The weather is getting colder. Flu season is closing. Therefore, it is important to strengthen our immune system and improve our body's resistance to diseases during seasonal transitions. So how? Propolis, which is said to be healing many health problems ranging from the flu to cancer, can support you in protecting your health.
Bees are a very important part of life. If you think bees only provide us with sweet food, you may get wrong. We owe the bees to about one third of the food we consume. It wouldn't be wrong to compare the bees to the flying pharmacists and doctors and take the hives as the natural hospitals. Honey has been used for health and beauty by many for centuries. However, these smart and hardworking creatures do not just produce honey. Beeswax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom are some of the medicinal products that reach us from hives. Especially propolis is a bee product that has become widespread recently.
Protector of the hive
Propolis is a product produced by bees by processing resinic substances collected from plants' buds and stems, protecting the hive against germs and external factors. Bees’ propolis is used for plastering the cracks of the hives, narrowing the flight holes and mummification to prevent the smell of pests killed but not thrown out after entering the hive. Polyphenols, phenolic acids and their esters, terpenes, steroids, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, minerals and amino acids are included in the composition of propolis, which is composed of flavonoids. There are more than 70 useful ingredients in propolis and its extract (in essence) such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antimycotic, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory.
Its Countless Benefits
Propolis, which strengthens the immune system, combat with the flu thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains. It is an effective cure for all kinds of inflammation. It improves gingivitis and mouth sores. It treats herpes formed in different parts of the body. It speeds up the healing of wounds. It purifies the body from fungi and bacteria. Thanks to its strong antioxidant feature, it is good for skin health, and when used with shampoo, it reduces rash and dandruff on the scalp. It has also a cancer preventive effect. Propolis, which regenerates the cells with the vitamin C it contains, slows the growth of cancer cells.
Attention should be paid to producing process
Honorary President of German Association and Romania Association President Dr. Stefan Stangaciu state that propolis is very useful for human health in the Apitherapy meeting organized by Balparmak which is a well-known honey brand in Turkey.
“Apitherapy is a complementary method that uses bee products to prevent, help or cure over 800 diseases. Bee products are used in more than 40 medical specialties, including genetics. A better protective cure has not yet been found than propolis which is one of the bee products beneficial for humans, animals and plants.”
However, there is a point to which Stangaciu draws attention. Namely: the processing conditions of propolis: “To be able to take advantage of the benefits of propolis, it must be processed. When propolis is taken from the beehive, it contains beeswax, bee residues and impurities due to environmental factors. For this reason, it has to be subjected to the extraction process. Alcohol is often used in this process. If carriers such as propylene glycol, which are ethyl alcohol or alcohol derivatives, are used as the solvent, it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of daily use. The daily use of propylene glycol is limited to 25 mg per kilo by the World Health Organization. It may be inconvenient to use such solvents especially for children. For this reason, I recommend that reliable brands are preferred when buying propolis.”
How to use?
You should consult your doctor before using propolis. If necessary and appropriate, the recommended amount in adults is 2 grams per day. You can double this dose during seasonal change or periods of the illness. You can consume propolis by mixing it in honey and yogurt. You can also use it as a mouthwash by mixing it with water or as a syrup by mixing it in water with honey.
The daily dose is 250 mg for children between one and three years old, 500 mg between three and six years old, and 1 gram for children up to 12 years old. You can use the adult dose for children over 12.
