Bee Propolis

BEE PROPOLIS

Whenever we go to work, make a trip to the supermarket, or just step outside to smell the roses, we risk picking up germs and bringing them back to the nest. It’s darn near impossible to avoid.

The same goes for bees. As tens of thousands of bees traipse in and out of the hive each day, they pick up germs along the way and take them back to the colony. Thanks to a sticky brown substance called propolis, however, bees keep the insides of their hives germ-free.

Bee propolis is the resin that bees collect from the buds and wounds of trees and other plants and mix with beeswax. In warm weather, propolis is sticky and soft and can be used to fill holes or spread over surfaces like a shellac. In cool weather, the propolis hardens and becomes brittle. The bees use it to caulk, seal, line, and strengthen the hive, but they also use it to ward off contamination and germs in the hive. That’s because propolis, also known as Russian penicillin, has antibacterial properties.

It’s this ability to fight bacteria that makes it an intriguing supplement for humans. The use of propolis as medicine dates back to the time of Aristotle, about 350 b.c.

The Greeks used propolis for abscesses, while the Assyrians used it to heal wounds and tumors, according to Steve Nenninger, N.D., a naturopathic doctor in New York City.

The Egyptians used it for mummification—and so do bees, says Theodore Cherbuliez, M.D., a physician in Scarsdale, New York, and president of the American Apitherapy Society, a nonprofit organization that advances the investigation of the healing use of products from the beehive. If a mouse crawls into the hive for warmth in the winter, bees will sting it to death. Then, since they can’t physically remove the mouse, they will mummify it with propolis to protect the health of the hive. "Imagine the inside of a beehive, says Dr. Cherbuliez. "It’s hot, humid, and an ideal milieu to grow bacteria on that dead mouse. Propolis prevents this from happening."

Proponents today use propolis to treat a variety of illnesses, including colds, flu, and sore throats; skin problems; wounds and bruises; stomach ulcers; burns; hemorrhoids; gum disease; high blood pressure; bad breath; and tonsillitis. They also promote it for boosting immunity. But even the strongest supporters rely on stories of healing, rather than on statistical studies, when they claim that it’s a nutritional supplement. No carefully controlled studies exist to back these claims.

There are more than 300 components in propolis, including bio flavonoids, says Dr. Cherbuliez. Because propolis comes from a variety of plants, the amount and type of these components can vary by season and region.

Collecting propolis for human use is an arduous task. To get the purest product, beekeepers place small inserts into the hives. To bees, the inserts look like cracks. Thinking that their hive needs repair, the bees fill the inserts with propolis. Propolis can also be scraped out of the hive, but this yields an inferior product that may contain unwanted by-products.

Bee propolis is available in tablets, throat lozenges, chewable tablets with vitamin C, cough syrup, toothpaste, mouthwash, skin lotions, lipstick, throat spray, salve, and tincture. It’s best to buy propolis from a supplement manufacturer that specializes in bee products.

Morinda citrifolia or Noni

Morinda citrifolia or Mengkudu as it is known locally in Malaysia, is a small erect tree found within the forest. Due to its medicinal properties it is now planted in the villages, mainly for its translucent white fruit. The juice of the over-ripe fruit is consumed by women to regulate menstrual flow. It may also be taken to ease painful urination. Other preparations of the Mengkudu fruit are used to treat diabetes, haemorrhages and coughs. Women in the rural areas also use the fruit to make shampoo as they believe it is good for the hair.

Simple research shows scientifically that Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a natural combination of amazingly beneficial compounds to heal the body as a whole, and to maintain health. The most recent studies are based on the following research by Dr. Neil Solomon, MD, PhD:

Dr. Solomon*, a recognized leader in medical nutrition and nutraceuticals writes the following in his book »» Noni Juice: How Much, How Often, For What:

"Since my retirement from the clinical practice of medicine, I have become more involved with natural healing. This has brought to my attention the ambiguity and confusion that exists when it comes to how much of a certain nutritional substance could or should be used in order to augment one's health. Suggested use of many nutritional supplements is many times based on trial and error, which over time and use somewhat regulates itself.

I decided to find a plant with a proven track record of successes and with unique health benefits worthy of study. I was interested in finding out how much of it people took to help different conditions. This led me to the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia plant (noni)."

In his ongoing research with Noni since 1997, Dr. Solomon has organized a study which has grown to include 75 health professionals and over 15,000 patients. In his study, doctors and/or patients are to drink Noni Juice for a 7-month period, with a loading serving of 4 oz. the 1st month, a therapeutic serving of 3 oz. for the following 5 months, and a maintenance/prevention serving of 2 oz. the 7th month (half these amounts for children).

In the final analysis, the overall average of those who either objectively or subjectively experienced benefit was an unheard of 75%. Dr. Solomon goes on to say that "the majority of Noni users who did not get optimal results failed to do so because they took a lesser dose and/or took it a lesser amount of time than recommended." Dr. Solomon also notes that "My survey did show that 95% of those who reported that Noni helped them in some way experienced those results within three months of starting Noni."

Noni has been scientifically documented to benefit in the fight against these ailments:

1. Abdominal pains/swelling
2. Abscesses
3. Antibiotic and Antimicrobial
4. Backache
5. Burns
6. Dark spots on skin
7. Depression
8. Diaphragmatic hernia
9. Dry or cracked skin
10. Heart disease
11. Infection of mouth and gums Inhibits early chronic fatigue syndrome
12. Regulates thymus
13. Sore throat with cough
14. Tonic after childbirth
15. Tuberculosis
16. Virus problems
17. Anticancer activity
18. Arthritis
19. Balanced nutrition
20. Chest infections
21. Deficient Macrophages/Lymphocytes Diabetes Type II
22. Diarrhea
23. Eye complaints
24. High Blood Pressure
25. Inflamed, sore gums
26. Intestinal worms
27. Sick People Syndrome
28. Stroke
29. Toothaches
30. Urinary tract ailments
31. Wounds, fractures and boils

There are virtually no negative interactions. In some situations, Noni can allow other medications to act more efficiently. NOTE: Noni can be taken together with all other medications - there are almost no negative interactions. In some situations, noni can allow other medications to act more efficiently.

You should tell your health professional that you are taking Noni, as your physician might want to decrease the dose of the medication prescribed. This often reduces the side effects from the original medication.

Reported side effects were minimal. Less than 5 percent experienced minor belching, loose stools, allergy, or developed a mild rash. The belching disappeared when the dose was decreased. The rash and loose stools cleared within 72 hours after stopping treatment. Noni has been reported safe for pregnant and/or nursing mothers.

*Dr. Neil Solomon is a world renowned research expert in the fields of Medicine, Nutrition, Obesity and Smoking cessation. He held several faculty appointments and Professorships at some of the most prestigious Universities in America including the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

For 18 years Dr. Solomon wrote an internationally syndicated health advise column for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. In total, he has appeared in over 200,000 published articles and br columns in global newspapers and magazines. Dr. Solomon has appeared on numerous national television and radio talk shows such as the Tonight Show, Donahue, Good Morning America, Today Show, Oprah Winfrey Dick Cavett, Dinah Shore, and gave daily medical commentaries on CNN.

Dr. Solomon is also a best selling author having written several “how to” books about health and wellness. He has Who’s Who in the East since 1977. In addition, he has been included in American Men and Women of Science, Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology (1985), Men of Achievement (7th edition), Personalities of America (1981), and International Who’s Who of Intellectuals (1981).