Propolis: A Natural Antiviral

Propolis is the brown, waxy, sticky resin that bees collect from oozing tree buds. It contains more than 30 biologically active components. What I've uncovered about propolis' antiviral and antibacterial activity only further supports my personal commitment to take it on a daily basis. Although bee pollen and royal jelly are more familiar bee products, the power of propolis hasn't been overlooked by beekeepers.

This "bee glue" has amazing antiseptic powers, which help preserve the sterile atmosphere of the hive. Research from the former Soviet Union and confirmed by other countries has shown that propolis has strong antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-amoebic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties.

Further research on this natural compound has shown that propolis has strong antiviral properties. Topical applications have been used to treat both herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex (cold sores or fever blisters). The resin appears to be particularly effective in recurrent cases.

French researchers concluded that the combination of compounds in propolis was far more effective than each of the individual components. It’s one more instance in which the total natural product works better, with fewer side effects, than its isolated components.

And at the National Heart and Lung Institute in London, researchers discovered that propolis was active against the human tubercle bacillus, better known as tuberculosis, or TB.

I recommend propolis to anyone who wants to keep his or her immune system in top shape. It's available in tablets, capsules, and liquid, as well as in salves for topical use, and can be found in health food stores, or from CC Pollen.

The recommended maintenance dosages are generally 500–1,000 mg per day in tablet and capsule form. It’s rare, but some people can be allergic to bee products, so it would be wise to start with small doses of propolis first to see if you experience a problem.

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