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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. 

Waiting for something is an art.

And having the patience to wait for something is a very powerful thing. 

When was the last time you waited for something? 

Maybe it was a goal that didn’t work out, and you had to make adjustments. And it just didn’t happen in the time frame you wanted. And so you had to wait. And be patient. 

Or did you throw your hands in the air, call it a day, and move on to the next thing? 

No judgment here, that is how I used to be. If something didn’t work out very fast, I didn’t give it space to work out at all. 

  • That is in part why my resume looks like it does. Every 2 years, I would move onto the next thing. Because I didn’t get where I was hoping to go fast enough. I had no patience. I did not like waiting, and my career suffered for it. 
  • I have done hot yoga ‘stints’ (as I call them) about 3 times. Each time, diving in. Going hard into the 30 day challenges, doing 3 or 4 of them. Loving it at first. Then not seeing the results I wanted after about 6 months. And moving on. 
  • I have joined MLM companies, loved the product. Talked about it twice. Had no results from the 2 times I briefly mentioned them. And moved on. 

There is something very valuable about waiting, and this idea of time. Things happen when the time is right, and sometimes it’s really out of our control. We can take action on things, and try to move the needle forward. But sometimes, we just need to wait. And be patient. And that is the hardest part. I have had to learn the skill of being patient. And for my restless, high achiever brain – it’s been one of the hardest things. 

In July of 2022, I started working with a running coach. I see the value in exercise, my husband is a runner, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to be better at. In the past, I would have just googled something about running for beginners – ran for a few weeks. With no real rest in between. Exhausted my muscles into fatigue, blamed it on my age and lack of fitness, and moved on to the next thing. 

Hiring a coach prevented me from doing that non-supportive behaviour of mine.  It has taken me 10 months to be able to run 12 kms (at one time) and feel great the next day. It took patience. And I waited for my legs to get stronger, my lungs to get stronger, my mindset to get stronger. And now, I continue to build on my running goals as I go. 

It’s taken patience for me to build up my running strength. And I haven’t always liked it. But I knew my end goal – and there was no rush to get there. Along the way, I have had to remind myself to fall in love with the journey, not the destination.

In the beginning, there were days where I felt I could run a lot longer than I was. I started at 1 minute of running, 1 minute of walking … 9 times. That was it. That’s all I did, and I was patient with my results. Now, I run 9 minutes, walk 1 minute … for 1 hour and 45 minutes. And, mostly I enjoy all of it. I would be lying if I didn’t say that some days I watch every second, and am just waiting to be done. But, most of the time, I enjoy all of the run. 

I believe it’s because I practiced patience. I took it one step at a time. I stuck with my coach. I stuck with the training.

And now, I enjoy the wait. I know that there will be a day where I can run a half marathon, and enjoy it and feel great the next day. That day is coming, and I am happy to wait for it to get here.

PS If you are thinking about running, my coach is Sarah. This is her IG profile, and she’s amazing.

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