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Stop Colds and Flu with Honey, Royal Jelly and Propolis
October 09, 2012
Dear

Angela here from Bee Pollen Buzz.com. Welcome to another issue of The Buzz, our free e-zine covering Natural Health From the Hive!

It's that time of year again - cold and flu season. Below are my top tips on how to boost your immune system using the products of the hive such as propolis, raw honey and royal jelly.

I've also made some nutrition and other supplement recommendations to ensure that you and your family stay healthy this winter.

1. Take Propolis Daily

Propolis has amazing immune boosting properties. It has been scientifically proven to have activity against viruses, bacteria and even fungus.

In one study, propolis was shown to boost anti-body levels (immune activity) significantly. I use it daily come October and take 2 - 3 capsules daily for maintenance.

If and when I feel a cold coming on or I'm around people who have one, I take 10 drops of a tincture or chew 3 propolis raw chunks through out the day.

2. Avoid sugar

It is a proven fact that sugar supresses your immune system for hours after consuming it. Avoid sugar, the processed type, like the plague to ensure your immune system stays active and strong.

Fruit sugar is different than the refined, processed sugar you find in most processed foods. So eat your fruits and veggies but avoid the processed sweets!

3. Raw Honey

"Honey, used in tea or hot water in Canada for generations to soothe sore throats, could soon be substituted for antibiotics in fighting stubborn ear, nose and throat infections according to a new study."

That was a recent headline about honey. Raw honey is anti-bacterial and anti-viral according to the studies. Research done at the University of Ottawa found that honey kills the bacteria that causes sinus infections.

I take 1 tablespoon of raw honey daily come October. If I feel like I am getting a cold or I am around lots of sick people, I take an extra tablespoon before bed.

4. Eat Garlic

Did you know that garlic is often referred to as Russian penicillin? Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating at least as far back as when the Giza pyramids were built.

That's because it is so wonderful for the immune system - it kills viruses and bacteria that may have invaded.

When crushed, Allium sativum (garlic) yields allicin, an antibiotic and antifungal compound (phytoncide) discovered in 1944. Allicin from crushed garlic can be used as a home remedy to help speed recovery from strep throat or other minor ailments because of its antibiotic properties.

During cold and flu season, I often eat a clove of fresh garlic before bed with some organic yogurt. If you can't stomach the fresh garlic, I recommend Kyolic Aged Garlic extract capsules.

5. Eat Royal Jelly

Research done at the University of Ryukyus in Japan revealed that royal jelly helps to modulate the immune system. What that means is that royal jelly tends to help balance and support your immunity.

It helps your immune system react when it is supposed too but also sit back and relax when it should. An important part of every immune system is the ability of it to know when to attack invaders aggressively (like when you come in contact with a virus or bacteria).

6. Probiotic bacteria

Did you know that your immune system literally starts in your gut?

Because nearly three-quarters of the body’s immune system is located in the digestive tract, maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria is essential to your overall health. The two most prevalent probiotics are Lactobacilli, which make up the majority of the probiotics living in your small intestine, and Bifidobacteria, the most prevalent probiotics residing in your large intestine.

These bacteria can be found in raw honey or in fermented foods such as yogurt with active live cells. You can also take it in capsule form, which I do during the winter months.

I hope you find these tips to be helpful in keeping yourself and your family healthy this cold and flu season!

Bee healthy ~ Angela and The Bee Pollen Buzz Team

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