Podcast
lady with dark background

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. 

I started something new a few months ago. If you weren’t here, or don’t know, I started my coaching certification with Jay Shetty. I will graduate mid-January 2023, and I have been immersed in the program. I love it, and I love where it’s taking me. I will get to coach alongside my hubby, Vince, and together we will grow Fowler Performance Coaching. It really is a dream life come true.

But until I get there, I am in the space between. The space between where I am right now, and where I am going. 

I am not the old version of myself, just trudging through life in a marketing career that mostly made me anxious, and afraid of client phone calls. Where I had no clarity on what the future looked like for my business or how I was going to get off the hamster wheel. 

But I am not quite the new version of myself either where I am contributing to impact for a full roster of coaching clients. I’m somewhere in the space between. And I can’t say for certain how long I will remain in this space. I think that’s the scary part for me. Finding worth in uncertainty takes a lot of energy and so I remain in this space, but each day I pull myself closer to the opening of the new version.

I am where my feet are at.
Running has taught me this. Don’t worry about the end, or even the path I’m on. It gets better when it gets better. It gets easier when it gets easier. Not before. So I don’t worry about the destination, instead, I try to enjoy every step of the journey. Because I will look back, and wonder why I didn’t. This space between allows for curiosity, and growth. And that’s what I have to remember when I fear the day ahead. Just be exactly where my feet are at.

I am also in a space of  daily contribution. This is new to me. In my marketing career, I had a lot of busy work, and I’m not sure it got me anywhere. I didn’t take time to contribute and I think it’s because I never felt meaning in my work. I just worked. There is a difference, and if you find meaning in your work, you will know the difference I am talking about.
Now, I engage with meaningful humans on LinkedIn, and my Facebook business page. I contribute to my weekly blog here on my website, as well as maintain relationships with my Jay Shetty coaching mentors and fellow students. This takes energy, thought and process. So I stay on top of it. No matter how much I want to just do busy work for the day, I contribute. And I consciously contribute with value. In the space I am in now, value trumps strategy. I don’t always have a lot of strategy because I am in-between, but I give value. That is meaningful to me.

I practice daily gratitude. 
Simply put, I give thanks. Because the world needs more of that. I am so grateful for the opportunities that come my way. And doors have opened for me that I could never imagine. They open slowly, but the opportunity is there. And it is up to me to see that. So everyday, I journal 3 or 4 things that I am truly grateful for.
Today? I am grateful for hot tea, October colours that I can see from my office window and healthy children. These all have more of a personal story that I won’t get into, but gratitudes can be simple. I do not overcomplicate it. 
Journaling has been a big part of my journey, and continues to allow me to grow. So much so that I created a free journaling habit ‘course’ for anyone who wants to explore. 21 days to develop a journaling habit. I have always liked writing, and so journaling was definitely the next step for me. It’s not always easy, but I love where it takes me. Check that out here.

As I remain in this space between, for who knows how long, I continue these 3 things.

Be where my feet are at.
Contribute value.
Give thanks.

And I know don’t worry about the next space, because I know it will come when it comes. There is a reason that I stay in the space between, it allows me to grow. And as such, you to grow with me. 

Recent Posts

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