How Propolis Works - the Science Behind it!

The healing and therapeutic properties of propolis are attributed to its rich concentration of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are nutrients that enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C. They are recognized as vital to build the immune system to fight disease. In medical circles they are often referred to as vitamin P. Clinical reports show that bioflavonoids are effective in wide range of conditions such as high blood pressure, miscarriages, respiratory infections, cirrhosis of the liver, etc. And propolis is really rich in this all-healing nutrient.  But how does it work?

Well, bioflavonoids in propolis have a protective effect on viruses and make it very popular as a virus fighter. Viruses are enclosed in a protein coat and as long this coat is unbroken they are harmless, because the infectious material stays inside them. Researches found out that bioflavonoids in propolis maintain the protein coat of the virus by inhibiting an enzyme that normally removes this coat, thus keeping it inactive. It's like being immune to the virus, but only in the presence of the bioflavonoids. Scientists also explained that propolis influence the increase in the blood of the virus-fighting protein - properdin. If taken regularly, propolis is a great help in preventing cold and flu.

Propolis is very effective in healing sore throats too. Usually when we have sore throat, there is an inflammation of the mucous membrane and we experience symptoms such as pain and high fever. All these symptoms are caused by compounds called prostaglandins. And if taking propolis, the bioflavonoids in it actually block the building of the prostaglandins, making us immune to sore throat. Pretty amazing! Actually some called propolis the natural "aspirin'. This is because the bioflavonoids in propolis act almost identically as the aspirin. But with one quite important difference - no side effects.

Another very impressive action of the bioflavonoids in propolis is their ability to stimulate the production of interferon in the body. Researchers found , that bioflavonoids in propolis stimulate the white blood cells to produce interferon. Interferon is a natural protein substance that is able to fight many diseases and make us resistant to many infections and boost our immune system.

Propolis is very effective in treating allergies too. To understand how it works, let see first what triggers an allergic reaction. When an allergen binds to the outside of a cell, it allows the histamin and serotonin from inside to leak out, causing an allergic reaction. Histamine and serotonin are tissue hormones needed by the body, but when in excess they trigger an allergic reaction. To prevent that, the leakage has to be avoided. And it was discovered that this can be done with the use of the bioflavonoids of the propolis. They block the acids that can break into the cell and release the allergy causing substances.

Now, you can understand why propolis is praised as an all-natural medicine that not only can fight viruses, but can help to stop lots of diseases in the bud.

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