Propolis
Propolis is a natural resin which is created by bees. Bees synthesize propolis to build their hives. This natural resin is manufactured by the bees using the buds of conifer, beeswax and poplar. There are several other secretions of the bees that help in the synthesis of this resin.
Historically speaking, propolis has always been regarded as a very effective natural healing agent. The early Assyrians and Greeks used the resin to treat deep cuts, wounds, and abscesses. Abnormal growths on the skin and tumors were also healed using bee propolis. Egyptians too have used propolis products to mummify bodies. Propolis products are today commonly found in cosmetics, chewing gums, skin creams, and lozenges. Bee propolis is also frequently used in both foods and beverages to help maintain and improve health. Bee propolis extract has recently also shown a lot of promise in dentistry for dental caries. This is used as a natural dental sealant and can also help in hardening the enamel. There are also studies which can link the use of propolis to prevent a person from the damage caused by the herpes simplex virus, of both type 1 and type 2.
However, bee propolis side effects are not fully known yet due to which is it not used very widely. There are several studies and reports that mention that propolis can be a potent allergen and can also be a potential sensitizer, because of which the wide use of the resin is not yet recommended. Some other side effects of propolis are over sensitization of skin and blood vessel inflammation. It is recommended that those who are allergic to poplar bud, beeswax, bee stings, and other bee products, including honey, should avoid using propolis. Some of the known allergic side effects of propolis include eczema, swelling, redness, burning, peeling of skin, fluid collection, fever and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. Though propolis has many therapeutic properties, the side effects of using propolis have not yet been studied thoroughly. It is also recommended that propolis should not be used by a pregnant or nursing mother. Most of the tinctures of propolis products contain high concentrations of alcohol and therefore are not safe to be used at the time of pregnancy. The exact effects of propolis on pregnant and nursing women have not yet been studied scientifically and therefore there is no hard evidence that the resin itself is harmful in such a state. There are also reports that propolis can help increase male fertility, though there is not much scientific data to back this theory.
