Pharmacist – Formulator Phytotherapy expert
#Propolis
Propolis
Who's this?
What could be better, in order to defend the body of dogs, than a Phyto Superhero whose name means “defender of the city”? In fact, the term “propolis” comes from two Greek words: pro meaning “before”, or “defend”, and polis, which means “city”. The genesis of her name is properly related to her function that, to carry out this defensive job, is made by bees. Bees – taking the necessary substances from buds and the bark of different trees – process what they have gathered with enzymes, creating this resinous and viscous substance that they use to seal up all the hive interstices and entrances. Being made up of several elements coming from plants, propolis is – by right – a Phyto Superhero.
Superpowers
The bees' hard work, done in order to build walls to defend their hives, is due to the need to keep out uninvited guests, such as bacteria and viruses. Propolis accomplishes this function thanks to its bactericidal properties, disinfecting parts of the hive, especially where the queen bee lays eggs.
So, why not take advantage of her defensive abilities to help dogs too?
Propolis does not have a big antibiotic power, however, her strength is good and without side effects. In fact, its action is immune-stimulant, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and its anti-bacteria and bacteriostatic properties prevent the replication of bacteria.
Propolis also works against fungi and some viruses, thus becoming a precious ally, especially against disorders of the mouth and upper airways.
Where to find her
Propolis takes a rest into our FORZA10 Oral Active, ready to gently take care of dogs, yet at the same time, prepared to defend them firmly.
Feats
Propolis and her superpowers – like our other Phyto Superheroes – have often been snubbed. Beekeepers considered it a nuisance, an obstacle during honey harvesting, ignoring that she actually was an important resource because of the obstacle she represented. However, that was not always the case, and some ancient civilizations had already discovered propolis' potential.
The Incas used Propolis, and the Egyptians benefited from her as well: mixed with other substances, to mummify bodies on their journey to the afterlife, but also to treat open wounds, thanks to her healing properties.
Lute makers such as the well-known Antonio Stradivari, on the other hand, used propolis to varnish their musical instruments.
