Facts about Propolis…
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Propolis is a natural product manufactured exclusively by bees. The bees collect resin from plants and trees and transport it back to the hive where they mix it with their own secretions and other natural components to form a complex compound. The end result depends on the type of trees and plants accessible to foraging bees as well as the climatic conditions of the local area. Recent scientific analysis has isolated up to 180 distinct chemical compounds. It is generally estimated that propolis consists of approximately 55% plant resins and balms, 30% bees wax, 10% essential oils and 5% bee pollen. Other constituents include flavanoids, amino acids, B vitamins and trace elements.
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The mix of compounds varies from area to area as the botanical species change. This results in a natural variation in concentration, volume and type of constituents within the propolis made by the bees. Micro-organisms are therefore unable to adapt and become resistant as the propolis is constantly changing. This remarkable fact ensures that propolis has remained one of nature’s most powerful broad spectrum antibiotics.
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Bees use propolis throughout the hive to safeguard it against harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi; sterilising and insulating every cell by repairing and varnishing them; and protecting the hive entrance. It is also used to defend the hive and its bees from the harmful effects of intruders, such as insects or small animals, which they kill and then cover with the sticky propolis compound to prevent any risk of infection.
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The name propolis is derived from the Greek - pro (before) and polis (city) – meaning to go before or to defend the city, in other words to protect the beehive; and is attributed to the ancient Greek teacher and philosopher, Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.) who is believed to have discovered the properties of propolis.
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Bees have used this dark-coloured, sticky resin to protect the unique structure of their hives and to maintain the health of the indispensable bee colony – for 45 million years!
Benefits of Propolis…
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Propolis has been rediscovered by western medicine relatively recently as a natural product with vast potential for human and animal health. However, it has been widely and successfully used in medicinal practice for centuries in Eastern Europe and Asia.
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Worldwide research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties and has been proven to be effective in:
o Stimulating the immune system
o Alleviating joint and muscular pain, arthritis and rheumatism
o Treating skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis
o Healing wounds and burns
o Treating gastro-intestinal problems and blood disorders
o Relieving asthma, bronchitis, sore throats and respiratory problems
o Aiding the regeneration of tissue and reducing bleeding and pain
o Providing a natural immunity to common viruses, including the various
strains of flu
o Working against harmful bacteria without destroying the friendly bacteria the
body needs
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The greatest strength that Propolis has is its ability to treat so many different ailments. These unique properties all found in one product make it the ultimate holistic ‘medicine’ – by stimulating the immune system in the body to fight off infection as a whole.