Propolis: An unknown ally of your health
Propolis is a sticky substance produced by bees. It originally comes from the collection of resinous secretions from the bark of plants, while the bees take care to enrich it with wax, pollen, enzymes and other substances. Used to seal and disinfect the inside of the hive.
But propolis is not only important for bees but also for humans. Its healing properties have been known since ancient times (when it was known as the “black candle”). It was used by many peoples of the Mediterranean as a medicine, with rich anti-inflammatory action, Hippocrates recommended it for the application of ulcers and burns, while it was also used extensively by Roman soldiers.
Today, after studies, propolis has been shown to have rich anti-inflammatory action and stimulate the motility of macrophage immune cells. It also suppresses some enzymes, which allow an inflammation to grow.
It also has anti-viral properties, while its activity against viruses is significantly enhanced in combination with pollen and royal jelly. It has certified activity against viruses, including influenza, H1N1 and H1N3.
Also, its antifungal action has been certified, which has been proven against Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis, coliforms and other bacteria, fungi and parasites. An important point to emphasize is that long-term use of propolis does not lead to the development of resistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms, while it just as easily destroys pathogenic microorganisms that have become resistant to antibiotics.
In addition, its antioxidant activity is known, which is manifested by the scanning of oxygen free radicals, while at the same time, it protects vitamin C from oxidation. Propolis is a great help to the immune system, as it stimulates and strengthens the general and specific immune system, while increasing interferon, causing cellular and chemical immunity. Finally, propolis, especially in combination with pollen, helps fight allergic symptoms and gradually immunize.
The color of propolis varies from yellow-green, orange-green to brown and dark brown, and depends on the plant of its origin, the impurities of wax and pollen and the time it stays in the hive.
Finally, it has a complex chemical composition (more than 300 chemical compounds have been detected) which, like its natural properties, is directly dependent on the flora of each region, as different plants give different bees opportunities to collect resinous secretions. mainly from resin (50%), wax (30%), essential oils (10%), pollen (5%). The other ingredients are aromatic substances, sugars, balsams, terpenes, aliphatic acids and their esters, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and other known and unknown ingredients.