Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Bees use propolis to build their hives and in its pure form is a greenish brown colour.
M.E.D. is the unique purification process the Propolis is placed through resulting in a very pure Propolis. Once purified the total level of Polyphenols can be measured;
M.E.D. 100 contains 1 mg/ml of Polyphenols
M.E.D. 250 contains 2.5 mg/ml of Polyphenols
M.E.D. 500 contains 5 mg/ml of Polyphenols
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds within Propolis, the larger the number on the M.E.D. scale, the greater the concentration of Polyphenols per serving.
The Manuka Honey used in our Oral Sprays is sourced directly from Manuka Doctor's own hives in New Zealand.
Consuming 6 Sprays per day will provide 15% of the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin D.
Propolis
Manuka honey isn’t the only wonder-substance bees produce. They also make propolis, a glue-like compound that coats the hive. It’s thought have some powerful wellness-boosting benefits – which is why we’re including it with our Manuka honey for full protective potency. This winter, you can supercharge your immunity with our Propolis and Manuka Immune Defence Oral Spray. To find out more about magical propolis, read on...
So what exactly is propolis?
Honeybees make it from substances they collect from plants, combining these with saliva and beeswax, to form a sticky, waxy ‘glue’ that’s soft and pliable in warmer temperatures and hard when it’s cold. Bees use propolis as a sealant for their hives, to fill in cracks, smooth walls and form a protective sealant against the weather and invaders. It can help maintain the humidity inside a hive, and it also has antibiotic properties, thought to help look after the health of the bees, which all live in close proximity to each other in the hive. Propolis can range in colour from transparent to yellow, red and dark brown, and has been found to contain resins, waxes, oils and pollens, in varying degrees. Its makeup depends a lot on the region but over 300 compounds have been identified. Most of these are antioxidant polyphenols called flavonoids, known to help protect the body [1,2].
The wellbeing link
Ancient cultures knew something about the benefits of propolis. The Egyptians used it for embalming bodies. And there’s evidence the ancient Greeks and Romans used it in wound-healing. Since then, it’s been in traditional use in various countries around the world, and is thought to have anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. There’s still a lot we have yet to learn about propolis but science is beginning to confirm some of the ways propolis may help your health...
It may help your immune system fight bugs
Although more research is needed, some studies suggest propolis may have a role in helping your body fight viruses. In lab tests, it’s been found to have antiviral properties [3]. Propolis has been shown to fight the herpes virus that causes cold sores, potentially shortening the duration of an outbreak. One recent paper has even looked into whether it may help against different types of virus, proposing its anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity may help the body battle more modern infections, and potentially prevent some of the worst effects [4]. We don’t currently have enough evidence, but propolis is considered safe for most people (avoid if you’re allergic to bees or honey) and potentially promising.
It may soothe inflammation
Propolis has been used traditionally for calming inflammatory conditions, and some research has shown why it may be helpful. It has properties that help fight pro-inflammatory substances in the body, while increasing levels of other substances that help drive down inflammation [5]. It’s been used in dentistry and may also have a role in easing sore throats [6].
It has antibacterial benefits
Like its cousin, honey, propolis has been found to help blitz bacteria. We need more research to show exactly how it works in the body, but one paper found it lowered levels of some of the bacteria linked with tooth decay [7].
It may help your body heal
This amazing bee-glue has been shown to help tissues repair. And it’s a potent antioxidant, gobbling up the toxic free radicals that can be produced in the body as a result of factors like stress, pollution and poor diet [8].
Your wellness-boosting duo
No wonder we’ve combined propolis with that other gift from the bees, Manuka honey. All honey has antibacterial qualities but Manuka honey’s a hero. It’s packed with a powerful antimicrobial substance called methylglyoxal (MGO), plus other compounds known to battle certain bacteria. There’s some emerging evidence that suggests Manuka honey may have some antiviral effects, too [9]. Alongside measures to look after your overall health – including a healthy diet, exercise, stress management and plenty of sleep – our new spray may be a valuable addition to your winter wellbeing strategy.
Sources:
1. Wagh VD. Propolis – a wonder bee product and its pharmacological potentials https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872021/
2. Kuropatnicki A et al. Historical aspects of propolis research in modern times. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3655583/
3. Shnitzler P et al. antiviral activity and MOA of propolis extracts and selected compounds https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2868
4. Berretta AA et al. Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease: Running title: Propolis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32890967/
5. Campos JF et al. Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities of Propolis from the Stingless Bee Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Jataí). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4491730
6. Kuropatnicki A et al. Historical aspects of propolis research in modern times. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3655583/
7. Steinberg D. Antibacterial effect of propolis and honey on oral bacteria. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9545875/
8. Kuropatnicki A et al. Historical aspects of propolis research in modern times. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3655583/
9. Watanabe K et al. Anti-influenza viral effects of honey in vitro: potent high activity of manuka honey. Arch Med Res. 2014 Jul;45(5):359-65
DIRECTIONS
Shake bottle well. Open your mouth wide and point the spray at the back of the throat squirting twice. Repeat this 3 times per day after meals. Do not exceed this recommended daily dose.
WARNING
Discontinue use and consult a doctor if adverse reactions occur. Avoid this product if you have allergies to pollen, bees or bee products.
Do not use this product without first consulting with your doctor if you are under medical supervision, on prescribed medication, pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or related allergies.
This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
STORAGE
Store out of the reach of children and below 30 degrees, ideally at room temperature and do not refrigerate. For Best Before End see base of pack.
Please note that a signature is required on our delivery options.
Irish Delivery Rates
| Orders under €60 |
€10.00 |
Courier (2-4 working days) |
Signature Required |
| Orders €60 and over |
FREE |
Courier (2-4 working days) |
Signature Required |
For delivery we use DPD Couriers.
Calculation of Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are based on the grand total of your order. If you apply a discount code or loyalty credit your total may change and shipping costs will be recalculated.
Returns
1. If you change your mind and don’t want the Product within 14 days of its delivery to you, your rights to cancel are set out at clause 11 of our Terms and Conditions of Supply. Please note to be eligible for a refund the Product must be unopened, in its original packaging and sealed. We will only be obliged to process any refund due once we have received the Product back from you. You will have to bear the cost of returning the Product, and we shall reimburse you for your reasonable costs incurred to return the Product to us.
2. If you discover that the Product is faulty or not of satisfactory quality within 30 days of the Product being delivered or us delivering the Product you may also be entitled to a refund or exchange in accordance with clause 11.9 of our Terms and Conditions of Supply.
3. Ensure that if you do want to cancel a contract you follow the cancellation procedure at clause 11 of the Terms and Conditions of Supply. Failure to do so may result in a delay in any refund being processed.
4. We strive to ensure all our Products are of the highest standard. If you do feel there is something wrong with the Product or if you have any questions please feel free to email us on customerservices@manukadoctor.ie
