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| Bees make bee propolis by using a sticky substance from deciduous and conifer trees, to which they add salivary secretions and wax. The propolis is then used by the bees to seal holes and cracks, and to form the roof of the hive. What is remarkable about propolis is its resistance to bacteria. A case was observed where a rat entered a hive and was stung to death. The bees encased the rodent in propolis and, five years later, the body showed no signs of decomposition or decay. Bees use a microscopic coating of propolis to line the cells of the hive before the queen lays her eggs. In fact, the beehive has been proven the most sterile environment in the animal kingdom.
Dr. Bent Havsteen of Cornell University describes the anti-viral effects of propolis:
"Bioflavonoids in propolis have a protective effect on virus infections. Virus are enclosed in a protein coat. As long as it remains unbroken, the infectious and dangerous material remains imprisoned and is harmless to the organism. We have found that an enzyme which normally removes the protein coat is being inhibited [by propolis bioflavonoids]; thus dangerous viral material is kept locked in. The protein coating around the virus is maintained ...[and] these [bio]flavonoids keep the virus inactive. It is the same as being immune to the virus, but only with the presence of bioflavonoids in the propolis."
Copyright 2001 by Chip Engelmann
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