Okay, first, the most obvious question. What in the name of all that's good and decent in the worlde is bee propolis and ulcerative colitis? Well, you probably already know that bees are pretty much the geeks of the flying insect world. That is to say, they work all day and have little social life. Part of their work involves collecting a stick substance called propolis from the lead buds and barks of trees, more often than not poplars and conifers. And, as could probably be expected, they use the resin-like propolis as material for building the hive.
Great, now what about the ulcerative colitis part? Ulcerative colitis, normally referred to simply as colitis, is a disease that results in ulcers in the colon and rectum. The connection? In addition to helping with the construction of the hive, propolis contains antibiotic properties that serve as a defense for the hive against viruses and bacteria. Propolis is chock full of yummy medicinal goodness: proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and flavonoids. Even if you haven't the slightest idea what all of those nutrients do for the human body, chances are you've heard them mentioned in relation to a wide variety of products in connection with maintaining good health.
In the insect world, bees are sort of the very icon of Karl Marx's proletariat, dutifully going about their job even as they are alienated from much of the benefits. As such, bees have been exploited for centuriesmillennia, evenfor their medicinal value. The father of medicine himself, Hippocrates, was known to have used propolis as a healing agent for ulcers. Those crazy ancient Egyptians didn't just place cats in a position of honor; they also honored bees on their artwork, and considered propolis to be a necessary ingredient for living a long and healthy life.
Bee propolis and ulcerative colitis are a natural fit since the substance seems best suited for use in fighting against infectious attacks to the immune system. Propolis contains antimicrobial elements that help fight off the kind of parasitic infections common to gastrointestinal disorders. Studies conducted with both children and adults have indicated that propolis treatment can help eliminate parasites that complicate ulcerative colitis. While the results of these studies have not thus far been nearly as impressive as the results of conventional medication treatments alone, combining the two treatments together shows a great deal of promise.
Bees are among the most common of insects to which humans develop allergies, of course, and so anyone who knows they are allergic or suspects they may be allergic, should definitely consult an allergist before undergoing treatment. In addition, not enough research has yet been conducted to determine whether women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can use it without any harmful effects. As always, check with your physician before embarking upon any alternative treatment that hasn't yet been fully approved by the FDA.
