Propolis Drops Help Treat Inflammation of Ear Canal in Dogs

Even pets & animals are responsive to the therapeutic effects of Propolis! Now, time to introduce it more veterinarians...

Efficacy of Argentine Propolis Formulation for Topical Treatment of Canine Otitis Externa
Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec, vol.62 no.6 Belo Horizonte Dec. 2010

The therapeutic effects of Argentine propolis ear drop formulation on canine otitis externa were evaluated.

Forty-eight dogs with symptoms of otitis externa were randomly assigned to double-blinded, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of topical formulation with propolis versus a topical placebo in the treatment of otitis externa.

The propolis preparation and placebo were administrated into both external ear canals, twice daily for 14 days. Throughout the study, clinical examination and microbiological analysis of dogs ear exudates were made. The most frequent microorganisms isolated in culture media were: Malassezia pachydermatis (54.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (43.8%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (25.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.8%), Candida albicans (18.8%), Proteus mirabilis (16.7%), Streptococcus spp. (16.7%), Enteroccocus faecalis (12.5%), Escherichia coli (12.5%), Staphylococcus intermedius (6.3%), Klebsiella spp. (4.2%), andCandida glabrata (2.1%).

Whereas the control group did not recover from the infectious ear disease, the propolis preparation exhibited antimicrobial activity against most of the microorganisms isolated from samples of the treated group. In addition, no propolis-adverse effects were observed. This allowed propolis-treated patients to show a significant improvement of the clinical parameters.

Thus, this new Argentine propolis ear drop formulation may be used for topical treatment of otitis externa in dogs.

Propolis Boosts Fracture Healing

I've read of royal jelly's beneficial effects on bone and tissue healing. So, this is additional justification to consuming more bee products simultaneously!

Propolis Boosts Fracture Healing

Effects of Propolis on Fracture Healing: An Experimental Study
Phytotherapy Research, March 21, 2011

Propolis is a substance of honeybee origin with known antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of propolis on fracture healing and the antioxidant system in an experimental setting.

Thirty-two rats that underwent experimental femur fracture and then fixation were randomly allocated in one of four groups: two control groups (Control-3w and Control-6w) and two treatment groups (Propolis-3w and Propolis-6w).

Treatment groups received propolis until killing (at 3 or 6 weeks). X-ray, histological, bone mineral density measurement findings and endogenous antioxidant levels were examined.

The bone mineral density was higher, radiological and histological evaluation scores were better, and superoxide dismutase, total glutathione and myeloperoxidase levels were lower among the rats that received oral propolis treatment compared with the controls.

In addition, bone mineral density and histological assessment scores showed time-dependent improvement in the treatment group.

In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that propolis has some time-dependent beneficial effects on fracture healing.

Propolis’ Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics Examined

This has been reported anecdotally for over 20 years. It's good to get some precision.
"Previous works... revealed that propolis has synergistic effects with antibiotics, acting on the bacterial wall and ribosome..." 

Propolis’ Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics Examined

Antibacterial Effects of Brazilian and Bulgarian Propolis and Synergistic Effects with Antibiotics Acting on the Bacterial DNA and Folic Acid
Nat Prod Res, 2011 Jan 1:1-6

Propolis is a honeybee product that has been used since ancient times because of its therapeutic effects.

It can be used in the development of alternative therapies for the treatment of many diseases, and because propolis shows antibacterial action, this work was carried out in order to investigate a possible synergism between propolis and antibiotics acting on DNA (ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) and on the metabolism (cotrimoxazole) against Salmonella Typhi.

Propolis samples collected in Brazil and Bulgaria were compared in these assays, and the synergism was investigated by using ½ and ¼ of the minimal inhibitory concentration for propolis and antibiotics, evaluating the number of viable cells according to the incubation time.

Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis showed antibacterial activity, but no synergistic effects with the three tested antibiotics were seen. Previous works by our laboratory have revealed that propolis has synergistic effects with antibiotics, acting on the bacterial wall and ribosome, but it does not seem to interact with antibiotics acting on DNA or folic acid, and only a bacteriostatic action was seen in these assay conditions.

Jury’s out on honey’s health benefits, but buzz grows!

Don't be discouraged by the title, it's a positive review of all the bee products. Yet it's still bewildering to have such an abundant amount of positive, anecdotal evidence and numerous in vitro/in vivo studies validating their benefits.

Jury’s out on honey’s health benefits, but buzz grows | DailyComet.com

How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

It's to be noted that another effective method I've used and thousands of others for hundreds of years is bee venom therapy. Thank you Charles Mraz and the American Apitherapy Society for teaching me! 


How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

Livestrong, 2/3/2011

How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

Overview

Propolis is a type of resin that bees use to construct and strengthen their hive. This versatile substance has also been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation, pain and compromised immunity. These effects are a result of the combination of resin and plants the bees use to make propolis. Propolis is generally regarded as safe to use and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Speak with your doctor before using any remedy for pain and inflammation.

Step 1

Discuss your intentions of using propolis with your physician. Although it is considered relatively safe to use, propolis may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to bees or pollen. It's also unlikely that propolis will cause an interaction with any medications you are currently using, but you still should discuss using this supplement with your doctor.

Step 2

Apply a topical cream that contains propolis extract, available at your local health food store. Use the cream as directed by the manufacturer to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. A 2007 article published in the "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins" explains that propolis is an inexpensive yet effective topical treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory processes such as arthritis. Propolis is particularly useful for treating these conditions when they occur in the joints between bones, where arthritis often appears.

Step 3

Take a propolis supplement in capsule or extract form according to directions. Propolis supplements are available at your local health food store and can help reduce your arthritis inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, an exact dosage of propolis currently does not exist, however, for most uses the website Puritan recommends that you take 500mg once or twice a day. Take the supplement with a full glass of water and with food because it can cause slight nausea if taken on an empty stomach.

Step 4

Recognize that even if you don't have an allergy to bees or pollen, you may still experience some mild side effects when using propolis. In rare cases, propolis in topical form may cause skin irritation and itching. Additionally, using propolis cream can cause some people to develop psoriasis or eczema. If you have any of these conditions when using propolis, stop using the cream and speak with your doctor about alternative approaches.

References

• MedlinePlus: Propolis
• Drugs.com: Propolis
• Puritan: Propolis
• "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins": Propolis: A Review of it's Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Actions

Honey Vs Sugar

Honey Vs Sugar

A debate well-defined and clear to understand. This website is filled with lots of good tips, facts, information and recipes on using honey. Well worth the visit... certainly evident for the bees! 

YouTube - Golden hive, straw version

YouTube - Golden hive, straw version

Here's an original touch to traditional hive designs...

C'est une version très original.