Propolis: a mysterious, sticky substance with amazing healing power.
Propolis is an ancient healer that has been used for centuries by Greeks, Egyptians, and more. In the Western world, the benefits and healing powers of propolis are becoming more commonly explored. The healing benefits of propolis can be applied to something simple like a holistic salve to heal a cut, to powerful tinctures that can prevent, reduce, and even eliminate cancer cells.
So, what is propolis? Propolis is resin that bees collect from tree buds. The bees bring the resin back to their hive, where the resin is unloaded and mixed with pollen, wax , and other bee goodness to create a sticky substance called propolis. Propolis has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Because of these properties, bees use propolis to disinfect and seal their hive from predators, germs, and other environmental stressors.
Source: Wikimedia
Source: Wikimedia
But it turns out that many of these healing and disinfecting properties can extend beyond bees: research has shown there are some serious healing properties of propolis when taken by humans. Propolis can come in the form of a salve to be applied topically, or as a tincture that can be ingested orally. So, what are some of these amazing healing benefits of propolis? Read on to find out more!
- Oral Hygiene: the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of propolis can reduce the development of plaque and cavities. Essentially, propolis is able to mitigate the effects of sugars and bacteria on teeth.
- Skin Care: Again, the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in propolis mitigate the effects of bacteria on the skin, thus combating acne. This can be accomplished by taking propolis orally or applying it to the skin. Since propolis contains healing properties that are often used to treat cuts or burns, it’s ok to use propolis on acne that may contain open pores or areas – it treats inflammation and kills bacteria. What’s more, is that propolis can be used to treat acne in a preventative manner, too, since it can inhibit the different oils that can clog your pores. Propolis also improves skin’s immunity, so you can simultaneously build up your skin’s own defenses against breakouts.
- Oral Healing: Because of the same properties discussed in #2 and #3, propolis is also incredibly effective in other oral health issues, from healing canker sores to speeding up healing after surgery.
- Heals Burns: Propolis has been shown to lessen inflammation and increase circulation on burn victims who consistently applied a salve containing propolis. Propolis is also great for keeping the area disinfected while it heals. This applies to both cuts and burns.
- Cancer: Due to its nutrient-dense combination, propolis has been shown in studies to significantly reduce or eliminate cancer tumors in the body. Moreover, propolis acts as an anti-angiogenesis that can inhibit cells adopting their own blood supply as well as spreading to other organs. What’s even more amazing is propolis can be used to prevent cancer in the first place. Propolis can also be effective in cancers that develop a resistance to chemotherapy. Not convinced? Propolis can also taper the side-effects of chemotherapy for those going through treatment.
- Respiratory Ailments: Propolis is chock-full of antimicrobial properties, which means that it can protect the respiratory system preventively, or be used to soothe symptoms of asthma and the common cold.
- Skin Outbreaks: from herpes to eczema, propolis can ease the symptoms of an outbreak and in some cases heal the Herpes virus altogether. This is due to the antiseptic and antiviral properties (and other amazing qualities discussed above) of propolis.
So, how can you get some propolis? It’s available as a tincture, cream, salve, and even a capsule.
*These articles are not meant to provide or replace medical advice. Before beginning a new treatment plan, please consult your healthcare provider.
This article originally appeared on www.simplybee.org
