You would first have to collect and extract the propolis but the following are some ingredients for making your own medicines.
CHAPTER 10 Making Your Own Medicines From James Fearnley's book `Bee Propolis Natural Healing from the Hive' (copyright 2001 James Fearnley)
We have seen that when a product like propolis becomes popular, it is not always easy to identify which products are the best value for money or indeed which are the best quality. One way around this dilemma is to do what man has done for thousands of years, that is to make your own medicines. This may sound both difficult and dangerous: in fact it is neither. First, you will need to get hold of
some raw propolis with which to make your base tincture and from which you can then make all the other products. Try contacting your local beekeeper, if you know one, or else contact the British Beekeepers Association (address at the back) and they should be able to help locate one near you. Not all beekeepers collect propolis but most should be happy to extract the small amount you will need for your test batch. If you do need to pay for the propolis, bear in mind that the current world price for raw propolis is around $15–$20 per kilo when you are buying by the ton, so you could reasonably expect to pay up to £5 for 250 grams. But don't be surprised if you are given it for free. If you are unable to get it from beekeeper, then you could try contacting one of the principal manufacturers and refiners of propolis products. You can check to see if the propolis is still OK by using simple test devised by some Canadian
beekeepers. Put half teaspoon of finely ground raw propolis into small cup of fresh milk and leave in warm temperature for four days. `If the milk is still fresh after that time your propolis is OK.' (ref: Krell, R (1996) Value added products from Beekeeping, FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin, 124)
MAKING A PROPOLIS TINCTURE There are two ways of calculating the concentration of propolis. One way is to calculate the weight of dissolved solids in a given amount of solvent in the finished tincture. The other, simpler and more practical method recommended here is based on dissolving known proportion of raw propolis in your chosen solvent. Two solvents are most commonly used—alcohol and propylene glycol. Whilst alcohol provides the most effective and easiest solvent to use, extracts made from propylene glycol can be more appropriate when making some particular products, e.g. water-based creams. To make
25 per cent (1:4) alcohol extract you will need 250g of propolis plus four times that weight/volume in alcohol, i.e. approximately 1 litre of alcohol, depending on the strength of the alcohol. The kind of alcohol you use is important for two reasons. Firstly, if you are going to use the end product on yourself or on your pets then you must use food grade or drinking alcohol. Denatured alcohol, which is much cheaper to buy, contains chemicals designed to stop it being drunk. The residues left by denatured alcohols can have adverse effects if consumed. Secondly, research has shown that you get more of the active elements out of propolis if you use 70 per cent or higher proof alcohol. You should be able to buy this grade alcohol from your local chemist. You can, however, use commercially distilled drinking alcohol—gin, rum, whisky, vodka etc. Whilst these products are not as strong and effective extractants as pure
ethanol, they are perfectly adequate for home use. Take your propolis and remove any obvious contaminants as best you can, i.e. pieces of wood etc. Cut the propolis into small pieces and place it in large clean jar. Pour on the alcohol and close with tight-fitting lid. You should leave the propolis soaking for minimum of one week, shaking it regularly every day. Keep the bottle in warm, dark place during this time. This long soak is important. Research has shown that optimum extraction takes between 7–12 days. (ref: ibid) Some people find that warming the liquid helps dissolution but it is best to use as little heat as possible as this can damage the bioflavonoids. Remember, though, that alcohol is a highly inflammable liquid and should not be placed anywhere near direct flame. The resulting liquid is first filtered through fine cloth or through paper filters. Muslin is ideal or coffee filters can be used.
Following this first filtration, place the filtered product in the fridge for day or so and then filter again, using as fine filter as possible. Store the liquid in clean dark-coloured bottles if possible and store away from direct sunlight. Propolis tincture made in this way will last indefinitely. Propolis is, in any case, bactericidal but alcohol over 30 per cent concentration is also an effective preservative. The method is exactly the same when using propylene glycol but it is probably better to use only 10 per cent raw propolis, i.e. 100g to litre of glycol, as glycol is not as effective solvent as alcohol. You may also need to use little heat to help the propolis dissolve if using glycol.
USING THE TINCTURE
We have seen how you can use alcoholic tinctures for variety of purposes. Take few drops day to stay well, to boost your immune system or prevent coughs and colds. It is best to put the drops
in warm liquid—juice or tea—as the resin in the tincture tends to stick to the container. You can also mix the tincture with honey or place few drops on bread. The tincture can be used to treat cuts, grazes, burns, dermatitis, wounds and infections. (ref: Kall, J. (1991) Natural Medicine from honey bees) Less than one per cent of people are allergic to propolis so remember to apply small amounts to the affected area to start with and discontinue if significant allergic reaction is observed. The resinous part of the tincture forms membrane over wounds, avoiding the need for dressing. As we have seen, it assists the regeneration of tissue, and reduces bleeding and pain. Propylene glycol tinctures can be used in the same way. Indeed, external use on wounds and burns may be more appropriate because the liquid does not sting as much as the alcohol-based product. Bear in mind, though, that it is not advisable for humans
to consume more than 1.5g of glycol per day so if you are taking the tincture internally on a regular basis, it is probably better to use one that is alcohol-based.
PROPOLIS SPRAYS
Both alcohol and propylene glycol propolis solutions can be mixed with appropriate alcoholic herbal extracts to produce spray suitable for treatment of mouth and nasal problems. A five per cent extract of either propolis solution is mixed with 1:20 extract of regalis, anis, eucalyptus or mint, according to taste. The solution can be further diluted and bottled in small mechanical spray. The solution is sprayed on the affected areas and has been found to be effective in treating mouth ulcers and nasal congestion as well as for treating halitosis (bad breath) If you prefer, you can use propolis solution on its own. Glycol solutions are sometimes preferred for this use as the liquid does not evaporate as quickly as the alcohol
solutions and does not sting as much when applied to sore and affected areas. The spray has also been found to be useful way of delivering propolis to burns, wounds and skin infections as it delivers fine film of propolis to the affected area without the potential for further damage. Propylene glycol solutions are again preferred for the same reasons mentioned above.
PROPOLMEL
This recipe, developed by Jacob Kaal, (ref: Kaal, J (1991) Natural Medicine from honey bees) has been used principally to stimulate the glands and as preventative against infection and inflammations of the stomach and intestine as well as for the treatment of prostate conditions. One part of 25 per cent propolis extract weight (produced as above) is mixed with seven parts honey and two parts fresh pollen where available. According to Kaal, the pollen tends to raise blood pressure whilst the honey restores the balance. You may
wish to experiment with different proportions of honey, propolis and pollen. Mix the propolis and pollen with small amount of honey before integrating it with the balance of honey. Using the propolmel as base you can also add other bee products and herbs designed to achieve specific effects. For example, add royal jelly and a dash of ginseng and lotus extract to produce nourishing and invigorating tonic for older people suffering from chronic illness or convalescence following illness or an operations. (ref: ibid)
PROPOLIS AND HONEY
Adding propolis to honey is an excellent way of masking the taste of propolis and combining the complementary function of honey and propolis. It is also an excellent way of getting children to take propolis. Products of this kind should be stored in dark jars in cool place. A mixture of honey and propolis has been used to treat burns successfully. The burned area is
covered in honey and propolis, bandaged and left for number of days.
PROPOLIS VASELINE OINTMENT
For this ointment you will need to evaporate the alcohol or glycol from the tincture to produce concentrated extract. You can do this by gently warming the tincture in water bath until the liquid is reduced to sticky consistency. You will not be able to get the liquid down to dry powder. Slowly mix the thick reduced extract with Vaseline in the ratio of one part propolis extract to 20 parts of Vaseline if using the alcohol extract, and one part to 10 if using the glycol extract. Again, little heat applied via water bath may be useful here. Mix well by hand or with an ordinary electric mixer until the ointment takes on uniform and darker colour. You can use this ointment externally, with the same provisos as mentioned above, to treat ulcers and burns in humans, and abscesses and festering wounds in animals. Where
wound is open, it is advisable to apply the ointment around the outside of the wound first. This encourages the tissue to heal progressively towards the centre of the affected area over time. Continue to apply until the wound is completely healed.
PROPOLIS OIL-BASED OINTMENT
For this ointment use two parts by weight of the propolis extract produced in the method above to one part beeswax, seven parts lanolin and 10 parts butter of palm, cacao or similar. First, melt the beeswax in a water bath, slowly stirring in the lanolin. When the mixture has cooled, blend in the pre-mixed butter and propolis to produce homogenous mixture. This soothing ointment can be used for variety of skin problems by being gently massaged into the affected areas.
PROPOLIS CREAM
Rather than make your own, you can add propolis to most base creams. You may need to experiment little to find the right proportions— usually
somewhere between one–five per cent. Most creams are water- based and therefore you may find that the propylene glycol solution mixes more effectively with the cream. Jacob Kaal (ref: ibid) tells us that the `contractile strength of propolis combats the formation of wrinkles on the face and causes liver spots to disappear.' Most base creams, whether they be designed as moisturising, rejuvenating or curative, can be improved with the additions of relatively small proportions (one–two per cent by weight) of propolis. In particular, these fortified creams can be useful in treating fungal diseases of the skin as well as psoriasis, particularly when taken in conjunction with propolis internally. Patients who find stronger propolis ointments irritating because of an allergic response can often benefit from using the milder creams. PROPOLIS FACIAL MASKS Dr Murat (ref: Murat, F. (1982) Propolis – The Eternal Natural
Healer) tells us of patient whose face `was so seriously wrinkled that it looked like sponge.' Apparently, after few months of propolis facial mask left on overnight, `she looked twenty years younger and her face had lovely youthful appearance.' Sonowski (ref: Sonowski, sited in Krell, R (1996) Value added products from Beekeeping) devised the following recipe for propolis facial mask. Five parts filler (this can be fuller's earth, china clay, kaolin, bentonite or mixture of all of them), four parts 50 per cent glycerol solution, five parts 50 per cent propolis solution, and an appropriate amount of perfume or essential oils. The propolis extract is mixed with the glycerol. This mixture is then mixed with the filler and the perfume. This recipe may be varied with the addition of other appropriate herbal mixtures with a reputation for cleansing. The mixture is then applied thickly to the face and left on overnight.
Krochmal (ref: Krochmal, cited in Krellm R (1996) Value added products from beekeeping) has slightly simpler recipe for cleansing mask for oily skins. This mask should not be mixed until immediately prior to use, as it does not contain preservative and would otherwise deteriorate quickly. The ingredients are in parts per volume: four parts fuller's earth (or similar product), one part rose water, one part lemon juice, two parts honey, one part 5–10 per cent propolis extract, either in ethanol or glycol. Whether in ethanol or glycol the propolis solution should be diluted, enabling water to be added more easily. Prepare the rose water by adding few drops of the essential oil to water or by preparing an infusion of rose petals. Once again, this recipe can be varied by the additions of differing appropriate herbal tinctures or essential oils, and once more the mixture is spread over the whole face and left to
carry out its work for number of hours, preferably overnight.
PROPOLIS MASSAGE OIL
To produce propolis massage oil, Felix Murat (ref: Murat, F (1982) Propolis – The eternal natural healer) suggests mixing one part propolis extract with two parts of base oil (this may be sunflower, sesame, grape seed, olive or sweet almond oil) and 20 parts of any traditional massage oil. This produces regenerative and invigorating effect when massaged into the skin.
PROPOLIS TABLETS
Again the recipe is in parts by weight. You will need one part gum arabic, one part water, one part propolis extract (ideally reduced from propylene glycol) and 10 parts powdered sugar, pollen or wholewheat flour, and flavouring if required. First, mix the water with the gum arabic until it forms homogenous mass. Then slowly stir in the propolis extract and the pollen, sugar or flour. You may have to experiment a little with
this recipe. What you are aiming for is well-mixed but stiff consistency, which you can roll into ball-like pastry. Then spread surface with powdered sugar and roll out thin layer. You can then cut this propolis `pastry' into small squares or circles, placing them on sugared board to dry and go hard. You can finish them off in low oven if you prefer. The resulting tablets may not look too much like today's professionally-made tablets but they will work just as well. You can use them like lozenges after dental treatment or if you have mouth ulcers, by allowing them to slowly dissolve in your mouth.
PROPOLIS TOOTHPASTE AND MOUTHWASH
A number of commercial propolis toothpastes are now available on the market. They often have very low proportion of propolis in them. They are used to help maintain everyday oral hygiene and prevent dental decay via the antibiotic anti-plaque properties of propolis. Rather
than make your own toothpaste, from start to finish, it is probably easier to buy natural toothpaste, already on the market and mix in extra propolis. You can do this by undoing the folded end of the tube, pushing out the paste and mixing it with one–five per cent by weight of the propolis extract you are left with after you have evaporated either the glycol or ethanol liquid. simple mouthwash can also be produced by adding 10–15 drops of propolis liquid to glass of warm water and using it to rinse the mouth instead of using chemical preparation. Unlike traditional mouthwashes you can finish off by swallowing it and getting the added benefit of the propolis internally.
ANAESTHETIC PROPOLIS PASTE
Propolis has gained substantial reputation for treating dental problems, including mouth ulcers, gingyvitis, and pericorinitis. As well as addressing the inflammatory nature of these conditions, propolis also acts
as an anaesthetic, reducing pain in the mouth. The following recipe has been designed to bring out the anaesthetic properties of propolis. (ref: Sonowski, cited in Krell,R (1996)) The ingredients (in parts by weight) are 10 parts lanolin, 10 parts unbleached beeswax, 10 parts petrolatum (Vaseline), two parts ethyl aminobenzoate, three parts clove oil and 15 parts propolis (50 per cent concentration ethanol extract). Melt the beeswax and the Vaseline in a water bath and, as the mixture begins to cool, stir in the lanolin. When the mixture has cooled to around 40°C (104°F) then add the propolis and the other ingredients. Apply the paste to the affected area and encourage the patient to try and keep it there. Alternatively, if you can find some clean, raw propolis, chew it until it has the consistency of chewing gum and mould it round the affected tooth or area if possible.
PROPOLIS SUNTAN LOTIONS
Add
between two–five per cent by weight of reduced propylene glycol extract to your chosen suntan solution. In this way you can add the tissue-regenerating properties of propolis to the sun-blocking effect of the lotion. Dr Murat (ref: Murat, F. (1982)) confirms that propolis `acts as screen against the ultra-violet rays of the sun and prevents sunburn and sores.' Apply first to small area to be sure that you are not one of the few people who have an allergic skin reaction.
PROPOLIS HAIR PREPARATIONS
In the manufacturers' survey of propolis users mentioned earlier, number of people referred to the improved quality and texture of their hair as result of taking propolis. Dr Murat (ref: Murat, F. (1982)) tells us that massaging propolis oil into the hair `makes the hair more natural-looking.' He also tells us that it `stops itching and often eliminates dandruff.' You can make your own anti-dandruff lotion in the
following way. (re: Lejeune, quoted in Krell) The ingredients you will need (in parts by weight) are: one part of 10 per cent ethanol propolis solution (made as above), five parts laurylsulphate, 37 parts 100 per cent ethanol, 57 parts rain water or boiled water. First, mix the one part propolis with the 37 parts ethanol and then mix the five parts laurylsulphate with 57 parts of boiled or rain water. Finally, mix the two solutions together. Use like a shampoo, leaving on the hair for five minutes before rinsing. You can make conventional shampoo by adding around one– two per cent parts by weight to shampoo base of your own choice. Depending on what is in the shampoo you use, some may lose their viscosity when mixed with alcohol. Also, take care not to put too much propolis extract in the shampoo because propolis can stain the skin.
zohreh tabei P.O:91735-174 Razi Institute Ahmad abad Street Mashhad Iran
Just read your email today and may i ask where are you from? How did you get my email address?
I do use propolis and have now 27 colonies of apis mellifera and 4 colonies of trigona bees(stingless bees). As for my own opinion, the trigona is the best to produce propolis because the while hive is made of propolis and it is very pure and very potent in dealing with a lot of ailments.
I'll get back to you next email.
regards, Eddy
brenda1107us <brenda1107us@...> wrote:
I would like to find recipes for propolis, for my own personal use, we have quite a few bee hives and use the honey but would like to learn to make use of the propolis and bee pollen.
Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice.
You would first have to collect and extract the propolis but the
following are some ingredients for making your own medicines.
CHAPTER 10
Making Your Own Medicines
From James Fearnley's book `Bee Propolis Natural Healing from the
Hive'
(copyright 2001 James Fearnley)
We have seen that when a product like propolis becomes popular, it
is not always easy to identify which products are the best value for
money or indeed which are the best quality. One way around this
dilemma is to do what man has done for thousands of years, that is
to make your own medicines. This may sound both difficult and
dangerous: in fact it is neither.
First, you will need to get hold of some raw propolis with which to
make your base tincture and from which you can then make all the
other products. Try contacting your local beekeeper, if you know
one, or else contact the British Beekeepers Association (address at
the back) and they should be able to help locate one near you.
Not all beekeepers collect propolis but most should be happy to
extract the small amount you will need for your test batch. If you
do need to pay for the propolis, bear in mind that the current world
price for raw propolis is around $15–$20 per kilo when you are
buying by the ton, so you could reasonably expect to pay up to £5
for 250 grams. But don't be surprised if you are given it for free.
If you are unable to get it from beekeeper, then you could try
contacting one of the principal manufacturers and refiners of
propolis products. You can check to see if the propolis is still OK
by using simple test devised by some Canadian beekeepers. Put half
teaspoon of finely ground raw propolis into small cup of fresh milk
and leave in warm temperature for four days. `If the milk is still
fresh after that time your propolis is OK.' (ref: Krell, R (1996)
Value added products from Beekeeping, FAO Agricultural Services
Bulletin, 124)
MAKING A PROPOLIS TINCTURE
There are two ways of calculating the concentration of propolis. One
way is to calculate the weight of dissolved solids in a given amount
of solvent in the finished tincture. The other, simpler and more
practical method recommended here is based on dissolving known
proportion of raw propolis in your chosen solvent.
Two solvents are most commonly used—alcohol and propylene glycol.
Whilst alcohol provides the most effective and easiest solvent to
use, extracts made from propylene glycol can be more appropriate
when making some particular products, e.g. water-based creams.
To make 25 per cent (1:4) alcohol extract you will need 250g of
propolis plus four times that weight/volume in alcohol, i.e.
approximately 1 litre of alcohol, depending on the strength of the
alcohol.
The kind of alcohol you use is important for two reasons. Firstly,
if you are going to use the end product on yourself or on your pets
then you must use food grade or drinking alcohol. Denatured alcohol,
which is much cheaper to buy, contains chemicals designed to stop it
being drunk. The residues left by denatured alcohols can have
adverse effects if consumed. Secondly, research has shown that you
get more of the active elements out of propolis if you use 70 per
cent or higher proof alcohol. You should be able to buy this grade
alcohol from your local chemist. You can, however, use commercially
distilled drinking alcohol—gin, rum, whisky, vodka etc. Whilst these
products are not as strong and effective extractants as pure
ethanol, they are perfectly adequate for home use.
Take your propolis and remove any obvious contaminants as best you
can, i.e. pieces of wood etc. Cut the propolis into small pieces and
place it in large clean jar. Pour on the alcohol and close with
tight-fitting lid. You should leave the propolis soaking for minimum
of one week, shaking it regularly every day. Keep the bottle in
warm, dark place during this time. This long soak is important.
Research has shown that optimum extraction takes between 7–12 days.
(ref: ibid) Some people find that warming the liquid helps
dissolution but it is best to use as little heat as possible as this
can damage the bioflavonoids. Remember, though, that alcohol is a
highly inflammable liquid and should not be placed anywhere near
direct flame.
The resulting liquid is first filtered through fine cloth or through
paper filters. Muslin is ideal or coffee filters can be used.
Following this first filtration, place the filtered product in the
fridge for day or so and then filter again, using as fine filter as
possible. Store the liquid in clean dark-coloured bottles if
possible and store away from direct sunlight. Propolis tincture made
in this way will last indefinitely. Propolis is, in any case,
bactericidal but alcohol over 30 per cent concentration is also an
effective preservative.
The method is exactly the same when using propylene glycol but it is
probably better to use only 10 per cent raw propolis, i.e. 100g to
litre of glycol, as glycol is not as effective solvent as alcohol.
You may also need to use little heat to help the propolis dissolve
if using glycol.
USING THE TINCTURE
We have seen how you can use alcoholic tinctures for variety of
purposes. Take few drops day to stay well, to boost your immune
system or prevent coughs and colds. It is best to put the drops in
warm liquid—juice or tea—as the resin in the tincture tends to stick
to the container. You can also mix the tincture with honey or place
few drops on bread.
The tincture can be used to treat cuts, grazes, burns, dermatitis,
wounds and infections. (ref: Kall, J. (1991) Natural Medicine from
honey bees) Less than one per cent of people are allergic to
propolis so remember to apply small amounts to the affected area to
start with and discontinue if significant allergic reaction is
observed. The resinous part of the tincture forms membrane over
wounds, avoiding the need for dressing. As we have seen, it assists
the regeneration of tissue, and reduces bleeding and pain.
Propylene glycol tinctures can be used in the same way. Indeed,
external use on wounds and burns may be more appropriate because the
liquid does not sting as much as the alcohol-based product. Bear in
mind, though, that it is not advisable for humans to consume more
than 1.5g of glycol per day so if you are taking the tincture
internally on a regular basis, it is probably better to use one that
is alcohol-based.
PROPOLIS SPRAYS
Both alcohol and propylene glycol propolis solutions can be mixed
with appropriate alcoholic herbal extracts to produce spray suitable
for treatment of mouth and nasal problems. A five per cent extract
of either propolis solution is mixed with 1:20 extract of regalis,
anis, eucalyptus or mint, according to taste. The solution can be
further diluted and bottled in small mechanical spray. The solution
is sprayed on the affected areas and has been found to be effective
in treating mouth ulcers and nasal congestion as well as for
treating halitosis (bad breath) If you prefer, you can use propolis
solution on its own. Glycol solutions are sometimes preferred for
this use as the liquid does not evaporate as quickly as the alcohol
solutions and does not sting as much when applied to sore and
affected areas.
The spray has also been found to be useful way of delivering
propolis to burns, wounds and skin infections as it delivers fine
film of propolis to the affected area without the potential for
further damage. Propylene glycol solutions are again preferred for
the same reasons mentioned above.
PROPOLMEL
This recipe, developed by Jacob Kaal, (ref: Kaal, J (1991) Natural
Medicine from honey bees) has been used principally to stimulate the
glands and as preventative against infection and inflammations of
the stomach and intestine as well as for the treatment of prostate
conditions.
One part of 25 per cent propolis extract weight (produced as above)
is mixed with seven parts honey and two parts fresh pollen where
available. According to Kaal, the pollen tends to raise blood
pressure whilst the honey restores the balance. You may wish to
experiment with different proportions of honey, propolis and pollen.
Mix the propolis and pollen with small amount of honey before
integrating it with the balance of honey.
Using the propolmel as base you can also add other bee products and
herbs designed to achieve specific effects. For example, add royal
jelly and a dash of ginseng and lotus extract to produce nourishing
and invigorating tonic for older people suffering from chronic
illness or convalescence following illness or an operations. (ref:
ibid)
PROPOLIS AND HONEY
Adding propolis to honey is an excellent way of masking the taste of
propolis and combining the complementary function of honey and
propolis. It is also an excellent way of getting children to take
propolis. Products of this kind should be stored in dark jars in
cool place.
A mixture of honey and propolis has been used to treat burns
successfully. The burned area is covered in honey and propolis,
bandaged and left for number of days.
PROPOLIS VASELINE OINTMENT
For this ointment you will need to evaporate the alcohol or glycol
from the tincture to produce concentrated extract. You can do this
by gently warming the tincture in water bath until the liquid is
reduced to sticky consistency. You will not be able to get the
liquid down to dry powder. Slowly mix the thick reduced extract with
Vaseline in the ratio of one part propolis extract to 20 parts of
Vaseline if using the alcohol extract, and one part to 10 if using
the glycol extract. Again, little heat applied via water bath may be
useful here. Mix well by hand or with an ordinary electric mixer
until the ointment takes on uniform and darker colour.
You can use this ointment externally, with the same provisos as
mentioned above, to treat ulcers and burns in humans, and abscesses
and festering wounds in animals. Where wound is open, it is
advisable to apply the ointment around the outside of the wound
first. This encourages the tissue to heal progressively towards the
centre of the affected area over time. Continue to apply until the
wound is completely healed.
PROPOLIS OIL-BASED OINTMENT
For this ointment use two parts by weight of the propolis extract
produced in the method above to one part beeswax, seven parts
lanolin and 10 parts butter of palm, cacao or similar.
First, melt the beeswax in a water bath, slowly stirring in the
lanolin. When the mixture has cooled, blend in the pre-mixed butter
and propolis to produce homogenous mixture. This soothing ointment
can be used for variety of skin problems by being gently massaged
into the affected areas.
PROPOLIS CREAM
Rather than make your own, you can add propolis to most base creams.
You may need to experiment little to find the right proportions—
usually somewhere between one–five per cent. Most creams are water-
based and therefore you may find that the propylene glycol solution
mixes more effectively with the cream.
Jacob Kaal (ref: ibid) tells us that the `contractile strength of
propolis combats the formation of wrinkles on the face and causes
liver spots to disappear.' Most base creams, whether they be
designed as moisturising, rejuvenating or curative, can be improved
with the additions of relatively small proportions (one–two per cent
by weight) of propolis. In particular, these fortified creams can be
useful in treating fungal diseases of the skin as well as psoriasis,
particularly when taken in conjunction with propolis internally.
Patients who find stronger propolis ointments irritating because of
an allergic response can often benefit from using the milder creams.
PROPOLIS FACIAL MASKS
Dr Murat (ref: Murat, F. (1982) Propolis – The Eternal Natural
Healer) tells us of patient whose face `was so seriously wrinkled
that it looked like sponge.' Apparently, after few months of
propolis facial mask left on overnight, `she looked twenty years
younger and her face had lovely youthful appearance.' Sonowski (ref:
Sonowski, sited in Krell, R (1996) Value added products from
Beekeeping) devised the following recipe for propolis facial mask.
Five parts filler (this can be fuller's earth, china clay, kaolin,
bentonite or mixture of all of them), four parts 50 per cent
glycerol solution, five parts 50 per cent propolis solution, and an
appropriate amount of perfume or essential oils. The propolis
extract is mixed with the glycerol. This mixture is then mixed with
the filler and the perfume. This recipe may be varied with the
addition of other appropriate herbal mixtures with a reputation for
cleansing. The mixture is then applied thickly to the face and left
on overnight.
Krochmal (ref: Krochmal, cited in Krellm R (1996) Value added
products from beekeeping) has slightly simpler recipe for cleansing
mask for oily skins. This mask should not be mixed until immediately
prior to use, as it does not contain preservative and would
otherwise deteriorate quickly. The ingredients are in parts per
volume: four parts fuller's earth (or similar product), one part
rose water, one part lemon juice, two parts honey, one part 5–10 per
cent propolis extract, either in ethanol or glycol. Whether in
ethanol or glycol the propolis solution should be diluted, enabling
water to be added more easily. Prepare the rose water by adding few
drops of the essential oil to water or by preparing an infusion of
rose petals. Once again, this recipe can be varied by the additions
of differing appropriate herbal tinctures or essential oils, and
once more the mixture is spread over the whole face and left to
carry out its work for number of hours, preferably overnight.
PROPOLIS MASSAGE OIL
To produce propolis massage oil, Felix Murat (ref: Murat, F (1982)
Propolis – The eternal natural healer) suggests mixing one part
propolis extract with two parts of base oil (this may be sunflower,
sesame, grape seed, olive or sweet almond oil) and 20 parts of any
traditional massage oil. This produces regenerative and invigorating
effect when massaged into the skin.
PROPOLIS TABLETS
Again the recipe is in parts by weight. You will need one part gum
arabic, one part water, one part propolis extract (ideally reduced
from propylene glycol) and 10 parts powdered sugar, pollen or
wholewheat flour, and flavouring if required.
First, mix the water with the gum arabic until it forms homogenous
mass. Then slowly stir in the propolis extract and the pollen, sugar
or flour. You may have to experiment a little with this recipe. What
you are aiming for is well-mixed but stiff consistency, which you
can roll into ball-like pastry. Then spread surface with powdered
sugar and roll out thin layer. You can then cut this
propolis `pastry' into small squares or circles, placing them on
sugared board to dry and go hard. You can finish them off in low
oven if you prefer.
The resulting tablets may not look too much like today's
professionally-made tablets but they will work just as well. You can
use them like lozenges after dental treatment or if you have mouth
ulcers, by allowing them to slowly dissolve in your mouth.
PROPOLIS TOOTHPASTE AND MOUTHWASH
A number of commercial propolis toothpastes are now available on the
market. They often have very low proportion of propolis in them.
They are used to help maintain everyday oral hygiene and prevent
dental decay via the antibiotic anti-plaque properties of propolis.
Rather than make your own toothpaste, from start to finish, it is
probably easier to buy natural toothpaste, already on the market and
mix in extra propolis. You can do this by undoing the folded end of
the tube, pushing out the paste and mixing it with one–five per cent
by weight of the propolis extract you are left with after you have
evaporated either the glycol or ethanol liquid.
simple mouthwash can also be produced by adding 10–15 drops of
propolis liquid to glass of warm water and using it to rinse the
mouth instead of using chemical preparation. Unlike traditional
mouthwashes you can finish off by swallowing it and getting the
added benefit of the propolis internally.
ANAESTHETIC PROPOLIS PASTE
Propolis has gained substantial reputation for treating dental
problems, including mouth ulcers, gingyvitis, and pericorinitis. As
well as addressing the inflammatory nature of these conditions,
propolis also acts as an anaesthetic, reducing pain in the mouth.
The following recipe has been designed to bring out the anaesthetic
properties of propolis. (ref: Sonowski, cited in Krell,R (1996)) The
ingredients (in parts by weight) are 10 parts lanolin, 10 parts
unbleached beeswax, 10 parts petrolatum (Vaseline), two parts ethyl
aminobenzoate, three parts clove oil and 15 parts propolis (50 per
cent concentration ethanol extract).
Melt the beeswax and the Vaseline in a water bath and, as the
mixture begins to cool, stir in the lanolin. When the mixture has
cooled to around 40°C (104°F) then add the propolis and the other
ingredients.
Apply the paste to the affected area and encourage the patient to
try and keep it there. Alternatively, if you can find some clean,
raw propolis, chew it until it has the consistency of chewing gum
and mould it round the affected tooth or area if possible.
PROPOLIS SUNTAN LOTIONS
Add between two–five per cent by weight of reduced propylene glycol
extract to your chosen suntan solution. In this way you can add the
tissue-regenerating properties of propolis to the sun-blocking
effect of the lotion. Dr Murat (ref: Murat, F. (1982)) confirms that
propolis `acts as screen against the ultra-violet rays of the sun
and prevents sunburn and sores.'
Apply first to small area to be sure that you are not one of the few
people who have an allergic skin reaction.
PROPOLIS HAIR PREPARATIONS
In the manufacturers' survey of propolis users mentioned earlier,
number of people referred to the improved quality and texture of
their hair as result of taking propolis. Dr Murat (ref: Murat, F.
(1982)) tells us that massaging propolis oil into the hair `makes
the hair more natural-looking.' He also tells us that it `stops
itching and often eliminates dandruff.'
You can make your own anti-dandruff lotion in the following way.
(re: Lejeune, quoted in Krell) The ingredients you will need (in
parts by weight) are: one part of 10 per cent ethanol propolis
solution (made as above), five parts laurylsulphate, 37 parts 100
per cent ethanol, 57 parts rain water or boiled water.
First, mix the one part propolis with the 37 parts ethanol and then
mix the five parts laurylsulphate with 57 parts of boiled or rain
water. Finally, mix the two solutions together. Use like a shampoo,
leaving on the hair for five minutes before rinsing.
You can make conventional shampoo by adding around one– two per cent
parts by weight to shampoo base of your own choice. Depending on
what is in the shampoo you use, some may lose their viscosity when
mixed with alcohol. Also, take care not to put too much propolis
extract in the shampoo because propolis can stain the skin.
I would like to find recipes for propolis, for my own personal use, we
have quite a few bee hives and use the honey but would like to learn
to make use of the propolis and bee pollen.
Dear All
Have you come across anyone ever using propolis to help with the
effects of autism? We have had someone contact us and she says
propolis has all the qualities (anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-
fungal, immunostimmulant properties) to treat the problems causing and
caused by autism.
Let us know if you have come across anything or any other condition
that you know people have used propolis successfully to help.
Thanks
Amy
I receive propolis of beekeepers and I would be production propolis for medicinal use too.I research about effect propolis and comparison those together.I think my work as same as your work. I would know stages your work and sources of refrece.I am interesting in trigona propolis please send me it.to:
zohreh tabei P.O:91735-174 Razi Institute Ahmad abad Street Mashhad Iran
Regard
Z.Tabei
Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, & more on new and used cars.
Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.
zohreh tabei P.O:91735-174 Razi Institute Ahmad abad Street Mashhad Iran
Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.
Trigona is a family of bees but not apis. It has no sting and only defend itself by ganging up on any intruder to their hive. Its propolis is classified as high quality based on a research done in Korea. I have 10 colonies of Trigona bees and would be producing propolis for medicinal use. What is your line of business? Is your interest in trigona propolis has got anything to do with your business? If you are really interested in trigona propolis then pls send me more info as to how to send it to you.
regards,
eddy
institue razi <raziinst@...> wrote:
Hello teddy
Thanks for offer you.I am researcher in Iran.I want better row and extract propolis for introduction drug .please you say me more a bout trigona
propolis and adress for it.Would you introduce yourself? eddy pena <eddy_pena1@...> wrote:
Hello raziinst,
I am eddy from the philippines. Would you introduce yourself more. Right now what i can offer you is the Trigona(stingless bee) propolis. It is very high in lycopene and has got at high quality grading from Korea.
regards,
eddy raziinst <raziinst@...> wrote:
hello I need a few propolis of different country for test .can you help me.
What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos
zohreh tabei P.O:91735-174 Razi Institute Ahmad abad Street Mashhad Iran
Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, & more on new and used cars.
Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.
Thanks for offer you.I am researcher in Iran.I want better row and extract propolis for introduction drug .please you say me more a bout trigona propolis and adress for it.Would you introduce yourself? eddy pena <eddy_pena1@...> wrote:
Hello raziinst,
I am eddy from the philippines. Would you introduce yourself more. Right now what i can offer you is the Trigona(stingless bee) propolis. It is very high in lycopene and has got at high quality grading from Korea.
regards,
eddy raziinst <raziinst@...> wrote:
hello I need a few propolis of different country for test .can you help
me.
What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos
zohreh tabei P.O:91735-174 Razi Institute Ahmad abad Street Mashhad Iran
Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, more on new and used cars.
I am eddy from the philippines. Would you introduce yourself more. Right now what i can offer you is the Trigona(stingless bee) propolis. It is very high in lycopene and has got at high quality grading from Korea.
regards,
eddy raziinst <raziinst@...> wrote:
hello I need a few propolis of different country for test .can you help me.
What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos
I had very nasty toothache when I walked into my local Healthfood shop
today! I tested some propolis on my aching tooth IMMEDIATELY the pain
stopped and I although my tooth is still sore, I am certainly not in
so much pain! I am recommending this to everyone! Now I just have to
wait 3 weeks to get my tooth root canal filling! Thank goodness for
Natures remedy!
Thank you so much for the mail.We are intrested in sending in our propolis to you ,only that it could take a while for us to get the funds to send it to you $110 ( N16,000) this is almost two months of my salary as an Extension worker but no problem we are used to getting things done.
Thank you once more.
idrisbee
BeeVital <practitionersupport@...> wrote:
BeeVital - Sustainable Medicine Nature's Laboratory Ltd. Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5JR (U.K.)
Thank you for your e-mail regarding propolis production and harvesting. It looks like you are doing some good work in Nigeria. If you wish to know the quality of your propolis, you can send us a sample, to the above address and we will analyse it for you and let you know the quality. Hope to hear from you soon, kind regards,
Hugo
Hugo Fearnley Marketing Manager
-----Original Message----- From: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of BEEKEEPING EXTENSION SOCIETY Sent: 23 October 2005 17:23 To: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Propolis_information] New member
Hi everyone,
Am a beekeeping extensionist from Nigeria (www.biye.beekeepers.8m.net ) we have been sensitizing local farmers into beekeeping for honey production.
Not much is known on propolis production tecniques (mostly in top bar hives).
How do we know the quality of our propolis .
We have so far recived funding from various International donor agencies in order to promote modern beekeeping technology.( see project photos at www.beekeepingextension.myphotoalbum.com click on photos we have 36 on the pages)
Thanks for information I am a bee keeper with 10 hives and intend next
season to produce propolis for my own use. I have some at the moment but
only a small quantity which I am currently dissolving in ethanol. If I see
its effectiveness and run out which I probably will then I will come back to
you.
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: BeeVital [mailto:practitionersupport@...]
Sent: 07 November 2005 18:29
To: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Propolis_information] BACTERIAL PROSTATITIS
BeeVital - Sustainable Medicine
Nature's Laboratory Ltd.
Goathland, Whitby,
North Yorkshire, YO22 5JR (U.K.)
Tel: 00 44 (0)1947 896037
Mob: 00 44 (0)7890 821931
Fax: 00 44 (0)1947 896482
e-mail: marketing@...
www.BeeVitalPropolis.com
Dear Chris Tomlins,
I've not come across any research on the uses of propolis in this area.
However I did find this website
http://www.prostatitis1.org/bee.htm which seems to have pieces relating to
prostatitis and propolis. However this is not a website that we are in any
way linked to and the content does not reflect our own views. Still, I
thought it may be of interest to you. If you wish to purchase any propolis
products do get in touch with myself or anyone at BeeVital and we will be
pleased to send some out to you.
Kind regards
Hugo
Hugo Fearnley
Marketing Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of christomlins
Sent: 25 October 2005 19:50
To: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Propolis_information] BACTERIAL PROSTATITIS
Has any research been done on the above using Propalis or other hive
products for treatment of symptoms
Yahoo! Groups Links
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.12.4/146 - Release Date: 21/10/2005
Yahoo! Groups Links
BeeVital - Sustainable Medicine
Nature's Laboratory Ltd.
Goathland, Whitby,
North Yorkshire, YO22 5JR (U.K.)
Tel: 00 44 (0)1947 896037
Mob: 00 44 (0)7890 821931
Fax: 00 44 (0)1947 896482
e-mail: marketing@...
www.BeeVitalPropolis.com
Dear Chris Tomlins,
I've not come across any research on the uses of propolis in this area.
However I did find this website
http://www.prostatitis1.org/bee.htm which seems to have pieces relating to
prostatitis and propolis. However this is not a website that we are in any
way linked to and the content does not reflect our own views. Still, I
thought it may be of interest to you. If you wish to purchase any propolis
products do get in touch with myself or anyone at BeeVital and we will be
pleased to send some out to you.
Kind regards
Hugo
Hugo Fearnley
Marketing Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of christomlins
Sent: 25 October 2005 19:50
To: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Propolis_information] BACTERIAL PROSTATITIS
Has any research been done on the above using Propalis or other hive
products for treatment of symptoms
Yahoo! Groups Links
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.12.4/146 - Release Date: 21/10/2005
Thank you for your e-mail regarding propolis production and harvesting. It looks like you are doing some good work in Nigeria. If you wish to know the quality of your propolis, you can send us a sample, to the above address and we will analyse it for you and let you know the quality. Hope to hear from you soon, kind regards,
Hugo
Hugo Fearnley Marketing Manager
-----Original Message----- From: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of BEEKEEPING EXTENSION SOCIETY Sent: 23 October 2005 17:23 To: Propolis_information@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Propolis_information] New member
Hi everyone,
Am a beekeeping extensionist from Nigeria (www.biye.beekeepers.8m.net ) we have been sensitizing local farmers into beekeeping for honey production.
Not much is known on propolis production tecniques (mostly in top bar hives).
How do we know the quality of our propolis .
We have so far recived funding from various International donor agencies in order to promote modern beekeeping technology.( see project photos at www.beekeepingextension.myphotoalbum.com click on photos we have 36 on the pages)
Am a beekeeping extensionist from Nigeria (www.biye.beekeepers.8m.net ) we have been sensitizing local farmers into beekeeping for honey production.
Not much is known on propolis production tecniques (mostly in top bar hives).
How do we know the quality of our propolis .
We have so far recived funding from various International donor agencies in order to promote modern beekeeping technology.( see project photos at www.beekeepingextension.myphotoalbum.com click on photos we have 36 on the pages)
Bee Propolis: Synergistic Health Care for the 21st Century
For well over a century modern science has progressed at a startling
rate. With this increase in knowledge has come medicinal and
healthcare benefits that have seen ages peak and diseases eradicated.
These medical advances were based around the paradigm of the "magic
bullet", isolating the active ingredient and using it to alter the
chemistry of a single molecule/protein to elicit a change of state in
the patient.
Success however has turned to obsession as cracks appear in the
armoury of disease fighting drugs at our disposal. MRSA is rifling
through our hospitals as antibiotics become ineffective and severe
side effects of modern drugs are becoming common place now years
after their introduction. A direct consequence of a one dimensional
strategy, it is maybe the time to acknowledge the synergistic health
benefits of natural medicine.
Propolis is a unique natural medicine because of its breadth of
action. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-
inflammatory, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects, it could help
treat asthma, allergies, arthritis and joint disorders, eczema and
dermatitis, ME, viral infections including HIV and even cancer. This
medicine could help treat an illness or keep you fit and healthy.
Propolis: Defender of the City
Propolis is a mainly resinous substance that bees collect from trees
and plants. Being made up of waxes, resins, fatty acids and even
amino acids. Aristotle reputedly coined the name Propolis
meaning "defender of the city". This is exactly what Propolis is for
the hive, it acts as a bee population's external immune system
keeping the hive sterile and free of microbial invaders
Evidence Based Medicine
In the following paragraphs I will describe to you the
pharmacological properties of Propolis. Before I do so I must explain
where this evidence comes from. All the properties and actions of
Propolis have been witnessed and detailed in scientific studies which
have subsequently been published in journals. The bulk of these
scientific studies have been performed in vitro (i.e. in a test tube)
or in vivo (i.e. in a host animal for example rats), a much smaller
proportion of these studies are clinical trials tested on humans. The
abstracts of these papers can be found on the Medline and pubmed
databases on the Internet.
Propolis: A natural antibiotic
Propolis is probably best known for its antibiotic properties. Even
as early as 1960 French1 research demonstrated the bacteriostatic
action on Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris and Bacillus alvei. The
results have been replicated many times and Propolis has even been
shown to be effective to MRSA2, the same antibiotic resistant
bacteria that has infected up to 70% of our hospitals. A 1997 study
by Calder et al. at the University of Oxford concurred with these
results and found that the cinnaminic acids and flavanoids present in
Propolis in particular show bacteriocidal action. This action
believed to be as a consequence of Propolis uncoupling the bacterial
energy respiratory chain. Interestingly this action may be involved
in a synergistic action with antibiotics when used together, boosting
the effectiveness of the drugs.
Anti-Viral and immuno-stimulatory
Viruses present a unique dilemma in the quest for good health, they
are not affected by antibiotics and mutate so frequently that
vaccines are hard to produce. They also cause illness by hijacking
cells and using the cells machinery to replicate. Modern drugs aim to
slow or stop the virus from the replicating and subsequently because
they are attacking host cell machinery they have certain side
effects. Viruses perhaps pose the greatest threat to humans' health,
we are currently in the middle of a HIV pandemic with "39.4 million"
people infected world wide. With a Flu pandemic overdue and certainly
on its way and predictions of world wide casualties and chaos, a
solution is needed.
The bioflavanoids in propolis have a unique approach to combating
Viruses, instead of trying to combat them once they have infected a
cell, they lock the virus in its protein coat. This means that the
dangerous machinery and DNA/RNA of the virus is nullified and the
infection stopped.
Propolis has been shown to be more effective than the pharmaceutical
anti-viral acyclovir in treating genital Herpes in a clinical trial
conducted in the Ukraine4 and there is growing evidence that Propolis
could help treat people with HIV5.
Propolis also works hard as an immunomodulator which is of interest
for all of us. It does this by altering the way cytokine production
and release is managed. Cytokines are the chemical messengers that
allow immune system cells to communicate. By altering the cytokine
system, it primes the immune system to be ready to react to antigens
quickly and effectively.
As well as this, bioflavanoids within Propolis stimulate the
production of interferon which can help people recover from ME,
stimulating their immune system. This alteration of the cytokine and
interferon systems means that your body is ready to fight off
infection and keep you healthy, making a case for using propolis as a
supplement for good health, like vitamins. Prevention is better than
the cure.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen
A survey of Propolis consumers showed that arthritis was the health
problem that Propolis was used to treat the most. This is because of
the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the propolis constituents
in particular CAPE (Caffeic acid Phenyl ester), CAPE has been shown
to suppress T cell activation. A paper by Marquez et al in 20046
evaluated this to mean that since T-cells play a key role in the
onset of several inflammatory diseases, CAPE is important because
the this phenolic compound is a potent inhibitor of early and late
events in T-cell receptor-mediated T-cell activation. Results like
this have led other researchers to propose that CAPE is a worthwhile
agent for reducing the severity of conditions associated with
inflammation.
Many of the experiments performed on CAPE were done so in vitro,
however the anti-inflammatory properties of Propolis have been
documented in rats when treating rat adjuvant arthritis. A paper by
Park et al in 19997 concluding that the ethanolic extract of propolis
had profound anti-inflammatory effects on both chronic and acute
arthritic inflammations.
These anti-inflammation properties extend to other illness and
disorders such as asthma and allergies reducing both smooth muscle
airway contraction8 and allergic responses. Any disorder or illness
related to inflammation could be helped by Propolis.
Anti-tumour/cancer
Propolis and CAPE have been shown to reduce the size of tumours and
to selectively destroy and to curb the proliferation of malignant
cells of many different types of cancer. As recently as June 10th
2005 Cancer researchers have been given a grant of a million dollars
to investigate the therapeutic value of Propolis for cancer. Costas
Koumenis the lead investigator for the study was quoted as saying, "a
very interesting property of these compounds is that they have been
shown to cause cell death in tumor cells but not in normal cells."
This study along with other current studies promises to propel
Propolis into the limelight in the field of cancer treatment.
Current Propolis Research in the UK
James Fearnley of BeeVital Research is one of the worlds leading
authorities on Propolis He has written extensively on the subject and
published a major review of all the current research up to 2001 - Bee
Propolis – Natural Healing form the Hive Souvenir Press.
BVR (BeeVital Research) recently won a major government Research and
Development Award, part of a £250,000 research programme looking
at the chemical, biological and clinical properties of propolis.
These studies will focus on the:
1. Documenting the regional variances in chemical and biological
properties, by HPLS, GC-MS and NMR. (Taking place at Univeristy of
Strathclyde)
2. Futher investigating the role of Propolis in the Hive
(University of Gloucester)
3. Dental trials – looking at effectiveness of Propolis for
Mouth Ulcers, Pericorinitis, Gingivitis and Sensitive Teeth.
(Manchester University Dental school)
4. HIV/AIDS trials – looking at the effectiveness of Propolis
with anti-virals in Zambia and Tanzania
5. The effects of standardised propolis on mood, stress, fatigue
and cognition at the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at University
of Newcastle.
6. To evaluate the use of local and non – local propolis for
wound healing and the treatment of skin and other dermatological
problems. ( The Regional Teaching Hospital for University of Dar es
Salaam)
How to use/find propolis products?
A large range of propolis products are available on the market
ranging from tablets, capsules, tinctures and liquids to specialist
products for skin care – soap, lip balm, creams and oral health care –
toothpaste, mouthwash , lozenges and tooth and gum liquid.
Traditionally these have been available through health food stores
but are increasingly available in independent pharmacies.
Choosing the best products is not always easy. Current regulations
means manufacturers cannot make any kind of medical claim for
products that have not been licensed as medicines despite the fact
that there is a sound evidence basis for such claims. Part of the
reason for this is that no single body is responsible for ensuring
that product offered for sale actually are what they say they are.
For this reason the BVR (BeeVital Research) programme is targeted at
developing full medicines licenses for some key products. In the
meantime BVR have formulated a number of products for the health food
market based on their research. Consumers, when purchasing products
should look for those products produced by companies who can back up
their products by good manufacturing practice (pharmaceutical
standard manufacturing) and research.
References:
(1)Lavie, P. (1960). Annals Abeille, 3: 103-201
(2)Anti-Bacterial properties of propolis. Grange, J. M., Davey, R. W.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 83: 160-1 (1990)
(3)Anti-microbial action of propolis and some of its components: The
effect on growth membrane potential and motility of bacteria.
Mirzoeva, O. K., Grishanin, r. n., Calder, p. c. microbial – res,
152: 239-246 (1997)
(4)A comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis,
acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV).
Vynograd, N.; Vynograd, I.; Sosnowski, Z. Institute of
Epidemiology, Lvov State Medical University, Lvov, Ukraine.
Phytomedicine (2000), 7(1), 1-6. CODEN: PYTOEY ISSN: 0944-7113.
(5)Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. De Clercq, Erik. Rega
Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven,
Louvain, Belg. Medicinal Research Reviews (2000), 20(5), 323-
349. CODEN: MRREDD ISSN: 0198-6325
(6)Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits T-cell activation by
targeting both nuclear factor of activated T-cells and NF-kB
transcription factors. Marquez, Nieves; Sancho, Rocio; Macho,
Antonio; Calzado, Marco A.; Fiebich, Bernd L.; Munoz, Eduardo.
Departamento de Biologia Celular, Fisiologia e Inmunologia,
Universidad de Cordoba, Facultad de Medicina, Cordoba, Spain.
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (2004), 308
(3), 993-1001. CODEN: JPETAB ISSN: 0022-3565.
(7)Suppressive effects of propolis in rat adjuvant arthritis.
Park, Eun-Hee; Kahng, Ja-Hoon. College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung
Women's University, Seoul, S. Korea. Archives of Pharmacal
Research (1999), 22(6), 554-558. CODEN: APHRDQ ISSN: 0253-6269.
(8)Bulgarian propolis induces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
in mice and inhibits in vitro contraction of airway smooth
muscle. Paulino, Niraldo; Dantas, Andreia Pires; Bankova, Vassya;
Longhi, Daniela Taggliari; Scremin, Amarilis; Lisboa de Castro,
Solange; Calixto, Joao Batista. Grupo de Pesquisa e
Desenvolvimento de Biofarmacos (BIOFAR), Universidade do Sul de Santa
Catarina, Tubarao, Brazil. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
(Tokyo, Japan) (2003), 93(3), 307-313. CODEN: JPSTGJ ISSN: 1347-
8613.
Author: James Fearnley
James Fearnley of BeeVital Research is one of the worlds leading
authorities on Propolis He has written extensively on the subject and
published a major review of all the current research up to 2001 - Bee
Propolis – Natural Healing form the Hive Souvenir Press.
HTTP://www.beevitalpropolis.com
This group is designed to promote Propolis and raise awareness of its
properties. Regular research, information and articles will be
published to this.
If you are interested please join!
Adam
1st Post
This a quick post about an article about the anti-cancer properties
and
research into Propolis
FRIDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer researchers have been
given
a million-dollar grant to investigate the therapeutic value of the
folk
medicine propolis
http://health.yahoo.com/news/77424"