A natural antibiotic:
Author Ray Hill writes in his book Propolis – The Natural Antibiotic, that it “offers the same immediate action as laboratory produced antibiotics, but without toxic or other side effects.”
Antibiotic resistance is an increasingly growing problem in today’s world, in large part due to the overuse of antibiotic drugs. It’s a significant concern across the globe that the World Health Organization has cautioned that if major changes aren’t made soon, the world just might be headed to a “post-antibiotic era” in which diseases that were once controlled by modern medicine could become a threat once again. People have been advised to limit their use of antibiotics and look to alternatives unless facing a dire emergency.
Researchers have found that propolis may be one of the better alternatives due to its potent antibiotic properties that have been shown to be effective against many types of bacteria, including staph. According to herbalist James Green, “These properties work to raise the body’s natural resistance to disease by stimulating and rejuvenating the body’s own immune system. The saliva becomes activated by the resins, and as the saliva is continually swallowed it efficiently distributes the antimicrobial components of the propolis throughout the throat and adjacent areas.”
Supporting oral health:
During ancient times, Roman and Greek physicians were said to have used propolis as a mouth disinfectant, and modern scientific studies today have shown that it offers beneficial properties for oral health. Due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and analgesic properties, it’s been found to be effective for treating gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as for reducing cavities and limiting bacterial plaque. And, it may even be a good natural alternative to fluoride.
A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that “propolis-based preparations have a wide range of applications in various specialities of dentistry. Thanks to the richness of natural components in it.” The researchers were also careful to note that while it “offers many benefits, one should remember that its use many bring in the risk of an allergy.”
There have been multiple other studies too, with some research also indicating that propolis may be able to regenerate dental pulp, bone tissue, and cartilage, which would have a significant effect when it comes to improving oral health.
Boosting the immune system:
The immune system plays a crucial role in sustaining one’s health and vitality. It helps to protect the body from disease and infection and has a key part in longevity and the aging process in general. A weak immune system makes one more susceptible to contracting disease and illness, some of which can develop into serious, or even life-threatening conditions like cancer.
In a deteriorating immune system, cell degeneration results, but we may be able to slow that process by introducing certain compounds like propolis which are rich in flavonoids. Propolis is believed to work by promoting cellular regeneration while supporting the immune system through its cell building compounds thanks to its range of flavonoids.
This has been shown in a number of studies. Just one example includes research from Brazil conducted in 2012. In the ongoing quest to find an effective remedy for candida albicans, a fungus characterized by yeast overgrowth, the researchers analyzed propolis and found that it not only may inhibit Candida from growing, but it has the potential for stimulating a healthy immune response to the infestation.
Ancient cultures that used propolis like the Egyptians, found that it was able to accelerate the healing of cuts, bruises and other minor wounds. Science has proven those effects as well. A study published in 2009 in Wound Repair and Regeneration showed that applying propolis topically on rodents with diabetes-based wounds significantly accelerate the healing response.