2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Propolis, also known as glue, is a mixture of wax, resin and pollen from the flowers or buds of plants. The mixture is enriched with enzymes and has undergone lactic acid fermentation in the digestive system of bees. Propolis is a very useful bee product that receives well-deserved attention in cosmetics and medicine.
Collecting it, bees also use it as a building material and disinfectant for their hive. A medium-sized bee family can collect from 100 to 300 g propolis per year. Of great importance for the collected quantity are the species of bees, the latitudes in which they are located, the peculiarities of the climate, the plant species.
Bees collect bee glue from plants, with the most common sources of propolis being buckwheat, poplar, willow and horse chestnut. During the collection process, literally the whole hive of our little friends is covered with propolis, even they cover themselves with it to protect themselves from harmful microorganisms. Polishing the walls of small cells with propolis increases their physical stability, and in cold weather restricts the flow of air in the hive.
In essence, propolis is a resinous substance that has a bright color, ranging from dark yellow to brown-green. Freshly removed from the hive propolis is a sticky and soft mass.
Propolis also has a very pleasant aroma, which can be defined as a mixture of honey, wax and plant buds. It darkens with longer storage and emits a very pleasant resin odor when burned. When warmed slightly, it softens very quickly and becomes easy and convenient to handle.
Composition of propolis
Propolis has a very complex chemical composition, and some of its components have not yet been specified. It contains wax, vegetable resins, pollen and essential oils, mechanical impurities and tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, organic acids, esters, aldehydes, terpenes, amino acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, free fatty acids, a number of trace elements, vitamins B1 B2, B6, A, C and E.
The composition of propolis in numbers looks as follows: wax and fatty acids - from 25 to 35% of plant and bee origin; 10% essential oils; approximately 55% of plant resins containing ethers, phenolic acids and flavonoids; 16 amino acids and 5% pollen; agrin and proline - up to 45%; mechanical and other impurities - 5%.
Propolis collection method
Propolis is collected by scraping the upper surface of the walls or frames of the hive with a frame lifter. Beads are formed, which are placed in plastic or cellulose bags. Then store in the refrigerator. Another way to collect the useful substance is by placing special nets or grids whose openings are not larger than 5 mm. The goal is to plug the small holes with propolis. The used nets or grids are then placed in the refrigerator. At low temperatures, propolis becomes brittle and very easily separated from them.
Selection and storage of propolis
The alcoholic solution of propolis, which is found under the name gluten tincture, is well known on the market. If you still have the opportunity to get clean propolis by a beekeeper, you should store it in a dark and dry place, away from any flavored substances. The temperature should not be higher than 25 degrees. If you follow the above instructions, you will keep it for a longer time. In case you do not have the opportunity to obtain or store propolis, you can buy and propolis of capsules.
Application and benefits of propolis
Propolis contains a large amount of volatile essential oils that have strong antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial action of propolis is very well studied against a number of bacteria - Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Streptococcus haemolyticus, Bacillus haemolyticus. Propolis has a strong antifungal effect, especially against various types of lower fungi, which are responsible for some diseases of the skin and hair. It has a particularly strong effect against the following fungi - Ahorion, Candida albicans, Epidermophytom, Mikrosporium. Propolis is one of the few natural ingredients that have a strong antiviral effect.
The results of studies suggest that propolis is a very strong prophylactic against radiation, and is also a good remedy for radiation damage. There is almost no doubt about the strong anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties of propolis.
The flavonoids in propolis are one of its main healing substances, which is recommended in the treatment of over 40 diseases. The main healing effect is focused on the capillary system and the condition of the vessels. It has a good vasodilating effect, has a diuretic and choleretic effect. In addition, propolis has a beneficial effect on endocrine glands such as thyroid, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas. Externally applied propolis is used to treat purulent, traumatic wounds, eczema and burns.
Propolis is very widely used in the treatment of various respiratory diseases, diseases of the peripheral nervous system - sciatica, plexitis, radiculitis, neuritis and neuralgia; skin diseases. It is very effective in diseases of the digestive system - colitis, dyspepsia, gastritis, stomatitis, canker sores, ulcers and others. Treats gynecological diseases - erosion of the cervix, trichomoniasis. It is very widely used in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
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