Health Benefits of Royal Jelly
What Is Royal Jelly and the Health Benefits of Royal Jelly Use
Learn what royal jelly is, how to use it, and its benefits of royal jelly, along with any potential side effects to help determine whether or not it may be a beneficial addition to your beauty and supplement routines!
What Is Royal Jelly?
Royal jelly is known by many names including bee saliva, bee spit, honey bee milk, royal bee jelly, gelée royale, and lait des abeilles. It is a gelatinous, protein-rich substance that is produced by honey bees.
Often referred to as a honey bee’s version of “a mother’s milk” royal jelly is used to feed bee larvae for a short period of time and is given to the developing queen bee in larger amounts.
What Does Royal Jelly Do for Your Body?
Royal jelly has long been used in traditional medicinal practices. Yet its use remains somewhat controversial in Western practices. That said, researchers have found that royal jelly contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. As a result, it is often added to beauty products and is sold as a dietary supplement.
What Are the Health Benefits of Royal Jelly?
The exact chemical makeup of the substance remains unknown. However, the beneficial effects are largely believed to be a result of its unique combination of protein and fatty acids. These include nine glycoproteins collectively known as major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) and two fatty acids, trans-10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid and 10-Hydroxydecanoic acid.
In addition, the jelly substance contains B vitamins and trace minerals, though the nutrient composition can vary greatly from source to source.
That said, the health benefits of using and consuming the substance are believed to include:
- Reduced inflammation and boosted immunity
- A reduced risk of developing heart disease
- Faster wound healing and skin repair
- Reduced blood pressure
- Regulated blood sugar
- Improved brain function
- Reduced dry eye symptoms
- Reduced menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Reduced side effects of cancer treatment
Ways to Use
Royal jelly can be consumed fresh, similarly to jelly. Or, you can find it in pill form. Both forms are most commonly consumed with water and can be taken with or without food. Fresh jelly is also added to cosmetic products such as moisturizers, which are applied topically.
Is Royal Jelly Safe?
Generally speaking, royal jelly is considered safe when ingested or applied topically. However, it is not recommended for children and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Also, people who are allergic to honey and bee stings should avoid royal jelly. It contains similar allergy-inducing substances found in honeybee venom and can cause allergic reactions. In addition, rare allergic reactions can occur for those with atopic diseases related to an overreactive immune system response such as asthma or eczema.
Please consult your doctor with any specific questions or concerns.
Potential Drug Interactions
It’s important to note that royal jelly may interact with certain medications, causing adverse reactions. Known drugs to avoid mixing with royal jelly include:
- Blood Thinners – Combining the two can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Hormone Therapy Drugs – Royal jelly can increase estrogen levels and decrease the effectiveness of certain hormone medications that help lower estrogen or testosterone levels.
- Diabetes Medications – Royal jelly can sometimes lower blood sugar too much, especially when paired with diabetes medications, posing a risk of hypoglycemia.
Side Effects of Royal Jelly Supplementation
Most people do not experience any negative side effects from taking royal jelly supplements or using it in products. However, in rare instances, consuming the supplement can cause undesirable reactions such as:
- Abdominal Pain
- Upset Stomach
- Bloody Stool
- Coughs
- Skin Rashes
Common Questions
Can you have too much royal jelly?
As it stands, there is no standard dosage for royal jelly supplements. Doses in clinical trials have ranged from 150 to 3,150 mf of royal jelly per day. However, the most common dosage given is 1,000 milligrams daily for up to six months.
That said, most capsules or soft gels recommend taking one to two 1,000 milligram pills daily. In addition, when taking the jelly on its own, most people consume ¼ teaspoon of fresh jelly once or twice a day, which is nearly equivalent to the 1,000-milligram dodge of pill forms. I like to take mine combined with honey.
Of course, please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
What’s the difference between royal jelly and honey?
Royal jelly is a type of secretion made by worker bees. Meanwhile, honey is a liquid that is processed by bees.
What does royal jelly taste like?
As the name suggests, royal jelly has a thick, jelly-like consistency and a fairly sour taste.
You can find the royal jelly in honey HERE and the capsules HERE.
More Helpful Resources
- Your Guide to the Health Benefits of Organ Meat
- Home Remedies Every Parent Should Use
- What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
- The Nourishing Power of Colostrum: Unveiling Its Incredible Health Benefits
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Hi, my name is Kate.
I love food. Real food. We eat all of the things that nursing school taught me were bad for you: butter, eggs, bacon, and raw milk.
I am a Nurse, a Mom, and a Real Food loving blogger. Just trying to save the world.