Propolis + Immune Health Benefits

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If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, look no further than propolis. Propolis is a bee-produced resin that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Recent studies have shown that propolis can help fight off infection and improve overall immunity. So if you’re feeling run down, consider adding propolis to your health regimen. Here are just a few of the many ways propolis can benefit your immune health.

What Is Propolis?

Propolis, or bee glue, per se, is a natural wax-like resinous substance located in the honeybees beehives as a hard cement to seal crevices or accessible spaces. Moreover, at elevated temperatures, Propolis is soft, pliable, and very sticky; however, when cooled, particularly while frozen or near freezing, it becomes hard yet brittle. It will remain brittle after such treatment, even at higher temperatures.

Typically Propolis will become liquid at 60 to 70°C, but for some elements, the melting time may begin as high as 100°C. The best propolis sources are poplar, willow, birch, elm, alder, beech, conifer, and horse-chestnut trees. Its coloration varies from green to brown and reddish, depending on its botanical source.

A colony of bees collects around 150 to 200 g of Propolis in one year; however, some varieties gather less than that. In fact, foraging for Propolis is known only with the Western honeybee or European honeybee (Apis mellifera), a bee universally managed species.

The Third Most Valuable Element Of Bee Products

Propolis is the third most valuable element of bee products. It is composed of resin (50%), wax (30%), essential oils (10%), pollen (5%), and other organic compounds (5%).

Phenolic & Alcohol Compounds

Researchers have identified more than 300 compounds in Propolis. The majority of these compounds are forms of polyphenols that fight disease and damage in the human body. The most influential organic compounds present are phenolic compounds, esters, flavonoids, terpenes, beta-steroids, aromatic aldehydes, and alcohols.

Flavonoids + Phenolic Acids + Stilbene derivative

Twelve different flavonoids such as pinocembrin, acacetin, chrysin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, myricetin, catechin, naringenin, galangin, and quercetin, two phenolic acids, such as caffeic and cinnamic acid, and one stilbene derivative called resveratrol (produced by plants in response to disease, injury, or stressors) have been identified in propolis extracts by capillary zone electrophoresis.

Vitamins + Minerals + Enzymes

Propolis also contains essential vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, and E. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium (K), sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron. Enzymes, such as succinic dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase, and acid phosphatase, are also present in Propolis.

Possible Health Benefits

Immune health, Antioxidant protection, Gastrointestinal health, Oral health, Respiratory health, Wound healing and Skin health, bone, joint care, and Blood sugar management. The proportion of propolis/carrier may vary to obtain bacteriostatic or bactericidal results.

Propolis History

Historically, Propolis has been applied medicinally for health and healing. Aristotle (384 – 322 BCE), one of the most excellent physicians of the classical world, is said to have neologized the word Propolis, from the Greek words (before) and polis (city), meaning before the city or defender of the city. In addition to this, Aristotle used Propolis for its antiseptic qualities to treat sores and ulcers. Ancient Egyptians applied Propolis as an embalming agent. Galen, a prominent Greek physician (129 – 217 AD), used Propolis for coughs and oral infections. In ancient Rome, Gaius Plinius Secundus, called Pliny the Elder (23 – 79 AD), was a Roman author, a naturalist and natural philosopher, a naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire, used Propolis extensively.

“Has the property of extracting stings and all foreign bodies from the flesh, dispersing tumors, ripening indurations, allaying pains of the sinews, and cicatrizing ulcers of the most obstinate nature.”

Pliny the Elder

Why take Propolis?

The powerful immune and antioxidant benefits of Propolis provide broad-spectrum support for health and well-being. Such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, wound healing, and cardioprotective activities. In addition, some researchers say that Propolis and Ashwagandha used simultaneously may hold preventative and therapeutic value against COVID-19 in this article.

Propolis helps protect against infection.
Strengthens the immune system.
Fights off cold and flu viruses.
Boosts overall immunity.
Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Types Of Propolis Applications Available

Propolis is available in many forms. When used topically, found in ointments, creams, and lotions. Internally, tablets, capsules, powder, extract, lozenge, nasal sprays, throat sprays, mouthwash, and toothpaste.