Description
Nelson Honey Bee Propolis is sourced from New Zealand hives only and this handy Throat Spray with 20% extract is a great ready-to-use spray, ideal when you’re travelling or on the run.
Research shows that Propolis has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may assist in fighting infections, boosting the immune system, healing cold sores and treating skin injuries.
Warning
Propolis may cause severe allergic reactions.
Directions for use
Shake well before use.
Spray onto the back of the throat as often as required.
Natural ingredients
Pure New Zealand Propolis Standardised Liquid Extract 20%, New Zealand honey, Propylene Glycol, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Aniseed Oil, Myrrh Tincture, Lecithin, Water. No additives, preservatives or fillers. Alcohol free.
Size: 30ml
Leave a product review and be in the monthly draw to Win a Nelson Honey Gift Pack valued at $200
Science of Honey
The composition of a honey batch depends on the floral source(s) available to the bees that produced the honey. The carbohydrates comprise mainly Fructose (about 38%) and Glucose (about 31%). Water is the next highest category, varying around 17%. Other carbohydrates include Maltose (7%), and Sucrose and other complex carbohydrates (7%). Trace amounts of Vitamins, Minerals, Chrysin, Pinobanksin, catalase and Pinocembrin are also present. Research published in 2011 shows the most abundant minerals found in New Zealand mono-floral honeys (Clover, Honeydew, Kamahi, Manuka, Nodding Thistle, Rata, Rewarewa, Tawari, Thyme and Viper’s Bugloss honey) are potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Heavy metal contents (Cd, Pb and Zn) were very low.
Healing properties
The healing properties of honey are due to the fact it offers antibacterial activity, maintains a moist wound condition and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infections. The antimicrobial activity in most honeys is due to hydrogen peroxide, however, Manuka Honey displays significant antibacterial effects even when hydrogen peroxide is blocked, which is why we used to refer to the non-peroxide activity of Manuka Honey before research demonstrated this was the result of the presence of Methylglyoxal. Read more about honey, medicinal property and antibacterial care here.
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and its healing properties have been a traditional part of folklore throughout New Zealand’s settled history. Ongoing laboratory and medical evidence using Manuka Honey supports the worth of this valuable resource.
Manuka Honey testing and labelling
We support the release of the Interim Labelling Guidelines for Manuka Honey released by the New Zealand Government in 2014 as it provides greater assurance for consumers looking for genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey.
The Ministry of Primary Industries has identified Methylglyoxal (MG) as an ingredient that can be identified in labelling and marketing Manuka honey, expressed as a minimum number of mg/kg. Scientific evidence has confirmed Methylglyoxal as being a key compound that occurs naturally in Manuka honey. We test all our Manuka Honey according to these standards. Visit our Batch Track page to obtain a copy of test results for your jar of Manuka Honey.
For more information download a copy of the new guidelines click here.
Honeydew Honey
While Manuka Honey is extremely well-known for its healing properties, our Honeydew Honey may also offer some excellent health benefits. It contains much higher levels of complex sugars called Oligosaccharides than nectar (or floral) honey.
Research shows that the human digestive system has a hard time breaking down Oligosaccharides. Almost 90% escapes digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon where it performs a different function; that of a prebiotic. Prebiotics support the growth of certain kinds of bacteria in the colon. These bacteria produce many beneficial substances including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and certain B-vitamins. There is also evidence they may promote further absorption of minerals that have escaped the small intestine like calcium and magnesium. Research into SCFAs is quite new but shows possible benefits include protecting colon tissue from damage including colon cancer and ulcerative colitis, lower cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and improved immune system function.
Honeydew Honey also contains higher levels of antioxidants and minerals compared to other floral honeys.
A study published in 2014 shows that people with chronic leg ulcers who were treated with Honeydew honey experience a significant decrease of the average wound area and nearly three quarters of patients reported a decrease in pain levels. Based on the findings of this research, honeydew honey has the potential to be one of the medical-grade honeys.
Further reading
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) offers a great source of published research about honey. Below are links to several interesting articles.
Identification and Quantitation of 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline in Manuka Honey (Leptospermum scoparium). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26365614
Studies on the formation of methylglyoxal from dihydroxyacetone in Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) Honey. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22960208
The origin of methylglyoxal in New Zealand Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) Honey. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19368902
Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
The Medicine of the Manuka: an investigation of the usages and methods for utilization of honey derived from the pollen of Leptospermum scoparium in holistic nursing practice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23535120
Treatment of non-healing leg ulcers with Honeydew Honey. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25187187
Mineral analysis of mono-floral New Zealand honey. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25214355
Average Nutritional Value per 100 g |
| Energy | 1,340 kJ (320 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 79.6 g |
| Fats | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Water | 17.10 g |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.038 mg |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.121 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.068 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.024 mg |
| Folate (Vit. B9) | 2 μg |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg |
| Calcium | 6 mg |
| Iron | 0.42 mg |
| Magnesium | 2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 52 mg |
| Sodium | 12 mg |
| Zinc | 0.22 mg |
Read MoreScience of Propolis
Propolis varies between hives, districts and seasons. It is usually dark brown in color, but colour variations occur depending on available vegetation.
The environment also affects chemical composition. Propolis may contain up to 180 constituents – resins, balsams, waxes, essential oils, pollen and minerals. The main chemical classes present are Flavonoids (e.g. Quercetin, Pinocembrin), Phenolics (e.g. Caffeic acid) and various aromatic compounds.
The predominant constituents of Propolis are complex natural chemical compounds called flavonoids. Their well-reported antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to account for most of the biological activity of Propolis.
How bees use Propolis
Bees make Propolis to seal cracks and repair other hive damage. Sealing cracks reduces the risk of disease and parasites entering the hive. The resinous nature of Propolis also makes it ideal for preventing putrefaction within the hive, e.g. small mice or lizards that might die in the hive can be sealed in in Propolis.
Propolis uses
Dried Propolis is scraped from hives and frames. The flakes may then be powdered for use or soaked to extract desired constituents. Propolis is used as an innovative preservative and as a bioactive food supplement. Research showed that by adding Propolis to honey, total phenolics, flavonoids, ABTS free radical and hydroxyl radicals scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities increased.
Antimicrobial activity of honey and Propolis products showed synergic effects, resulting in higher results than those of the base honeys and Propolis extracts. Therefore, honeys enriched with small amounts of Propolis extracts are promising functional foods.
Nelson Honey produces a range of Propolis products; Propolis Standardised Liquid Extract 20% in dropper and throat spray, and Manuka Honey 100+ MG with added Propolis Extract 1.56g.
Further reading
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) offers a great source of published research about Propolis. Below are links to several interesting articles.
Seasonal benefits of a natural Propolis envelope to honey bee immunity and colony health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26449975
Bioactive properties of honey with Propolis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26593609
Chemistry and Biological Activities of Flavonoids: An Overview. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3891543/
Epigenetic activities of flavonoids in the prevention and treatment of cancer. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26161152
The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations has also published research on value-added products from beekeeping including Propolis. http://www.fao.org/docrep/w0076e/w0076e14.htm
Read More
Lorraine Pike (verified owner) –
This wonderful product prevented a relapse of flue for me. At the first sign of tickly throat and coughing I used propolis spray and my symptoms dissapeared. I now have 4 other family members using this product. All are finding it beneficial.