Bee Propolis is a substance collected by bees from various plant parts including tree buds and the bees use it to seal small gaps and spaces in the hive while beeswax is used for larger gaps. The special antibacterial properties of Bee Propolis provide a sterile environment for nurturing the progeny of the queen bee. The name Bee Propolis comes from the Greek words 'Pro' meaning 'in support of', and 'Polis' meaning 'city', in other words the hive. The benefits from and uses of Bee Propolis on human health have been well recorded.
There is a long history of use of Bee Propolis by humans in herbal and alternative medicines which range from the relief of various conditions such as inflammations, ulcers and skin burns. Traditionally beekeepers put Bee Propolis in their mouths as a sore throat remedy. Research reveals many antioxidant chemicals, including terpenes and bioflavonoids, as well as cinnamic, phenolic, and caffeic acids. Bee Propolis is a component of honey and it was even being used in dressing wounds to help prevent infections. It is also believed Bee Propolis may keep the heart healthy and promote good eyesight by preventing cataracts. All products containing Bee Propolis as an active ingredient in medicine should be marked as medicinal use only by the manufacturer, used only as advised and under the supervision of a suitably qualified physician as with all medicines.
The properties of Bee Propolis depend on the plant sources used by a particular hive. It is thought it may stimulate the formation of antibodies to build body resistance against many diseases. Additionally, its health benefits are that it may possibly help damaged tissues heal more quickly, boosting physical and intellectual performance. Allergy to it is rare as it is non-toxic, but it should be noted that in some rare instances people that are prone to environmental allergies may be allergic.
Bee Propolis usually is classified as food and can be found in food supplements for sports and health and well being. Available in many forms it can be included in the diet in many ways. Pieces of the resin and beeswax, known as bee bread, may be chewed or mixed with food, although, bee bread is the common reference to pieces of pollen processed and stored in the hive by bees to feed the larvae. More commonly, Bee Propolis supplements may be purchased in the form of bee propolis lozenges or bee propolis capsules. Also available is a bee propolis concentrated tincture that may be consumed as drops or used externally. Many beauty products can also be found containing Bee Propolis as it is thought by some dermatologists that it has a positive influence on the growth of new skin tissue and even on the prevention of premature aging of skin cells.
