It's claimed that Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees, has properties to help people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, Asthma, ME, Eczema, Psoriasis, Skin Infections, Bronchitis, Catarrhal problems, Mouth Ulcers and General Dental Hygiene.

The name "Propolis" was given by the great ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle, surnamed "The Sun of Ancient Beeculture" "Pro"= (before, in front of) and "Polis" which means (city, fortress) in this case Aristotle meant "The defences of the Bee City". Bees build barriers of Propolis, at the colony entrance, to hinder the passage of enemies and seal, with Propolis, the entire inside surface of the hive thus creating one of the most sterile environment known to nature. It has also been known for some years that a beehive despite 45% RH and a temperature of 35ºC is more germ-free than a modern hospital.

Regina Wand from London has been taking Propolis capsules for Asthma for many years, she says, "I practically live on Propolis". Charles Mitchell from Surrey has been suffering from arthritis on his ankles and has been taking pain killers for some years, he said "I have been taking three Propolis capsules for three weeks, the pain has gone from both ankles, and I am leaving off the pain killing tablets for good."

Scientists say that Propolis contains natural chemicals that stimulate the body's immune system. Dr. John Grange, of the Heart and Lung Institute, discovered that Propolis inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for many infections. Dr. L.M. McEwen of London W.l, has treated ME patients with Propolis with impressive results and is recommending the use of Propolis Capsules for Asthma and the Urinary Tract. Dr. Mark Robertson of Sydney Australia is suggesting the use of Propolis Tincture to patients suffering from Hairy Leukoplakia. This is a condition affecting the tongue. Propolis Tincture is very versatile because it can be used internally as well as externally for various forms of skin infections.

Generally Propolis harvested from bees (which is around 300 grams a year per hive) is composed of resins and balms Approx. 55%, wax approx. 25/30%, the rest is a mixture of pollen, etheric oils, vitamins, edible minerals, amino-acids and several micro-elemental traces. The ratio of these groups will vary depending on the vegetation it originates from, however the general make-up remains remarkably similar. The benefits of Propolis can hardly be exaggerated. It contains flavonoids, which have literally dozens of therapeutic uses such as direct action on the blood capillaries, potentialisation of the activity of ascorbic acid, decrease inflammation etc. etc.

The Origin of Propolis goes beyond the existence of mankind, only recently Dr. Raul Cano of the California Polytechnic State University extracted from the intestine of a fossilized bee ancient micro-organisms believe to be 130millon years old preserved with Propolis. Men have known and used Propolis for thousands of years. Hippocrates, the "Father of Medical Literature" used a salve for open wounds composed of oil, Propolis, Honey and Beeswax. Though he cannot have possibly known of the existence of the bacteria which Propolis kills on contact, he nevertheless was aware of its unique healing power, and a similar preparation was no less effective during the Boer war, saving the lives of hundreds afflicted with gangrenous wounds.