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man on ski hill giving the finger

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 heard a really interesting story nestled inside of Trevor Moawad’s book Getting to Neutral. 

Sometime in 1977, then New York Mayor, Ed Koch, tells a story of riding through New York with then president, Ronald Regan. The car was crossing 42 street amidst a throng of well wishers. Out of all the people cheering, Regan noticed the one person flipping him the bird. 

Koch: “Mr. President, don’t be so upset. Out of all the people cheering for you, and only 1 guy gave you the finger.”
Regan: “That’s what Nancy says, but I always see the guy with the finger”. 

Isn’t that interesting. This was in the late 1970’s. Over 45 years ago.

This story really stuck with me. There was no social media in the 1970’s, there was no “internet” like we know it now. And it was a more organic time for relationships, and connecting. And still, Regan only saw the guy giving him the finger. 

There is an explanation to all of this. And it relates directly to our brain and how we are programmed. The guy with the finger is a perceived threat. And so our brain is programmed to see the guy giving the finger, and try to keep us safe by getting rid of the threat. The people cheering and waving just aren’t a threat. Our brain does not need to keep us safe from them. And so we have to work extra hard to see them. 

Now remember, this threat response was designed to keep us safe when we needed it.

Lion chasing me to cave.
Brain sees lion as threat.
Lion is threat.
Run faster.

The thing is, there is no more lion chasing me to a cave. But my brain doesn’t seem to know the difference. And if allowed, our brain sees threats everywhere. 

  • We remember the bad comment that someone made on our post.
  • We remember the negative news story that had a terrible outcome.
  • We remember reading a news article of someone that we didn’t agree with and made us mad. 
  • We notice the dislikes on our videos, and the disengagement that our posts get.

This threat detector is called our amygdala. And it’s one of the oldest and most primitive parts of the brain that is constantly scanning our environment for threats. And so, it’s a basic survival mechanism that is trying to keep us safe and protect us. Our brain perceives threats and turns them into fear. 

There are a few ways that we can start to mitigate what our brain notices as threats. And it starts with what we allow for negative stimuli.

Be mindful of what we allow our brains to consume. This one is completely on us as individuals. Turn the news off. Limit your time with negative people. Do not read page 1-3 of the newspaper. Do not engage in fights on the internet. All of these things are perceived as threats to our amygdala. And, if you are feeling a bit anxious, or upset, or angry a lot of the time. It’s time to assess what you have allowed into your brain in the past 48 hours. There will be a direct correlation between the negative/threat environment that you have heard, seen and witnessed and how you are feeling. Try taking a break from it all. And then see how you feel. It’s really not more complicated than that.

Now, let’s revisit a very hot topic. Social media. 

Limit your social media time. I know that I have yammered on about this one. And I also know how much I like creating reels, and seeing what others in my industry are doing, and just staying as ‘connected’ as I can with people that don’t live close to me. Also for me, I know the difference between mindless scrolling (which studies prove lead to anxiety and depression) and being creative and effective online. 

I have implemented a time limit on Instagram and Facebook. 30 minutes combined time 5 days a week. That sounds like a lot, but if you have an iPhone, I would challenge you to visit your screentime and see what it says. Be sitting down, because it’s shocking. Again, I don’t want to turn this into a social media hiatus post, but it’s a ‘limiting negativity and threats’ post. And sometimes social media is full of what our brain perceives as threats. Just try to limit them. And notice them. If you start your day scrolling with everything that is wrong on the internet, you have done yourself a disservice. What we put into our brain matters. And so, try taking the first 30 minutes of your day to yourself. Read a book, sit in silence, meditate, do some sort of movement. Start with 30 minutes, and see how that feels.  Set a timer if you want to. You will have a better start to your day.

This is all in place to try to limit the amount of time our brain is in threat mode. As in, I’m threatened, time to respond accordingly. There are many books, and articles around this topic. But I don’t think we have to complicate it.

Listen to your intuition, and if you think something is not helping you emotionally, that’s probably all you need to know.
Stop it.
Replace it.
And start to be more mindful of what we allow our brain to see and hear.

Our job should be to protect our brain, and we should take that job very seriously.
Because you are in charge of you.
Always. 

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