It’s no wonder the term, “busy bee” is used to describe an industrious person – during their short lives, bees manufacture a host of byproducts, including bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly, beeswax, and propolis, the key ingredient in propolis spray.
Bees make propolis, a sticky, resin-like substance, by mixing saliva, beeswax, and pollen. They gather exudate from buds and sap flows of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Bees use propolis to construct, repair, and weatherize their hives.
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The word propolis originates from two Greek words; “pro,” which means “before” or “at the entrance to,” and the word “polis,” which means “community” or “city,” – indicating that bees use this substance as hive defense. Propolis is also called bee glue.
Propolis Spray: Natural Support for Your Immune System is an original (HealthXWire) article.
A brief history of “bee glue.”
Egyptians used propolis for embalming, and Incas used it to prevent or reduce fever. Greek and Roman physicians used it as a disinfectant, mouthwash, antiseptic and healing agent for treating wounds. In the 17th century, propolis was listed as a drug in London pharmacopeias. Between the 17th and 20th centuries, propolis use was widespread in Europe primarily due to its antibacterial qualities. During WWII, propolis was used in Soviet clinics to treat tuberculosis and by the Balkan states to treat wounds, burns, sore throats, and stomach ulcers. And here’s a fun fact: the great violin maker Stradivari used bee glue as a violin varnish. It wasn’t until 1908 that the first scientific work with propolis was published.
Propolis continues to fight disease in the 21st Century.
Research and use of propolis continues to the present day. It’s a popular choice among naturopaths and holistic doctors as a remedy for many illnesses, including colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, sinus infections, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and earaches. It’s also a topical treatment for cold sores, swelling, sores inside the mouth, and burns. Additionally, propolis helps fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some doctors have prescribed propolis as a treatment for diabetes, genital herpes, and cancer.
Propolis and COVID-19
A 2022 study indicates that propolis could help treat and prevent COVID-19. Computer simulations revealed that propolis could interact with target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, interfering with the onset and replication of the virus and probably improving symptoms and shortening recovery time. A clinical study (using human volunteers) also showed promise, but clinical evidence is limited because of the small test sample. More clinical studies are warranted.
How the powerful properties of propolis work for your immune system
Propolis offers powerful immune system support. Current research shows that propolis contains around 300 chemicals; most of them are polyphenols which are antioxidants that improve specific immune responses. One of the powerful polyphenols propolis has are flavonoids which plants produce as a protective mechanism. Additionally, propolis contains immune-supporting vitamins and minerals: A, B, C, D, E, K, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, and phosphorus.
Propolis is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps your body respond to stress caused by physical illness and mental or emotional stressors as it maintains well-being. Adaptogens act as an immuno-stimulant, fighting infection and cleaning up free radicals. They can also balance hormones and improve cognitive function.
Propolis additional properties:
- It’s Anti-Viral. Propolis appears to prompt the body to increase antibody production, creating an additional defense against viral infection.
- It’s Anti-Inflammatory primarily because it contains CAPE (caffeic acid phenyl ethyl ester), a flavonoid that promotes healing by reducing inflammation in the body. CAPE reduces inflammation by inhibiting the enzymes which cause capillaries to allow blood into the surrounding tissue.
- It’s Anti-Bacterial. Propolis inhibits the growth of biofilm, a protective shield that bacteria develop, allowing them to multiply more quickly. Preventing biofilm formation enables the body to combat infection more efficiently.
Demand for bee byproducts as health supplements has soared, making it easier to find propolis products. There are topical forms like creams, ointments, and lotions. Propolis also comes in tablet, liquid extract, capsule, and spray form. Ease of use and effectiveness makes propolis spray one of the most popular forms.
Things to consider and where to find propolis spray.
If you’re interested in bringing the benefits of propolis spray into your daily healthcare routine,
here are a few things to look for before you make your purchase:
#1 Third-party pesticide testing. Since bees travel long distances, they can be exposed to pesticides, so regular hive checks are necessary to ensure the products are pesticide-free.
# 2 Sustainable Beekeeping and Sustainable Sourcing.
Sustainability is good for you, the bees, the company employees, and the environment. Be wary if the company doesn’t clearly state where its bee products come from on its website or on their product labels. Legitimate companies are proud and happy to be transparent about their sourcing practices.
#3 Price. Propolis spray doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive, and you should be able to find a brand that fits your budget.
Beekeeper’s Naturals is a company that fits all three of the above criteria: their hives are regularly third-party tested. Their bee products are sustainably sourced and come from small-scale apiaries (a collection of beehives), mainly in Canada and the US. And lastly, their B.Immune Throat Spray – Propolis Spray made from high-grade bee propolis extract is reasonably priced.
The founder of Beekeeper’s Natural, Carly Stein, was inspired to start her company because she discovered the healing power of propolis firsthand. After years of battling tonsillitis, it was propolis that brought her relief. She is passionate about providing quality bee products to the public. “Your medicine cabinet should be stocked with simple, clean, and powerful products you trust—and we’re committed to making that happen.” – CARLY STEIN, FOUNDER
Its long history of medicinal use and recent scientific studies supporting its immune-boosting properties make propolis spray a good prospect for your healthcare supplement regimen. Most people use propolis spray with no side effects; perhaps the only side effect is that you might never be able to look at a honey bee the same way again.
For further information:
Propolis: A Wonder Bees Product and Its Pharmacological Potentials – PMC
Bee Products: An Emblematic Example of Underutilized Sources of Bioactive Compounds
Evidence on the Health Benefits of Supplemental Propolis – PMC
Important Note: The information contained in this article (Propolis Spray: Natural Support for Your Immune System) is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
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