Uses
Royal jelly is believed to boost immunity, promote longevity and increase energy. It's thought to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is used to treat a wide range of specific health and skin conditions.
 
Royal jelly is used to relieve the following:
High cholesterol
Infertility
Ease PMS and menopausal symptoms
Treat bacterial infections
Slow aging
Reduce the risk of breast cancer
Lower blood sugar
 
As with many other natural substances, royal jelly research on humans is limited. But many animal and laboratory studies support the health benefits of royal jelly.
Royal jelly may help lessen the growth of Bisphenol A (BPA) breast cancer cells. In addition, a supplement (GE132+Natural) containing royal jelly, lycopene, resveratrol, ganoderma lucidum and sulforaphane was found to inhibit the growth of prostate, colon and breast cancer cells.
According to a study performed on Swiss Albino mice in Turkey, royal jelly can help protect the liver against damage caused by paracetamol (acetaminophen).
A study on humans published in the Journal of Medicinal Food concluded that royal jelly has an effect on glucose levels and can lower blood sugar in the body.
Royal jelly was shown to have a healing effect on acetic ulcers in rats, especially when combined with propolis.
A Japanese study concluded royal jelly may help reduce cholesterol.
A Turkish study determined that royal jelly may be an effective immunotherapy treatment against Graves' disease (an autoimmune disorder).
Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that royal jelly's antibacterial properties may be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, even when combined with starch. Combining royal jelly with starch is a less expensive preparation which makes it more accessible.
Royal jelly is believed to help improve brain function. A PubMed abstractreviews an exciting study that not only confirmed this belief but concluded the jelly may have a beneficial effect on Alzheimer patients.
Royal jelly is believed to be beneficial to the skin. As a result, it can be found in lotions, creams and cleansers. A PubMed abstract showed royal jelly enhances collagen production and may protect the skin from UVB photo aging.
 
Dosage
Royal jelly is available in many forms: powder, capsule, fresh (frozen) or honey. According to WebMD, the proper dosage of royal jelly is determined by the age, weight and health of the user and there is not sufficient scientific information to determine recommended daily amounts. For this reason, it's very important to consult a physician or holistic health practitioner before using the product.
Having said that, BeePollenBuzz's holistic nutritionist recommends the following dosages:
Frozen: 1/2 teaspoon daily with food
Powdered: 1/4 teaspoon daily with food
Capsules: 1000 mg per day with food
To avoid side effects, it's suggested you begin with a lower dose and work your way up to the daily dose. In addition, if you're considering royal jelly to treat a specific health condition, you may need a higher dose and should consult your physician for guidance.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Although royal jelly is usually well tolerated, WebMD lists the following potential side effects and drug interactions:
Allergies: There have been reports of royal jelly causing severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. If you have allergies, especially to pollen, honey or propolis, or asthma, you should avoid royal jelly.
Stomach pain and bleeding: In very rare cases, royal jelly may cause a bleeding colon, leading to stomach pain and diarrhea.
Skin irritation: When used on the skin, royal jelly may cause rash or aggravate dermatitis.
Do not use royal jelly if you take Warfarin (Coumadin). Also, do not use royal jelly if you are pregnant or breast feeding.