Propolis is a resin-like mixture that can be found from buds the honey bees often collect. Bees often use propolis as a sealing agent to cover open gaps in the hive. Due to its potential health benefits, propolis is often times used as a home remedy, natural medicine, alternative medicine, and homeopathic naturopathic medicine. Other names for propolis include: Bee Glue, Hive Dross, Bee Propolis, Propolis Balsam, Beeswax Acid, Propolis Resin, Russian Penicillin, Propolis Wax, and Synthetic Beeswax.
Propolis is thought to be a way in which bees reinforce the structural integrity of their hives, to protect it from parasites, and to prevent putrefaction in the hive. People rarely get propolis from its purist form; we often obtain it after the bees have harvested it in their beehives.
Commercially, propolis has been used to enhance the appearance of wood grain; to produce a kind of propolis gums; and as a car wax.
Health Benefits of Propolis
Historically, propolis was used as a natural medicine by the ancient Greeks to treat abscesses. The Assyrians also used propolis to help wounds to heal as well as treat tumors. The Egyptians used to use propolis to mummify the dead.
Today, propolis is often promoted as a home remedy or naturopathic medicine to reduce inflammation, to treat viral diseases, ulcers, and minor burns. In addition, people have used propolis as a natural medicine or homeopathic remedy to treat heart problems and strength, boost immunity, to soothe a sore throat, and as a way to decrease the probability of cataracts. Propolis often come in the form of lozenges (propolis lozenges) and as propolis tinctures as an antimicrobial (natural antibiotic and antifungal). It has also been used as a natural antiplaque agent as well as treating other dental problems such as canker sores and other oral problems related to bacteria and so forth.
Propolis has also been used as a naturopathic or homeopathic medicine to treat tuberculosis, viruses such as the H1N1 swine flu, gastrointestinal conditions (i.e. Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease), and genital herpes.
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