What is bee propolis and what are its benefits? This has become a question that a large segment of citizens need to know the answer to. You should first know that it is also referred to as propolis, bee glue, and bee saliva. It is a nutritional supplement and a gummy substance produced by bees.
Bees produce this substance by collecting resinous materials and tree bark, as well as a series of specialized processes that include combining secretions from their abdomens. The bees then transform and purify these collected materials.
What is propolis and what are its benefits for the hive?
Fahd Al-Qanun's website provides you with all the important information about what propolis is and what its benefits are, as follows:
Propolis, also known as beeswax, is a sticky, gum-like substance used by bees to lubricate the inner walls of their hives. Generally, bees produce propolis by mixing beeswax with resinous substances collected from treetops. They then add special secretions to the propolis, giving it a dark, black color and a sticky texture. Dark green propolis is considered the best type because it contains healthy flavonoids.
To complete the answer to your question, "What is propolis and what are its benefits?" we explain its benefits below:
- Propolis acts as a tool for bees to strengthen and maintain the structural integrity of their hives.
- It acts as a sealant, effectively sealing any holes or gaps.
- Bees use propolis as a defensive barrier to protect the hive from the infiltration of harmful fungi and germs.
What is the origin of propolis and where can it be obtained?
Propolis is a natural mixture of what honeybees collect from pine buds and other tree species, honey, and some other special secretions. Bees use propolis to seal the walls of their hives and strengthen their combs. This sticky, greenish-brown substance has a mild, fragrant scent.
Propolis can be found at Fahad Al-Qanun's apiaries, where it is served raw without any additives.
What are the components of propolis?
The composition of propolis is influenced by the geographical location and the type of vegetation in the vicinity of the bees' food source. Propolis consists of several basic components, including:
- Part of unsaturated aromatic acids.
- Flavonoids (which are antioxidants that drive many of the therapeutic properties associated with propolis).
- Resinous materials represent 55%.
- 30% wax.
- 10% volatile essential oils.
- 5% pollen.
What is the method of using propolis?
- Propolis can be mixed with honey and taken every day before breakfast, which is a viable method.
- Propolis syrup is made by soaking it in warm water, letting it steep for a while, and then drinking it as a beverage.
- Propolis can also be consumed orally in its raw form.
What are the benefits of propolis?
After learning about what propolis is and its benefits, many people resort to using it for various purposes. It's worth noting that the use of propolis to enhance its therapeutic properties is not a recent phenomenon. Historical records indicate that its use was documented in ancient civilizations such as the Assyrian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations. Some of its most important benefits include:
- When mixed with white honey, it adds high quality, gives a different taste, and keeps the honey fresh throughout the storage period.
- It contains natural antioxidants that act as a strong immune barrier to eliminate abnormal body cells and help protect the body from various diseases.
- It can be used to enhance the treatment of skin problems, eliminate pimples and melasma, and give the skin unparalleled freshness and vitality. In the case of burns and wounds, it helps tissues heal faster than expected due to its amazing healing ability.
- It helps reduce blood clots and stimulates blood circulation, so it is suitable for the elderly.
- It helps strengthen weak immunity and stimulates the treatment of colds and viruses.
- It enhances the treatment of joint inflammation when taken alongside medications prescribed by the doctor.
- It contains a sufficient amount of calcium to enhance bone strength and protect them from osteoporosis and fractures.
- It helps improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels and eliminate harmful fats, bringing them to normal levels. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetics, but you must consult your doctor first.
- It helps treat respiratory infections and reduces the risk of infection.
What are the proven benefits of propolis according to scientific research?
Propolis is widely known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Additionally, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which has led to its use in many sectors, including:
- The compound pinocembrin present in propolis plays a crucial role in promoting and helping accelerate the healing of wounds and burns by facilitating the growth of healthy, fresh cells.
- By promoting cell and tissue formation, the occurrence of bleeding is effectively reduced and minimized.
- Using a 3% propolis ointment can be effective in promoting the treatment of both cold sores and genital warts. This ointment helps speed up the healing process while simultaneously relieving symptoms commonly associated with the sore.
What are the benefits of propolis for immunity?
The importance and benefits of propolis for the human body are evident, especially for children over the age of two. The most important of these benefits are as follows:
- It helps treat all types of infections and protects the body from bacteria and fungi, as it is a natural antibiotic.
- Propolis contains antioxidants and active compounds, as well as flavonoids, polyphenols, and amino acids. These components, in turn, help support human health.
- Propolis helps provide the body with the energy it needs, and the amino acids in propolis are used by the immune system to build the body's cells.
- It helps in treating colon disorders due to the flavonoids and phenylethyl compounds found in propolis.
- It is considered an ideal solution that contributes to enhancing the hydration of oily skin and adding freshness and vitality, in addition to helping to reduce the appearance of acne.
- It contributes to compensating for nutritional deficiencies in children.
- It can be used to promote the cleansing and healing of wounds and burns.
Does propolis help treat cancer?
It is widely believed that propolis helps fight cancer, and this is attributed to several factors, including:
- Propolis can enhance the ability to prevent cancer cell division.
- It helps prevent normal cells from turning into malignant cells.
- The general ability of propolis is to contribute to increasing the functions of the immune system, with a particular focus on lymphocytes, as it activates these cells and forces them to release antibodies that effectively eliminate cancer cells.
The effect of propolis with honey on the respiratory system
The many benefits that propolis and honey provide to the respiratory system cannot be denied, the most important of which are:
- Promotes relief from cold sores and helps relieve post-surgery pain in the mouth.
- It helps treat many problems related to nasal congestion, colds, sinusitis, and inflammation of the nasal tissues resulting from colds.
In the article above, we answered the question: What is propolis and what are its benefits? This is part of the series recently provided by your website, Fahd Al-Qanun.
Note: It is always advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before introducing any new ingredient into your child's diet, especially if they have allergies or certain diseases.
