Bee Propolis

The beneficial effects of bee pollen are familiar, and many of us are already taking advantage of this "superfood" by frequently consuming bee pollen as a food supplement. But, bees produce many alternative byproducts that can be equally beneficial.

Propolis is one such byproduct; this is a resinous substance that honey bees collect from numerous sources, as well as tree buds and sap flows. Bees use this resin as a sealant in their hives, typically to fill in little gaps that are six millimeters wide or less. (Bees use beeswax to plug larger gaps.) Propolis can be sticky at space temperatures; when it's cold out, propolis gets exhausting and brittle.

Bees themselves derive tremendous benefit from propolis. It reinforces the structural stability of their beehives. It makes the hives additional easily defended, preventing parasites from entering. It reduces vibrations at intervals the hive. The chemical content of propolis can vary depending on region; generally, it's fifty five % resins and balms (like flavenoids), thirty % fatty acids and waxes, 10 % essential oils, and five % protein, in the shape of bee pollen. There are various trace elements and other nutrients present as well.

For humans, the first profit of propolis is as an antibiotic. The bioflavenoids gift in propolis strengthen the body's immune system, enhancing our resistance to disease; propolis supplements the effectiveness of vitamin C and stimulates enzyme formation. Some research suggests that propolis can act against the varied bacteria that cause pneumonia, salmonellosis, influenza, herpes, tuberculosis, and other diseases. It can conjointly act as an antifungal agent.

Chemically, propolis works in an exceedingly fashion just like prescription antibiotics, by breaking down the walls and cytoplasm of bacteria cells and preventing bacterial cell division. But, because it's a natural substance, propolis will be part of a preventative health care program and will be taken daily. There aren't any known aspect effects, though if you're allergic to bee stings or tree resin, confer with a health care practitioner before taking propolis. The body cannot build up natural resistance to propolis as it can to prescription medications. And propolis has been shown to counteract some viruses and fungi also bacteria.

Propolis is instantly on the market in capsules or tablets. However, you'll be able to consume propolis in its raw state by purchasing chunks, that have sometimes been cold processed to get rid of beeswax and impurities; chew the raw propolis and wash it down with some water. (This can also facilitate relieve a sore throat.) The style is strong and bitter, so it would possibly be easier to mix propolis with fruit juice, honey, or milk. Do NOT mix propolis with coffee, tea, or a carbonated beverage; these drinks could impede the effectiveness of propolis.

Propolis is sold in varied different forms, for different purposes. Propolis cream provides each the germ killing properties of propolis and therefore the healing properties of aloe vera; you'll be able to apply propolis cream as a skin moisturizer or to heal skin irritations, cuts, and burns. Propolis mouthwash can facilitate prevent dangerous breath and gum problems, and shorten healing time once oral surgery. Typically, propolis mouthwash is heavily focused and sold in small vials; mix some drops in a very [*fr1]-glass of water and drink.

While bee pollen is primarily seen as a source of supplementary nutrition, propolis is consumed for prevention and treatment of disease, as an antibiotic. They share some ingredients, however these two bee byproducts are complementary and will be taken simultaneously. There are several products available, after all, that combine bee pollen with propolis in capsule form. While easy to consume, the method of encapsulation might compromise the complete effectiveness of bee pollen.