Using Bee Propolis to Prevent Infections

Bee propolis, or bee glue, is a usually dark brown, sweet smelling resin that is used as a sealant in bee hives. Iit is derived from the Greek word pro, meaning 'in defense of' and polis, meaning 'city'. It is 55% resinous compounds, 30% beeswax, 10% ethereal and aromatic oils and 5% bee pollen, according to. As bees return to the hive the propolis glides over their surface removing microbes picked up from the outside. Propolis comes in many forms such as tablets, capsules, extracts, powders, even lollipops and toothpaste.

Touted by the Koran a blood purifier, bee propolis has antibacterial properties and is thought to stimulate phagocytosis, helping the body to destroy harmful bacteria. Using bee products for health is a practice known as apitherapy.

Since the first century, propolis has been used to treat inflammations, ulcers, viral diseases and burns. It is said to boost the thyroid gland for improved immunity and resistance to infection. Also an antioxidant, this 'bee glue' may be used to combat certain liver disorders, and may have a positive effect on some skin cancers. Bee propolis has also been used to treat canker sores, help genital herpes to heal, and as a topical antibiotic and anti fungal. Professor S. Scheller, of the Poland Medical Academy found that propolis is able to stimulate the immune system, by stimulating the forming of antibodies that build the bodies resistance to diseases. In isolated tests, propolis was shown to help women with endometriosis and infertility issues to conceive. According to Dr. Ali F.M. of the Ain Shams University in Egypt, 60% of women taking the propolis became pregnant, as opposed to the 20% that were given a placebo.

Studies have shown that proplis is active against parasites, bacteria, viruses, and protozoans in the test tube. While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, bee propolis has been used to prevent vaginal, urinary tract, and intestinal infections. Homeopathic Practitioners recommend using the propolis in its powdered form and advise taking one teaspoon twice a day at meal times to prevent bacterial infections. A study by the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Western Australia showed that bee propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin 100%. While the side effects of combining propolis with antibiotics are undetermined, scientists are hopeful that they will soon be able to reduce antibiotic dosages.

People sensitive to bees or bee products should not use propolis, as it may cause allergic reactions.