History of Propolis
Propolis comes from the Greek and means Pro-before and Polis-city, which translates as Defenses before the City or Defender of the City. The city here is the city or hive of bees where Propolis plays a vital role both in protecting the colony from invasion from the outside as well as the spread of infection from within.
Propolis provides the bee city with its immune system. This fact gives some indication of its potential importance today for mankind, at a time when his own immune system is increasingly unable to cope with so many of the diseases of our time.
What is Propolis?
The largest single ingredient of Propolis (just over half) is resin collected from plants and trees, particularly the Poplar tree. The other half is made up of wax (30%) essential oils (10%) and pollen (5%).
You can also find in Propolis a wide variety of additional elements including organic and amino acids, vitamins, minerals and most importantly bioflavonoid, now believed to be an active ingredient in the healing process.
All these ingredients are mixed with the bees' own salivary secretions to produce what has been called bee glue, (Propolis). This is the sticky filler substance that the bees use to seal up the hive, protecting it from the outside environment. The bees also coat the entire inside surface of the hive with Propolis, polishing it, and creating one of the most sterile environments known to nature.
As well as providing a purely functional role in sealing and reinforcing the hive, Propolis also performs the role of the hives autoimmune system. It is a combined antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal substance - truly a defender of the city. The natural antibiotic quality of Propolis has no known side effects. Recent research at the National Heart & Lung Institute in London has shown that the bioflavonoid in Propolis are even capable of destroying some bacteria that have become resistant to modern synthetic antibiotics.
Usage Instructions and Indications
As a food supplement: Proplois can be used as a safe non-toxic supplement and has been found helpful in protecting against colds, coughs, flu, and other viruses. It has also found to be effective for:
Sore throats: Take a few drops of the tincture on whole wheat bread or use it as a gargle.
Respiratory problems: coughs and colds, asthma, bronchitis, blocked sinuses. Take the tincture every day.
Sore lips, teeth, gums and any other dental problems: Use the tincture as a gargle, or drink it with herb tea (add honey if you wish).
Skin treatment: Swab the area with the tincture or use the cream. Good for acne. Can be helpful in treating eczema, herpes, and psoriasis.
Bruises and Burns: The antiseptic and healing properties of Propolis helps wounds and burns to heal. Place a little cream on the effected area.
Blood Disorders: Chinese researchers found it effective in treating hypertension, arteriosclerosis and coronary disease. European scientist V. Balalkin tells us that Propolis helps white blood to engulf and digest bacteria and other waste products in the blood.
Gastro-intestinal problems: Soviet scientists and doctors have shown that Propolis can prevent ulcer and abscess formation, as well as speeding up the healing process.
Skin problems: Research in America, Poland and Russia has shown that acne, allergies, herpes and other dermatological disorders have all responded to Propolis therapy.