Podcast

Bee propolis is a fascinating natural substance that honeybees produce by mixing their saliva and beeswax with resins collected from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources. I found this product at a local market this past weekend. 

Often referred to as “bee glue,” it is a sticky, brownish substance used by bees to seal and protect their hives from bacteria, viruses, and other potential threats.

Propolis has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties. 

Flavonoids & Polyphenols – These are plant-based antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by stress, toxins, and infections. They’re found in many superfoods (like berries and green tea) and are known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, and Anti-inflammatory Effects – This means propolis can help fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi (like those that cause infections or sore throats) while also reducing inflammation in the body. This is why it’s used for wound healing, oral health, and immune support.

Common Uses – Because of these properties, people use propolis to strengthen their immune system, heal small cuts or burns, and ease throat irritation, making it a go-to natural remedy during cold and flu season.

One of the standout benefits of bee propolis is its potential to enhance immune response. Studies suggest it can help the body fight infections, making it a popular natural remedy for colds, flu, and oral health issues. 

It has also been studied for its potential role in wound healing, as it can stimulate skin regeneration while preventing infections. Some research indicates it may have antioxidant properties that support overall wellness and even gut health.

The product I found was a bee propolis throat spray, and it is a great natural remedy, especially if you’re dealing with a sore throat, dry throat, or just want some immune support. Since propolis has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, it can help with a range of issues related to the throat and mouth.

Using it regularly can help:

  • Soothe a sore or scratchy throat – The anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce irritation and swelling, making it easier to swallow.
  • Fight bacteria and viruses – Propolis has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help combat infections like colds, flu, or even strep throat.
  • Support oral health – It can help with canker sores, gum inflammation, and even minor mouth wounds, thanks to its healing and antimicrobial effects.
  • Coat and protect the throat – If you talk a lot, sing, or just deal with a dry environment (hello, Calgary winters!), it can create a protective barrier and keep your throat from getting too dry or irritated.
  • Boost immunity – Since it has immune-supporting flavonoids and antioxidants, it can help your body fight off infections before they take hold.

 

You can use it preventatively (like before heading into crowded places during flu season) or at the first sign of a sore throat. Some people even use it daily as a natural immune booster. Just be mindful if you have a bee allergy, as propolis can trigger reactions in some individuals.

As business owners, we can prioritize everything and everyone else before ourselves, but the truth is, you are the most valuable asset in your business. Keeping your health in check isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about ensuring you have the energy, resilience, and clarity to lead, create, and grow. 

Whether it’s adding small wellness habits like using a propolis throat spray or simply recognizing when your body needs support, investing in your well-being is an investment in your success. After all, a thriving business starts with a thriving you. 

In our fast-paced instant-gratification world, stress has become an almost inevitable part of daily routine in life and in business. While acute stress can sometimes be beneficial, helping us to respond to immediate challenges (you know, tigers chasing us and stuff), long-term low-level stress (which is where a lot of business owners live) —often called chronic stress—can have a profound and long term impact on our health and well-being.

Chronic stress is the kind that lingers, often unnoticed, subtly influencing our bodies over extended periods. Unlike the short bursts of stress we experience during specific events, chronic stress continuously activates our body’s stress response, leading to a cascade of physiological effects.

One of the primary systems affected by chronic stress is the endocrine system. Back in 2014 my husband, Vince Fowler, experienced Adrenal Fatigue, (which is an article on it’s own) and it took the better part of 18 months to get a handle on his heath. On simple terms, his adrenals were shutting down. The constant release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline disrupted his body’s natural rhythms. Over time, elevated cortisol levels can lead to a host of health problems, including increased abdominal fat, higher blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels. This hormonal imbalance can also interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless sleep, further exacerbating stress levels. For Vince, it showed up in his adrenals. We did a lot of Eastern medicine practices, combined with chiropractic and acupuncture.

For myself, it showed up as 2 gallbladder surgeries, a bio-cell removed from my nose, a lump removed, and granulomatous mastitis. All stress that had not yet been processed in a professional way. 

Think back to those years when you had your business and your kids were small. They started school and the 10 months worth of on and off sickness started. It didn’t seem to matter what you did, colds and flu took hold. And often, it comes from stress, if not originating, making it worse. Stress takes a significant toll on the immune system. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can suppress immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. It can also slow down the healing process, leaving us vulnerable to prolonged periods of illness and recovery. 

Mental health is another area heavily impacted by chronic stress. Persistent stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. It can diminish our ability to concentrate, make decisions, and at times affect our memory. This is where the window of tolerance comes into play. If you want to learn more about managing stress as a business owner, this masterclass will give you strategies and resources. 

It’s essential to recognize the signs of chronic stress and take proactive steps to manage it.

  • Regular physical activity, daily movement if possible.
  • Mindfulness practices (such as meditation or yoga) will help you increase your window of tolerance and step out of hyper arousal.
  • Maintaining a healthy diet is a great way to mitigate long term effects of stress. There are so many options for learning to cook that we don’t really have excused anymore. There are food delivery options, and grocery shopping apps. All designed to make this easy and implementable. Nutrition plays an important part of long term health.
  • Seeking support. Asking for help from friends, family, or (if possible) a mental health professional. I am so grateful for my therapist and my access to her. I have had 97 therapy sessions since June 2021.
  • Focus on your self. What do you like to do. Slow down and spend some time starting to understand who you are and what you like to do. Check out my resources page for some strategies that might help.

While low-level stress might seem manageable in the short term, its long-term effects can be profoundly damaging to both physical and mental health. Sometimes you can make small adjustments to your daily habits, and that turn into a big impact over time. Take care of yourself, and take care of your long term health. 

Recent Posts

Template designed by Elevate Media Limited. Content by Donita Fowler. Clothing by Smash + Tess. Photos by Phil Crozier.