Bees are amazing creatures that provide so many different beneficial substances, such as honey and beeswax. Honey can be used in a number of skincare uses, such as in homemade facial recipes, which offer a number of benefits. It is also in a number of products for your skincare routine. There are also the more unusual products, such as royal jelly. Royal jelly helps with skin damage and anti aging properties. There are a number of different forms that it comes in and you can find them in our reviews for the best royal jelly products.
What Is Bee Propolis?
If you are not familiar with the different bee products available, you may not have heard of bee propolis yet. There are a number of bee propolis benefits for skin that you should hear about. Bee propolis, also known as bee glue, is a resin that bees secrete to aid in the structure of their hive. While beeswax is the main substance that bees use to keep the hive together, bee propolis is used to fill in any small spaces that need it. In addition to helping with the structure, bee propolis helps to reduce vibration, prevent diseases and parasites, prevent bacterial and fungal growth, and to make the hive easier to defend, among other things. The exact makeup of bee propolis varies between hives. While it is normally a dark brown color, it is not unusual for it to have hues of other colors, such as red, green, or white.
Bee propolis is made up of over 300 different compounds. Together, these offer a number of different beneficial properties. These include:
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic
- Antioxidant
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antitumor
- And more
History of Bee Propolis
The word propolis is Greek in its origin. “Pro” means in front of or before, while propolis means city; so, together propolis means in front of (or before) the city. Bee propolis has been used for a very long time, with medicinal use even dating back to 350 B.C. The Greeks were using it for abscesses, sores, and bruises; the Romans for tumors;the Egyptians for their mummification process; the Persians for eczema and myalgia; the Incans for fevers; the Chinese for infections; and the Assyrians for tumors and healing their wounds. More recently, research is being performed on the subject, so we can have a better idea on all of the bee propolis benefits that there are.
Bee Propolis Benefits For Skin
Heal Burns
Bee propolis has properties in it that can help promote the healing of burns. If you get a sunburn, you can put on a cream containing it or use your own mixture. A possible mix could be something like coconut oil, with aloe vera and propolis. All of these are good for a sunburn. Propolis can help with other kinds of burns, too; there have been studies using it for 2nd degree burns.
Remove Warts
If you are suffering from warts, you can get a propolis tincture to get rid of it. The tincture can be applied directly to the wart and then covered with gauze or a cotton ball, with a bandage. You can also apply the tincture to the gauze or cotton ball itself, which may be easier for most. A study has found that taking propolis orally, in a capsule form, can also do the trick in the removal of warts.
Repair Skin Damage
There are so many ways that your skin gets damaged, including from the weather, sun, smoking and secondhand smoke, smog, chemicals in cleaning and other supplies, acne, tanning beds, dehydration, sleep deprivation, and much more. As this damage occurs, it ages your skin even more, with worsening wrinkles and age spots, for example. With so many things causing damage, there is no way to fully avoid it. Propolis ointments and creams can be applied to help repair this damage. Apply the bee propolis to your face and other areas in need of help, using your favorite cream, twice a day if possible.
Other Benefits of Bee Propolis
Prevent Cavities
Bee propolis has antibacterial properties, which are very good for your oral health. One of the forms that you can get is propolis toothpaste. Studies have shown that this ingredient helps with reducing dental plaque, treating gingivitis, and healing canker sores. A good propolis toothpaste can replace your normal toothpaste.
Treat Parasites
Taking bee propolis orally can help you rid your body of intestinal parasites. A study looked at its effectiveness for treating giardiasis. They found it to be effective in curing it in around 60% of cases at a 30% concentration, which performed better than the prescription drug in the study.
Do you already use bee propolis and have a favorite use? Leave a comment and let us know!
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