Each NZ Pure Health Propolis capsule contains:
100mg Propolis (5:1) equivalent to 500mg of fresh Propolis and encapsulating materials.
No artificial flavourings, colourings, preservatives.
Propolis soft gel capsule
Take one or two capsules daily as a dietary food supplement or as professionally advised.
If on prescription medication, please check with your healthcare professional first. DO NOT exceed the recommended dose.
Not suitable for those with allergies to bee products. This product can cause severe allergic reactions.
Propolis has a very long history as a medicine for humans. It is reported to have treated colds and flu symptoms, stomach ulcers, burns, haemorrhoids and joint and muscle inflammation. Although propolis is considered by many as "folk medicine", its use has been revived.
Propolis is a natural, resinous substance with a pleasant aromatic smell, varying in colour from light brown to dark chestnut red. Certain trees such as poplar, willow, horse chestnut and birch exude a sap which has antibiotic qualities to protect that tree from infection. Bees gather this sap, add their own secretions and take it back to the hive. Propolis is quite sticky at hive temperatures when new, it sets quite hard below about 15oC and is brittle below about 5oC.
The bees, when they occupy a new hive, coat the inside walls of their home with a thin layer of propolis. They also coat the inside of every wax cell before it is used for laying or filling with honey. The reason for this is thought to be that propolis contains natural antibiotics which protect the bee colony, staving off diseases including bacterial and fungal growths to combat contamination and pathogen invasion.
PRODUCTION OF PROPOLIS
Commercial production of propolis is usually difficult and time consuming. One method is to have special "inserts" placed in the hives - spaces that mimic holes or cracks in the hive to encourage the bees to fill them with propolis. The resultant propolis is then collected, sorted and packaged. The easier method to obtain propolis is to scrape the hives.
COMPOSITION OF PROPOLIS
Propolis is a mixture of many natural substances which combines raw materials obtained from trees and plants together with secretions from worker bee glands. Being a natural product, the individual constituents of propolis are subject to natural variation. In addition the chemical composition of propolis varies widely due to the variety of plants used by the bees and the technique used by the beekeepers to harvest the propolis. For this reason an accurate analysis is usually unable to be given but generally propolis is about 55% balsams and resins, 30% wax and 8-10% pollen. A range of other components include various chemical compounds of flavonoids, phenolics and aromatics; trace amounts of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
WHAT DOES PROPOLIS DO?
Propolis acts as a natural antibiotic which raises the body's resistance to disease by internally stimulating the immune system. This helps the body fight infection, colds, flu and sore throats.
Propolis may help improve skin condition. Applied externally, propolis is good for abrasions and bruises because of it's antibacterial effects. It may also help lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure. Some suggest that propolis improves energy and endurance in athletes.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is Propolis?
A. Propolis is made from natural plant resin mixed with bees wax and enzymes secreted by bees; it is used to seal the hive and to protect the colony from microbial infections
Q. What are bioflavonoids and antioxidants?
A. They are naturally occurring plant extracts that are often brightly coloured. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals.
Q. How do the nutrients help my immune system?
A. Propolis provides natural anti-microbial support to the immune system and its rich antioxidant content assists with optimal cell function.
Q. What if I don’t like the taste of bee products?
A. This supplement is in capsule form, so when swallowed with water should not taste of anything. However, if swelling of the mouth or throat occurs, discontinue use and see your medical practitioner.