The word “propolis” comes from two Greek words:”pro” which means “before” and “polis” which means “city”. Very simply said, propolis is the material made by bees to protect their home and the brood. Little wonder that it is called “Russian penicillin”
Bees collect propolis from various plant sources, and then mix the original plant resin with beeswax and beta-glucosidase which they secrete during propolis collection. The colour and fragrance of the raw material depend directly on the plant sources that the bees use and the mixture of the material collected.
Dark in colour, it is visible to the human eye at the entrance of the hive where it protects the colony from bad weather, pest infestation as well as from microbial infection. It is used as a sealant inside the hive to close any opening that may arise or for fixing loose honeycombs. Its most important function is to protect the brood. This happens when a microscopic film of propolis is used to cover the brood cells before the queen lays the eggs.
Chemical analyses reveal approximately 55 percent resins and balsams, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent aromatic oils and 5 percent bee pollen.
Its main chemical constituents are bioflavonoids accompanied by phenolic acids and their esters, phenolic aldehydes, alcohols and ketons.
Worldwide production of propolis is growing rapidly. The biggest producers are found in China, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia and Russia. Let us hope that South Africa with its wonderful bees and pleasant climate becomes one of the major producers of propolis.
Interestingly, Japan is the biggest consumer of propolis. In 1985, a research paper was presented in Japan on the medicinal properties of propolis. The Japanese Cancer Association presented results that certain bioflavonoids in propolis exert strong anticancer properties. These outstanding conclusions are attracting new research worldwide as propolis promises great healing opportunity for certain ailments.
Interestingly, Japan is the biggest consumer of propolis. In 1985, a research paper was presented in Japan on the medicinal properties of propolis. The Japanese Cancer Association presented results that certain bioflavonoids in propolis exert strong anticancer properties. These outstanding conclusions are attracting new research worldwide as propolis promises great healing opportunity for certain ailments.
An important aspect of using propolis as a natural medicinal product should be now looked at. Modern pharmaceutical formulations are usually prepared in such a manner that they tend to treat only one ailment at a time. Propolis on the other hand has been recognized to have multifaceted properties.
It has been mentioned already that propolis has immuno-stimulative properties. So, let us say that you have decided to take it daily as an immune-booster. After a while you notice that you no longer suffer from symptoms of colds and flu. While the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis depends on dosage, it still has a hindering effect on the synthesis of prostaglandins – responsible for inflammatory reactions. Through its anti-oxidant properties it helps the body fight free radicals. Although a small number of people have been found to be allergic to propolis (1 in 2000), propolis exerts a strong antiallergenic effect and acts as a natural antihistamine. When one takes propolis one’s general health improves, so automatically the stress levels are reduced.
The bottle is still half full and on the shelf.
If you cut yourself, put a few drops of propolis extract on it and see the results. If you have burnt yourself, try the same. There is a pimple erupting – dab a drop of propolis extract and it will disappear shortly without scaring and damaging the skin. For sore throat, dilute it in a bit of water, gargle and swallow. For gingivitis, squirt a few drops on the tooth brush and it will lessen the pain.
Only by acquiring knowledge can we effectively help ourselves and become comfortably familiar with “green medicine”.
NB. Please note that some people may be allergic to propolis. You are advised to consult with a qualified health therapist before commencing a propolis routine
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