Mental stress, environmental effects, exposure to toxins like nicotine, alcohol, and coffee, as well as lack of sleep and the natural aging process, can all weaken the body's immune system and defense. However, it appears that propolis has essential components that may support and strengthen the immune system's effectiveness.
What are the essential propolis components?
- Flavonoids: Propolis is especially rich in flavonoids, which are natural plant-active substances found in many fruits and vegetables. We consume them in the diet, but for the most part not enough. Flavonoids strengthen the immune system by speeding up the body's warning mechanisms and are considered free radical "catchers".
- Vitamins, minerals and trace elements: Propolis also contains all the vitamins needed by the body, and is rich in important minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron, which also support the immune system and other mechanisms in the body, such as muscle and bone-building and cell regeneration.
How does Propolis help deal with various illnesses and health phenomena?
The healing properties of the propolis are very ancient: Scientists in ancient Greece, such as Aristotle and others, have noticed that large invading juniper bees have infiltrated the hive with propolis to prevent decay. Therefore, propolis was recommended to use in cases of bruises, pus, and eye infections, as well as for internal organs and as an ointment to prevent skin fissures. In ancient Egypt, it was used for embalming, and the Incas knew it as a remedy for pus sores.
Modern medicine, as you know, ignores the use of bee products along with most naturopathic healing practices. However, because of the side effects of modern drugs, scientists have begun to revitalize the old natural prescriptions and carry out many clinical studies examining the effect of propolis on the various diseases.
The most striking fact revealed was that the active ingredients in Propolis had not lost their efficacy for more than 40 million years, although the viruses and bacteria were constantly changing.
In fact, the propolis owed its victory and its widespread use to the credit of Danish researcher Karl Lund Aagaard, who conducted various and varied experiments and devoted himself to the study of propolis, and over time he became a world-renowned expert on the subject. Guard has patented worldwide propolis production processes, and the quality scale he has put into use has so far been overwhelmingly offensive.
- In the fall and winter we tend to contract various illnesses, most of them viral, which are known as "winter diseases", including colds, flu, respiratory diseases, and throat and ear infections. Many studies have shown that propolis helps to deal with viruses and bacteria, thanks to the flavonoids it contains.
- Propolis may also help with conditions of skin diseases, wounds, and burns, as it acts as an inflammatory and contributes to cell regeneration. The professional medical literature describes good and fast therapeutic successes in relieving herpes and acne.
- Oral and dental preparations containing special extract of propolis may also help in cases of gingivitis and tooth decay.
How does Propolis help prevent winter sickness in children?
It is clear that regular use of propolis syrup may reduce the risk of childhood winter illnesses, reduce antibiotic use, absence from kindergarten or school, and ease symptoms. In recent years, the tendency has been to use a combination of echinacea and propolis to deal with winter diseases (especially colds and flu) and to maintain the body's natural protection.
A study examining the effect of taking sweetened syrup based on echinacea and propolis - found a significant reduction in the risk of winter sickness in children with first signs of illness. It has also been found that using syrup greatly reduces the need for antibiotics.
