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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. 

We always vacation as a family. We missed 1 year, in 2020 for obvious reasons. But other than that, we have visited Kelowna, BC 7 times in 8 years, staying 1 to 2 weeks in an Air BnB, and taking in as much sunshine and valley wine as possible. We have done all the tourist attractions that Kelowna has to offer – the Kangaroo farm, winery’s, Kettle Valley Train, you name it. We’ve probably done it. But this year, we decided to veer off our normal path. We took a trip that was very different for us. We went to Victoria, and Vancouver to explore as much as we could in 10 days and learn a little more about the west coast.

Our kids are 12 and 14 now, and so they like doing things. They like excursions, and a day at the pool just isn’t the same for them anymore. So, we did just that. A vacation with pre-booked activities. And I would give the trip a solid 8/10. There were a few hiccups along the way, but we all adapted, and it turned out to be one of our best family vacays in a long time. As I always do, I took a few notes along the way, and today I’m going to share with you what made the trip such a success.

 

Leave the ego at home.
Yes, this applies in life just as much as business. For us, our kids are not little anymore. They have their own opinions and want to have a say in what we do. So, this time we let them in on the decision making. We didn’t do anything too hard when it came to outdoor activities (on their request), and if they wanted to make one extra stop at the mall, we did. As parents, sometimes we can get caught up in what everyone else does. That’s ego talking, and it has no place on family vacations. For us, ego does not get a seat at the table. It’s easy to check when ego is there, this article has some good questions to ask yourself. 

Set realistic expectations.
Since 2020, we haven’t had a lot of vacation freedom. It was 2 years of sticking close to home and now everyone is 2 years older. Things change while time moves on. We planned 5 activities for a 9 day holiday. That gave us plenty of time to adapt and find things last minute to do. Even if it was just a sushi dinner. I have learned to leave a lot of white space in the calendar, it keeps our family peaceful and we still have structure.
That said, we did some research and pre-booked excursions.
This allows for everyone to plan for some activities. We did a prebook about every other day, and that was just right. It gives some structure to the holiday, and also allows for some freedom and flexibility.

Read the room.
By this, I mean to read the moods of everyone involved. If the kids just weren’t feeling into an early morning, we had another cup of coffee before the day started. And I made sure not to book anything before 10am local time. Having vacation doesn’t always mean go, go, go. Sometimes it means a slow morning and allowing everyone to have their own pace.  That’s ok. Vacations are there to allow us to relax.

Have fun. Be where your feet are at.
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that live for today. Tomorrow is a gift. Late bedtimes, eating out, and sunburns are just a part of vacation. Don’t worry about the small things, because that will consume your emotional energy. And if you start taking things too seriously, you know it’st your ego talking. There is no vacation emergency that requires yelling or moodiness. Vacations for us are 0.02% of our year. So, just leaving the work at home, and putting the phones down is key to having a bit more energy for what’s important.

 

It’s never the same as home. So don’t try to make it. Part of the fun of vacation is a different bed, new experiences and expecting the unexpected. We absolutely made the most of it and enjoyed our time away. As our kids grow up, time with them is even more precious. So taking a bit of time to plan a vacation, and going with the flow when you are there .. that makes a vacation that everyone will want to repeat next year.  

 

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