Health benefits of propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honeybees as defense against intruders. It has relevant therapeutic properties that have been used since ancient times. Nowadays, propolis is of increasing importance as a therapeutic, alone or included in many medicines and homeopathic products or in cosmetics. Propolis is produced worldwide and honeybees use the flora surrounding their beehives for its production. Therefore its chemical composition may change according to the flora. According to WebMD, propolis is used for the following conditions: (1) Canker sores and infections caused by bacteria (including tuberculosis), by viruses (including flu, H1N1 “swine” flu, and the common cold), by fungus, and by single-celled organisms called protozoans;(2) Cancer of the nose and throat; (3) Boosting the immune system; (4) Gastrointestinal (GI) problems including Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease;(5) Propolis is also used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent;(6) Applied on the skin for wound cleansing, genital herpes and cold sores;(7) As a mouth rinse for speeding healing following oral surgery;(8) Treatment of minor burns;(9) As an ingredient in cosmetics. There isnt enough information to know if propolis is safe. It can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to bees or bee products. Some precautions include: (1) Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of propolis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. (2) Asthma: Some experts believe some chemicals in propolis may make asthma worse. (3) Allergies: Don’t use propolis if you are allergic to bee by-products including honey, conifers, poplars, Peru balsam, and salicylates. Chickenpox...

...