Propolis Information
Propolis is not as well known as bee pollen. It is better known in countries like Japan where many people use it to treat ailments. So what is propolis?
Bees gather the gums and resins secreted from wounds on plants and use it to protect the beehive and its contents. We call this propolis. These gums and resins came into being to protect plant wounds but they also give this same protection to the inside of a beehive. More important, we know that the protection these gums and resins give is not only physical but also chemical. Propolis dries, giving a hard, waterproof finish to the inside of a beehive. Propolis is used to fill cracks and crevices where microbes may hide and grow. Propolis provides no food for microbes but contains chemicals that are toxic to them.
Propolis works by encapsulating the bacteria or unwanted object so that the bacteria cannot escape. For example, bees will totally surround a trapped dead mouse in a hive with propolis and this will prevent any bacteria from escaping as the mouse decomposes.
Propolis has been found to be anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory.”
Propolis is available in tincture form, which is useful to use on wounds, in a tonic or mouth spray. The most common way to take propolis in New Zealand is in capsule or tablet form. By taking a regular amount of propolis each day, your body will build up its own natural defences against infections and disease.
