There is a wonderful thing called propolis which I thought I would find a little more about and share with you. Alternative names are propolis resin, propolis wax or bee glue.
When you read articles on natural health products, such as propolis, they all say that it is not backed by enough scientific study to prove it is beneficial. That may be the case, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work and should be dismissed. Propolis has been used for centuries in skincare for its many beneficial properties and possibly in medicine since the year 300 BC. Long before that the Ancient Egyptians used propolis for embalming, and more recently some doctors used it during World War II to help with wound healing.
Propolis is a natural substance collected by honeybees. It contains a mixture of bee saliva and is made up of resins, balsam, waxes, essential oils, pollen, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The nature of the propolis depends on environmental conditions and from which trees and plants it is harvested. It has a few roles to play within the hive. It is used as a sealant for unwanted small gaps as well as improving insulation and reducing water loss. It also plays an important part in the health and hygiene of the hive as it provides protection from pathogens, via anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. These properties are probably why it has been so popular over the years in health and medicine.
Bees usually carry waste out of and away from the hive, however sometimes it is not possible for them to remove the problem. This is where the propolis works its magic. If an intruder for example, finds its way into the hive and dies there, the bees may be unable to carry it out through the hive entrance. In that case, they would attempt instead to seal the carcass in propolis, essentially mummifying it and making it odourless and harmless. Those Egyptians were obviously onto something!
From a health point of view there are thought to be many benefits that have been associated with propolis, and it is considered an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antiprotozoal, which means that it works against parasitic illnesses. It is available in many forms and can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. My propolis knowledge is limited, which is why I am trying to learn more about the ointment Morning Gorgeous sells, but I will say that over the years I have seen first hand that honey has healed wounds and helped with skin complaints, and I use propolis if my skin needs a bit of TLC. It may not suit everyone but should not be dismissed because of lack of modern study.
If you would like to try Bee Cosmetics Propolis balm it is sustainably collected from their own hives across Sussex and Surrey and can be purchased on the Morning Gorgeous website. https://www.morning-gorgeous.co.uk/skin-care or just use the button to take you straight there.