Propolis - Natures antibiotic
last updated 23rd September 2006
Phone/Fax 01844 342390
e-mail : sales@koicarp.org.uk
Propolis is another one of the great products the bees produce that science cannot. It is a resinous substance that the bees gather from tree leaves and bark, and combine with nectar, wax, pollen, and bee bread to make a natural "glue" type substance. This glue is used to seal cracks and holes and to line the inside of the hive It is also placed at the entrance to the beehive, where incoming worker bees have to brush up against it as they enter the hive. This sterilises the bees from infection, and may disinfect them upon entry as well. Beehives are more sterile than the most modern hospitals.
Propolis is also used to line the birthing chamber where the queen lays her eggs, thereby providing a clean, sterile environment for the developing eggs.
Propolis contains all the known vitamins except for vitamin K. Of all the fourteen minerals the human body requires for normal function, propolis contains all but one, sulphur. It contains a number of unidentifiable compounds that create a perfectly balanced food substance. It also has 16 amino acids that have been identified, and more bioflavanoids (necessary for anti-inflammatory action within the human body) than found in oranges. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory.
This substance has been used throughout the centuries for its natural antibiotic capabilities. Propolis is still able to effectively combat bacterial strains which have become resistant to modern synthetic antibiotics. The bee is the only insect ever to have been found to be bacteria free, due to the action of the propolis, and science believe that no known bacteria can form a resistance to propolis.
Propolis has no known side effects. It boosts the immune system while fighting invading pathogens, something prescription antibiotics cannot. It also has demonstrated a remarkable ability to disable viruses. When prescription antibiotics must be used, propolis has proven to boost the effectiveness of the prescription, while helping to drastically reduce recovery times in human medicine.
Propolis is still given to patients in Russia before and after surgery to aid in healing and prevent infection, and to boost energy levels during the recovery process. It is often mixed with garlic to make a powerful infection fighter, killing viruses and bacterial invaders without harming the beneficial bacteria needed by the body to function properly.
The bioflavanoids in propolis make it a superb anti-inflammatory. It also enables it to be so effective in boosting the body’s own immune system. Propolis is very useful in treating allergies, ulcers, skin ailments (internal and external), cancers, infections of all sorts, colds, flu, bronchitis, ear problems, gum disease, headaches, acne, sunburn, respiratory problems, fatigue, sore throats, skin diseases, and even Parkinson's disease, according to extensive European studies. It is still used extensively in dentistry in parts of Europe as a most effective mouth wash
Propolis is a safe diet supplement, producing no negative side effects, and taken regularly can actually create a positive reaction to almost any disease. In today's world where antibiotics are routinely over-prescribed, this natural product can be your very best first line of defence against illness and chronic diseases.
For your koi use Propolis:-
As a topical treatment for ulcers, sores, raised scales, especially useful round the mouth, eyes and gill area where the use of other medications would be inappropriate and even dangerous.
As a food additive, mix one teaspoon full of propolis with approx 2 – 3 handfulls of food and a little warmed water in a suitable container. Leave to stand for 15 minutes or so or until the food has absorbed all the liquid and feed to your koi. Use all food treated in this way within 48 hours.
Propolis will still work at lower temperatures, but for best results use at temperatures in excess of 13 deg C.
Propolis is available in 100ml, 250ml and 500ml bottles and a 60ml spray.
Shake well before use.
