Bee Propolis: Nature's Healing Balm With Immune Boosting Properties

Proven protection and natural too! Plug in a propolis diffuser and spread the goodness throughout!! Get some throat spray to treat mouth ulcers, too!

Bee Propolis: Nature's Healing Balm With Immune Boosting Properties

(NaturalNews) Bee propolis is a remarkable natural substance collected and produced by honeybees. It is often referred to as a natural antibiotic and has many diverse uses. I love it when nature clearly has the upper hand over the frailty of our human science. Bee propolis is one such substance and has even been described as having anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties with immune modulating effects. These may sound a little too good to be true but you can't go wrong with a bottle of bee propolis in your medicine cabinet. As a natural remedy it will be incredibly useful for at least it's anti-viral effects.

What is Bee Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from trees and plants. Bees use it as a natural antibiotic to protect their hive and as defence against disease in the hive. They do this by using it as a seal over foreign matter so that it does not pollute the hive as well as for creating doorways. It is made up of waxes, resins, fatty acids and amino acids. Hundreds of chemical properties have been identified in propolis and this differs from hive to hive as well as with the environment the bees live in and the time of day the propolis was collected. This makes propolis exceedingly complex which is why no one has attempted to synthesise the product. It is natural and cannot be patented and therefore research into the substance is limited regarding its clinical benefits.

Propolis has long been used as a natural remedy and it is thought that it's the numerous flavonoids which it contains that account for its wound healing benefits. Some studies suggest that it may be used against bacteria and viruses and other microorganisms when applied to infected areas topically. Propolis has anti-microbial action on both gram-positive and gram-negative micro-organisms. It contains constituents that increase membrane permeability and inhibit bacterial motility. It is commonly used for wound infection and other illnesses.....

Anti-viral and Immune Boosting Effects

A study was done on the effects of bee propolis on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) -- also known as canker sores -- at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Canker sores are an ulcerative disorder of the oral cavity. They have no cure and medicine used to prevent further outbreaks and relieve pain comes with its own set of dangerous side-effects. Bee propolis was evaluated as a potential remedy to reduce the number of mouth ulcer outbreaks. There were two groups of patients, one group who took a placebo capsule and the other group who took a propolis capsule. Patients who took the propolis capsule showed a significant decrease in the number of outbreaks of mouth ulcers. Another great effect of the propolis was that the patients reported a definite improvement in their quality of life. This would likely be due to the immune boosting effects that propolis has with its high levels of B-vitamin complex and notable quantities of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.

Study Reference: (http://www.springerlink.com/content...)

About the author: Katherine Oosthuis is completing a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. She researches and writes for a health and nutrition website Detox For Life . Her passion is to make research available to those who are looking to improve their well-being and revolutionise their health through better nutrition and alternative medicines. 

Pourquoi on mange du miel? Why do we eat honey?

une explication complète sur les vertus du Miel de toutes les nectars.

a complete explanation to the specific values found in different honeys.

Les caractéristiques de certains miels. Characteristics of various honeys.

Le Miel d'Acacia : Longtemps liquide et clair, on y retrouve le parfum subtil et sucré de la fleur d'acacia. C'est un miel très apprécié. Il est idéal pour mélanger aux fromages blancs, yaourts, fruits rouges et fruits secs.
Le Miel de Châtaigniers : D'odeur forte, de couleur brun foncé presque rouge, au goût prononcé, c'est un miel fort et tonique. Il est plus corsé dans les zones ou la production de miel est accompagnée d'une production de miellat.
Le Miel de Forêt : La particularité du miel de forêt réside dans son mélange de nectars et de miellats variés, son arôme rappelle souvent les feuilles sèches des sous-bois. En bouche, le miel de forêt engendre des sensations boisées, suaves, où percent parfois une pointe de réglisse et un soupçon de menthe.
Le Miel de Lavande : Bien clair à jaune doré, ce miel fortement aromatique, sensiblement acidulé, traduit le caractère de cette fleur méditerranéenne.
Le Miel de Montagne : Généralement plus corsé, fortement aromatique de couleur ambré, c'est un miel de flore variée, récolté en moyenne ou haute montagne... Des saveurs pures, excellent pour la forme.
Le Miel de Sapin : De couleur foncée presque noir, au goût fortement balsamique et malté parfois mentholé, c'est un miel tonique et réputé.
Le Miel de Tilleuls : Ambré, clair, très parfumé au prononcé de menthe, c'est un miel de qualité conseillé pour les jeunes enfants pour son coté apaisant.
Le Miel de Tournesol : De couleur jaune vif, il exhale un arôme végétal très frais, légèrement acidulé. De texture assez fine, il est facile à tartiner et possède un pouvoir sucrant important. Riche en oligoéléments calcium, bore et silicium.
Le Miel Toutes Fleurs : Doré, ambré ou clair, crémeux ou liquide, c'est toute la saveur des régions de France, le goût des terroirs des fleurs butinées. Cocktail luxuriant des fleurs de plaine, subtilité des fleurs sauvages.

Le Miel et ses vertus. Honey and its benefits.

Chaque miel est caractérisé par une composition analytique propre qui lui donne des vertus particulières.
Chacun possède les propriétés communes à tous les miels et celles plus spécifiques, reconnues par des médecins, que l'on attribue aux fleurs et plantes visitées par les abeilles.

Miel d'Acacia : calmant, reconstituant, régulateur intestinal peut être donné à des jeunes enfants.
Miel d'Aubépine : antispasmodique - sédatif nerveux - conseillé en cas de digestion difficile, de palpitations.
Miel de Bourdaine : laxatif - facilite la digestion gastrique - stimule l'appétit.
Miel de Bruyère : antianémique, dynamogénique, diurétique antirhumatismal, conseillé en cas de fatigue, de convalescence ou d'affections des voies respiratoires.
Miel de Châtaignier : accélère la circulation sanguine.
Miel d'Eucalyptus : antiseptique général des voies respiratoires et des voies urinaires.
Miel de Forêt : très riches en divers oligoéléments: potassium, phosphore, calcium, soufre, magnésium, manganèse, zinc, fer, cuivre.
Miel de Garrigue : tonique et fortifiant.
Miel de Gâtinais : très nourrissant, revitalisant.
Miel de Lavande : anti-inflammatoire des voies respiratoires, antispasmodique, calmant de la toux.
Miel de Menthe : soulage les maux de l'appareil digestif, peut être indiqué aux cardiaques.
Miel d'Oranger : sédatif nerveux, calmant pour les enfants, conseillé en cas d'insomnie, antispasmodique.
Miel de Romarin : cholagogue, augmente les sécrétion biliaire, stimulant des fonctions hépatiques, conseillé en cas d'asthme, de difficultés digestives.
Miel de Rhododendron : antirhumatismal, tonifie et assouplit l'épiderme.
Miel de Ronce : diurétique, tonique, conseillé aussi en cas d'angine, aphte, enrouement, diarrhée.
Miel de Sapin : antiseptique général et anti-inflammatoire des voies respiratoires. diurétique, conseillé pour les bronches et pour l'insuffisance rénale.
Miel de Sarrasin : reconstituant, tonifiant, conseillé en cas de fatigue , d'anémie, de convalescence, de problèmes circulatoires.
Miel de Thym : antiseptique général, stimulant des fonctions digestives, tonifiant, facilite les tonus musculaire et la récupération physique.
Miel de Tilleul : sédatif nerveux, favorise le sommeil, calmant des migraines, de douleurs gastriques, de spasmes.
Miel de Tournesol : fébrifuge, conseillé en cas d'état fébrile améliore la circulation sanguine.
Miel de toutes fleurs : très équilibré en oligoéléments nécessaires à l’organisme.

sources : ouvrages de références, documents du Docteur Y. DONADIEU et du Professeur E. BENGSH.

NRDC: Vanishing Bees

NRDC: Vanishing Bees

Honey bees are disappearing across the USA, putting $15 billion worth of fruits, nuts and vegetables at risk

A solid article from the National Resource Defenses Council, which includes the list below of all the crops bees pollinate - it's a great reference when speaking to the dangers of pesticide use.

Why are the bees leaving? Scientists studying the disorder believe a combination of factors could be making bees sick, including pesticide exposure, invasive parasitic mites, an inadequate food supply and a new virus that targets bees' immune systems. More research is essential to determine the exact cause of the bees' distress.

Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture has allotted $20 million over the next five years for research, that amount pales in comparison with the potential loss of $15 billion worth of crops that bees pollinate every year. And the USDA has so far failed to aggressively seek out a solution.

If we don’t act now to save the honey bee, it might be too late. And no honey bees will mean no more of your favorite fruits and vegetables

Here’s a list of what bees pollinate:

Fruits and Nuts	Vegetables	Field Crops
Almonds Apples Apricots Avocadoes Blueberries Boysenberries Cherries Citrus Cranberries Grapes Kiwifruit Loganberries Macadamia nuts Nectarines Olives Peaches Pears Plums/Prunes Raspberries Strawberries	Asparagus Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Celery Cucumbers Cantaloupe Honeydew Onions Pumpkins Squash Watermelons	Alfalfa Hay Alfalfa Seed Cotton Lint Cotton Seed Legume Seed Peanuts Rapeseed Soybeans Sugar Beets Sunflowers

Propolis May Help Protect Liver from Damage Caused by Diabetes

The never-ending values of Propolis proven yet again! Le pouvoir de la propolis est forte!


Protective Effects of Chinese and Brazilian Propolis Treatment Against Hepatorenal Lesion in Diabetic Rats
Hum Exp Toxicol, 2010 Oct 18

Diabetes mellitus promoted an overproduction of free radicals and an increased incidence of both diabetic nephropathy and liver disease.

In this report, we evaluated the effects of Chinese and Brazilian propolis on streptozotocin-induced hepatorenal injury in rats.

The results demonstrated that Chinese propolis-treated rats had a 7.4% reduction in the glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) level compared with untreated diabetic rats. Additionally, Chinese propolis induced an increase in the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level significantly while Brazilian propolis raised serum SOD and reduced level of malonaldehyde (MDA) and nitric synthetase (NOS).

Of the measurable decrease in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and microalbuminuria demonstrated the propolis-mediated improvement of hepatorenal function, which was further confirmed by histological examination. We also observed that Chinese and Brazilian propolis increased hepatorenal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) level and inhibited MDA production significantly.

These results suggested that propolis may prevent hepatorenal injury by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Apitherapy News: Propolis May Help Treat Oral Cavity Diseases in HIV+ Patients

Apitherapy News: Propolis May Help Treat Oral Cavity Diseases in HIV+ Patients

Propolis has been already been proven to be very effective in the mucus linings of the body, lungs and oral cavities. It's well-known bioflavonoids are numerous. The caffeic acid or CAPE is one of the most common and was also proven at Columbia University in 1994 to possess anti-tumor properties.

The Antifungal Activity of Iranian Propolis Samples Against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Strains Isolated from HIV+ Patients with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis 
Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (4) pp. 161 - 166 

Propolis is an antimicrobial agent whose composition can vary depending on the area from which it is collected. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro activity of two propolis samples from northern and southern Iran (Mazandaran and Hormozgan province respectively) against some fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains isolated from HIV+ patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). 

The chemical composition of propolis samples was determined by high-resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the propolis samples. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of propolis on the growth of C. albicans isolates were determined using the broth microdilution method. The main compounds of propolis extracts were aromatic acids such as caffeic acid (1.6% for northern and 2.2% for southern samples). 

The propolis extracts showed antifungal activities; the concentrations capable of inhibiting all of the yeasts ranged from 2 to 20 mg/mL. Propolis from southern Iran showed the most effective MIC values for the yeasts studied. 

Because of increased antifungal resistance, propolis may be kept in mind in the treatment of oral cavity diseases such as OPC in HIV+ patients.

Bee Pollen Extends Lifespan of Inbred Mice

More positive proof of the importance in eating fresh, bee pollen!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

In Possible Experimental Model for Nutrigenomics, Bee Pollen Extends Lifespan of Inbred Mice

Inbred Mice Fed Only Bee Pollen
Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (4) pp. 156 - 160

We previously reported that three different inbred strains of mice (CBA/Ki, C3H/f/Ki and C57BI/Ki) survived in a healthy condition when fed only a bee pollen granules diet and drinking water for 365 days.

Similarly, Sprague-Dawley rats showed comparable skeletal and organ growth and development when fed a similar bee pollen diet during a twelve-week period as compared to control animals fed a standard laboratory diet.

It was the purpose of this study to determine how long the survival time of CBA/Ki mice could be extended beyond 365 days when fed only bee pollen granules and water as compared to controls.

Control mice survived a mean of 477 days (389-548) with 100% diagnosed with renal amyloidosis at autopsy which characterized this strain of mice in our laboratory. All pollen fed mice appeared healthy when euthanized at 600 days of age. Survival times were compared with a log rank test. Also, there was no evidence of pathology particularly in the kidneys.

These unexpected findings could be interpreted as being consistent with the genetotrophic disease concept proposed more than fifty years ago, namely, that bee pollen contains either a unique nutrient or a higher level of one or more nutrients that may be lacking or at a lower concentration in the standard diet which will then circumvent partial genetic blocks in the metabolic assembly line.

If correct, this finding could provide an experimental model for study in the emerging field of nutrigenomics.

Effect of bee pollen levels on productive, reproductive and blood traits of NZW rabbits

unfortunately, they don't mention type of pollen or state of freshness... 

J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 2010 Sep 29

Summary

Forty New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does were equally divided among four groups feeding the same commercial diet and receiving a water solution containing, respectively, 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 mg bee pollen/kg body weight (BW), 1 week before and after mating during moderate (October–February) and hot seasons (May–September) for three consecutive mating in each season.

Does were mated with non-treated adult NZW male rabbits 11 days after kindling. Body weight of does, number of service per conception, conception rate, feed intake, litter size, milk production, blood constituents, weight of kits from birth up to weaning and survival rate were determined. For each season, 80 weaned rabbits originated from the does of the control group (untreated does) were equally divided into four groups (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW) of bee pollen, given as a water solution twice per week from 4 to 12 weeks of age. The kit of the does given 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW did not receive bee pollen during the growing period (4–12 weeks of age).

The effect of bee pollen on growing rabbit’s performance was studied from 4 to 12 week of age. Bee pollen at 200 mg significantly (p < 0.01) increased body weight of does, conception rate, milk yield, litter size; improved biochemical profiles of blood and helps outstanding of does during both seasons. The same dose of bee pollen significantly increased kit growth and their survival rate until weaning. Growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of kits from the treated does during 4–8 weeks of age were significantly better than growth of kits from the untreated does that administrated bee pollen during 4–12 weeks of age.

Meanwhile, during the following period (8–12 weeks of age) growth and FCR of kits given bee pollen from the untreated does were significantly better than that of treated does...

Bee Venom Therapy for Scars | scartreatmentblog.com

A short article - look at the before and after photos at the end of the article - impressive!

Bee Venom Therapy for Scars | scartreatmentblog.com

"According to limited sources* bee venom therapy (BVT) is an effective scar treatment. * (Singh, Ratner et al and Lee)

Having scars stung by bees resulted in improvement of scar appearance by reducing, soften, and flatten scar tissue, and toning down the color of the scar.

Of the 18 substances present in bee venom the enzyme hyaluronidase is mainly held accountable for these results. Also internal scar tissue is thought to benefit from this alternative therapy.

“Charles Mraz, a beekeeper in Middlebury, Vermont who has popularized bee venom therapy for the past 60 years, says that it is reasonable to try bee venom therapy in any clinical situation where nothing else works.” [...] “Keloids and other scar tissue are broken down and softened by the substances in the venom, and can flatten out and fade in color.” source: CareCure Forums

This alternative scar treatment isn’t suitable for people who are allergic to bee stings so the first step should be an allergy test.

More info and before and after photo’s of someone who has actually applied bee stings to a scar here: before and after."
  

Bee Products Used to Treat Ulcers, High Blood Pressure, Acne, Constipation, Allergies

Just in time for the cold season - "A study by Pennsylvania State College of Medicine in the US found that honey outperformed over-the-counter cough medicine."

Apitherapy News: Bee Products Used to Treat Ulcers, High Blood Pressure, Acne, Constipation, Allergies


Honey is Nature's Gold
By Gloria Havenhand, Daily Express (UK), 9/21/2010

MOTHER Nature has made honey so sweet and comforting, so thick and syrupy with such a soothing texture that we often don’t give its medical qualities a second thought.

Yet its sweetness is one of its healing secrets. It contains the dynamic duo of glucose, which is an instant energiser, and fructose, which builds reserve energy. The bee delivers energy to us in a concentrate that is pre-digested, ready to act on our metabolism. According to research on athletes it provides energy within seven minutes. 

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed honey for cleaning wounds and healing ulcers in 400BC but it fell out of favour following the discovery of penicillin in 1928.

In recent years the growth in superbugs such as MRSA has seen honey come to the rescue for everything from abscesses and fungal infections to post-surgery wounds. Many of its medicinal, antibacterial and healing properties still baffle scientists but as a general immune-booster and a remedy for coughs, colds and sore throats it is well known.

A study by Pennsylvania State College of Medicine in the US found that honey outperformed over-the-counter cough medicine.

Here are some ways honey can help us:

Wounds

Not only does honey stop cross-infection, it also prevents contamination moving on to other wounds.

Research by the University of Sydney in Australia in 2007 concluded that honey dressings should be used as a first choice, although the type of honey used is important as some have up to 100 times more antibacterial properties than others.

At the Children’s Hospital in Bonn, Germany, MRSA infection of a wound in one child was treated for 12 days with an antiseptic which saw no improvement. Australian antibacterial honey cleared it after two days.

Blood pressure

Borage honey contains the herb borage, which works in a similar way to statin drugs prescribed to lower blood pressure. Borage widens the arteries and the engorged blood supplies deliver feelings of wellbeing and energy.

Take two teaspoonfuls whenever the mood takes you but remember, a teaspoon of honey contains 22 calories, whereas the same amount of sugar contains 15.

Gastric (peptic) ulcers

This painful condition is caused by a bacterium attacking the stomach wall.

Honey sticks to the lining of the stomach preventing further damage.

Two teaspoons of honey up to three times a day stops ulcer damage according to research published by the US National Library of Medicine in Maryland.

Constipation

Liquid honey has a mild laxative effect, especially appropriate for constipation associated with ageing and bloating caused by a diet rich in processed food.

Healthy heart

Honey has minute traces of acetylcholine which helps transmit nerve impulses throughout the body.

Measure your pulse, then take two to three teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed for two to three weeks.

Take your pulse again and you should notice the difference. Your pulse should be lower and more stable.

Here’s how the other bee products can benefit us:

PROPOLIS

Bees decorate the insides of their hives with a protective “wallpaper” called propolis.

It is an effective healer, germ-buster and rapid rescue treatment and is available in cream, liquid essence, spray and capsule form. Propolis cream can be applied to skin to treat psoriasis, eczema, acne and allergy rashes.

Mouth and gum infections can be alleviated by taking 30 drops of propolis essence, three or four times a day.

Dilute in warm water and gargle for sore throats and laryngitis. One drop a day during autumn and winter can act as a preventative measure against colds and flu.

Propolis also has an anti-inflammatory effect and three or four capsules a day can reduce joint pain.

POLLEN

If bees put their heads down millions of flowers, why don’t they get hay fever? The answer is because they are surrounded by nature’s own antihistamine, bee pollen.

Once bee pollen is inside your bloodstream, your body starts developing immunity to it. Adults should take four to six pollen capsules a day from March to September or two to three teaspoons of pollen-laden honey per day. This type of honey looks cloudy around the rim and may marble the whole jar.

ROYAL JELLY

This white, creamy substance, responsible for giving the queen bee an elegant, long body and long life, has a list of nutrients but scientists can’t work out its complete formula.

Royal jelly may help the brain stay young. It contains a compound called acetylcholine, which is used to send messages through the nerve network.

Levels of this transmitter decrease as we get older causing memory loss and a lack of concentration.

It is also a good source of vitamin B5, which is held in high esteem for both its de-stressing and its anti-ageing effects.

BEESWAX

This expensive wax is high in beta-carotene, a bioflavonoid that is converted by the body into vitamin A, good for skin conditions such as acne.

Beeswax also contains antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties, which is why it is applied to wounds and sores as a barrier against further injury.

It is used in medical lubricants applied during clinical examinations and for protective coverings.

Slow-release coatings on pills are often made of beeswax. They stop drugs from being digested in the stomach so they reach the intestinal tract where they can be more effective.

Extracted by KATE BOHDANOWICZ from Honey by Gloria Havenhand (Kyle Cathie £12.99). To order with free UK delivery, call 0871 988 8367 (10p/min from BT landlines) with your card details, send a cheque payable to Express Newspapers to: The Express Bookshop, PO Box 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ or order via www.expressbookshop.co.uk

Apitherapy News: Meet the Beekeeper Who's Championing the Healing Power of Pure Honey

Apitherapy News: Meet the Beekeeper Who's Championing the Healing Power of Pure Honey

One of the good things about being a beekeeper is that the "all-natural pharmacy" is just in the backyard. In fact, yesterday, I stung my left elbow with 2 bees. Why, you ask? Because I want to eliminate the localised pain that I've noticed, won't go away. It's been there for over 6 weeks. And as Charlie Mraz often said, "if you've got an ache, just sting it. The worst that can happen is nothing or just a little swelling. But the upside is that, the pain may disappear." And thanks to my personal experiences, I'm willing to continue trying a natural approach...

Apitherapy News: Propolis Kills Cancer Cells

Apitherapy News: Propolis Kills Cancer Cells

Apitherapy News: Honey Consumption Boosts Overall Health

Apitherapy News: Honey Consumption Boosts Overall Health

Apitherapy News: Are Bee Products the New Alternative Medicine?

Apitherapy News: Are Bee Products the New Alternative Medicine?

Apitherapy News: Bee Products Listed in ‘Top 5 Superfoods of the World’

Apitherapy News: Bee Products Listed in ‘Top 5 Superfoods of the World’

Apitherapy News: Registration Opens for Romanian Apitherapy Congress, Expo and Workshop

Apitherapy News: Registration Opens for Romanian Apitherapy Congress, Expo and Workshop

Apitherapy News: Honey Consumption Helps Decrease Cholesterol Level

Apitherapy News: Honey Consumption Helps Decrease Cholesterol Level

-- Good News (if you're a rat) - eat honey & your cholesterol levels lowers - this human's gonna spread some honey!!

-- Bonne Nouvelle (si vous êtes un rat) - mangez du miel et ça basse le niveau de cholestérol !! Allez, mangez du miel!!