Bees are some of the busiest creatures in the universe. Apart from making honey, they also pollinate flowers and make “bee glue” called Propolis, which is beneficial to your skin in so many ways. Dr. Seema Patel of the Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Research Centre at the University of San Diego conducted numerous tests and found out that bee Propolis is very essential in skin treatment, removal of rushes and pimples, as well as a perfect medicine against cancer of the brain, skin prostate, pancrease, colon, blood and breast, among many others (source).
What is Propolis?
Apart from making honey and beeswax, bees also create Propolis from tree leaves, flowers and leaf buds of particular plants. What really happens is that an expert Propolis making bee gathers the sticky gel from particular plants, then mixes it with its own wax to create a sticky gel, which is mostly applied on the interior of the hive for self defense.
The Propolis is used as a seal, a disinfectant, and as a blanket against water. In research, Propolis was found to contain over 300 active compounds which fight against cancer in a variety of ways:
- Limit the growth of new blood vessels which feed cancer cells.
- Shield your body against the spread of metastasis from one body organ to another.
Research has revealed that bees living in Propolis coated hives have lower bacteria in their bodies and quieter immune systems. Relating this fact to human bodies, you’ll find that Propolis can be very beneficial in our bodies/immune systems, since it’s capable of lowering bacteria in our bodies which cause acne, rushes, pimples and burns.
Propolis as a natural antiseptic
Propolis has been in existence for a very long time. It was first introduced in Greece and Egypt as a natural antiseptic and preservative. In ancient Greece, Propolis is made up of two words “pro” (before) and “polis” (city) meaning “defender of the city”. They used this sticky gel in healing of wounds and applying it to their skin to treat rushes, burns and pimples. In Egypt, this natural healer was used as a preservative compound which was applied to the dead during purification and embalming before mummification.
Constituents and effects
The level of active constituents found in Propolis varies depending with the geographical location and the time of year when it’s being harvested. Research has revealed that this sticky substance contains antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, pinocembrin, galangin and pinobanksin. Other compounds which are found in Propolis include; caffeic acid and hydroquinone, which are among the best known compounds used in most commercial cosmetic formulas to treat acne and other skin related infections.
Propolis also contain minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, nickel and zinc, which are beneficial in rebuilding damaged skin cells, as well as giving you nourished, soft skin. Finally, Propolis was found to boost the performance of superoxide dismutase, which is a powerful natural antioxidant found in the body, as well as promoting healing, enhancing cell growth and increasing blood circulation, while preventing scarring.
Researchers have revealed that Propolis can be used in the treatment and cure of acne. This is because it has the necessary nutrients and vitamins which fight against a variety of micro-organisms, including bacteria and viruses. It was revealed that a small portion of Propolis extract was able to kill most strains of anaerobic bacteria, including P. acnes which are responsible for the acne infection.
Propolis is also ideal in removing inflammations which cause bacteria responsible for the formation of nodules on your skin. It contains antiseptic properties, such as the flavonoids which fight inflammations and other skin bacteria, giving you a healthy skin.
When used under the correct measures, Propolis is capable of removing bacteria which cause clogging of the pores. Research has revealed that Propolis contains anti-oxidant, anti- inflammatory and cancer preventing properties, which are responsible for healthy skin.
Other health benefits of Propolis
Parasites
Research has revealed that people who frequently take Propolis have a 50-60% success rate of eliminating parasites and infections from their bodies. Since parasites are very hard to distinguish/diagnose, they pose a challenging health issue. Propolis on its side has been able to tackle this problem due to the availability of antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, pinocembrin, galangin and pinobanksin which work together to fight all types of parasites from your body.
Healing burns
Studies have revealed that Propolis can be used in treating minor burns. After comparing the healing properties of Propolis gel with silver sulfadiazine (a drug used to heal burns), it was found that Propolis has equal healing effects as the drug when healing second degree burns.
Prevention of dental cavities
Modern studies have shown that Propolis can be used as a mouth disinfectant in the treatment against periodontitis and gingivitis. It also limits bacterial plaque, reduce tooth caries and help in regenerating dental pulp, as well as bone tissues.
Some of the best Propolis creams in the market
After an in-depth research on the benefits of Propolis in the human body, we will review the best Propolis skin creams which you can consider in the treatment of acne, burns, rushes and pimples.
Best Royal Jelly Serum for Face
As the number one bee product on the market, Best Royal Jelly Serum is enriched with powerful natural oxidants, organic honey, and Propolis. It is the best gift for people who enjoy natural beauty due to its ability to restore proteins, amino acids and enzymes in your skin. Apart from treating your skin, this serum can be used as a natural antibiotic agent, anti-bacterial agent, eye gel, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-acne serum. It also reduces inflammation, soothes itching and helps in moisturizing dry skin. Best Royal Jelly Serum is available on the market at an affordable price and has a light weight (2.4 pounds), making it easy to carry with you.
Best Face and Eye Moisturizer from Bee-Friendly
This anti-aging face and eye cream is another Propolis skin cream to consider for your natural skin. The cream is made from a mixture of beeswax, honey and organic olive oil. This serum is free from all chemicals and can be used in the most delicate parts of your face, such as areas around your eyes. This cream is available on the market at an affordable price for customers who value their natural beauty.
Conclusion:
The regenerative and healing properties of bee Propolis are an excellent addition to any skin care routine. Try this super-star compound out for yourself.
Have you tried Propolis?
Yours In Beauty,
Andrea
This Propolis product seems very interesting. I’ve heard of Manuka honey and the skin benefits it provides, but I didn’t know that there were other types of non-artifical honey out there that also do the trick.
And it’s great that there is so much research to up this bee product.
Awesome post!
Thanks Ariel