OTHER NAME(S): Bee Saliva, Bee Spit, Gelée Royale, Honey Bee Milk, Honey Bee’s Milk, Jalea Real, Lait des Abeilles, Royal Bee Jelly.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is a substance produced by worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) to feed and nourish the queen bee and developing larvae in a beehive. It is a highly nutritious secretion that plays a crucial role in the differentiation of the queen bee from worker bees.
Key characteristics of royal jelly:
Composition:
Royal jelly contains water, proteins, sugars (such as glucose and fructose), lipids (fats), vitamins (B-complex vitamins and trace amounts of vitamin C), minerals, and various other bioactive compounds.
Role in the hive:
Royal jelly is used to feed all larvae in the first three days after they hatch. However, only the larvae designated to become queens continue to be fed royal jelly throughout their development, which enables them to develop into fertile, fully-grown queen bees. This is because royal jelly triggers specific genetic changes in the larvae, leading to the development of queen characteristics.
Size of the queen:
The continuous feeding of royal jelly to the queen bee results in her much larger size compared to worker bees. Additionally, the queen has a longer lifespan and the ability to lay a large number of eggs, contributing to the sustainability of the colony.
Harvesting:
Royal jelly is harvested by beekeepers by stimulating worker bees to produce larger quantities of the secretion. Special devices can be placed in the hive to collect the royal jelly without harming the bees or the queen.
Nutritional and Medicinal Uses:
Royal jelly has been promoted as a health supplement due to its rich nutrient content, and it is believed to offer various potential health benefits, although scientific evidence supporting some of these claims is limited. It is commonly available in the form of capsules, creams, and other dietary supplements.
Please note that while royal jelly is considered safe for most people when consumed in small amounts, some individuals may be allergic to bee products, and excessive consumption should be avoided. If you are considering using royal jelly for any specific health purpose, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional first.
Royal Jelly Uses
Royal jelly has been used for various purposes, mainly due to its potential nutritional and medicinal properties. While many of these uses are supported by traditional practices and anecdotal evidence, it’s important to note that scientific research is still ongoing to fully validate these claims. Here are some common uses of royal jelly:
Nutritional Supplement:
Royal jelly is rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and lipids. As a result, it is often used as a nutritional supplement to support overall health and well-being.
Immune System Support:
Some proponents believe that royal jelly can enhance the immune system, helping the body defend against infections and diseases. It is sometimes used to boost immunity during periods of increased susceptibility to illnesses.
Skin Health:
Royal jelly is found in various cosmetic and skincare products due to its potential benefits for the skin. It may help promote skin hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture.
Energy and Vitality:
Royal jelly is sometimes used to combat fatigue and increase energy levels. Its nutrient-rich composition is believed to provide a natural energy boost.
Reproductive Health:
There are claims that royal jelly might have positive effects on reproductive health and hormonal balance, particularly in women. However, more research is needed in this area.
Cognitive Function:
Some studies suggest that royal jelly may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially support cognitive function and memory. However, further research is required to establish a clear connection.
Wound Healing:
Royal jelly has been explored for its potential to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. It may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the healing process.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects:
The antioxidants present in royal jelly could help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
It is crucial to approach royal jelly use with caution, especially if you have allergies to bee products or other health conditions. If you’re considering using royal jelly for specific health purposes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Additionally, it’s essential to choose reputable sources of royal jelly products to ensure their quality and purity.
Royal Jelly Side Effects
While royal jelly is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, there are potential side effects and risks associated with its use, particularly for individuals with certain allergies or health conditions. Some of the possible side effects of royal jelly include:
Allergic Reactions:
Royal jelly is derived from bees, and individuals who are allergic to bee products, such as honey or bee stings, may also be allergic to royal jelly. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching, skin rashes, and hives to more severe reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Asthma Exacerbation:
In some cases, royal jelly consumption has been linked to an exacerbation of asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma or a history of respiratory conditions.
Gastrointestinal Upset:
Royal jelly may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea, in some people.
Hormonal Interactions:
Because royal jelly contains various bioactive compounds, it might interact with certain medications or hormonal therapies. If you have a hormone-related medical condition or are taking medications that could be affected by hormonal changes, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using royal jelly.
Negative Interactions with Medications:
Royal jelly could interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) or drugs that affect blood sugar levels, potentially altering their effects.
Skin Irritation:
Applying royal jelly topically may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
High Caloric Content:
Royal jelly is nutrient-dense and contains a significant amount of calories. Consuming large quantities of royal jelly as a supplement might lead to unintended weight gain or other adverse effects associated with excessive caloric intake.
To minimize the risk of side effects, follow these recommendations:
- If you are allergic to bee products or have a history of allergies, avoid royal jelly consumption altogether.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using royal jelly as a supplement.
- Always start with a small amount of royal jelly and monitor your body’s response before increasing the dosage.
- Purchase royal jelly from reputable sources to ensure its quality and purity.
- If you experience any adverse reactions or unexpected side effects after using royal jelly, discontinue its use immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Royal Jelly Precautions
When considering the use of royal jelly, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure safety and avoid potential adverse effects. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
Allergies:
If you have a known allergy to bee products, such as honey, pollen, or bee stings, you should avoid royal jelly altogether. Allergic reactions to royal jelly can range from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Medical Conditions:
If you have any underlying medical conditions, especially those related to allergies, asthma, or hormonal disorders, consult your healthcare provider before using royal jelly. It’s crucial to discuss potential interactions with medications or therapies you might be taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution and seek medical advice before using royal jelly as a supplement. Its effects on pregnancy and lactation are not fully understood, and there is limited research on its safety during these periods.
Children:
Royal jelly is not recommended for infants or very young children due to the risk of allergies and potential adverse effects. Always consult a pediatrician before considering royal jelly for children.
Dosage:
Start with a small amount of royal jelly and observe how your body responds before increasing the dosage. Excessive consumption might lead to adverse effects or unintended interactions with medications.
Quality and Source:
Purchase royal jelly products from reputable sources to ensure their purity and quality. Be cautious of counterfeit or adulterated products that may not contain genuine royal jelly or may have harmful additives.
Topical Use:
If using royal jelly topically for skincare purposes, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it more extensively. This helps to check for any potential allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Storage:
Properly store royal jelly products according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain their freshness and potency.
Discontinue Use:
If you experience any allergic reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, or other adverse effects after using royal jelly, stop its use immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Consult with Healthcare Professionals:
Before using royal jelly for specific health purposes, it’s best to consult with healthcare professionals or qualified herbalists who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and individual needs.
Remember that while royal jelly is often promoted for its potential health benefits, scientific evidence supporting some of these claims is limited. As with any supplement or natural remedy, it’s essential to approach its use with caution and prioritize safety. When in doubt, seek guidance from healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about using royal jelly.
Royal Jelly DOSING
The dosing of royal jelly can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, health condition, and the specific purpose of use. Since there is no established standard dosage for royal jelly, it’s important to follow the guidelines provided on the product packaging or consult with a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist for personalized advice. Here are some general guidelines for dosing:
Royal Jelly Supplements:
If you are using royal jelly in the form of capsules, tablets, or other dietary supplements, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the recommended dosage. Typically, the suggested dosage ranges from 300 mg to 1,000 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
Fresh Royal Jelly:
If you have access to fresh royal jelly, the dosage can be more challenging to determine accurately. Start with a small amount, such as a quarter of a teaspoon, and gradually increase the dosage while monitoring your body’s response.
Topical Use:
If you plan to use royal jelly topically for skincare purposes, apply a small amount to a small area of your skin first to check for any allergic reactions or skin irritation. If there are no adverse effects, you can apply it more extensively as desired.
Children:
Children should not be given royal jelly supplements without the guidance of a pediatrician or healthcare professional. It is best to avoid royal jelly for infants and very young children due to the risk of allergies and potential adverse effects.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using royal jelly supplements unless recommended by their healthcare provider. There is limited research on its safety during pregnancy and lactation.
Personalized Advice:
For specific health conditions or therapeutic purposes, it’s crucial to seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist. They can help determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs, health status, and any potential interactions with medications or other supplements.
Remember that royal jelly is a nutrient-dense substance, and excessive consumption can lead to unintended effects, especially in sensitive individuals. Always start with a small dose and gradually increase it if necessary, while carefully observing how your body responds. If you experience any adverse effects or allergic reactions, discontinue the use of royal jelly and seek medical attention if necessary.
FAQs
What is the royal jelly used for?
People use royal jelly for symptoms of menopause. It’s also used for hay fever, diabetes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), obesity, dry eye, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don’t confuse royal jelly with bee pollen, beeswax, bee venom, honey, or propolis. Why royal jelly is so expensive? Why Royal Jelly is So Expensive | So Expensive Food | Insider … it is more nutrient Rich than honey. and is 20 times more expensive Queens live 50 times longer than other bees. and while there is no scientific evidence for it the health food industry is determined to attribute this longevity to royal jelly. Does royal jelly affect humans? All about royal jelly: benefits, uses and types Up to 1,000mg of royal jelly can reportedly be taken every day without there being any side effects. However, some people have been known to have an allergic reaction to it because they’re either allergic to royal jelly or some of the ingredients that are added to it.
Is royal jelly good for men?
Royal Jelly is a nutritional super food and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies on rabbits have shown that Royal Jelly increases testosterone. Testosterone is important to men’s health. It is vital in building bone, muscle mass, and strength.
Does royal jelly increase sperm?
The amino acid content of both honey and royal jelly may play a role as well by enhancing acrosome reaction, sperm motility, or improving fertilization (Renardet al .,1996 ▶) and enhancing sperm motility by the short-chain fatty acids specific of royal jelly, especially 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (Comhaireet al., 2000
What is royal jelly for female?
Royal jelly may help to relieve many of the symptoms associated with menopause. In a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, women who took 1,000 mg of royal jelly daily over eight weeks saw improvement in symptoms.
Is royal jelly good for fertility?
Regular consumption of high-quality Royal Jelly has been shown to help balance hormones. This makes it beneficial to those individuals that suffer from a hormonal imbalance, as it helps to provide support to the endocrine system. It may also help with fertility issues that are related to hormonal imbalance.
Does royal jelly improve skin?
Some more royal jelly benefits for your skin It slows down premature skin aging and reduces dark spots linked to age. Its nutritional and revitalising properties make it a regular in your skin care routine: royal jelly helps to fight fine lines and combats dry skin. It can even help against eczema and acne!
How royal jelly is made?
Royal Jelly: Benefits, Uses, and How It’s Made Royal jelly is often referred to as a honey bee’s version of “a mother’s milk” and is a protein-rich secretion produced by worker bees. This milky substance is fed to all larvae for a short period of time during the honey bee life cycle, and is also fed to the developing queen bee in extra amounts.
Can royal jelly be eaten?
Despite the FDA’s concerns, royal jelly is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used appropriately. Studies have shown that royal jelly may be taken in daily doses of up to 1,000 mg for three months with no notable side effects.
Who eats royal jelly?
Nurse bees feed all larvae royal jelly for the first few days of development, but they switch to honey, pollen, and beebread for those who will become workers. On the other hand, those chosen to become potential queens continue to eat a royal jelly diet.
Does royal jelly brighten skin?
Is Royal Jelly Worth the Hype? | LifeMD Royal jelly’s skin benefits may include fighting inflammation, improving elasticity, and brightening dark spots. Royal jelly is non-irritating and can be used by most people without causing adverse reactions.
How does royal jelly taste?
Fresh Royal Jelly has a unique taste that many people grow to love. It is naturally bitter and tastes slightly sour. This is because it is an acidic food supplement. To help ease the bitterness, we recommend mixing it with quality Raw Honey, as these two bee products work together in a harmonious (and tasty!)
