We look forward to doing in-store sampling & telling Whole Foods Market customers about our new versions of BEE Prepared immune support (Bee prepared was voted Best Supplement 2011). New BP Daily Defence & MAX Strength are not only great for colds & flu but also for hay fever & for helping keep your system functioning  well during stressful times, dieting & detoxing & before & during travel. A blend of bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans, BP daily defence will help keep you fighting fit. The MAX Strength is more concentrated & also contains astaxanthin, natures most powerful anti-oxidant & reishi mushroom, an amazing immune tonic. BEE well this season.

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/uk/

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

Humans have been using propolis medicinally, both internally and externally, for health purposes, for centuries.  Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used propolis for wound healing. From the 12^th Century, propolis was used to aid in healing mouth ulcers and throat infections.  In the first and second world war, propolis was used in first aid to reduce wound infection and to speed healing.  Modern applications of propolis have expanded into skin care, dental care, digestive health, immune support, and cancer treatment.

With research and clinical trials, the medicinal applications and actions of propolis are being discovered and better understood.  Propolis is rich in nutrients and other constituents, such as flavonoids, which are responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor actions.   One area of clinical focus is the immune supporting actions of propolis.  Propolis supports the immune system by promoting the body’s natural defenses and resistance to bacterial, viral and fungal infections.  It has been found to stimulate the production and action of macrophages, immune cells involved in the defense against microbial invaders in the development of antibodies.

Propolis also disrupts the proliferation of bacteria cells by inhibiting cell division and by destroying their cell structure. These actions reduce the life and the spread of bacteria internally and externally.  Laboratory studies have investigated propolis’ anti-inflammatory properties.  Constituents in propolis prevent the production of prostaglandins, pro-inflammatory hormone-like substances which occur naturally in the body.  By preventing prostaglandin production, propolis helps to reduce inflammation in the body.   Recent studies have explored propolis’ application in cancer treatment. Researchers have found that propolis may aid in reducing growth factors which encourage cancer tumor growth.  Propolis may also encourage cancer cell death through apoptosis.

Bees and their products have provided us with food, flowers and wellness for centuries.  Out of all of the bee products, bee propolis is proving to be one of the most dynamic and useful in regards to long term health and well being. As discussed, it’s documented immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory actions in the body make propolis effective in treating acute and chronic conditions such as:

• Colds and flu
• Sore throat and chest infections
• Skin infections and inflammation
• Candida and intestinal conditions
• Cancer

We are indebted to the bees for the magnificent products they provide for our enjoyment, health and survival.  It is important to ensure their lives are sustained and protected.

References for are available upon request.  The primary source of references is Pub Med published research.

Erin McCann NT, ND, Dip CNM

Nutrition Consultant for Unbeelievable Health

www.being-balanced.com

BEE Prepared immune support products are great to help keep colds & flu at bay & are also helpful for hay fever symptoms. Many swear by it before & during travel as well so as not to pick up more than luggage!

Janey Lee Grace is also a big fan of bees so we really look forward to working with her & her team on continuing to help raise awareness about how important bees are & how we can all help halt their decline. Check out Janey’s site:

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/Janey_Loves/supplements.htm

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/Home.htm

2012 London Health and Wellness Guide

http://www.dailycandy.com/london/article/118297/2012-London-Health-and-Wellness-Guide

Daily Candy ROCKS!! We are thrilled that our BEE Prepared immune support made their Top 5 Tip List for getting healthy! Cool. Let’s face it, after a holiday often spent gorging on a cornucopia of  mince pies, giant hunks-o-cheese  and more, all washed down with copious amounts of  joy juice (chardonnay shooters & the like) who doesn’t feel like getting fit come January & February? However ,detoxing, dieting & intense exercise regimes can all tax your immune system. Make sure  the lurgies don’t wreck your plans for getting in shape again!  BEE well in 2012!

Bee Propolis Extract: Propolis has been used for centuries for its healing properties, both internally and externally. This historical use of bee propolis is not surprising when considering how bees apply propolis, combined with a waxy substance, to seal and sterilize their hives. Propolis has broad anti-microbial properties in addition to antioxidant properties through its rich flavonoid content. Research has demonstrated that in addition to anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal actions, propolis appears to support immune function by stimulating macrophage and natural killer cell reaction to bacteria or flu viruses. Propolis can be anti-inflammatory through inhibiting prostaglandin production.

Elderberry Berry Extract: Elderberry berries contain a variety of bioflavonoids which are anti-oxidant compounds. These flavonoids provide the immune supportive and anti-viral properties that have been attributed to elderberries. Clinical studies have shown encouraging results when using elderberry extract in influenza infection, where people given elderberry extract appear to reduce flu symptoms more quickly than those given a placebo. The immunomodulating effects of elderberry enhance the body’s natural defenses while compounds in elderberry change the virus cell wall structure which makes it difficult for viruses to infect healthy cells and replicate. These processes aids in reducing the spread of infection.  Elderberry also contains high levels of vitamin C and the flavonoid, quercitin. Both of these nutrients have anti-histamine actions which may help to reduce hay fever symptoms.

Olive leaf extract: Olive leaves contain an antioxidant phenolic compound called oleuropein, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Olive leaf supports the immune systems by enhancing phagocytosis, improving the immune cell’s ability to kill microbial invaders. Oleuropein also has potent anti-viral action, disrupting viral replication by damaging the viral membrane and DNA.  The anti-inflammatory properties of olive leaf extract also help to improve immune function and to reduce allergic rhinitis and hay fever symptoms.

Beta 1,3 – 1,6 Glucans:  Beta Glucans are derived from yeast cell walls. Beta Glucan benefits are in their ability to reduce susceptibility to infection. Beta 1,3 and 1,6 Glucan aid the immune system by binding to immune cells, particularly neurophils. This binding assists the cells to identify microbial invaders and primes the immune cells for defense activity, similarly to how a vaccine works, without over-stimulating the immune system. Beta glucans are particularly useful against fungal and viral infections. That means when a microbial infection occurs, the immune ´troops’ are already in position and ready to fight. Beta glucans therefore hold exciting possibilities for those with lowered immunity or those particularly vulnerable to viral infections.  When higher quality beta glucans are used, less is needed for improved absorption and bio-availability.

Astaxanthin: Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory caratonoid found naturally in algae. It supports the immune system by encouraging the body’s natural virus and bacteria killing mechanisms and cell mediated immune responses. It also helps to reduce inflammation which may help to reduce cold, flu and hay fever symptoms, as well as, possibly speed recovery.

Reishi mushroom:  Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries as immune tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Reishi has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and it supports the body’s immune system through the production of immune cells and activation of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Reishi may also be helpful in regulating allergies and hay fever symptoms due to its immunomodulating action, in addition to its high levels of lanostan, a natural antihistamine.  Reishi stimulates the body to produce its own antioxidant enzymes in addition to having its own antioxidant properties.

Erin McCann NT ND mBANT

Nutritional Therapist – Naturopath

www.Being-Balanced.com 

BEE Prepared immune support fans have been writing to us that BEE Prepared immune support is a travel MUST have. We all know how easy it is to pick up nasty lurgies when traveling, what with the crowded airports & train stations, the recycled airplane air seething with germs… you know the drill.

Make sure you have a box of BEE Prepared immune support at hand to help build up your immune system & support your body’s natural defences before & during travel. Let BEE Prepared’s natural immune boosting heros; bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans work their wonders. New MAX strength Bee Prepared also contains reishi mushroom & astaxanthin along with the four original ingredients.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNhoFaHU3_A

Nutritionists suggest that those who suffer from hay fever start should start building up their immune well in advance of the season through healthy eating & supplementation to get a jump start on the hay fever season & to help minimise symptoms.

BEE Prepared immune support supplements contains Bee propolis, olive leaf, black elderberry & beta glucans which are some of the best ingredients one can take to help support one’s immune system & the body’s natural defences against seasonal allergies like hay fever. New MAX strength version also has astaxanthin & reishi mushroom. We received rave reviews last hay fever season from customers who took BEE Prepared immune support for hayfever & found that it really helped.

What do we REALLY care about? Helping people feel their best, naturally!

Much time and energy went into researching the very best and most efficacious ingredients which help support the body’s natural defences. We worked with some great nutritionists & nutritional scientists to come up with our BEE Prepared immune support formulas. We looked high and low to source the highest quality, vegetarian ingredients that were available in the EU. Our ingredients are all traceable to source and contain no nasties at all. We use concentrated extracts so fewer tablets are required.

All of BEE Prepared immune support’s ingredients are food sourced. We believe in eating a healthy diet and only use beneficial ingredients that are not usually found in a regular diet: bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf, beta glucans, astaxanthin (MAX version) and reishi mushroom (MAX).

We feel BEE Prepared is the highest quality and best product you can find to help support your family’s immune system. Our awards show that others also give BEE Prepared the thumbs up!!