Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a sticky mixture used by honey bees as a sealant. Worker bees collect this propolis from tree buds, sap flows, and various other botanical sources. This unique gunk helps the bees to seal tiny unwanted open spaces inside their hive. For larger gaps they use beeswax. In the video below, the presenter talks about how bee propolis can be of real benefit to the human immune system.

My Notes:

Propolis has a very long history of medicinal use. In fact it dates all the way back to 350 B.C., the time of the Greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle. But what of its modern day health claims? Well, there are plenty of those attributed to this ancient healer.

• The Immunity Booster: Bee propolis contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. These have the ability to enhance the human immune system. This is according to a study published in the August 2010 issue of “Phytotherapy Research.” Scientists found that bee propolis has the power to alter or regulate the immune system.

• The Natural Antiseptic: The active ingredients of bee propolis include the following:
  • Flavonoids (a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals))
  • Phenolic acids (types of aromatic acid compound)
  • Terpenes (organic compounds found in plant essential oils)
  • Amino acids (organic compounds that combine to form proteins)
  • Vitamins (organic compounds needed in small amounts to sustain life)

The ancient Egyptians used propolis as an antiseptic topical ointment. It is effective at speeding up the healing process and tissue repair of minor cuts, scrapes and sores.

• The Anti-Cancer Agent: Research is ongoing, but it's thought that bee propolis has anti-tumor capabilities. If so, it has the potential to become a natural alternative treatment or preventative measure for cancer. There is some science behind these claims and the ongoing research looks promising.

• The Genital Herpes Treatment: Genital herpes is a chronic, persistent, sexually transmitted viral infection. Bee propolis has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, it has the potential to give relief to those suffering from a herpes outbreak.

These are just some of the most talked about benefits of bee propolis, and research is continuing. Some of the other health benefits of propolis include:

• Boosts prostate cancer cell death
• Works for heat stress & athletic performance
• Helps treat allergies
• Helps treat bone diseases
• Kills colon cancer cells
• Lowers blood pressure
• Protects injured teeth
• Treatment for food poisoning
• Treatment for warts

In this scientific review “Propolis and the Immune System,” science opens a new perspective on the study of propolis' natural properties. This is mainly with respect to the human immune system.