Propolis (Bee glue)
Propolis: an antibiotic in the beehive
Propolis is used in a number of ways in the beehive. It is used to restrict access to the beehive when bees are threatened thus protecting their territory from large in size enemies like mice, or microscopic ones like microbes and viruses. From the ancient Greek "pro" and "city", hence the name in Greek, this powerful substance shields the magical world of bees.
The therapeutic properties of propolis have been known since antiquity during which propolis was referred to as "black candle". It is used by bees to disinfect the beehive and protect themselves from infectious diseases.
It's also used as construction material (coating) within the hive to fill cracks and abnormalities in their vital space. By doing this, they give the beekeeper the opportunity to collect this precious substance from the beehive walls. All year long, the bees use a thin layer of propolis to "polish" the inside part of the beehive cells, where the queen produces her egg, so that it grows in a disinfected environment and produce a healthy larva and pupa.
Where is Propolis made - Natural Properties
Propolis is made of resin material collected by bees from plant barks. They mix it with wax and pollen and enrich it with trace minerals, amino acids, vitamins (flavonoids, vitamin B3, vitamin K). Propolis is mainly composed of 50% resins, 30% wax, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen, enzymes, aromatic compounds, sugars, balsams and other substances. Its chemical composition and natural properties vary upon the local flora, as different plants produce different resins for bees to collect. This is why the propolis color is not always the same. It varies from dark green, brown to light yellow. It has a pleasant smell like incense, vanilla and wax with honey because of the essential oils it contains. Propolis does not dissolve in water. It dissolves in ethyl alcohol, glycol and other organic solvents.
Therapeutic properties of propolis
The Egyptians were aware of the disinfection properties of propolis and were using it in the mummification process. Ancient Greek and Roman therapists, Dioscurides, Pliny and Galen recognized the therapeutic properties of bee glue which they used as antiseptic, disinfecting the oral cavity and healing wounds. In the 17th century, the London pharmacopoeias listed propolis as an official drug.
The propolis activity has now been proven. Lab experiments proved the antimicrobial and antifungal activity. From a total of 29 bacteria, it inhibited the activity of 25 and in 39 types of fungi, it inhibited growth in 20. It has proven effective against the poliovirus, herpes, vesicular stomatitis and adenitis. It has also been proven effective in inhibiting parasites like trichomonas, trypanosome, etc.
The use of propolis with antibiotics at the same time reduces the damage in the body caused by the latter. A very important fact: it has been proven that long term use of propolis does not result in resistant pathogens, while at the same time it easily destroys pathogens resistant to antibiotics.
Propolis acts against staphylococcus and streptococcus known for infecting the oral cavity. Cinnamic acid, some aromatic compounds and many flavonoids are the substances that contribute to the antibacterial activity of propolis. The previous substances also act against some herpes viruses and adenoviruses. It also acts proactively against the flu, hepatitis B and herpes zoster increasing interferons and resulting in humoral and cellular immunity.
Also, the antioxidant activity of propolis is taking place as it fights reactive oxygen species. It protects vitamin C from oxidation. It has also been stated that propolis combined with pollen helps relieve allergy symptoms and in gradual immunisation.
Finally, propolis speeds up the healing of damaged tissues mainly due to essential oils.
Uses
It is used to treat internal and external injuries like respiratory organs, oral cavity, ulcers, prostate problems, gynaecological conditions, fungal and viral infections.
It helps treat issues like chronic otitis media, sinusitis, chronic pruritus (itchy skin), skin rash, helps treat rheumatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
It has proven effective in treating vasoactive nerves that cause catarrh of the respiratory cells (cold).
It is a main component in cosmetics, lotions, facial creams, soaps, shampoos and toothpastes as well as in a number of pharmaceutics like sore throat lozenges, cough syrup, potable pharmaceutical preparations to help the immune system and the stomach, etc.
The number of illnesses that propolis and other bee products can treat is so great that a whole new science called Apitherapy has recently been developed.
Mellifora Propolis
We collect propolis from our beehives that are located at the feet of Mount Olympus. The location helps us to make the most of the great biodiversity of this area, probably the richest biodiversity worldwide. Flora rich in herbs of unique value since they are growing for millions of year in this blessed land. Far away from environmental pollutions, pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals, bees collect propolis whose color differs from month to month and season to season.
Using this pure aromatic propolis we create tinctures and extracts in oils putting into practice our scientific knowledge and methods to avoid alterating its therapeutic properties. We also offer propolis in a spray, thick tincture or in preparations like cosmetics, soaps and our therapeutic products.
Below you will find some of our products:
