Propolis
1. What is Propolis?
Bees make propolis by gathering resin from pine of trees or herbal that have medical properties. They blend the resin with wax flakes and pollen, and take it back to the hive. There they use the sticky mess to patch holes, seal cracks and build panels in the hive.
But propolis does more than architectural duty. It also acts as an antiseptic barrier protecting the hive from contamination and from external invaders like ants, mice, snakes, and lizards. In fact, the name propolis comes from the Greek meaning "defense of the city."
The antimicrobial properties of propolis protect the hive from viruses and bacteria. Researchers found that bees living in hives coated with propolis have lower bacteria in their body while the immune system level is high.
Modern studies confirm a long list of health benefits offered by propolis over 2,000 studies on bee propolis worldwide.
2. What are the medical benefits of propolis?
Humans have been using propolis as an antiseptic since the times of ancient Egypt which had been called “natural medicine”. Applying propolis to wounds greatly improved healing and throughout the centuries, this substance has been shown to have other healing properties as well. In the last several decades, health practitioners have found even more positive uses for propolis as a natural supplement. Propolis has been shown to increase the effects of other antibiotics like penicillin and can also strengthen the immune system which is an effective treatment for the prevention of certain types of cancer. As a result, propolis was listed as an official drug in the London pharmacopoeias of the 17th century. Nowadays, modern studies also confirm a long list of health benefits offered by propolis over 2,000 studies on bee propolis worldwide.
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