As the last days of summer are replaced by rain and colder weather, we are more susceptible to catching chills and colds.

Enter Propolis

Thinking ahead and having some natural medicines on hand can help your immune system ward off the infections winter inevitably brings. Propolis is a powerful, natural product that fights every different kind of infection – tried and tested throughout the ages and now verified by scientific studies.

What exactly is propolis?

Propolis is made by honey bees and is a resinous substance which the bees collect from various plants. This substance is then mixed with waxes and used as an antiseptic barrier in the construction of beehives. Have you ever wondered why a whole colony of bees can live in an extremely confined area, crammed in together, and still not become sick and contaminate each other with infection? This is due to the action of Propolis. It has been said that the most sterile place in nature is a beehive.

Helping the immune system

Just as it protects the beehive from microbial invasion, Propolis acts as a natural antimicrobial for humans. It suppresses or kills many types of harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and moulds). It helps to activate macrophages (large white blood cells) and stimulates the process of phagocytosis; the process in which germs and toxins are engulfed and destroyed by immune cells.

Potent Antimicrobial and antioxidant flavonoids

Propolis contains an abundance of flavonoids, which are thought to be responsible for its antimicrobial effects. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants which protect us from dangerous toxins. Egyptian, Ayurvedic, Greek, Turkish, Unani, and Roman medicine have utilised this natural product as an antiseptic for over 3,000 years. And today there have been more than 1,700 studies of the healing properties of Propolis. The antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties also make it ideal to use in recovery for people worn out from winter illnesses - as well as a preventative option in order to avoid relapse.

How much do you take to help prevent winter colds and flu?

Scientific monographs specify a minimum dose of 500mg/day of propolis to protect against many types of respiratory tract infections. Up to 5g daily is taken to treat bacterial and viral infections.

Keep it Natural…

With so many propolis products on the market - tablets, powder, capsules, creams, lotions, ointments, and extracts – it can be confusing to find one that offers the most antioxidants and antimicrobials from the source. Choose a high strength formulation in a Vegetable Hard Capsule to get the most natural Propolis per dose. The natural antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of propolis make it an ideal preventative for fighting off infection in preparation for colder months.  

Mr Vitamins recommends

Southernature Propolis

Southernature's Propolis Capsule 3000 has not been mixed with any soybean oil or any other oil excipient and contains a high-grade unadulterated propolis powder that has been capsulated and is Vegetarian friendly Find out more and shop online for Southernature Propolis here References:

1. Balch, P, A., Balch, J, F. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd ed. Avery Publishing, New York.
2. Williams, A. 2015. Propolis, Infection-Fighting Antioxidant Powerhouse. Secrets of the Bees. Retrieved from: http://secretsofthebees.com/health-benefits/propolis/ Accessed 14/3/17
3. Ulbricht, K. et al. 2012. Natural Standard Monograph.