Ingredients, extraction, use and more

the essentials in brief

• Royal jelly is the fodder juice made from pollen and honey for queen larvae of honey bees
• Royal jelly is antibacterial, lowers blood sugar and reduces stress symptoms and is therefore said to help against numerous health problems and diseases such as digestive problems or tumor growth.
• The consumption of royal jelly is taboo among bee friends: the queen bee has to be removed for production, which is an enormous stressful situation for the bees.

Royal jelly - what is it?

Royal jelly is a juice that honeybees use to feed their queen larvae. The mixture is produced from pollen and honey from the fodder and maxillary glands of the workers. This juice is given to the larvae in the first three months. You benefit from an enormous growth spurt. There is a widespread belief in society that this juice affects the development of queens. Therefore royal jelly is also known as queen bee or royal jelly. However, these theories could not be proven in more recent studies.

This is how queens are superior to workers:

• greater body weight
• significantly higher life expectancy
• better performance
• lay more eggs

Royal jelly and propolis - differences and origins

Propolis is a bee resin that also has great healing properties

Both natural products are used as food supplements or in cosmetics and are said to far exceed the positive effects of honey. The substances have different tasks in the bee colony. While royal jelly is fed to larvae, propolis is used to seal cracks or to fix honeycombs.

What is royal jelly good for?

Numerous people report on the health effects that the natural product has on the organism. It is said to have a positive effect on the mind and strengthen the immune system. The feed juice can be used against numerous ailments. It is believed that royal jelly inhibits tumor growth and prevents cancer from developing. Royal jelly stimulates the appetite and brings the hormones into balance. It increases the levels of testosterone and estrogen and thus increases libido.

What royal jelly can do:

• Activate the body's self-healing powers
• relieve chronic indigestion
• Reduce food intolerance
• Reduce menopausal discomfort
• Slow down the signs of aging
• Cure muscle tension, back pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatism

ingredients

The main ingredients of the bee product are similar to pollen. The main component of royal jelly is water. The feed juice also contains carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, trace elements, fat and sugar. Other components are only contained in low concentrations, but are still highly effective. This includes antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and phenols as well as the fatty acid 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, which so far could only be detected in royal jelly. This fatty acid acts as a natural preservative.

Side effects and dangers

Although royal jelly is considered extremely healthy, it harbors some dangers in sensitive or already sick people. The feed juice has a high allergenic potential. Certain proteins and amino acids are responsible for this. In rare cases, allergic or anaphylactic reactions may occur after ingestion. In the case of hypersensitive people, life-threatening situations can arise in individual cases. In Australia, three deaths have been linked to royal jelly ingestion.

Possible complaints:

• allergic skin reaction or facial swelling
• Asthma attacks or worsening of existing asthma
• Vomiting, diarrhea and a drop in blood pressure

Experiences and tests

So far there have been no major studies on the effects of royal jelly. In smaller studies it could be shown that a daily dose of six grams of royal jelly could reduce the bad LDL cholesterol level. The good HDL cholesterol value and the triglyceride value remained almost unchanged.

In an experiment with eight people with diabetes, the diabetic ulcers are after the Regular intake of royal jelly either decreased completely, or they have increased significantly improved. In the case of bees, it has been shown that their life expectancy can be increased significantly by consuming royal jelly.

Positive effects that were found in animal studies:

• Skin injuries heal much faster
• improved bone metabolism
• anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
• increases efficiency

Where can I buy royal jelly?

In health food stores you can usually find royal jelly

Royal jelly is contained in numerous dietary supplements offered by DM or Rossmann. In the pharmacy you can find food supplements of more expensive brands. If you are looking for local produce, be sure to keep an eye out at your nearest health food store. The Bergland brand is a supplier of natural products. You can also buy royal jelly from Amazon. Pay close attention to the seller here, because the natural products on offer do not always keep what the manufacturers promise.

You should pay attention to this when buying

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR for short) warns of the dangers that especially sensitive people have to fear after taking royal jelly. Medicines and pharmaceuticals must therefore be provided with a warning. However, this information obligation does not apply to food supplements such as drinking ampoules. Since the positive effects have not been sufficiently proven, manufacturers are not allowed to advertise the health-promoting properties.

Keep your distance from previous illnesses

People who show allergic reactions after bee or insect stings should not consume the product. This also applies to people who suffer from asthma. A sudden flare-up of allergies can lead to life-threatening symptoms. If in doubt, you can get tested by a doctor.

Obtain information about the origin

Before buying, you should find out from the manufacturer how the product was obtained and whether it was tested. According to the consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia, royal jelly has tested positive for pyrrolizidine alkaloids several times. This substance is produced by plants to ward off predators and can get into the bee product via the pollen. Even in small quantities, the alkaloids can damage the human genome and cause cancer. The packaging usually does not provide any information as to whether the product has been tested for the plant substance.

Ecological production

Look out for the organic seal and only buy products from controlled and certified sources. Ecologically produced natural remedies are free from additives and are checked by independent institutes. Trustworthy providers make the analyzes available to the customer. The extraction of the valuable fodder juice requires specialist knowledge in beekeeping so that beekeeping can be carried out in a species-appropriate and sustainable manner.

Cornerstones of species-appropriate beekeeping:

• Refrain from feeding the bees
• no artificial vitamins or sugar solutions
• Withdrawal of limited quantities so that the bees can be self-sufficient
• Gentle skimming of the feed juice with regeneration breaks

Shipping and packaging

Buying a natural product should not pollute the environment unnecessarily. Therefore, decide to buy from regional suppliers. Numerous health products are shipped from China. It is not only the transport costs that are questionable here, but also the health effects of the product often leave a lot to be desired. Royal jelly loses its beneficial properties if it is stored warm. Therefore, reputable suppliers only send fresh goods frozen and in protective containers such as a reusable crucible made of amber glass.

quality

Even the layperson can easily determine the quality of the product, because the consistency and color reveals a lot about the jelly. If it is white to creamy white in color and is slightly thick, it is fresh feed juice. The white color disappears with age. The jelly becomes increasingly yellowish and changes in texture to a gelatinous mass.

How is royal jelly made?

The production of royal jelly requires specialist knowledge, which is why the product is only produced in specialized beekeepers. Since most beekeepers in German-speaking countries practice beekeeping as a leisure activity, they lack knowledge and technical equipment. As a result, many health product manufacturers import royal jelly from China. The pure product is sold at prices between 100 and 130 euros per kilogram.

method

In order to be able to produce royal jelly, the queen must first be removed

First, the queen is isolated from the bee colony. The beekeeper then places prefabricated queen cells made of plastic in the beehive, each of which contains a larva. This encourages the workers to produce royal jelly, which they use to feed the new queen larvae. The plastic bowls must be removed after three days so that the lining can be vacuumed off in good time. One cell can contain about 0.3 grams of jelly.

harvest

There is no automated process for harvesting the coveted product. A variety of instruments are necessary for the jelly to be extracted from the beehive. A special pump is placed on the plastic honeycomb, whereby the hose must have exactly the same diameter as the cells. Only then can a vacuum develop, which sucks out the juice.

A fine-mesh filter is also necessary so that the jelly is not contaminated with wax residues. When harvesting by hand, the honeycombs are cut off with a knife. The juice can then be scraped out and collected.

Yield

A colony can produce up to 500 grams of the fodder juice per bee season. However, this only applies to warmer regions where the bee season lasts longer. In the temperate climate zones, the bees do not find enough food, so that the extraction of the natural product is often not worthwhile here. Since the production and extraction is labor-intensive for humans and bees, the prices are correspondingly high.

Optimizing the yield

Many commercial operations are built for profit so they need to increase crop yield. The greatest possible yield is only possible if the bees find enough food. Artificial feeding is therefore not uncommon. The larger the bee population, the more royal jelly the insects can produce.

Further influencing factors:

• lower production with excess flying bees and young hive bees
• swarming species produce more royal jelly
• productive species: Caucasian honey bee, Italian bee, Tell bee
• Further breeding of these species

criticism

If the queen is removed, the colony gets into an extremely stressful situation. Such an intervention can have a negative effect on the entire people and destroy the equilibrium. Beekeepers who work close to nature therefore fundamentally reject the production of royal jelly.

There is an international ISO standard that allows two quality levels. The higher level ensures that the bee colony only receives natural food. In the second stage, the bees are fed with additional feed solutions, which can also be artificially produced.

The consumer association criticizes the advertising with which the manufacturers draw attention to their products. These must clearly name micronutrients and quantify the exact amount per daily dose. Statements that royal jelly has a positive effect on the immune system should, according to the headquarters, only be due to the added vitamin C and not to the natural product itself.

The production of royal jelly endangers entire bee colonies

Products and dosage forms

Royal jelly is contained in different products, the amount of which differs greatly from one another. The feed juice is processed in capsules, drinking ampoules or creams. You can take the jelly pure or process it as a powder. Many health products contain additional substances that have positive effects on the organism.

Zell Oxygen Royal Jelly - Effect

The product of the brand Dr. Wolz contains vitamins B2, B6 and B12. Together with niacin and pantothenic acid, these should reduce tiredness and counteract exhaustion. This can increase vitality and the organism receives new vitality. In addition, the ingredients make a contribution to skin health. B vitamins take on important functions in energy metabolism.

Digression

The story of Dr. Wolz

Schloßwald-Bienengut royal jelly intensive cream

This cosmetic product contains six percent royal jelly and numerous nourishing additives, to which the essential effect can be attributed. Sea buckthorn oil and extracts from the vanilla pod are said to protect the skin from the effects of free radicals. Plant butters and oils keep the skin from drying out.

This is also included:

• Extracts from Aloe vera, Vanilla and propolis
• Almond, sea buckthorn and carotene oils
• Cocoa butter, lanolin and beeswax
• Vitamins B and E, lecithin
• essential oils

Abbey royal jelly

This vitamin complex is offered as juice in small drinking bottles that are taken daily. The juice contains numerous vitamins, with vitamins B12 and E protecting the cells from oxidative stress. Folic acid, niacin and vitamin B2 reduce symptoms of tiredness, while pantothenic acid contributes to normal performance.

How to apply royal jelly

Royal jelly is used when you want to have children, because it is supposed to improve the fertility of men and women and thus increase the chance of pregnancy. Many people use the natural product for problems with their skin and hair. It can relieve acne and improve scars. Royal jelly has helped to improve people with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and nervousness.

Inwardly

A daily dose of 500 milligrams is recommended for an adult. For children, the daily ration is lower and depends on the age. 250 to 350 milligrams per day are recommended. Royal jelly should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before the first meal. As a result, the ingredients reach the bloodstream more quickly via the mucous membranes. To promote absorption through the oral mucosa, you should let the jelly melt under the tongue.

Pure on the skin

If you use pure royal jelly on the skin, the bee product develops a kind of protective film. It creates a fresh and sometimes sticky feeling. This means that the skin dries out more slowly, giving it a healthy and toned appearance.

Royal jelly and honey give our skin moisture and elasticity

Capsules as a cure

A regimen is often recommended in which capsules are taken daily for three to six weeks. This procedure can be repeated several times a year and is carried out by many people mainly in spring and autumn. Physically and mentally stressed people and elderly people who are under dwindling strength suffer or show signs of aging, should take the cure at least twice a year carry out.

Recipes with royal jelly

Royal jelly in pure and fresh form can be further processed in a variety of ways. But the freeze-dried powder is also suitable for various recipes. A honey with royal jelly, propolis and pollen acts as a cocktail made from all the valuable ingredients that you can use as a spread or to sweeten drinks.

Make royal jelly cream yourself

A self-made face cream made from nourishing ingredients is recommended for dry skin. You need 50 milliliters of vegetable oil, about three grams of beeswax and freeze-dried or fresh royal jelly. Which oil you use depends on your personal preferences. Coconut, almond or apricot kernel oil is suitable. You can vary the proportion of beeswax depending on the desired strength. The royal jelly can also be mixed in as desired or in a ratio of 1: 2.

Preparation:

1. Melt the wax in a whistle pot
2. Remove from heat and stir in oil
3. Mix in royal jelly
4. Put the chilled ointment in a bowl

Golden milk with royal jelly

This drink is not only in a good mood because of its color. The ingredients combine to make a healthy cocktail that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mix together a teaspoon of ground turmeric with 500 milliliters of almond milk and, depending on your taste, stir in two to four teaspoons of organic honey with blossom powder and royal jelly. Add two teaspoons of bee pollen and beat the milk with a whisk until frothy.

frequently asked Questions

What is royal jelly?

It is a fodder juice that is produced from special glands in the bees' upper jaws. Pollen and honey are used as raw materials. The whitish-yellow and viscous mass contains all the important nutrients, enzymes and bee hormones that the insects need for their development. The bees use it to feed larvae that later grow into queen bees. These benefit from an enormous growth spurt.

It is known that the queens are significantly larger, can produce up to 2,000 eggs per day and have a longer life expectancy than workers. Because of these observations, royal jelly is used as a health support agent.

How does royal jelly taste?

Many people describe the taste of the natural product as unpleasant. It consists of 60 to 70 percent water and contains up to 25 percent sugar. The aroma is described as slightly acidic, with a slightly bitter note emerging.

How should royal jelly be stored?

Fresh royal jelly should be kept in the refrigerator. A storage temperature between zero and five degrees Celsius is ideal because the natural product spoils very quickly. You can keep the queen bee juice for about half a year at low temperatures. The shelf life increases if you freeze the jelly. You can store it in this condition for two to three years without any loss of quality. However, the mass should not be thawed more than once.

What is royal jelly good for?

Royal jelly can contribute to a better well-being and awaken the spirits. Many people report an improvement in their mental state. The natural product should help against loss of appetite and contribute to the fact that the food ingested is digested more effectively. The formation of red blood cells can be positively influenced by regular intake. Royal jelly normalizes blood pressure and helps with diabetes. The effective ingredients have a positive effect on the complexion.

Are there any side effects from taking royal jelly?

Various immune system reactions or other complaints can occur. It often affects people who already suffer from asthma or who are allergic to insect bites. Hypersensitive people should therefore avoid the dietary supplements. In the worst case, anaphylactic shock can occur or the asthma worsens acutely. Vomiting, diarrhea, or a drop in blood pressure are other side effects.

How is royal jelly made?

In order to get the valuable fodder juice, the bees have to be tricked. They only produce the secretion when a queen larva grows. Beekeepers encourage workers to increase production by using modified plastic honeycombs in the beehive. In each of these cells there is a larva, which is then fed with the secretion. After only three days, the cells have to be removed so that the juice can be sucked out. Special devices are required for this.