Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is a substance secreted by honey bees after collecting resin from trees like conifers. They mix this resin with enzymes and beeswax to seal against moisture, glue for any unwanted cracks or spaces in the beehive, and for sanitation purposes. Bees also wrap unwanted insects that get into the hive in propolis to mummify them if the bees can't remove them from the hive. Bee Propolis is a mixture of resin, waxes, essential oils, enzymes, vitamins A and B, flavonoids, minerals, amino acids, and ethanol.
Bee propolis has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bee propolis and bee pollen are potent antivirals and anti-inflammatories that help heal burns (and herpes causes blisters just like burns do). It is said to reduce the amount of the herpes virus within the body more so than the prescription medication Acyclovir. However, scientific research on bee propolis is limited.
Propolis usually is brown in color and grainy looking but can also be yellow, green, and even black. It tastes bitter (or sour) and a bit like turpentine.
Applying propolis ointment five times daily may help heal cold sores more quickly and reduce associated pain.
NOTE: Some people with bee allergies can be allergic to bee propolis. Therefore, you should perform a patch test before using a bee propolis ointment to remedy your symptoms. Place a dime-size patch of propolis on the inner arm, cover it with a bandaid, and check after 24 hours for any itch, reddening, inflammation, or welts (hives). Do not use bee propolis as part of your wellness regimen if you have any of these symptoms. This patch test only applies to children over two and adults. Babies and toddlers under two can be severely allergic as their systems are not yet ready to metabolize bee products. If your patch test is negative (no signs of sensitivity), you can begin using propolis ointment by dabbing a small amount onto irritated or broken skin. Ensure you buy a salve or balm (not a tincture or capsule), and always follow the directions listed on your product label.
Bee Pollen
Worker bees collect bee pollen from flowers. Bees mix pollen with nectar and saliva and pack it into honeycomb cells in the beehive. Bee pollen is extremely high in the eight essential amino acids and contains vitamins A, Bs (all), D, C, E, K, and C, as well as bioflavonoids. Bee pollens come from many different plants, so the contents of bee pollen can vary significantly. Bee pollen has been an energy and anti-aging food for hundreds of years. I haven't tried it myself (I'm allergic to bees). Bee pollen may stimulate the immune system, but exactly how needs clarification. It's because it's packed full of the types of vitamins that help to reduce stress. If you have an autoimmune disorder, refrain from using bee products until you talk with your doctor.
Add one teaspoon of bee pollen to 2 teaspoons of pure hot water (not boiling) in a small bowl. Wait a couple of minutes for the pollen to soften, then mash it into a paste with the back of a spoon or pestle. Add one teaspoon of raw honey (manuka honey is best) and apply it to herpes lesions or any other minor burn with a Q-Tip to moderate the burn.
Or, add bee pollen to virgin coconut oil, Saint John's Wort oil, or tamanu oil (all antiviral), along with a few drops of geranium or lavender essential oil for nerve pain (30 drops of essential oils to 2 tablespoons of base oil).
You can also add bee pollen to smoothies.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is another substance produced by worker honey bees, fed to the queen bee to make her grow and live longer. It's a complex mixture of proteins, sugars, and fats, rich in B vitamins. Traditionally, folks have used royal jelly for skin and hair care and a general tonic for hormonal balance and increased energy. A study found that royal jelly decreased the viral load of HSV-1 and inhibited the growth of cold sores.
Raw Honey
Raw honey has high inhibitory effects against HSV-1 (cold sores), eases pain, and speeds the healing of burns, including burns caused by radiation therapy. Manuka honey works best.
NOTE: There are plenty of bee products on the market. However, you'll want to check the list of ingredients for any that have the potential to be toxic or cause inflammation, such as paraffin wax. Adding bee products to coconut, Saint John's Wort, or tamanu oils (30 drops to 2 tablespoons of the oil), which are antiviral, along with a few drops of geranium essential oil for nerve pain, is a safer option. Also, see The Herbal Remedies Recipe Guide.
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