By Colin Platt
A little known cure for flu, Propolis, also known as “the Defender of the Hive”, which is a natural product given to us by the bees, and used centuries ago by the ancient Egyptians in one of their most sacred rites, mummification, has now found its way back as an immune stimulant to fight colds and flu.
This more or less unknown substance has amazed modern scientists and researchers over the last decade. They have found that this bye product from the bees is not only an immune stimulant, but has proven to be a natural antibiotic, having antibacterial, antifungal AND antiviral properties.
Although bee-product remedies were largely discarded in the West in favor of synthetic medicine in the latter part of the 20th Century, their resurgence is burgeoning, particularly as modern antibiotics are proving increasingly ineffective against mutating strains of flu viruses and bacteria.
Bacteria and viruses have learned to survive on this earth longer than man or beast. In fact bacteria were the first forms of life on earth and have been around for four billion years. Like all living organisms they have their own innate intelligence and ability to evolve in a way that guarantees their survival.
Bees, it seems have found a way to beat bacteria at the survival game with a miraculous substance in Propolis created from plant resins. If we want to protect ourselves from constantly evolving cold and flu pathogens, we can take a lesson from the bees and turn again to Propolis to safeguard our most precious possession, our health,
So, what is Propolis? Known as bee glue or bee putty is a mixture of tree resins and bee secretions used in the construction and maintenance of the hive.
Bees use the sticky substance to line the walls of the hive and stop up cracks when constructing their habitat. Virtually every surface in the hive is coated with a thin layer of the sterilizing substance. The hive needs to be sterile, as thousands of bees living in the hive have to establish an environment which is free from disease and fungal infections.
Interestingly, the bees encase the hive entrance with this ‘sticky’ substance, and in order to access the hive the bees must crawl through the entrance which cleanses them of any bacteria and keeps the hive safe for its inhabitants. If by chance any foreign body which they are unable to physically remove such as a spider or mouse enters the hive it is first immobilized and then swathed in a cocoon of Propolis, in effect mummifying them to ensure the continued sterility of the hive.
Healthcare providers are constantly seeking new ways to cure flu and fight off potential catastrophic epidemics which modern pharmaceuticals are finding it difficult to treat. The latest H1N1 swine flu virus is a case in point. Could it be that a centuries old product from the hive will re-emerge as the magic bullet they have been looking for?
Unlike antibiotics, we can take Propolis daily as a cure for flu, and as a preventative measure to strengthen our immunity to a vast array of illnesses. It is now available worldwide from good health stores.
Be Aware At the time of this article, clinical trials with Propolis on pregnant women has not been evaluated, so it would be wise to check with your health provider first.
If you are breastfeeding, then the same applies.
Also, if you are allergic to bee stings or honey then Propolis could induce a serious reaction. Other side effects similar to a sting are inflammation and redness of the skin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Platt
