On dit que la propolis est l’antibiotique le plus naturel que l’être humain n'ait jamais découvert. Bien des gens n’ont probablement jamais entendu parler de la propolis, même si son usage remonte à la nuit des temps.

Dans cet article, l'auteur Marcel Dingens dresse un bref historique de la propolis et explique ce qu’elle fait, comment elle fonctionne, comment elle est produite et comment on l'utilise.

Il déclare: "Les médecins à travers le monde sont étonnés par la puissance de la propolis. 

Nous n’en sommes qu’aux débuts de son histoire parce que les possibilités de guérison de la propolis semblent illimitées."

Les problèmes tels l’acné, la diarrhée, la goutte, le psoriasis et le mal de gorge qui furent traités avec la propolis ont démontré des améliorations satisfaisantes à travers le monde.

"Propolis, by
nature, gives
us a most
powerful and
versatile
complement
to supplement
our food
intake. All
over the
world,
physicians
have been
astonished
by the power
of Propolis." 

The first of its kind in Canada!

Jane O'Rourke
Environmental Program Coordinator New Brunswick Lung Association
November 2005

t is said that Propolis is the most natural antibiotic man has ever discovered. The remarkable thing about this statement is the fact that this discovery took place some 2000 years ago. A lot of people probably haven't even heard about Propolis, and yet, ancient herbal books prescribed Propolis for numerous complaints. The bactericidal qualities of this medicine have been known since the beginning of written history.

(photo: B.Dingens)

History

The use of Propolis in popular medicine goes back all the way to ancient times. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans reported the use of Propolis for its general healing qualities and for the cure of some lesions of the skin. Since the 12th century in Europe, folk remedy has attributed an important place to Propolis for certain preparations for external use. However, it has only been in the last twenty years that scientists have been able to prove that Propolis is as active and important as our forefathers thought.

Recognized by science

Propolis is now considered an important part of dietetics and a natural cure by the World Health Organization. Its popularity is ever increasing, due to its many possibilities. The concentrations of flavonoids seem to be responsible for the great antibiotic effects of Propolis. Flavonoids possess many potent curative effects. Forty-one of these substances have been recognized by science.

What does it do

Flavonoids stimulate hair growth, and improve the circulation of the blood. They also stimulate elimination of urine, bile secretion, and endocrine secretion. It is a well known fact that endocrine secretion, from places such as the thymus, the thyroid gland, the pancreas and the adrenals has a beneficial effect on the organism in general. Flavonoids are not only antibacterial substances, they are also active for the treatment of ulcers, rheumatism, flu and cold syndromes, irritated stomachs and certain breathing problems.

The same products are also beneficial for some chronic ailments, such as stress and joint problems. This gives an extra dimension to the performance of the product. Propolis, by nature, gives us a most powerful and versatile complement to supplement our food intake. All over the world, physicians have been astonished by the power of Propolis. We are only at the beginning of the story because the healing possibilities of Propolis seem to be unlimited.

Origin of Propolis

Our honeybees collect resins as a basic material on the buds of poplars, birches, pine trees etc. After the resin is chewed by the honeybee, and with the addition of saliva, other substances are formed. The finished product is called Propolis. Propolis is of vital importance for the survival of the bees. Not only does it protect them against diseases, but also against climatic changes, such as wind and cold.

 

(photo: Bij Dingens)

Propolis consists of more
than 100 substances

Propolis is composed of 50-55% resin and balms, 30% wax, 5% fixed substances such as clump, greases, amino acids, organic acids, composed ethers of alcohol, elements of spores and microelements such as iron, copper manganese, zinc, aminocids, phytoncides, and antibiotics, plus a high content of vitamins  B,E,C,H and P, as well as pro-vitamin A. Pollens make up 4 to 10% in the composition of the product.

Remedies

Propolis is an age-old remedy that has been receiving a lot of attention lately. It is used extensively in the now defunct  Warsaw Pact countries and Propolis is well known in the Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium. It is not yet as well known overseas.

The following problems treated by Propolis showed satisfactory improvements all over the world:

• Acne
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Burns
• Boils
• Bleeding gums
• Bedsores and Blisters
• Burning tongues
• Callused feet
• Canker sores (aphtha)
• Common cold
• Corns
• Diaper rash
• Diarrhea
• Eczema
• Flu
• Female complaints
• Gastritis
• Gout
• Hay-fever
• Hair loss
• Insect bites
• Inflammation of the nasal passage
• Inflammation of the gums
• Inflammation of the ears
• Inflammation of the prostate gland
• Moles
• Psoriasis
• Sore throats
• Swollen glands
• Stomach ulcers
• Toothaches
• Tennis elbow
• Warts

For more information on Propolis products,
or for a list of interesting books to read on this subject,
email us at: propolis@nb.sympatico.ca