From: "Gerard
Subject: protection against infections - propolis
Date: Sunday, February 08, 2009 4:37 AM

We discussed this in the past, but this is still of importance so that 
our imune system will be strong before and after the shift.

In ancient Greece Propolis  was used this can be found in a bee hyve.
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Propolis is a natural antibiotic that is fast gaining in popularity in 
the application of home remedies! It's one of those bee products that 
really cause me to wow at the wonder of nature and marvel at the ability 
of the highly organised insect - honey bee. Now, let me tell you what 
exactly propolis is.

Some trees and conifers produce sticky resins as part of their immune 
system to defend themselves against disease. Honey bees collect these 
substances that ooze from the buds of these plants. After chewing them 
and mixing them with their saliva and other substances, propolis is 
formed. This nutrient-rich substance is of vital importance for the 
survival of the honey bees in the beehive. It is created to sterilize 
the hive and protect it against diseases and infection. Not only does it 
help to inhibit the spread of bacteria, virus, and fungi that would 
otherwise pose a significant threat in the closely-knit quarters, it 
also and help fight against climatic changes, such as wind and cold. It 
is also used as a "putty" to seal cracks and openings in the hive and to 
strengthen and repair honeycombs, and for this reason is also known as 
'bee glue'. Another fact that amazes me is that honey bees also use this 
sticky substance to embalm or "mummify" the carcasses of larger insects 
that invade the hive. Such intruders are immediately stung to death but 
because the defending bees can't transport such heavy corpse away from 
the hive, they embalm them rather than allowing them to decay. The 
ancient Eygptians observed this and used propolis as one of the 
embalming agents for their exquisite mummies!

Propolis contains approximately 50-70% resins, 30% wax, 10% etheric oils 
and 5% pollen. It is especially rich in amino acids, important for 
immune system function. It has a high vitamin content (Vitamin A 
(carotene), Vitamin B1, B2, B3, biotin) and is extremely rich in 
bioflavonoids (Vitamin P) which are believed to have numerous immune 
building properties and health benefits. Bioflavonoids are the natural 
pigments in fruits and vegetables and are found in abundance in oranges. 
This bee glue contains almost 500 times more bioflavonoids than is found 
in oranges! It also contains an array of albumin, calcium, magnesium, 
potassium and phosphorus. Like Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, it contains a 
number of unidentified compounds which work together synergistically to 
create a balanced, nutritive substance.

Propolis can be purchased completely raw and unprocessed, but it in its 
natural state is a sticky substance and is very difficult to handle. 
Some beekeepers will package the raw propolis and freeze it in small 
portions. It can then be added to a coffee grinder in its frozen state 
and ground for easy consumption. Most producers utilize a process where 
the active ingredients are 'leached' into water or alcohol, then either 
packaged in liquid form or dried and capsulated.

Because of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory 
and antioxidant effects, this precious substance has been used as a 
healing agent for many centuries. It has the ability to provide 
protection against infectious invaders, promote healing and regeneration 
of tissue, and provides a superior source of energy and stamina. It has 
been used as ointments for healing cuts and wounds and shown to have 
outstanding value for a wide variety of illnesses. It is also used as a 
natural alternative to penicillin and other antibiotics. It is said to 
be particularly safe and effective and inhibits the resistance-building 
effect that is a negative factor with prescription antibiotics. In the 
former Eastern Bloc countries, antibiotics have never been widely 
available, but beekeeping is widely practised. To help prevent many 
diseases, hospitals and clinics recommended washing, gargling or 
irrigating the sinuses with propolis rinses, as well as taking propolis 
internally. This bee product is certainly a good weapon against bacteria 
when used topically. It can clearly prevent infections, and can also 
help heal infections that have already begun.

Do you know that now even toothpastes contain natural ingredients 
related to honey bees. Propolis has become a healthy alternative to 
synthetic brands of toothpastes as it is especially useful in mouth and 
gum disorders. Our mouth is one of the most sensitive spots of our body. 
This is the place where the synesthesia of senses starts and the food we 
visualize develops its full smell and taste. The mouth is the starting 
point of the food digestion. A healthy mouth cavity is certainly one of 
the elements contributing to the appetite and good mood in general. If 
the mouth develops sore spots, thrush or gum disease, it causes the 
whole system to disrupt, resulting in pain and tormenting feeling. 
Published clinical research demonstrates that propolis fights bacteria, 
prevents tooth decay, enhances oral hygiene, heals bleeding gums, and 
prevents gums receding. Manufacturers of propolis toothpastes and mouth 
sprays claim that their products leave teeth clean, gums feeling 
healthy, taste great without artificial ingredients, and produce no 
negative side effects. The salesperson at a honey shop which I often 
frequent explained that propolis toothpaste are very suitable for young 
children's use as even if it's accidentally swallowed, it's extremely 
safe. Such products are easily applied, and have increasingly become 
part of the everyday dental hygiene of people who are especially 
interested in natural remedies. My latest discovery while shopping for 
honey products : propolis extract now even comes in the form of sprays 
and candies. The spray claims that it is effective against flu, cuts, 
burns, gum and mouth infections, throat discomforsts and intestinal 
discomfort, while the candy is sold as a good therapeutic substitute to 
the traditional throat lozenges and an aid to curing flu, colds, throat 
discomfort, cough and bad breath.

/Note of Caution:/ Propolis is generally non-toxic, though allergic 
reactions such as skin rashes, swelling, redness, eczema or fever have 
been reported. As the effects of propolis during pregnancy and 
breast-feeding have not been sufficiently evaluated, women should not 
use it during these times unless directed to do so by a physician.

* Source:* www.benefits-of-honey.com/propolis.html 
<http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/propolis.html>

R. Tan is the owner of the website benefits-of-honey.com which is a rich 
honey resource community specially built for all the honey lovers and 
fans in this world. She has packed this website with a wide range of 
quality contents on honey based on her knowledge and experience with 
honey, so as to promote its invaluable benefits which she believes could 
bring many positive spin-offs in everyone's daily life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Tan 
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