Propolis is analgesic, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral (colds and flu), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-ulcer, anti-fungal, anti-mold, effective against some Candida sp. anti-rheumatic, is effective against acne, mildly styptic, halitosis, gingivitis, cavities, burns (3rd degree with honey), immune system stimulator, all infections of the skin including antibiotic resistant bacteria. Used to treat sore throats (best in combination), cancers, ear diseases, intestinal infections, pneumonias, eczema, arthritis, lung disease, stomach virus, headache, Parkinson’s disease, bile infections, sclerosis, circulation deficiencies, warts, conjunctivitis, and hoarseness.(3)

Phyto-chemical constituents: Flavonoids, antioxidants, organic acids.

History: The earliest written herbal tomes indicate propolis for a broad spectrum of uses. Pliny’s volumes, Hippocrates, Egyptian hieroglyphs, all the oldest cultures left a written record of its myriad uses, and its sacred nature.

Specifics
Anti-bacterial: Shows activity against, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. (all 56 strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, Corynebacterium diptheriae, exceptional in the use of sore throats, gum irritations, acne, and any infections of wounds.  (for this combines well with herbal antibiotic powders such as Barberry root bark, Juniper leaf, Usnea Lichen, Bidens, Alchornea, or Sida) Also considered superb for “unhealable” external and deep wounds when combined with raw honey. Unparalleled healer of burns in combination with honey. (Tincture mixed in honey). There is no bacterial, viral, fungal or mold resistance to propolis, honey, or herbal antibiotics.

The bacteriostatic activity of propolis is due in part to the components galangin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid.(4) I would say that the entire makeup from consistency to aroma is anti-bacterial. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, propolis discriminately targets infectious bacteria only, leaving beneficial bacteria alone. This point bears full investigation….

Antiviral properties: Propolis inhibits influenza virus’ (I assume all of them), herpes 1 and 2, warts (this is an incomplete list and bears full investigation). The rich content of bioflavinoids in propolis hinders viral reproduction, effectively inhibiting release of infectious material into healthy cells. Propolis stimulates phagocytosis and speeds detoxification. The content of the virus-fighting protein, properdin, rises in the blood and the detoxification power of certain antibodies is accelerated.(6)

Anti-cancer:  Romanian studies using propolis found inhibitory effect on cellular mitosis of malignant cells  Because propolis holds back replication of malignant cells while nourishing healthy cells around them , it can give the body time to recoup and recover its normal healthy condition(7) This study on people with leukemia and their subsequent remission after administration of propolis prompted (40 years later, in 1991) the Institute of Cancer Research of Columbia University to study CAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, directly extracted from Propolis) in the inhibition of adenovirus (5E1A) and chemical viral carcinogenesis in mouse mammary-tumor virus. According to the university’s researchers “The invention provides a method substantially inhibiting the growth of transformed cells without substantially inhibiting the growth of normal cells…The transformed cells may comprise carcinoma or melanoma cells. In the preferred embodiments, the subject is a human and the transformed cells are human carcinoma or melanoma cells, such as human breast carcinoma cells, colon carcinoma cells, renal carcinoma cells, or melanoma cells”(8)

According to John Diamond, MD, propolis strengthens the thymus gland and thus our life energy. (6)

Preventative: Propolis can be taken daily in powder or tincture to strengthen vitality, stamina and endurance. While nourishing our bodies it aids in circulation (capillary strength), nutrifying, supporting the immune system, and eradicating malignant cell growth. I prefer powdering the propolis and adding it to  my raw honey for daily intake along with adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Eleutherococcus, and American Ginseng

Solvents: Methods of ingestion and or external use

Products I make: Raw Honey, Raw Honey with Propolis powder, Raw Honey with Propolis tincture, Raw Honey infused with Beebread (another paper), Propolis/Honey Salves (antiseptic wound healer, herpes sores, warts, ), Propolis/Honey/ Burn paste, Propolis throat spray, Propolis tincture, Wound powder (with propolis and other antibacterial herbs. This powder also effective against athletes foot) Lotion for athletes foot with black walnut and propolis.

I always like to combine propolis in honey. They go together and the honey facilitates ingestion.

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(1) Hill, Ray. Propolis: The Natural Antibiotic
(2) Broadhurst, C.Leigh. Health and Healing with Bee Products
(3) Aagard, Dr.K. Lund. Propolis -Natural Substance, The way to health
in Brown, Royden. BeeHive Product Bible
(4)Brown,Royden. The Bee Hive Product Bible
(5)Buhner, Stephen. Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers
(6)Elkins, Rita. Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Propolis and Honey
(7)Popovici and Oita. Influence of Extracts of Propolis on Mitosis. in Brown, Royden.
(8)Rao, C.V., D.Desai, B.Kaul et al.Effect of caffeic acid esters on carcinogen induced mutagenicity and human colon adenocarcinoma cell growth.