Antibiotics are medicines which help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria directly, or from preventing it from replicating. Antibiotic drugs have been around since the 1920s. Before then, relatively minor bacterial infections could prove fatal. Antibiotics have revolutionised healthcare. Unfortunately, the over-use of antibiotics has resulted in a problem called antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria become resistant to antibiotic drugs. This means that drugs which have traditionally been effective against particular types of bacterial infection stop working. This can be very dangerous for the patient.
Another problem with pharmaceutical antibiotics is that they cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria. Our bodies are homes to millions of friendly bacteria, which we depend on for our health. When we take pharmaceutical antibiotics millions of these friendly bacteria are killed. This can be bad for our gut health, and subsequently our immune systems.
Some evidence suggests that taking a probiotic supplement can reduce the negative impact of antibiotics, but this is not ideal.
Can propolis provide a better solution?
Propolis is a Natural Antibiotic
Propolis is made by honeybees. They produce it from plant and tree resins, combined with wax, essential oils, pollen and other organic compounds. The bees use this sticky substance, sometimes called ‘bee glue’, to patch up holes in their hives. But it’s far more than a building material.
Propolis has remarkable medicinal properties. It acts as a kind of external immune system for the bees – protecting them from bacterial infections. For example, bees use propolis to ‘mummify’ foreign bodies in their hives, such as predatory mammals and other insects. By wrapping the body in a layer of propolis, the decomposing matter cannot harm the colony.
This antibacterial behaviour goes further than inhibiting the spread of bacteria within a hive. When tested against various kinds of common bacteria, propolis has been repeatedly shown to be an effective treatment.
When bacteria begin multiplying in the body they create an outer layer called biofilm. The biofilm protects the bacteria, allowing it to grow, before spreading further around the body. Research has shown that propolis exhibits antibiofilm properties against various kinds of bacteria. This means propolis can prevent bacteria protecting itself and multiplying efficiently. It can also break down existing biofilms. This enables the body’s natural defense mechanisms to get to work, destroying the potential source of infection.
Take Propolis as a Tablet or Capsule
Propolis is available in both tablet and capsule form, much like pharmaceutical antibiotics. Our Propolis Capsules are made from high quality refined propolis, encased in vegetable cellulose capsules.
Because propolis does not harm friendly bacteria, it can be taken regularly as an immune support medicine. This is a kind of preventitive medicine, aimed at supporting the body’s normal immune function. Alternatively, propolis can be taken as a treatment for a specific condition.
Apply Propolis to the Skin
Lots of people use an antiseptic cream, such as Germolene, to sooth sore skin or wounds. Our Propolis Cream can be applied in a similar way. It contains no articifical colours or scents. It’s a naturally soothing cream which contains propolis extract. As with our capsules and tablets, propolis extract is high in flavonoids and polyphenols. These get to work quickly, inhibiting the growth of potential sources of infection.
Propolis Oral Healthcare
Oral infections are common and are regularly treated with pharmaceutical antibiotics. Propolis capsules or tablets could be used to treat this kind of infection indirectly. However, we would also recommend using Propolis Toothpaste and Propolis Mouthwash. These products contain propolis extract. By cleaning your teeth, tongue and gums with propolis-based dental products you’re helping ward-off potential infections. Rinsing with Propolis Mouthwash can ensure propolis gets to work directly on the source of infection.
Conclusion
Whilst not an antibiotic in the pharmaceutical sense, propolis does have scientifically proven antibacterial properties. Propolis is a natural antibiotic. What’s more, propolis doesn’t harm the friendly bacteria we depend on.
Propolis can be taken as a preventitive measure, in the form of a tablet or capsule, or you can apply it directly to the source of infection. Propolis Cream, and oral healthcare products ensure its bioactive properties get to the root of the problem quickly.
This post is not medical advice. If you are suffering with some kind of infection you’re advised to speak to a doctor.