Ancient Secrets of Propolis

Normally one would assume that bees only make honey but that is not true. Bees have the ability to produce a substance known as propolis which is a combination of sap derived from evergreens and needle sap along with beeswax and bee’s discharges. This combination is propolis and is greenish brown in color and sticky by nature.

People have been using this substance for a thousand years for many reasons. The Egyptians used this to embalm their mummies, the Assyrians would apply it on their tumors and wounds as it was believed to have healing properties and the Greeks used this substance when it came to treating abscesses.  The propolis composition varies from place to place as it is dependent on the bees, the flowers and the trees that are accessible to the bees. For example, the propolis from Brazil will not be the same kind as found in Europe and therefore makes it tough for scientists to come up with a list of general health benefits from propolis. Propolis is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal. It is believed to be able to cure certain types of cancers.  The substance is used in several beauty treatments and is used for treating injuries that occur on the skin, helps in fighting infections, after a dental surgery it helps in healing the mouth, helps in increasing one’s immunity and helps cure sores and genital infections.

Propolis is available over the counter and is usually found in topical creams like ointments, lotions and creams.  It is available in liquid extracts, tablets, capsules and therefore can also be taken orally.  The dosage is written on the medicine by the manufacturer and there are no prescribed dosages since the research is still ongoing regarding what is the best dosage of this substance. Moreover, specialists are still trying to find out how propolis works to protect the body from certain virus, bacteria and fungi. In experiments on rats that are suffering from diabetes, it worked to cure them, but the research work is still continuing. Ointments like Coldsore-FX and Herstat contain around three percent of propolis and help in healing sores that occur from genital herpes and cold sores. Research says that propolis can be considered a viable option when it comes to healing the herpes virus.

Propolis and its products are not considered unsafe to use but there is not enough proof to show whether they are safe or not. One should keep in mind that if you are allergic to bees or honey then this product will not be safe for you to use. Propolis has a tendency to produce its own allergic reaction if it is used for a considerable time period. You should consult a doctor if you are planning to use propolis and are prone to certain allergies or are suffering from asthma.

Although propolis has properties that have been proven to have healing properties, there is still a lot of research that is needed to make sure that it is safe to use.

Essential Oil: Citronella

This is a kind of grass which is grown in a few islands of the South Pacific and in some Asian countries. This has been named Citronella because of the fresh, lemon smell that is produced from the grass. There are two types of this grass from which the essential oil is extracted. One is from the Java region and its scientific name is Cymbopogon Winterianus and the essential ingredients of this oil are citronellal, geraniol, geranyl acetate and limonene. The other one is grown in the Ceylon region and its scientific name is Cymbopogon Nardus. The essential ingredients of this oil are methyl isoeugenol, geraniol, citronellol, citronellal and limonene. The oil is extracted by a process that requires the plant to be steam distilled.  Indonesia and China are considered the major producers of this variety of oil. In a few other countries, the oil is produced in smaller quantities.

The oil is an antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory substance.  It is also used as a deodorant, insect repellent, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.  It is also used to flavor foods and there are many medical benefits that are listed here.

Citronella has a tonic property which means that the essential oil of citronella has a toning effect on the body. The oil tones up excretion, digestion, the brain and the nervous system and at the same time makes the body strong and immune.

The essential oil of Citronella has a stimulating effect on blood circulation, secretions and discharges like enzymes and hormones. It also increases the activity in the nervous system of the brain.

Citronella is useful in removing intestinal worms. One should give it to children in mild doses as they are prone to these kind of worms. This oil is highly effective on tape worms and round worms. These worms cause a lot of harm on the physical and mental growth, by affecting the nutrient absorbing qualities of the body. You can improve your quality of life by removing such parasites, with the help of this oil.

The lemony aroma of the oil removes bad body odor and is typically used for body sprays and deodorants. One can also use it while bathing by mixing it in bath water.

This oil is good for those suffering from depression and provides relief from depression, anxiety, and negative feelings.

Citronella essential oil reduces inflammation, particularly in situations which include the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system.

This oil inhibits fungal growth by killing the fungus. This is highly useful when it comes to infections in the nose, throat and ears by treating the fungal infections common to these parts of the body.

The oil contains antiseptic properties and it helps in fighting infections in open wounds, as well as in the urethra, urinary tracts, kidneys and prostate. At the same time, it protects these organs from becoming sepsis. The use of this oil leads to sweating, which is good for removing toxins from the body.

Apart from all these benefits, one should keep in mind to not use it on children or pregnant women. If it consumed in high concentration, then it is said to cause dermatitis or skin irritation.

Essentail Oil: Manuka

Leptospermum Scoparium is the scientific name for this oil and is expensive in comparison to the Australian Tea Tree Oil. The reason for it being costly is the amount of medicinal properties that it contains and it is also antifungal, as well as anti-allergenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory.  It is relatively new in the field of aromatherapy and has been used for years in New Zealand, where this tree comes from. The oil is extracted from the Manuka leaves by using the method of distillation by steam.  The oil is made of these ingredients: linalol, pinene, caryophyllene, leptospermone, humulene and geraniol. The interesting feature of this oil is that the concentration in which the components of this oil are available depends on the height of the tree.

This oil is used to treat dandruff, as it maintains the oil and moisture balance of the scalp. It is the lack of both these things that result in dandruff. You can blend it with another oil before using it on your head and it can be put in bath water. One can blend the oil with essential oils of Clary Sage, Clove, Geranium, Lavandin, Lavender, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Pine, Rosemary and Ylang-Ylang.

It is also used for treating insect bites by applying the oil on the affected area.

Since it is anti-bacterial, it is also used to treat infections that can be caused by bacteria in the respiratory tract, the colon and the urinary system. This oil is highly effective in treating fungal infections and other types of infections as well. One example is ear infections, which can be cured by putting one or two drops of the oil in the infected ear.

The oil is capable of treating any form of inflammation, be it respiratory or nasal. It can also treat the digestive tract if one has eaten spicy food. It also treats inflammation in the circulatory system, which is caused by the ingestion of toxins.

Histamine is a condition that cause a really bad spell of coughing and this oil is believed to treat this condition, as it reduces the histamine production in the body. This oil is also used to treat various allergies, since allergies are a reaction to certain foreign elements of the body. This oil is helpful in reducing the appearance of scars by promoting the growth of new cells and it protects existing wounds from further infections. Since it promotes the growth of new cells, it is even used to heal the wounds and is given to patients who suffer from serious injuries, like after a major surgery or accident.

The oil acts as a deodorant and a relaxant by providing freshness to the body. Moreover, the aroma helps keep the mind calm and at peace. The oil is very good for hyper-sensitive people.

Apart from the above listed benefits, the oil is also good at curing rashes, chafing and itching. One should remember to consult with a doctor before using any new oil, even if it is extremely safe.

Essential Oils for Treating Ringworm

There are a few oils that are very helpful when it comes to the treatment of ringworm, and they are:

Jojoba Oil- This type of oil is used to treat skin infections like eczema, warts, psoriasis, acne and ringworm. Since it is anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory in nature, it works so well on the skin. It is considered to be good for hair and used in the treatment of baldness. In order to treat ringworm, one should apply the oil daily on the affected area. Regular use of the oil can lead to a cure of skin infections. In a few cases, people also add lavender oil to make the treatment more effective.

Lemon Grass Oil– This oil was used in ancient times in countries like China and India. It is used to treat various medical conditions. Since it has anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties, it is a good oil to try. In order to treat ringworm infections, there are three ways to use this oil. One can apply a paste made from the plant on the affected area. It can also be used as an oil, and it is advisable to mix it with oils like almond or jojoba oil. It can also be consumed in the form of tea. If you choose to use this extract as an oil or paste, you should rub it in two to three times a day until it completely cures the infection.

Coconut Oil– This form of oil is used to cure many skin-related infections and is highly recommended to be used by people who suffer from ringworm on the scalp.

It is anti-fungal due to lauric acid that it contains as well as its anti-inflammatory and that is why it is perfect for treating the scalp. It is recommended that this oil be used three to four times a day. One should keep in mind to use only the best quality coconut oil, otherwise it will not work effectively.

Tea Tree Oil – This form of oil is widely used to treat a lot of infections like a sore throat, colds, nail fungal infection, athlete’s foot, vaginal infections and ringworm. This oil works for so many conditions because it is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-septic and anti-microbial. This oil can only be used topically and should not be taken orally. To treat ringworm infections, use this oil two to three times a day and until the infection is completely treated.

Lavender Oil– This form of oil is known to treat anxiety and stress and is also effective in treating skin infections like ringworm.  Since it has anti-septic and anti-fungal properties, it is an effective way to treat ringworm. This oil should be used either externally or through aromatherapy. It should be used like the rest of oils that have been mentioned on the list above, at least two to three times a day. It is recommended to add jojoba oil to make it more effective.

Ringworm Risks

Dermatophytes is the name of the fungi that causes the infection called ringworm. This infection can affect nails, skin, and hair. This infection is not dependent on sunlight in order for it to thrive and if one leaves it untreated, it has the ability to cause serious infections.

Dead skin cells, toe nails, finger nails and hair contain keratin that dermatophytes live on. This infection is known as tinea capitis when it reaches the scalp. It is circular in shape and can extend with time. This rash is greyish or red in color and results in scaly skin. This form of infection is highly contagious and mostly occurs in young children, especially young girls, when they use borrowed hair clips or hair brushes. This infection can be passed on from one child to another. When the infection becomes severe it can reach the subcutaneous region and results in a condition called kerion. Now this form of infection makes the scalp spongy. It appears as inflamed skin, accompanied by a cavity filled with pus around that area and can result in permanent hair loss or scars when the pus bursts. There are chances of small pimples forming around the infected area. When the kerion bursts, the pus gets drained and can leave behind scars.

Dermatophytes is found on healthy skin too, and can cause infections when it gains access to the areas where it can thrive. When it comes to the nails and the nail beds, this form of fungi can access the areas through the smallest microscopic tear in the cuticle, under the nails and in the skin around the nails.

It is also known by the name tinea unguium or onychomycosis. It is estimated that around 10% of the population is affected by this form of infection. In its milder form, it can lead to the discoloration of the nails. In more severe cases, it can lead to nail deformity as well as to the crumbling of the nails.

In the typical case of a ringworm infection, the infection causes a rash on the skin along with a scaly appearance. The small tears in the skin provide easy access for this form of fungi to enter the skin’s layers and cause infections. Infections caused by bacteria of the secondary type are a common complication that is found in ringworm infections. Bacteria like streptococcus or staphylococcus can be found on healthy skin and they then enter the skin through minor tears.

They can also enter when the chemical barrier on the skin, which repels the pathogens, gets compromised. Cellulitis is the name of the infection that is caused by this particular form of bacteria. The common symptoms that accompany this form of infection are pain, fever, fatigue and tenderness. When it is a severe case, the infections can spiral into bone infection, gangrene and meningitis.

Proper Use of Antibiotics

Bacteria causing infections are fought by antibiotic medicines which contain micro-organisms like fungi. Once the bacteria enters the body it can cause severe infections. Deaths caused by infections have been drastically reduced due to modern antibiotics. One should be careful not to overuse these antibiotics. Keep in mind that viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics and require a different form of treatment. Most of the viral infections like a common cold, most sinus infections, and throat infections go away on their own. At times, antibiotics are prescribed for viral infections, which is not good for the body as excessive use of medicine is harmful to the body in the long run. Unfortunately, antibiotics are prescribed for children and it is not good for their bodies.

One should remember that if there is a course of antibiotics that is required, you should complete the entire course and not discontinue it before the course of treatment has come to an end. That increases the chances of the infection returning and possibly in a more malignant form. Although antibiotics are meant to treat bacteria, there are certain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and can cause another infection. Once the relapse occurs, it is very difficult to treat the infection.

There are times when people do not take antibiotics the first time and then later they have to rely on excessive amounts of antibiotics, which is not good for one’s health. When some of the bacteria survives the treatment and turn resistant, they are not affected by certain types of antibiotics as they have grow resistant to it. Since they are tough to treat, they cause severe diseases.

One such example of bacteria that has become resistant to drugs is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA. This form of bacteria affects the skin and can cause boils. It can cause severe infections by entering the blood stream, or infecting the lungs and even causing infections in surgical wounds. Such strains of bacteria used to only be noticed in nursing homes and hospitals, but now can be found in communities.
When taking antibiotics, one should keep in mind that these antibiotics also kill the good bacteria that are required by our bodies. There are certain types of bacteria that help in protecting the body against infections. In a viral infection, when antibiotics are taken they destroy good bacteria present inside the body as well.

There are good bacteria present inside one’s digestive system and when that gets killed as a result of antibiotics, then there is a high chance that one’s digestive system can be taken over by the harmful bacteria which can cause infections. Infections that can be life threatening like Clostridium difficile, can be caused by such harmful bacteria.

Fighting Fungus with Vitamins

Fungal infections will rarely cause any serious infections and will go away on their own.  This is thanks to the body’s internal defense system. There are certain types of vitamins that fight fungal infections, as well as prevent them from reoccurring. There is a lot that needs to be studied in this area, but it is advisable that one speak with a medical practitioner before deciding which vitamins should be taken to fight these fungal infections.

Below are three of these vitamins that are known for their anti-fungal properties and studies are still being done to understand how they fight fungal infections and to what extent.

Vitamin C – Research was conducted to check for the anti-fungal properties of this vitamin and there were positive results. C. albicans were suppressed by Vitamin C to stop the growth and proliferation of fungi in the body.

Vitamin B-3 – This vitamin is the best source for fighting fungal infections. In animal research Vitamin B-3 has proven to reduce the ability of fungus to grow and multiply.

Vitamin D – According to a review published in October 2011 in an issue of the Dermato Endocrinology Journal, this vitamin is believed to have antimicrobial qualities and can fight against various pathogens, including fungal infections.  The authors of the article have written that Vitamin D can reduce the risk of infection.  However, it is not clear if this will be helpful if one already has a fungal infection. There have been studies which claim that when Vitamin D is taken in higher doses, it reduces fungal infections.

Since research in this field is still new and ongoing, there is still a long way to go in order to prove whether or not these vitamins have any effect on the prevention of infection and fighting them. It is highly recommended that if  you are suffering from a fungal infection you should consult a doctor and not treat the infection on your own. Some vitamins are hard to flush out of the body. You should be cautious because if one takes high doses of this vitamin then there is a serious and dangerous risk of increasing the toxic levels in your body.