• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Nutrition Fertility Therapies

Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen & Bee Propolis for Fertility

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 12, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Bees are amazing creatures. They produce a wide variety of substances, many of which have been found to have great health benefits for not only the bees, but humans as well. Bee keeping and Apitherapy has been done for thousands of years, dating back around 6000 years ago. Apitherapy is the use of bee products honey, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly for healing.

Many people are curious as to these health benefits reported by thousands of people and, most notably, by bee keepers themselves. With the variety of bee products out there it can be confusing to know what the difference is between them, what their health benefits are, and which product is best for certain health issues. Since this website is focused on fertility, I am only going to list general information on the differences between Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, and Bee Propolis and their health benefits in relationship to fertility and fertility issues.

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly is a substance that is secreted by nurse worker bees’ glands. The secretion is known as royal jelly and it is the main food source for the first 3 days of the larvae. One larva that is to be the Queen Bee is fed only royal jelly its entire life. This exclusive feeding triggers the full development of her ovaries, which is needed to lay the millions of eggs she will lay in her lifetime. The Queen matures in 5 days and weighs double that of a worker bee. A worker bee only lives to be 30-45 days old, but the Queen bee lives to be 5 to 6 years old. The queen also lays in one season around 250,000 eggs and in peak season she may lay up to 2000 eggs a day. This may have something to do with the extremely high nutritional content of the Royal Jelly, which is this Queen’s exclusive diet.

Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids (29 to be exact), lipids, sugars, some vitamins, fatty acids and, most importantly, proteins. It contains ample levels of iron and calcium. Royal Jelly also contains acetylcholine, which is needed to transmit nerve messages from cell to cell. Regular consumption of high-quality Royal Jelly has been shown to help balance hormones. This makes it beneficial to those individuals that suffer from a hormonal imbalance, as it helps to provide support to the endocrine system. It may also help with problems that are related to hormonal imbalance. A study done in Japan and published in 2007 shows that Royal Jelly has the propensity to mimic human estrogen, which may help those that suffer from low estrogen levels. Estrogen is essential for healthy bone formation and healthy gene expression, and is vital for a healthy menstrual cycle. This study also showed potential for increased size of uterine cells in the rats studied. While there may need to be more studies done to show the full potential of Royal Jelly consumption on uterine health, this shows exciting potential for women with weak uterine muscles or thin uterine lining due to long-term hormonal birth control use.

Bee Pollen

As worker bees leave the hive for the day, they go out and gather bee pollen and bring it back to the hive. They pack the pollen into granules with its own enzymes and some honey or nectar. Keep in mind that, for each pack of bee pollen sold, each one may be vastly different and this is because of the environment in which the bee was collecting the pollen. Different flowers contain different chemical constituents unique to that flower. Some bees are kept near farming areas that only contain one kind of flower rather than a diversity of them. So to obtain a wide variety of benefits from the bee pollen, you will want to choose one that is from either a local organic source of wildflowers or an organic farm. Choose only high-quality bee pollen. If you choose one that you are not sure of, call the company and ask them what kind of flowers the bees are visiting each day. Is the source organic or wild? If not, if they are near an industrial farm, your pollen has the potential to contain harmful chemicals like pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. All of these are known to contain endocrine disruptors, which are linked to fertility problems.

Because bee pollen varies from source to source depending on time of year, location, etc., it is hard to pinpoint exact nutritional benefits as they may be different with each batch. Bee pollen does contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and amino acids. It is said that bee pollen contains antihistamine properties, which may reduce allergies.

Bee pollen has been reported to have great results in boosting immunity and fertility for both men and women, reducing allergies and boosting overall nutrition, as well as having healing benefits for a variety of other health conditions.

Bee Propolis

Bee Propolis is a resinous mixture of tree sap, tree buds, tree leaves, and other botanical sources that the bees make to seal small openings in their hives. Larger openings are sealed with beeswax. Once again the chemical constituents of bee propolis vary by region because different plants live in different climates.

Studies on “typical” northern temperate propolis showed it to contain 50% vegetable balsams, 30% waxes, 10% essential oils, and 5% pollen. This northern region propolis is mainly derived from conifers and poplars.

A study published in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:S32) showed that 60% of women with endometriosis-related infertility who took 500mg of bee propolis twice a day for 9 months became pregnant as opposed to 20% in the placebo group. Endometriosis pain, scar tissue, and adhesion formation are thought to be triggered by an inflammatory response. Bee propolis has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory which may reduce endometriosis.

It appears more research on the benefits of bee propolis are in order. Because preliminary studies suggest its highly anti-inflammatory properties, it may be greatly beneficial for fertility issues that may trigger inflammation responses such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, blocked fallopian tubes, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and reproductive trauma or surgeries.

Bee propolis may also contain immunomodulating properties. This may be beneficial for autoimmune related fertility issues, such as recurrent miscarriage due to an immunological response (mothers body attacks and rejects the fetus), autoimmune-related Premature Ovarian Failure and antisperm antibodies. Antisperm antibodies can be present in women as an allergic reaction to sperm, thus triggering an immune response to attack the sperm. These antisperm antibodies can also be present in men as well, where their bodies attack their own sperm. This is commonly seen in up to 70% of men who get a vasectomy.

Making Informed Decisions When Choosing Bee Products

Be sure that you are choosing high-quality products from a reputable source. This is very important not only to you, but to the health of the bees. As you may well know bees are rapidly declining and much of this is thought to be linked to environmental pollution. Choose to support organic, free-range, biodynamic farming and bee-keeping practices when possible. Your choices make a difference!

Take the time to learn more about bees and how they sustain our food chain; without them we might perish. There are some great documentaries out there on Colony Collapse Disorder, the lives of bees and how they are on the brink of total collapse. Please keep in mind their vital role in our daily lives!

I suggest freeze-dried Royal Jelly which is pure Royal Jelly, freeze-dried to maintain quality. We also carry Active Bee Power which contains a wonderful blend of these 3 bee products as well as some immune boosting herbs. This company has been certified organic since 1995.

Important Caution

It is extremely important to note that if you are allergic to bees or honey, you should avoid all bee products. Side effects and reactions can include minor to severe skin irritations, difficulty breathing or even anaphylactic shock. If you begin to develop a reaction to any of these products, discontinue use immediately. Do not feed to infants under 1 year of age. Do not use bee products during pregnancy if either side of your family or the father’s family has a history of bee allergy as this may affect the baby.

References

  • Townsend, G. F., Lucas, C.C. (1940). The chemical nature of royal jelly. Biochem J. Sep; 34(8-9): 1155–1162. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1265395/?page=1
  • Hellner, M., Winter, D., von Georgi, R., and Mu ̈nstedt, K. (2008). Apitherapy: Usage And Experience In German Beekeepers. eCAM; 5(4)475–479. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem052. Retrieved from: downloads.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2008/827582.pdf
  • Suzuki, Kazu-Michi, et al. (2008). Estrogenic Activities of Fatty Acids and a Sterol Isolated from Royal Jelly. eCAM;5(3)295–302 doi:10.1093/ecam/nem036. Retrieved from: http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2008/938757.pdf
  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.) Royal Jelly. Chapter 6. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/docrep/w0076e/w0076e16.htm
  • Lewis, Randine, Ph.D. (2005). The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
  • Thomas, M. (1/18/2008). Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen – How The Benefit Your Health. Retrieved from: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=936373&Royal-Jelly-and-Bee-Pollen—How-They-Benefit-Your-Health=
  • Royal Jelly: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-503/royal-jelly
  • Bee Pollen: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-78/bee-pollen
  • Propolis: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-390/propolis
  • Immunological Factor and Infertility. Retrieved from: http://www.sharedjourney.com/articles/asperm.html

« Previous Post
Soy and Declining Sperm Counts
Next Post »
Are Everyday Plastics Causing Infertility?

About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 19

Open
If you’ve undergone many consecutive fertility treatments without a successful pregnancy, it could be time for a break. Taking a break gives your body a chance to cleanse, reset and recover. Relief from the side effects and stress could be exactly what you need for a fresh start for your fertility journey.

Use the time to work on yourself- mind and body. A break might even give you the opportunity to find a new sense of peace or a new version of your fertility program.
​
Learn more about natural therapies you can use to help your body reset after medical fertility treatments...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 13

Open
After 6 unsuccessful IUIs and one IVF of the same result, Angela takes a break and discovers the Natural Fertility Company. Using our resources to help her implement some changes, she has a much different result on her next IVF at 43. Click through the slides to read her story...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 11

Open
Q: My partner smokes, will this affect his fertility?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 6

Open
I have KMF imprinted on many of my personal belongings as a constant reminder to Keep Moving Forward. This started to be my mantra about 20 years ago when I was in a tough patch and knew the only way was through, and step by step. Keep moving forward. What is the next step, shuffle or even pause that may need to happen? Whatever it is, move towards it, into it, and forward.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 4

Open
With so many chemicals and outside factors contributing to estrogen dominance in the body, it is good to help support hormonal balance and one way to do that is through foods.
​
​Here are some tips, including foods that help to promote the body's natural ability to get rid of excess estrogens. ..
​
​Are you getting any of these foods in your weekly diet?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 1

Open
Trish conceives her second child with natural therapies at 37. Swipe through to read her story... 
​
​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 30

Open
Q: I have heavy periods, should I be concerned about using tampons?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 28

Open
I knew what my life's calling was at a very young age. At around 16, I had a dream where a dreadlocked rasta man came to me (Burning Spears to be exact) and in that dream was told that I was to be a healer. It was the type of dream that was more real than reality. The next day I woke up feeling different than I had ever felt before. Later on that day, we had new neighbors move into the house above us and a woman came and introduced herself. When I opened the door, she said her name and told me she was opening up a school of healing and that I was to be one of her students. It was one of the most intense series of events in my life. I went on to go to her school and my path started with an amazing community and so much support. What are one of the most life changing experiences you have had? I would love to hear...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Stress can be one of the primary factors behind infertility. Believe it or not, our bodies are equipped to prevent conception from occurring during times of extreme stress. The presence of adrenaline, the hormone that is released by our bodies during stressful times, signals to our body that conditions are not ideal for conception. Adrenaline inhibits us from utilizing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for fertility. It also causes the pituitary gland to release higher levels of prolactin, which also causes infertility to occur.
​
​Swipe left for ways to reduce the effect of stress on your fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
At 39, Milissa focuses on natural ways to prevent another miscarriage & goes on to conceive. Swipe through the slides to read more about her journey... 
​
​
​**​​While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
​We come into contact with xenohormones on a daily basis. Once you know where and what they are, you can avoid them or not use products that contain them. There has been extensive research on the connection between xenohormones and hormone disruption, which leads us to fertility issues and imbalances. Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...
​
​If you would like support in getting started with your Ditch and Switch, download my free guide on how to get started. The link is in our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 14

Open
You are strong enough. Life can get hard sometimes, but we are stronger through it all. You can figure this out. You know your body. Trust yourself. You are worthy of health, you are worthy of motherhood. You are worthy of having your own opinion. Listen to your gut. You've got this.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us