FACTS

Bee propolis (also known as bee glue) is the sticky substance used by bees to seal their hives to protect them from unwanted intruders and infection. Insects and small animals who haplessly enter the hive are first stung to death and then embalmed in propolis to prevent disease-causing decay. Bees don't make propolis; they gather if from trees. Propolis includes many different substances, such as resins, vitamins, minerals, and a large amount of bioflavonoids. Propolis, the Greek word for "defender of the city," was highly valued in ancient times. Early healers intuitively knew that propolis was a natural disinfectant, and they used it for a wide variety of ailments. Hippocrates prescribed to heal skin wounds and soothe angry stomach ulcers. The great English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote that propolis was "good for all heat and inflammation in many parts of the body and cools the heat of the wounds." During both World Wars, soldiers applied propolis to their wounds to prevent infection.

Intrigued by the folklore, modern scientists investigated propolis and discovered it does indeed have natural antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Recent trials conducted at the National Heart and Lung Institute confirmed that propolis is effective against a wide range of disease-producing microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, commonly known as staph, which is resistant to most antibiotics and is common in hospitals. This is particularly important, considering that the overuse of antibiotics is creating a new breed of "monster" bacteria that is resistant to all known antibiotics. If wee are to stop the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, we must look to new types of natural therapies like propolis that can keep bacteria in check.

Propolis can be used both externally and internally. Recently, natural healers have found that propolis is an excellent treatment for sore gums, mouth ulcers, and sour throats. Propolis salve can be rubbed on sore gums to soothe inflammation and prevent infection. As a gargle, propolis can help relieve the pain of sore throat and mouth ulcers and promote healing. Propolis is effective ageinst the herpes virus; when gently applied to the herpes lesion, propolis can help relieve pain. When taken orally in capsule form, propolis is reputed to stimulate immune function.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

• Promotes healing of skin wounds.
• Treats sore throats and gum disease.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT

Take one 200-mg capsule daily.

Personal Advice

At the first sign of cold symptoms, I dissolve a zinc lozenge in my mouth and take vitamin C, propolis, Echinacea, and goldenseal. By the next say, the cold disappears.

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