Propolis
Researchers believe propolis to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This resinous mixture produced by honey bees has been found to have over three hundred compounds, and most are polyphenols, antioxidants that combat disease and prevent damage within the body. Specifically, it contains flavonoids, a type of polyphenol typically produced by plants for protection.
They’re usually found in specific foods that possess antioxidant properties, such as fruits, green tea, red wine, and vegetables. Other than its benefits in healing wounds and treating particular types of cancer, research also shows that it may prevent the replication of viruses like herpes simplex. For example, based on an animal study conducted in 2002, an ointment with five percent propolis used on rabbits and rats had a remarkable improvement in symptoms of HSV-1.
Ointments that have three percent of propolis may also speed recovery time and accompany symptoms in sores and cold sores from genital herpes. Another study found that topically-applied propolis thrice daily can heal fever blisters quicker than if it wasn’t treated. Findings included that the cream not only lowers the existing herpes virus but also protects against future breakouts. This makes propolis both an effective treatment and preventive measure for cold sores.