Beehive Botanicals

Propolis, commonly referred to as bee glue or bee propolis, is the substance that bees collect from various trees and shrubs to seal the walls of their hive. The antimicrobial properties it possesses mean that the hive become virtually germ free and sterile. This has led people and researchers to further investigate the potential uses of propolis extract as a method to cure or prevent certain human ailments. As well as having obvious potential as an antibiotic or antiviral, it is also commonly attributed to several other potential uses.

The location from where the propolis is taken can play a large part in determining the actual effects and possible uses of the substance. This is because the propolis taken from different trees, as well as environmental factors, all differ from one region to the next.

Propolis extract is widely conceived as being a general nutritional supplement for several reasons. Perhaps the most pertinent factor is that it contains the following: Amino acids, Flavanoids, Minerals, Protein, and Vitamins.

The antiviral effects of propolis have come under the microscope on several occasions, and generally showed very good results. The inclusion of a propolis extract in mouthwash and toothpaste helped to prevent oral infections and even heal surgical wounds. Another clinical study also showed that the extract was particularly effective in shortening the symptoms of the common cold, as well as influenza.

Clearly, as an antiviral, propolis could have many more uses. Current interest is centered on the possibility of using it to control AIDS, and numerous immune system deficiencies. Studies are still ongoing in respect to this but positive results have already been witnessed in test tube and animal tests.

Since propolis was first discovered, one of its main uses has been as an anti-inflammatory. This has sparked questions over its use to combat rheumatic illnesses as well as other ailments. Burn victims can benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects as well as the antiviral benefits.

There are currently no known drug interactions, but because studies and research is still at a relatively juvenile stage it isn’t possible to say for certain whether this will remain the case. In particular, those who suffer from allergies to pollen, beeswax, conifer trees and poplar trees should avoid the use of propolis without first consulting a physician or an allergy specialist. Pregnant or breast-feeding mothers are also advised against its use until further studies have been carried out.

Propolis can be found in various forms, although the ingredients are not water-soluble so any juice or other liquid that has simply mixed water and propolis should be avoided because of its diluted potency. Capsules, sprays, ointments, and lotions are available that all bestow the numerous benefits of propolis on users. At the Beehive Botanicals website they have a range of these powerful products from 500mg propolis capsules to the most versatile form of propolis – propolis extract. For more information please visit www.beehivebotanicals.com.

As well as carrying pollen, the bee’s pollen sack is used to transport propolis that is found in trees and plants back to the hive. Once back at the hive, the bees then use it to coat or line the interior walls of the hive. In particular this resinous substance is used to protect the newborn brood and the queen from infection. It creates an incredibly medically safe and sterile environment comparable almost to an operating theater. The term itself is believed to have first been used by Aristotle and, in ancient Greek, it means Defender of the City. A perfect name considering its natural application.

With a potential 180 chemicals, vitamins and nutrients the bees are carrying potentially one of the most powerful and natural substances known to man. As well as providing bees with a defender for their city, propolis can also be used to defend our own city – ourselves.

The president of Glaxo Smith Kline is known to have stated that over 90% of modern drugs only work on around half of the people that take them. This obviously isn’t a good enough level of people and has been caused by the increased use of many new drugs when they first hit the market. The body and specific viruses are able to build their own immune system up when fighting these drugs and this leaves us, as a people, much more susceptible to infection and other diseases. It is also worth noting that as an entirely natural product, propolis is a renewable resource that has been previously untapped.

As we become increasingly dependent on the natural world for cures and preventative medicines, it is surprising just how often we find ourselves looking at the beehive and its residents. Royal Jelly and pollen are both very popular substances that have also come from the beehive. This increased awareness and increasing use means that more and more people around the world have made themselves responsible for the keeping of bees.

Because it is an entirely natural substance it is difficult for thorough and controlled tests to be carried out. However clinical trials are underway in order to discover whether the bees once again hold the key to several serious health related problems. This research is absolutely certain to continue on humans and animals alike. Of particular interest is using the natural substance as a viable alternative to more chemical solutions.

Bees are one of the oldest living species we know and they have been building their own hives for an equally long period of time. It is hardly surprising then that early man concentrated on the use of the hive and its contents on the treatment of many illnesses. Beehive Botanicals maintains the same beliefs as early man and the medical research world in general. They provide the most potent propolis extracts and other bee products. For more information visit www.beehivebotanicals.com.

Propolis is a resin substance that is generated by a number of different varieties of trees. Most commonly, conifers ooze this substance from the buds of some trees and the bark of others. As a natural anti-inflammatory, bees are aware of its huge health benefits and use it to line the cells where the queen bee will be laying. This gives a sterile, clinical cleanliness to the cells providing safety for both the queen and her brood. Bee propolis is carried by bees in their pollen sack, until they combine it with their own wax and finish the walls of their hive.

Bee propolis shows exceptional signs as a preventative form of medicine or supplement. It is an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral giving it more known uses than virtually any other natural supplement on the market.

Propolis has been used as a medicinal solution for many centuries but only recent research has given any validity to these uses. The best-known use is as an antibiotic. Honey was once used to soak bandages before they were administered to patients in order to prevent infection; a practice that has only fairly recently stopped. Furthermore, propolis can be used to increase the effects of chemical antibiotics, particularly useful against serious infections.

It is particularly useful as an antibiotic in the fight against pneumonia and the staphylococcus bacteria. The latter has become virtually resistant to most known chemical antibiotics making its treatment incredibly difficult. Propolis could hold the key to this problem.

Caffeic acid, found in bee propolis, is currently being studied for its potential use in the fight against colon cancer. Research has been conducted on the effectiveness of caffeic acid against colon cancer, and while the test was conducted over ten years ago the results are still informative. Rats were given caffeic acid before being subjected to cancer inducing chemicals. The rates showed no signs of developing colon cancer, proving that the caffeic acid helped them build up a resistance to the precancerous tissue.

A possibly surprising use of propolis is in the fight against flu and even the common cold. The propolis inhibits the growth of the viruses associated with these two common problems. This means that people who take a regular course of propolis supplements become much less likely to contract a cold.

The list of potential uses for propolis continues. Burn victims have been tested and shown that when compared to chemical treatment, victims using propolis found not only that infection was essentially prevented but the burns also showed much less sign of inflammation.

In conclusion, bee propolis has huge potential for helping many different ailments. Beehive Botanicals provides an unfettered resource on what is proving to be a highly beneficial natural supplement. For more information visit the website and online catalog at www.beehivebotanicals.com. As well as propolis extracts, they also stock pollen and other bee products that have a proven range of health benefits.