Royal jelly

Royal jelly is a milky-white substance made by worker bees that helps feed and develop the queen bee. It is also known as Apis mellifera, Bee Saliva, Bee Spit, Gelée Royale, Honey Bee Milk, Honey Bee's Milk, Jalea Real, Lait des Abeilles, or Royal Bee Jelly.

Royal jelly should not be confused with apitherapy, bee pollen, or bee venom.

In alternative medicine, royal jelly has been used as a possibly effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. It may be combined with other plants or extracts in specific preparations for this purpose.

Royal jelly has also been used to treat hay fever. However, studies suggest that royal jelly may not be effective for this condition.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating premenstrual syndrome, infertility, high cholesterol, diabetic foot ulcers, stomach ulcer, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, asthma, skin disorders, and many other conditions.

It is not clear if royal jelly is effective for any medical condition. The FDA has not approved its medicinal use. Royal jelly should not replace medications prescribed by your doctor.

Royal jelly is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal products do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to contain toxic metals or other drugs. To reduce the risk of contamination, herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source.

Royal jelly may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, ask your doctor for advice. You might also want to speak with a practitioner who knows about herbal or health supplements.

If you decide to use royal jelly, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not take more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (like pills, liquid, tonic, cream, etc.) of royal jelly at the same time without getting medical advice. Using different types together raises the risk of an overdose.

Do not take topical (for the skin) royal jelly by mouth. Topical forms of this product are meant only for use on the skin.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with royal jelly does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to royal jelly or if you have:

• asthma or allergies.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• low blood pressure; or
• skin irritation or swelling.

It is not known whether royal jelly will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether royal jelly passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Royal jelly is thought to be possibly safe in children when taken for up to 6 months. Do not give any herbal products to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, royal jelly is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

Stop using royal jelly and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• stomach pain with diarrhea that is bloody; or
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing).

Common side effects of royal jelly may include:

• itching, irritation, or rash when applied to the scalp.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use extra royal jelly to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid taking royal jelly with other herbal products or health supplements that can lower your blood pressure. This includes andrographis, casein protein, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, and theanine.

Do not take royal jelly without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with royal jelly, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.