Propolis: The Bees’ Knees when it comes to Immune Support

Propolis has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were all aware of its healing properties. These days propolis is still widely used across South-East Asia, Japan, and South America, but is less well known in Europe. 

But, in a world facing all kinds of health problems, interest in propolis is growing once again. Modern science is proving beyond doubt the healing properties of this remarkable substance.

At BeeVital, we have been at the forefront of propolis research for over twenty years. Our team is committed to producing the highest quality propolis medicines. We make products which are both entirely safe and highly effective. We know propolis will play a key role in supporting immunity, health, and wellbeing in the 21st century.

What Is Propolis and How do Bees Use It?

Propolis is a produced by honeybees, from plant and tree resins which they combine with wax. Raw propolis can vary in colour, from red, to dark brown to green. This is due to the different species of trees and plants used to make it. 

The honeybees use propolis as a building material. It’s used to block up holes in their hives or reduce the size of the entrance to protect the colony from intruders. Propolis is also used to strengthen the wax honeycomb structure. It is also used to cap cells, protecting the developing young from harm.

Propolis is an Effective Natural Medicine

As well as being strong and sticky, propolis is also highly medicinal. It acts as a kind of external immune system for the bees.

This is because the resins which bees use to make propolis from are full of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of chemicals which help support physical health. They give rise to the many medicinal properties of propolis.

Propolis contains around 300 different chemical compounds. These work synergystically, supporting the body’s immune system. They also act directly against pathogens and infections.

As well as a wide variety of flavonoids, propolis also contains vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, magnesium, calcium and more.

Propolis treats Bacterial Infections & Viruses

As bacteria multiply they can form a protective layer called biofilm. This layer helps bacteria evade the body’s normal immune response and can render antibiotics useless. Propolis inhibits the formation of biofilm as well as acting directly against bacteria. Propolis is known to act against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This includes ‘superbugs’ such as MRSA. Propolis is also antiviral. It has even been shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.

Propolis treats Inflammation

The inflammatory process begins when cell membranes are ruptured and fatty acids are produced. This triggers a chain reaction which results in leakage of blood from the capillaries. This causes pain and a build-up of fluid in the area. The flavonoids in propolis prevent enzymes from rupturing the capillaries. This prevents the inflammatory process from starting or reduces its spread. In turn this relieves pain and discomfort in the patient.

Propolis treats Fungal Infections

Propolis also has antifungal properties. It can be used to treat fungal infections, including acne, yeast infections and thrush. Because propolis can be taken internally and applied topically it can be used in a similar way to other fungicidal medicines.

Propolis is an Immunomodulator

Many people suffer with immune-related diseases. These can include things like eczema and psoriasis on the skin, along with things like rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, and asthma. Issues like chronic inflammation are also the result of an overactive immune system. Propolis can help restore balance to the body’s immune system. It can reduce the likelihood of a overactive immune response.

How Can Propolis be Taken?

Propolis is available in many forms. Propolis can be taken internally, in the form of a capsule, tablet or a liquid. It can also be applied topically to the skin as a liquid, cream, or balm. Various oral health products are also available, such as Propolis Toothpaste and Mouthwash.

Propolis Capsules or Tablets

Propolis Capsules are a great option if you’re looking to manage a chronic condition. You can easily track the dosage and taking propolis in this way avoids exposure to its strong taste. This also a good option for people looking to harness the antioxidant effect of propolis.

Propolis Tincture or Liquid

Propolis Tincture is an alcoholic extraction. Propolis Liquid is produced using a non-alcoholic solvent. This is often preferred by children or those avoiding alcohol. Propolis in liquid form can be added to a hot drink and consumed internally, or applied topically. Propolis Tincture works well when treating things like infected cuts or septic toes, as it sticks to the surrounding tissue.

Propolis Skincare

Propolis Cream can be used to treat skin conditions including acne and eczema. Propolis Creams often contain propolis liquid along with other ingredients such as vitamin E. 

Propolis Serums and medicated Propolis Balms can also be very effective for treating skin problems.

Propolis Oral Care

Using propolis oral hygiene products is a great way to support your whole health. Propolis is known to have anti-caries properties, helping prevent tooth decay and cavities. This means propolis toothpastes can actively help prevent tooth decay. Propolis also has analgesic properties, perfect in pain-relieving gels, such as BeeVital’s B-Gel. Propolis Mouthwash helps keep bacteria at bay, freshening breath and calming inflammation.

Backed By the Latest Scientific Research

Research recently undertaken at leading universities demonstrates the potential of propolis. The World Health Organisation say that ‘antibacterial resistance is one the biggest threats to global health’. Research undertaken by BeeVital, in conjunction with Leeds Beckett University, shows that propolis can inhibit the growth of harmful biofilm. This enables antibiotics to perform their indended function and supports normal immune function.

Lots of research is being undertaken into the use of propolis to treat COVID infections and other respiratory diseases. Other researchers have been studying the anti-cancer properties of propolis.

It’s fantastic to see researchers focussing their efforts on natural medicines such as propolis. This research is paving the way for propolis to become a widely used natural medicine. A safe and effective natural medicine for the 21st century.

Propolis and Your Patients

We know natural health practitioners want to offer their patients the best possible treatments. Propolis provides practitioners a safe, flexible, and effective solution to a wide range of health problems.

• Propolis can be taken internally or applied topically. 
• Propolis oral health and skincare products can be easily incorporated into daily health and hygiene routines. 
• Prescribing Propolis Capsules or Tablets makes managing doses straight forward. 
• Propolis can be used to treat both chronic illnesses and acute conditions.
• Propolis is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, reduces inflammation and is an immunomodulator.
• Scientific research continues to reveal more about this amazing substance.

Propolis truly is the bees’ knees when it comes to immune support!At BeeVital we support practitioners who choose our products by offering attractive margins across our range. To find out more about our products please visit www.beevitalpropolis.com.