One of the strongest natural antibiotics – propolis for bees is mostly used to plug holes and cracks in the hive and thus protect the community from cold, parasites and diseases. Bees make propolis from resins (sticky substances) that they find on plants, nectar and wax. Collecting ingredients and making propolis is done by only a small number of bees in the hive who thus take on a great responsibility.
It is usually dark brown in color and its composition varies from hive to hive, but the common denominator is the richness of essential oils that have pronounced anti-microbial effects, thus acting not only on bacteria but also on a wide range of viruses and fungi. It is worth knowing that microbes cannot acquire resistance to this miraculous antibiotic, without the human body developing any negative side effects. Propolis consists of 35% wax, 40% has resins and other essential oils, and the rest are tannins, pollen, vitamins E and B, iron, zinc, manganese, but also enzymes produced by bee glands.
This not small gift of nature is the most studied bee product, and the ancient peoples skillfully used all its positive properties. Today, propolis rightly occupies a high place not only in traditional medicine, but also in preventive health action against various forms of inflammation of many organs. It is most often used as a 10% to 30% solution in alcohol, oil or water.
It can be used preventively but also as a remedy for inflammation of the throat, sinuses, lungs (by taking drops orally or as an inhaler) of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. Propolis also gives excellent results for wounds, herpes, pimples, psoriasis, fungal diseases and other skin inflammations. Propolis also has an indirect beneficial effect on problems with endocrine glands, ulcers, swelling, gum disease and caries. Since ancient times, propolis has been known as a powerful means of increasing immunity and all the body’s defenses.
We can write a lot more about this wonderful product of such a small insect, but in the end we must mention that this little creature is a unique gift of nature and that is why we must show not only love for bees but also make a lot of efforts to preserve their habitat and peace and thus preserve them for future generations.
