Ancient Greeks used propolis to heal wounds Patriot Rise Up Review  and reduce swelling - and according to Professor Arnold Beckett, an expert in the chemistry of medicines, 'it may provide doctors with a natural antiobiotic to fight infection.'

Professor Beckett said: 'There is no doubt that there is a lot of valuable material inside propolis and that as an anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent it is the equivalent of any modern drug. It is very promising.'

He first saw propolis (used by bees to seal their hives against bacteria) work in a Canadian study on the cold sore virus herpes. 'I was amazed at its effects,' he said. 'I tried it on patients and it was fantastic in treating cold sores. When "tingling" began, patients applied propolis ointment and it stopped cold sores breaking out. If sores were already present, they healed quickly.'