Bee Propolis Benefits

All about bee propolis benefits……

Bee Propolis Benefits
Bee Propolis - often referred to as "bee glue" is a popular health product in Europe and it's climbing the supplemental charts in North America as it is becoming better known.

Considered one of nature's miracles, propolis is the resinous substance that bees gather from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Once collected, the bees transport the propolis back to their hives, where they are met by other colleagues (worker bees) to help them unload this precious substance. Once unloaded, the worker bees add salivary secretions and wax flakes, then spread the finished product throughout the beehive walls where they construct and maintain their hives. Hence the name - "bee glue."

However, propolis does more than glue the walls together and maintains the beehive. Researchers discovered that it prevents disease in the colony by inhibiting the growth of fungi, viruses, bacteria and other microbes. In fact, some Naturopaths point out that it is one of the most powerful topical antimicrobial agents humans can use.


Bee Propolis Benefits

How can it benefit you?
Propolis contains protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. As such, some people take bee propolis as a general nutritional health supplement for optimal health.

It appears that bee propolis harbors both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. 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 is commonly 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 because the flavonoids harbor anti-inflammatory properties.

Other Possible Bee Propolis Benefits:
1. Infections – It is believed that its antimicrobial effects can defend the body against bacteria, fungus, viruses, and parasites.

2. Wound Healing – Good results have been reported on the use of this product on burns, surgical wounds, and other topical wounds. (Applied topically.)

3. Antioxidants- The flavonoids act as antioxidants.

4. Herpes – A study found that an ointment made of propolis is able to heal genital herpetic lesions.

5. Immune System- Enhances the immune system

6. Liver Health- A few laboratory studies found that propolis may have positive effects on the liver by protecting it from alcohol or environmental toxins.

7. Dental Conditions – Holds promise for dental conditions like gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and periodontal disease.

Precautions and Propolis Side Effects
Now that we've discussed bee propolis benefits, let's go over side effects and precautions ….

If you are allergic to bee pollen, honey, conifer trees, or poplar trees, it is not recommended that you use this product.

Allergic reactions include wheezing, headache, itchy throat, hives, or skin flushing. Discontinue use immediately if these symptoms develop.

Severe allergic reactions are possible and can be very serious, requiring immediate emergency medical attention. This includes anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. In fact, discontinue use right away if you develop any side effects after taking a bee product.

If you have asthma or an allergy to bee stings exercise extreme caution in taking any bee products.

Propolis is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women because there is not enough information in this area.

Tips on Choosing a Bee Propolis Supplement
To maximize your bee propolis benefits we recommend the following:

1. Select a supplement that is formulated by a company that follows strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliance. Why? Because dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the U.S. and, as such, manufacturers do not have to guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or even the true content of their products. The result is that you, as the consumer only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that contains what is stated on the label or one that does not harbor harmful contaminates!
2. Facilities that are GMP compliant adhere to stringent regulatory standards.
3. Select a supplement that does not contain any fillers or additives such as sucrose (sugar), starch, gluten, silica (sand) or any other artificial colors, dyes, or flavors.
4. Contact the manufacture and inquire if they have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on file, confirming the potency of each batch. If the company does not get back to you that's not a good sign.

Other Bee Products of Interest
Bee Pollen--Considered "Nature's Perfect Food" that contains all the nutrients needed to sustain life. Discover the benefits of this amazing substance. You may be surprise what this health supplement has to offer.

Royal Jelly--Royal Jelly is a concentrated food that is rich in nutrients, which indeed shows evidence by the queen bees superior size, astounding ovulation, stamina, and longevity. Learn all about its health benefits.

We hope this bee propolis benefits we page was useful to you.

To Your Health!

The Editors

Content and image source:
http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com

Health Benefits of Propolis

Although the fact that bee's propolis has been used for thousands of years may be enough to convince most people about it's health benefits, we dig scientific journals to satisfy some skeptics.

Let's see how medical science conforms ancient wisdom.

Improving Immune System
Professor S. Scheller, the head of a team of four doctors at the Institute for Microbiology at the Medical Academy in Poland found that propolis is able to stimulate the immune system.

It stimulates the formation of antibodies to build body resistance to many diseases. It also helps the body in releasing substance against cellular deterioration.

He also concluded that other propolis health benefits may include improved physical, intellectual and sexual performance and makes injured tissue heal faster.

The study also concluded that propolis is non toxic.


Treat Burns Another benefits of propolis is in treating second degree burns. Research showed that propolis cream gave about the same result as currently prescribed cream.

However, propolis cream reduce patient's inflammation and lead to a faster healing.

Various studies have confirmed that propolis stimulates enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation, collagen formation and improved healing of burn wounds.

It is believe to be a result of a substance called arginine.


Increase Fertility One isolated study had tested the benefit of propolis on women with infertility and endometriosis. The study indicated that consumption of 500mg of propolis twice daily resulted in pregnancy rate of 60% as opposed to 20% for women not given propolis.

It is still unclear how propolis would give this effect.


Potential Cancer Drug A report published in the Cancer Research (Sep 15,93;53 1482-88) stated that caffeic acids in propolis might help prevent colon cancer. The article described how these caffeic acids were able to prevent the formation of pre cancerous tissues in rats after the animal were exposed to cancer causing chemicals.

Another study done in 1990 showed propolis chemicals to act against ovary cancer in hamster and sarcoma-type tumors in mice.


Bowel Problems Propolis can also benefit patients suffering from inflammatory bowel problems like Chron's disease and ulceration colitis.

In June 2001, Dr. Ralph Golan reported how ulceration colitis responded well to propolis therapy. This was reported in his article published in Townsend Letters For Doctors.


Dental care Another benefit of bee propolis is in dental care. Propolis mouthwash used after an oral surgery appears to shorten the healing time. A study done in 1991 showed that rats given propolis in their drinking water got less caries compared to other rats.

Another study done in 1986 proposed propolis as a valuable subsidiary treatment for gum infection and plague.

It is also used in dental surgery as natural and safe disinfectant.


Protecting Liver Two studies done in 1986 and 1987 showed that another benefits of propolis is in protecting liver. It was shown to be effective in protecting liver against alcohol and tetrachloride.


Improve Antibiotic Effectiveness Australian scientists, E.L Ghisalberti of the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Western Australia showed that propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 folds.

The combination of these drugs and propolis can cause the drug dosage to be trimmed down.

This discovery is hoped to help reduce the number of side effects associated with antibiotics and lower the over dependency on antibiotics by doctors.


Veterinary Applications Propolis offers some benefits to breeders by improving weight gain and reduce diarrhea in their animals.

A study done in 1987 showed that 5 ml of propolis solution given to milk-fed calves archived the above results.

Studies done to rabbits have also showed that propolis treated coccidiosis and eimeria. It also is beneficial in treating mastitis.


Other medical benefits of propolis Studies done in rats and mice had shown that concentrated propolis given to the animals reduces blood pressure, produces sedative effect as well as protects the liver and stomach against tetrachloride and ulcers.

All these were achieved without any side effects.

Content and image source:
http://www.beepropolis.info