Propolis is not that well-known these days, but actually has an extensive history as being used as a healing medicine. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it for a multitude of purposes, and as a general health tonic.
What can Propolis do for Me?
Propolis has a range of health benefits. It is a natural antibiotic (due to a substance it contains called galangin) and a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help keep colds and flus away, and reduce their severity and duration.
It is an anti-inflammatory, so it can help you calm a sore throat or ease gum pain. It is actually a great oral cleanser, and can be chewed to help keep a clean mouth, keep away cavities, reduce plaque, and lower teeth sensitivity. Its antibacterial properties help you maintain fresh breath.
It also helps with circulation, so is good for your veins and heart, not to mention the brain. It can be applied to wounds to help them heal faster, another application of propolis’ antibacterial function. It is also an antifungal so can be used to treat yeast and fungal infections like athlete’s foot, candida, and ringworm. It may also be effective against parasites.
Propolis is an immune stimulant, which is another way it can prevent you from getting sick. Apart from reducing the risk of cancer due to its high antioxidant content, some research also puts forward that it may even cause cancer cell death. This is due to propolis’ components caffeic acid and chrysin.
What Makes Propolis so Effective?
The reason propolis is such a powerful healing medicine is because it is sourced from plant materials such as tree sap, which actually protects the tree from infection and intruders. The bees collect this for us and make it into a convenient putty-like material, and pass the protective properties on to you.
If you’re interested, you can read more about propolis.
Did you know that not every bee you see flying around produces honey? If you’ve ever wanted to recognise which type of bee produces honey and therefore propolis, below is a list of what to look for.
