Honey isn’t the only thing that bees make! When bees combine sap from trees with their discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product called propolis (or “bee glue”) used as a coating to build their hives. This “bee glue” has many health benefits that can help us humans!
The Healing Compounds of Propolis
Researchers identified more than 500 compounds in propolis, the majority being various forms of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help fight disease and damage in the body. Propolis contains other potential healing compounds like amino acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. The composition of propolis can vary depending on the location of the bees and what trees and flowers they have access to.
The Benefits of Propolis
Wound Healing
One of the most valuable aspects of propolis, for both humans and bees, is its natural antiseptic qualities. You can protect open sores and cuts from infection by spreading propolis or its extract on wounds. Propolis has a special compound called pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts as an antifungal. These anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds make propolis helpful in treating wounds.
Stimulates Circulation
Some of the other active ingredients in propolis stimulate the circulatory system in the body, which can improve blood flow and oxygenation of various body parts. Blood flow through the arteries and blood vessels is also essential for heart health and can lessen the chances of blood clots, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Oral Health
A 2021 review found that propolis may help treat mouth and throat infections. Researchers suggest that the product’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects could potentially affect oral health. Propolis has been found to reduce plaque, canker sores, herpes, and various other oral diseases that affect the lips, gums, and throat.
Cancer
Propolis has been suggested to have a role in treating certain cancers as well. According to one 2021 study, propolis may:
- Keep cancerous cells from multiplying
- Reduce the likelihood that cells will become cancerous
- Block pathways that keep cancer cells from signaling each other
- Reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Chronic Diseases
Research suggests that some of propolis’s anti-oxidative effects may have potential cardiovascular, neurological, and anti-diabetic benefits. One 2019 review indicates that polyphenol-rich foods and supplements like propolis may reduce the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke. The same review also noted that propolis may possess neuroprotective effects against multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
Cognitive Abilities
One of the other effects of antioxidants is an improvement in cognitive function. Free radicals are partially responsible for the “cobwebs” of old age by stimulating the use and creation of new neural pathways, and propolis can keep cognitive disorders at bay and improve memory, retention, and interaction skills as we age.
Live Bee Removal in Las Vegas
While we at Bee Master of Las Vegas are masters of all knowledge on bees, we don’t provide bee-related products, but we can help humanely remove bees from your home or office. If you’re looking for high-quality bee products, we know a few companies within the Valley that offer them, which you can find on our “Six Bee-Related Resources in Las Vegas” blog!
Call us today for a free estimate on safe bee and wasp removal!