, bacteria and other microbes. Naturopaths point out that it is one of the most powerful topical antimicrobial agent humans can use.
To a greater extent than the other bee products, it is used externally as well as ingested. It is often applied to skin irritations, cuts, rashes and bruises to sterilize and disinfect. 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 resistance-building effects that are seen as a negative factor with prescription antibiotics. Austrailian scientists found that Bee Propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 fold.
It is said to stimulate the thymus gland and thus boost the thyroid gland for improved immunity and resistance to infections and considered a powerful antioxidant that has shown promise in combating liver disorders and the deleterious effects of free radical damage to cells.
Bee Propolis is believed to possess superior healing properties with its ability to accelerate new cell growth. This healing quality is thought to help relieve the discomforts of the stomach and intestinal ulcers. Propolis has shown to be effective in protecting the liver against alcohol and tetrachloride.
There is interest in the properties of Bee Propolis for cold sores based on studies in "Phytomedicine". In the study, researchers found that 80 percent of people with genital herpes who used Propolis tincture in ointment experienced healing within 10 days compared to 47 percent of the people with genital herpes who used the prescription drug acyclovir. Although genital herpes and cold sores are different conditions, they are caused by the same virus and those with this condition might also benefit. Topical Propolis extract works against herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 outbreaks, HSV-2 causes genital herpes, while HSV-1 causes cold sores and sometimes genital herpes. And may help treat the complications involved with the virus Varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox and shingles.
For the treatment of Neurofibromatosis, it has been found to be quite helpful for the genetic disorder that causes coffee-colored skin patches and can produce tumors in nerve tissues in the ears, brain, spinal cord and other places in the body. A study found that Propolis effectively stops tumor growth in a group of cancer patients. A study recently published in the American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology demonstrating its effect on breast cancer cells. It was shown to induce cell death in the human breast carcinoma cell called MCF-7. In 24 hours the Propolis extract was able to kill 13% of cancer cells. In other studies, Propolis killed prostate cancer cells and colon cancer cells.
MRSA is the potentially deadly bacteria so commonly found in hospitals throughout the world that is resistant to most antibiotics. The antibacterial of Propolis has been tested and shown to have an activity against the standard and resistant strains of MRSA and E. coli.
You can apply Propolis tincture to your skin in creams, sprays or they may be taken by mouth. Topically, it has been used to help treat wounds, rheumatoid arthritis, cervicitis, vaginitis, vaginal infections and has some benefits for people with conjunctival eye lesions and other eye infections. It has also been found to be very useful for treating gingivitis or peridontal disease according to studies in Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry. Animal studies showed Propolis infused with water reduced the number of dental cavities and it was determined that using it in a mouthwash sped the healing from oral surgery, according to the Journal of Nihon University School of Dentistry.
Some new research indicates the possibility of using Bee Propolis to promote healthy blood pressure levels and reduce arteriosclerosis, thereby lessening the possible risks of coronary heart ailments.
Taking Propolis tincture/extract could improve conception rates in women with infertility or endometriosis, this was reported in 2003 in an issue of Fertility & Sterility. The study indicated that consumption of 500 mg twice daily resulted in pregnancy rate of 60% as opposed to 20% for women who did not take Propolis extracts. It has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of PMS and other hormonal problems.
Externally used, Bee Propolis is beneficial as a topical antibiotic salve for abrasions and bruises because of its germicidal/antibacterial effects. As an acne medication the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have shown to be very effective. It has also shown to be to reduce inflammation of burnt skin, as in second degree burns by the substance it contains called arginine. Studies show that it stimulates enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation and collagen formation.
Ingredients: Bee Propolis, Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.
Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, or under the tongue. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications: Some people have been known to be allergic to Bee products and should avoid them, as ingestion may result in severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, an acute allergic response, which may be life threatening. Before taking Bee Propolis Herbal Supplement, it is wise to take a small amount at first, and if any sneezing, discomfort or rash occurs, discontinue use immediately.
Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
