Today when most micro-organisms have developed resistance due to excessive use of synthetic antibiotics, it is necessary to look for a more clever solution and where it is a better place to look for then nature.The question impose it self how we can kill bacteria with natural product and also help our body?
One of the greatest natural bacteria killers is propolis – one of the most important bees products and natural super antibiotics! It great for healing acne, eczema, dermatitis,for improving metabolism and immune system!But be carefull it can cause alergic reaction so consult your doctor if you can use it.
Propolis is a complex natural product and that is the reason we created this article so we can show how does it work and how it can help with numerous conditions.
What is Propolis and its Purpose?
Propolis is a mixture of wax and sticky substance, that bees collect from the plants.
This great product is used as a building material as bees use it to make honeycomb more firm and to fill the cracks.
Even more important – propolis has a protective role, the bees cover the hives from inside with this sticky mass in order to sterilize them, protect from the moisture and any unwelcome visitor( other insects )
What is Propolis is Made of?
The propolis contains more than 200 different ingredients of which almost 75 have some pharmacological or biological significance.
The most important are : resin ( 50%) ,vax ( 30% ),vitamins , essential oils ( 10% ), pollen ( 5% )minerals ,oligo-elements , flavonoids , herbal balm etc .
How Propolis Kills Bacteria?
One of the most important ingredients of propolis are flavonoids. Mostly thanks to these elements propolis has great healing effects.
Flavonoids are pigments found in fruit, vegetables, flowers and trees. They have antioxidant effect and their major role is to protect herbs from the bacteria.
The conclusion of many clinical studies is that propolis is a natural anesthetic, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibiotic. Acts against bacteria but also against most of the viruses, fungi and parasites.
Propolis stands for a very wise cure – kills everything that makes a problem to a healthy organism.
One particular thing is very interesting about propolis – bacteria cannot create resistance to it which is not case with synthetic antibiotics. They usually have harmful side effects and propolis does not .
What About Good Bacterias? Does Propolis Kill Them Too?
It is very well known that intestinal microbiota ( gut microbiota ) plays very important role in keeping the human organism healthy.
The question is – if propolis is good in killing bacterias, is it going to kill the good ones too?
The answer is – NO. The propolis or it is better to say flavonoids ( one of the ingredients of propolis ) will not kill good bacterias. Honey products in general but propolis ( because of flavonoids ) in particular have a very positive influence on the digestive system and gut microbiota.
It stimulates the growth and activity of digestive microflora and also performs detoxification of natural carcinogens that we bring in with food on daily basis ( the most common is Ochratoxin. This mycotoxin can be found in coffee, dried fruit, meat, red wine, cereals )
Healing Effects of Propolis
- If you are struggling with a cough, put propolis on your chest in order to ensure quiet sleep
- If you have some skin problem – a wound that cannot heal easily, acne, eczema, dermatitis, fungal skin infection propolis cream could be very effective. It also can help with burns and sting irritations.
- Propolis is able to stop cell proliferation and can help in healing the benign tumors. It is well known that propolis stimulates new cell production and regenerates damaged tissue.
- Propolis can be useful in case of diarrhea
Caution : Propolis can cause alergic reaction so check with your doctor if you can use it
- As an outstanding active bio- stimulator, propolis has an influence on complete body well-being. Can improve metabolism and immune system
- Propolis is used for condition treatments as well as throat problems
- It helps in case of toothache, periodontitis and bad breath
- Being a great antioxidant, propolis is successfully fighting against free radicals which are considered to be a cause of many severe illnesses such as, atherosclerosis, cancer, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Use Propolis?
You can buy propolis in pharmacies or health food stores. Before you buy the propolis you should definitely consult your doctor about safe usage and potential problems that propolis can cause ( allergic reactions etc )
Bee propolis for human consumption can be found and bought in different forms :
- Liquid extracts and sprays ( throat spray )
- Pills or capsule
- Propolis tincture
- Ointment
- Cream
Liquid extracts and tincture can be found with different percentages of propolis and you should know that tincture always contains alcohol. Liquid extracts usually are not so potent as a tincture but they are alcohol-free so they are kids friendly.
Propolis throat sprays help to relieve the sore throat or to help with mouth and throat infection.
Regular usage of propolis will help you improve your immune system so your organism can cope with different threats and illnesses that may stand you in the way.
But you should be aware of the fact the persistent and longterm usage of propolis products may develop allergies, so be careful.
If you have some skin problems, wounds or any issue that requires solution for external use then ointments and creams are the best options. For example 3% propolis ointments are great for treating cold sores or genital herpes.
Propolis based creams are very good for dry and flaky skin, minor rashes and skin moisturizer.
Exact dosage depends on which propolis based product you use and which problem you want to solve. However, you should consult the doctor or the pharmacist about propolis dosage
Side effects of propolis usage
What Can go Wrong if You Use Propolis?
- Allergic reaction ( skin or respiratory symptoms )
- Skin rash or irritation
- Mouth pain and ulcers
People who are allergic to some other bees product, should not use propolis in any form.
People who suffer from asthma should avoid using propolis
Due to a lack of scientific studies, propolis should be also avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women
Interesting Facts About Propolis
- It happens that uninvited guest come into the hive. That can be some insect or snail or even a mouse. The bees do not forgive, they kill instantly any intruder that was rude enough to walk into their kingdom. As you assume the dead unwanted guest must be carried out from the hive very fast as decomposition of the body can harm the entire hive. Sometimes the bees are not capable to do that ( for example mouse Is too big ) so what they do? They cover very carefully the whole body with propolis making the mummy and preventing air to come in contact with a dead body.
- Ancient Egyptians were using propolis in the mummification process as propolis perfectly prevented air and microorganisms to destroy the bodies of the pharaohs
- Ancient Greeks and Romans also used the propolis, especially for wound healing and different skin infection treatments
- In Middle ages, it was used for fast healing of baby belly button
- Famous Italian violin maker – Antonio Stradivari was coating his instruments with propolis. The result was that marvelous sound that his violins were making