About Propolis

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What is Propolis

What is Propolis Propolis is another valuable and healthy gift from bees. Propolis is a natural resin from buds of conifer and poplar trees that create by bees to build their hives. It is also sticky glue that bees use to seal hive hole or cracks. This natural glue is cleverly utilized by the bees to provide exterior protection to the hive against the invasion of any outside contaminants. Normally propolis is dark brown color, but it can be found in green , red, black and white hues, depending on the sources of resin found in the particular hive area.

Propolis consists of resins, waxes, volatile oils, pollen, vitamin A, B complex, E, minerals and highly active ingredients known as flavonoids or bioflavonoids. Other components include cinnamic acids, vanillin, caffeic acids, pinocembrin, tetochrysin, chrysin, isalpinin, galangin and ferulic acids. Propolis is a natural antibiotic that has no such side effects. It work against harmful bacteria without destroying the friendly bacteria the body needs. Propolis has also been proven effective against strains of bacteria that resist chemical antibiotics. In laboratory tests, propolis also has exhibited a variety of interesting antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activities of propolis also offer opportunities in food technology and cosmetics. It is apparent, that propolis incontestably has many nutritional and energy benefits.

Health Benefit of Propolis

New scientists indicate that propolis shows an incredible results as below :

Activities the thymus gland and therefore strengthens the immune system.
Stimulates white blood cells.
Has a protective effect against virus infections (cold, flu, herpes), rheumatic fever, respiratory infections, inflammation.
Promotes healing of sores, wounds, oral surgery, acne, blemishes, eczema.
Protects against side effect of irradiation.
Protects against damage to liver cell.
Might prevent the development of cancer and tumor.
Protects the body from oxygen free radical damage (Diseases associated with free radical damage include cardiovascular diseases leading to heart attacks, strokes, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Cancer as well poor liver function).
Has beneficial effect on the bodies absorption of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

History of Propolis

Propolis is derived from the Greek words pro ("before") and polis ("city"), and refers to the observation made by beekeepers in ancient times that bees often a wall of propolis at the front entrance of their colony (i.g : before the city). The city here is hive of the bees. Propolis has been known and used by men since ancient times.

Egyptians, Greeks and Romans reported the use of propolis for general healing qualities and for the cure of some lesions of the skin. The Greeks using propolis for treating wounds as well as "incurable diseases". The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, often called the " father of modern medicine", prescribed propolis for the healing of sores and ulcers, both internal and external. For Egyptians, propolis was used for a variety of diseases. They also used propolis to embalm bodies. Romans also revered the bee and propolis extensively. The Roman Scholar Pliny wrote chapters on the use of resins such as propolis in his book, National History. He describes the ablities of propolis to reduce swelling, soothe pain and heal sores.