Bees are certainly remarkable beings.
When people think about what do bees make most would say honey, but it doesn’t stop there. In fact, bees produce and collect many different elements that are the fruits of their labour. In addition to honey, bees make beeswax, propolis and pollen. One very unique substance which is made only by bees is called Royal Jelly. It is a nutritious milky white substance made by bees to feed their young. It is also the sole food fed for the queen bee throughout her life.
The queen bee is one of the wonders of the bee world. She is totally responsible for laying all the eggs to repopulate her hive. One remarkable attribute of the queen bee is her ability to live up to fifty times longer than the average worker bee! What I the key to her longevity? It is her daily diet of Royal Jelly!
In cultures around the world, Royal Jelly has been used to promote a healthy and long life. Because it’s such a precious substance (so little is made and so difficult to harvest), historical use was mostly for royalty. In traditional Chinese medicine, Royal Jelly is called food of the emperors,” and has long been prescribed to lengthen life, promote energy and vitality, and prevent illness.
Royal Jelly has also been used by the maharajas of India, who have long valued the substance as a key to maintaining youthful energy. In ancient Egypt, Royal Jelly was given to the pharaohs, promoting their longevity. More recently, Pope Pius XII was prescribed Royal Jelly from his physician to help him recover from a severe illness. Princess Diana was documented to have used royal jelly throughout her pregnancy to help with morning sickness, and Queen Elizabeth used royal jelly regularly to stave off fatigue.
Royal Jelly – A Food to Restore Health, Vitality and Immunity
Royal Jelly is believed to hold the secret to youth not only as an anti-ageing formula but going above and beyond to actually reverse the ageing process. It has been highly valued throughout Asia for restoring energy and vitality. It is prized to revive the sexual powers of both men and women.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), royal jelly is highly prized as a rejuvenation food and is classified as a tonic. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Royal Jelly is considered a yin jing tonic. This means it helps to generate and nourish the storing and captive energy of the body (primarily the kidney system). It directly affects the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, marrow, reproductive organs, and the adrenal hormonal centres.
- Strengthen the immune system
- Promote the regeneration and repair of the visceral organs
- Promote growth and development of the body tissues and organs
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Regulate metabolism
- Lower blood sugar
According to the book Master Herbalist Rita Elkins’ Healing From the Hive, royal jelly may be considered a complete therapeutic agent, providing excellent supplementation to diet and exercise.
Royal Jelly is approximately 12% protein, 12% carbohydrate, contains 17 amino acids, and is very rich in natural hormones and B vitamins (including B-12). Royal Jelly has 16% aspartic acid which is essential for proper tissue growth and regeneration. Included in Royal Jelly’s impressive array are precursors to DHEA, as well as DHEA itself, both well-known anti-aging hormones that help to modulate and restore exhausted adrenal function. It also contains choline, inositol, and acetylcholine, powerful substances that directly nourish and increase brain functioning.
Royal Jelly also contains PABA, an amino acid shown to increase fertility in women who consistently have it in their diet for six months or more. The active compounds found in this amazing substance help to normalize and regulate all body functions and systems. This results in increased vitality in both physical and mental capacities.
Royal Jelly has been known to stimulate the adrenal glands and metabolism in a safe and natural way, giving more energy, recovery from fatigue, and enhancing sexual capabilities. Royal Jelly has been shown to normalize metabolic function, supporting weight loss.
The following potential health benefits of Royal Jelly include:
- Nutritional Support: Royal jelly is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids. It contains essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, as well as B-complex vitamins, including B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine). These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.
- Antioxidant Properties: Royal jelly contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, that help protect the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are beneficial for cellular health and may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that royal jelly may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
- Skin Health: Royal jelly is often used in skincare products due to its potential benefits for the skin. It may help promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and provide moisture and nourishment to the skin. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may aid in soothing skin irritations.
- Immune System Support: Royal jelly is believed to have immuno-modulatory effects, meaning it may help regulate and support the immune system’s function. It has been shown to enhance the production of immune cells, such as lymphocytes, and improve immune response.
Cognitive Health: Some studies suggest that royal jelly may have positive effects on cognitive function and brain health. It may enhance memory and learning abilities and protect against neurodegenerative diseases, although more research is needed in this area.
The profound vitality and longevity of the Queen bee is solely due to her daily diet of Royal Jelly. No wonder Royal Jelly has been venerated through the ages in cultures around the world as the ultimate food for healing and rejuvenation of the body. Royal Jelly is so powerful that you only need to consume 1/4 or 1/2 a teaspoon daily to support your journey of health and vitality. If you are looking for a secret ingredient to support your body’s ability to rejuvenate, then look no further than Royal Jelly.
Sherrill Sellman, ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor, best-selling author, women’s health expert, psychotherapist, contributor to health magazines worldwide, lecturer and host of two weekly podcasts. She can be found at www.drsherrillsellman.com and @sherrillsellman.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28814983/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32698461/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29854089/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33562330/
