Post by Hanna Bäckmo - Hanna's Bees

HEALTH FOCUS: What is Propolis? Propolis is a remarkable substance created by honeybees, often referred to as Nature’s Antiseptic Marvel. It holds a world of benefits for both the bees who make it and us humans. Honeybees collect plant resin and mix it with beeswax to create a highly anti-microbial substance called propolis. Honeybees use propolis to create a colony-wide immune system. By coating the inside of the hive with this mix, they ensure that the nest environment is reasonably stable, or homeostatic. The presence of propolis creates unfavourable conditions for fungal, viral, and bacterial pathogens to multiply. Consequently, the bees have designed a health care system where the first line of defense against pathogens is a social immune system. This social immune system puts a lot less pressure on bees and their individual immune responses, so that they can focus their energies on other things, such as building wax, feeding larvae and collecting nectar and pollen. Outside the hive, propolis finds its place in various products for human health and wellbeing, such as tinctures and balms, due to its many health benefits. It has been used to support human health for thousands of years and is used to boost the immune system and treat a range of ailments such as mouth ulcers, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, cold-sores, ear-infections and wound healing among other things. Propolis is mostly available as a tincture which is propolis dissolved in alcohol, but can also be bought as powder or dissolved in oil. Bees ingeniously regulate airflow by using propolis to block off entrances and create efficient ventilation. By strategically placing propolis traps, mesh screens with tiny holes that bees fill with propolis, beekeepers can encourage bees to collect more resin and create a healthier hive environment. Harvesting propolis does not harm the bees as they need to collect propolis continuously. This is because fresh propolis contain volatile compounds which are thought to be beneficial for the bees. Propolis is a natural treasure from the bees! If you want to embrace the wonders of natural health, then give propolis a go! To find out more about the health benefits of propolis and how to take it, visit our website. #Propolis #NaturalHealth #NaturalMedicine #Antimicrobial #HannasBees