When the Waswahli came up with the phrase Fuata nyuki ule asali, they meant it not only literally, but also metaphorically. Bees produce a lot of valuable substances including honey and bee propolis. Bee propolis is defined as a resinous mixture that honey bees produce by combining their own saliva and beeswax with exuded substances they collect from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources.
The product serves a huge purpose in the bee world. They use it to seal undesirable small cracks and gaps in the hive, thus preventing entry by invaders like snakes and lizards. For humans, bee propolis is valuable as well. It has numerous health and medicinal benefits. Like all things bee, propolis’ natural composition offers humans an array of benefits when incorporated into a regular diet.
- It lowers blood pressure
High Blood pressure is a common lifestyle disease that plagues our world today. If uncontrolled, it can be life-threatening. The nitric oxide in bee propolis helps with this. The inner lining of our blood vessels uses nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscles to relax, thus resulting in vasodilation and increased blood flow.
In a study, researchers found that propolis can decrease the enzyme Tyrosine Hydroxylase which limits the absorption of Nitric Oxide. In turn, it lowers blood pressure.
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- Treats common cold and sore throat
Common colds and sore throats are irritating and can keep you on bed rest for many days. The good thing is that bee propolis can help with this. According to researchers, there are compounds within propolis that demonstrate anti-flu properties called caffeoylquinic acids.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry found a link between propolis and immunity. Propolis treatment can provide relief without the side effects that happen with other therapies, making it a promising option when the common cold strikes.
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- It treats bone diseases
Bone diseases such as arthritis are common in our world today. While the causes may range from lifestyle to physical reasons, bee propolis has been said to help treat bone diseases. It has been found that Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, a very powerful compound found in propolis, could halt or reverse osteolytic bone diseases. The compound suppresses the inflammatory compounds that cause bone diseases. Health And Fitness: Arthritis And Ways Of Managing It
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- Improves fertility for women with endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body. Each month, this tissue responds to the monthly menstrual cycle in the same way as the lining of the womb. The lining builds up, then breaks down followed by bleeding. But unlike the lining of the womb, which leaves the body as a period, the tissue has no way of leaving the body.
Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of having difficulty becoming pregnant or infertility. Recent research, however, revealed that taking bee propolis at a dose of 500 milligrams twice a day for six months can result in a pregnancy rate of 60% compared to only 20% in the placebo group.
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- Can treat certain cancers
Cancer is a life-threatening condition that continues to plague our world today. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, bee propolis has been found to treat certain cancers. It does this by keeping cancerous cells from multiplying, reducing the likelihood of cells that can become cancerous, and blocking pathways that keep cancer cells from signalling to each other. Another study found that taking Chinese propolis could be a helpful complementary therapy in treating breast cancer due to its anti-tumour effects on breast cancer cells. Cancer: Here Are Some Of The Causes And Symptoms To Look Out For
- Treating wounds
Propolis contains antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. According to an article on Healthline, it has a special compound called pinocembrin that is helpful in wound healing. One study found that propolis can help people who have had traumatic burns heal faster by speeding up new healthy cell growth. Health: Using Honey As An Alternative To Clean And Heal Wounds
- Oral Health
The mouth is susceptible to a lot of dangers and bacteria. Several studies have linked bee propolis to improving oral health by reducing plaque buildup, cavities-causing microbe, and gum disease. Oral propolis has been found to improve mouth ulcers and reduce the damage to the mouth lining caused by chemo and radiotherapy. 15 Practices For Healthy Teeth And DIY Home Whitening Remedies
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