Bee Propolis

What is it? 

Bee propolis is a combination of wax, oils, and resins collected by honey bees from plants, buds, saps, leaves, branches, and bark of various plants. Beesuse this as a “glue” to construct, repair, and protect their hives and to preserve their honey. It is not the same as bee pollen.

HISTORY: Propolis has been used for thousands of years in Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt for its medicinal properties.

PROPERTIES:

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, phenols, flavonoids

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Upper and lower respiratory, sinusitis, periodontal disease, allergies, possibly help with asthma, cold, flu

Eyes: May be beneficial in some eye diseases

Gastrointestinal: Possibly kills h. pylori, helps ulcers, colitis, dermatitis, diverticulitis, periodontitis, cold sores

Musculoskeletal: Rheumatoid arthritis

Skin: Wound healing, burns, fungus, herpes (HSV 2), acne

Glucose: Helps with control of blood sugar (type 2 diabetes)

Cholesterol: May help lower cholesterol

Immunity: Immune-boosting properties peridontitis

Cancer: May kill various cancer cells

Other: Possibly Increases hyperthermal tolerance in athletes. It may be effective with MRSA fever. Rich in vitamins, protein, and minerals, may slow blood clotting

Side Effects: Allergic reactions, oral irritation (from lozenges)

Cautions/Cautions: Allergy to bees. It can cause an anaphylactic reaction to the point of unconsciousness or death and may cause increased bleeding in those with bleeding disorders as well as those on anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. It may interact with quite a few medications belonging to those drugs metabolized by the CYP450 sites: 1A2, 2C19, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4

FORMS: Capsules, sprays, extracts, tinctures, topical creams, lotions and ointments, lozenges, gels, and mouth rinses

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: 

No recommendations available at this time

Note: The Brazilian type of propolis may be more medicinally effective

DOSAGE: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• 400-500 mg by mouth daily

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Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.