06 Dec How Bee Propolis Can Help Your Immune System
Bees are nothing short of miraculous. They responsible for 1/3 of all we eat (plus they help pollinate coffee, chocolate & cotton!). They also produce an impressive array of highly nutritious substances which have a proven history of benefits for human health including honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and another exciting substance which has been the subject of over 2000 studies, Bee Propolis.
But what IS Bee Propolis?
Bee Propolis is derived from resins honey bees collect from trees and plant buds. Due to its antibacterial properties, bees use this sticky substance to seal and sterilise their hives. In fact, beehives are known to be one of the most germ free places on earth! Propolis can be found in supplement or tincture form and is often found in skin healing creams & toothpaste.
How long has it been used for health?
Humans have been using Propolis medicinally, both internally and externally, since the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans first started using Propolis for skin healing. From the 12th Century, Propolis was used to aid in healing throat and respiratory infections and to help strengthen the immune system. In the first and second world war, Propolis was used in first aid to reduce skin infections and to speed healing. Modern applications of Propolis have expanded into immune support, skin care, and dental care.
What’s so great about it?
Propolis is rich in nutrients as well as flavonoids, which are responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and immunity supporting actions. In addition, Propolis has been shown to regulate histamine response which can help manage hay fever symptoms (in addition, a well-functioning immune system has been shown to help reduce allergy suffering).
How can it help one avoid illness?
One area of clinical focus is the way Propolis supports the immune system by promoting the body’s natural defences and resistance to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. When microbial invaders enter the body, Propolis has been found to stimulate the production and action of macrophages, immune cells involved in the defence against bacteria & viruses and 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 can help reduce the life and the spread of bacteria internally and externally.
Is it worth taking on a regular basis?
With a broad spectrum of nutrients, active constituents and documented immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory actions in the body, Bee Propolis has been shown to be helpful in treating acute conditions. It is suitable to take daily to help support ongoing, long term wellness, overall health and to help strengthen immunity. As it modulates the immune system, yet doesn’t stimulate it, it’s suitable to take on an ongoing basis unlike echinacea. It is also suitable for most ages.
Bee propolis is the hero ingredients in Bee prepared immune formulas, along with other plant based nutrients (pollinated by bees).
Article by Nutritionist Erin McCann Galvin
