Immune-Boosting Properties of Bee Propolis: Nature’s Medicine
The benefits of bee products are well established. Honey and bee pollen are popularized products for their medicinal value, but lesser-known bee propolis is the unsung hero of immune-boosting supplements. Today we will explore all things propolis, and the reason why it should be your secret weapon during cold and flu season, or anytime you travel.
Bee Propolis: What Is It?
Bee propolis is the resin-like substance made by bees using honey and saliva. The tacky material is used to seal the hive and keep invaders out. Propolis contains a wide range of medicinal properties due to its high polyphenol and flavonoid contents, which are antioxidant-rich. Propolis is full of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, all of which boost the body’s resilience, health, and longevity.
The Benefits of Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is used to keep the hive secure from outside invaders, and its medicinal properties play a similar role with the human body. It does so in a few different ways, firstly, by introducing your body to microdoses of antibacterial sap from trees like willow, birch, pine, and poplar trees. These saps generate antibacterial properties to protect the trees, and likewise, the bees’ pollination ends up passing those properties to the propolis itself.
The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral nature of propolis are also combined with the immune-boosting abilities of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients collected in the pollen.
These ingredients help stimulate the body to release histamine and enhance the efficacy of the immune system when it comes time to fight invaders.
The benefits of bee propolis reach far and wide, and include:
- Increased cognitive response
- Accelerated tissue regeneration
- Boosts metabolism
- Increases circulation
- Boosts immune system
- Supports longevity
Bee Propolis for Immune Boost
Using bee propolis anytime you are in a heightened bacterial environment can help you ward off these pathogens before they take a grip of your body. Great times to incorporate bee propolis into your supplement rotation would be just-prior to and during cold and flu season, anytime you’re traveling (especially on crowded planes or trains), or when visiting virus-prone areas like hospitals or daycares.
With no nasty side effects, bee propolis can safely be used both preventatively and retroactively. When used before exposure, propolis enhances the immune systems ability to fight off infections. Used after infection occurs, it can reduce the severity and duration of illness.
Sourcing The Right Propolis
Like any supplementation, quality is critical. A bee propolis supplement will only be beneficial if the condition is right, and the processing is done correctly. You also want to make sure there are no added unnecessary or nasty ingredients. Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Spray contains only three ingredients: high-grade Canadian bee propolis extract, non-GMO vegetable glycerin, and purified water. The spray is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and all-natural. It contains no alcohol, refined sugar, artificial preservatives, colors, gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, yeast, corn, or soy.
Moreover, bee products play an integral role in keeping the bee population thriving. Beekeepers that have a genuine passion for bees ensure that all bee products are harvested sustainably and that the ecosystems are conducive to regenerating the depleting bee population. Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Spray is made using their supply of propolis ethically harvested in the pristine apiaries in the mountainous regions of Canada. The company itself is run by bee lovers, with a passion for natural health.
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Summary
Bee propolis is a resinous substance made of honey and saliva that bees use to keep their hive secure. Due to its nutrient-dense nature and makeup of antibacterial properties, bee propolis makes for a powerful supplement. The benefits include a boost of cognition, immune system, tissue repair, metabolism, and longevity. Bee propolis can be used preventatively or retroactively. Bee propolis can boost the immune system and reduces the likelihood of illness, or the duration and severity. Sourcing high-quality bee propolis supplement is essential for the medicinal benefit, as well as ensuring that the harvesting is done ethically and sustainably.
References
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