While there are a number of different “superfoods” that have proven to be highly effective at helping with fertility, Royal Jelly is more than likely the reigning King…or Queen of the bunch. This nutrient-dense substance is a secretion that comes from specific glands in nurse worker bees, and is used to not only create a queen bee for procreation, but it is also fed to honey bee larvae to provide them with optimal health and growth.
Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids (29 to be exact), 10-hydroxydecenoic acid (10-HDA), lipids, sugars, vitamins, and proteins. It contains vitamins A, B complex (including folic acid and inositol), C, D and E, and also has ample levels of iron and calcium, as well as other minerals. Royal Jelly also contains acetylcholine, which is needed to transmit nerve messages from cell to cell. 10-HDA is thought to be its major therapeutic constituent as it has been shown to have antitumor activity. Because Royal Jelly contains a wide variety of nutrients that are essential to proper health and organ function, it is very easy to see how it can help assist fertility.
Video: Fertility Super Food Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is the main food source for bee larvae in the first three days of their development. 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 are needed to create 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 around 250,000 eggs in one season 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.
Using Royal Jelly to Support Fertility
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 fertility issues that are related to hormonal imbalance.
A study done in Japan and published in 2007 in the journal Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. showed that Royal Jelly has the propensity to mimic human estrogen, similar to that of plant phytoestrogens. Estrogen is essential for healthy bone formation and gene expression, and is vital for a healthy menstrual cycle. This study also showed a 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 is an exciting potential for women with weak uterine muscles or thin uterine lining due to long-term hormonal birth control use.
Another study out of Kuyushu University in Japan, aimed to see if Royal Jelly could combat BPA growth-promoting effects on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. BPA (bisphenol A) is a harmful chemical used in plastics that is a known xenoestrogen. The results of the study showed that Royal Jelly inhibits the stimulated growth of BPA on MCF-7 cells. Not only has BPA been linked to breast cancer, it has also been linked to poor egg health.
One additional promising rat study of out of Iran, published in the International Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that Royal Jelly “promotes folliculogensis [the maturing of follicles in an ovary] and increases ovarian hormones…” Thirty two female rats were divided into four groups, three control groups receiving either 100, 200 or 400 mg/ kg of body weight daily for 14 days. Rats in the Royal Jelly consuming control groups had increased levels of estradiol and progesterone, increased uterine and ovarian weights, as well as a significant increase in mature follicles and corpora lutea (more than one corpus luteum). Serum antioxidant levels were increased and nitric oxide levels decreased.
Royal Jelly may be beneficial for the following:
- To increase libido
- Support egg and sperm health
- Promote hormone balance
- Protect liver health
- Diminish and reduce the signs of aging
- To reduce inflammation caused by illness or injury
- To naturally boost the body’s immune system
- Protect against the fertility-damaging effects of chemotherapy
Click here to shop for Fertilica Royal Jelly
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, the bee population is 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!
Our Natural Fertility Shop carries a premium choice of 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.
How and When To Take Royal Jelly
Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Honey
Traditional Suggested Use:
The traditional suggested use of Royal Jelly is 500 – 3000mg of pure royal jelly per day, taken in 2 – 3 separate doses throughout the day.
Royal Jelly is best taken between meals and is fine to take all month long.
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.
- Yance, Donald R., C.N., M.H., R.H.(AHG). (2013) Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging and Chronic Disease; Royal Jelly (and Propolis): pp. 570-75. Healing Arts Press.
- Townsend, G. F., Lucas, C.C. (1940) The Chemical Nature of Royal Jelly. Biochem J. Sep;
34(89): 1155–1162. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1265395/?page=1 - Markus Hellner, Daniel Winter, Richard von Georgi, and Karsten Munstedt. (2008) Apitherapy: Usage And Experience In German Beekeepers. eCAM. 5(4)475–479 doi:10.1093/ecam/nem052 Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2586305/
- Kazu Michi Suzuki, et. al. (2007). Estrogenic Activities of Fatty Acids and a Sterol Isolated from Royal Jelly. eCAM. 5(3)295–302 doi:10.1093/ecam/nem036. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529378/
- FAO Corporate Document Repository. Royal Jelly. Retrieved from:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/w0076e/w0076e16.htm - Lewis, R. A. (2005). The infertility cure: The ancient Chinese wellness program for getting pregnant and having healthy babies. Boston: Little, Brown and.
- Barton-Schuster, Dalene, C.H. Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen & Bee Propolis for Fertility. Retrieved from: https://natural-fertility-info.com/bee-pollen-fertility.html
- Immunological Factor and Infertility. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.sharedjourney.com/articles/asperm.html
- Ghanbari, E., Khazaei, M. R., Khazaei, M., & Nejati, V. (2017). Royal Jelly Promotes Ovarian Follicles Growth and Increases Steroid Hormones in Immature Rats. International journal of fertility & sterility, 11(4), 263-269. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641457/
- Nakaya, M., Onda, H., Sasaki, K., Yukiyoshi, A., Tachibana, H., & Yamada, K. (2007). Effect of Royal Jelly on Bisphenol A-Induced Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer Cells. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 71(1), 253-255. doi:10.1271/bbb.60453 Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1271/bbb.60453
Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.
Related Articles
- Choosing Between Maca & Vitex? What You Need To Know
- Worried about Your AMH and FSH? It May Not Be as Important as Once Thought
- Tips for Living a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle
- Steps for Resetting After Numerous Fertility Health Treatments
- Success Story: Jessica Conceives Naturally After An Ectopic Pregnancy
Hi. I have 24-25 days period. And ttc for 4 years. I am taking vitex, tribulus, ashwagandha, and multivitamin. Can I take Royal jelly with this herbs?
Dear T,
Royal Jelly can be taken with Vitex, Maca, Tribulus, Ashwagandha and a multivitamin. This is fine!
Hello,
I’m in the middle of an FET cycle. My ultrasound was Tuesday and my uterine lining was a 5.3. I’m trying to nourish my uterus to help increase my linings thickness as my next appointment is next Tuesday. I don’t have much further to go to reach the preferred thickness of 6.0. Both my estrogen and progesterone levels were where they needed to be.
Would Royal Jelly help with this in such a short period of time?
Thanks 🙂
Dear Camille,
I am not sure Royal Jelly could be effective in that short of time, but it is very nutrient-rich. It’s hard to know. It may be better to consider the steps 1, 3, 4, or 5 in our guide 5 Steps to Preparing for a Frozen Embryo Transfer. Do talk to your healthcare provider about taking any herb or Royal Jelly if you feel strongly about trying it, or if you are on medication(s).
My best!!
I am TTC and have a fibroid located outside my uterus. I also had a miscarriage, could I try the royal jelly?
Dear Kimmy,
I am very sorry for your loss! If you feel you can benefit from Royal Jelly, it should be fine given what I know.
I’ve tried royal jelly before (small dosage daily) but it extended my cycle 12-15 days (i previously had cycles typically 28-33 days) so I stopped it. Is it just too powerful for some?
Dear CKC,
This is very unusual from a small dose of Royal Jelly, or even the general suggested dose. Did you perhaps begin anything else with the Royal Jelly?
That said, the cycle can shift when beginning any supplement known to support hormonal balance. Often these shifts are temporary and they cycle will settle back in to a pattern. And yes, not every herb or superfood is for everyone.
Royal Jelly one of the best products for looking young
I am preparing for IVF cycle. Have been taking royal jelly for the past month or so. How long before starting IVF medication should I stop taking royal jelly? Should I stop before I start down regulating ovarian activity or when I start ovarian stimulation afterwards? And how many days before should I stop?
Dear Crystle,
In general any herbs and superfood supplements like Royal Jelly should be stopped within 2 weeks of beginning any IVF medication(s). You will want to be sure your doctor knows all that you are taking as he/she may support continued use of things.
If you are interested we also share Natural Ways to Support Your Body Through an IVF Cycle.
My best!
i am taking royal jelly due to low estrogen..due i need to take breaks or stop the medicaiton in order for my period to come?
Dear Marissa,
Royal Jelly can be taken daily without a break and long term. It is not known to delay or bring on menstruation.
Hi dear, thanks for the helpful information. I had a question , I have PCOS, and irregular periods ,prolonged ..like mostly on periods (u could say Polymennorhea), I have started taking omega 3, prenatal vitamins, and now Maca , i have changed my diet as well and feeling little lighter and better.. can i use Royal jelly and milk thistle tea along with these things and supplements ? as i read that Royal jelly is good for those who have low estrogen and i think i don’t have low estrogen problem…Please suggest me on that …
Dear Ici,
Fertilica Royal Jelly and Milk Thistle seed (liquid extract is best) can be combined with a prenatal vitamin, omega-3 supplement and Maca. This is fine!
Royal Jelly is not contraindicated for women with PCOS. Royal Jelly is a superfood with a superior nutrition profile containing 29 amino acids, lipids, vitamins, sugars, proteins, fatty acids, iron, calcium and Acetylcholine (which transmits nerve impulses from cell to cell.
It is for men and woman with hormone imbalance of any kind to support sperm and egg health, the endocrine system, and uterine and immune system health in preparation for pregnancy.
I hope you keep feeling better!
I would like to know where and how to get this medicine please,
Regards
Dear Francisco,
Royal Jelly is a nutritional supplement, not a medicine. With that however Fertilica Royal Jelly can be purchased from The Natural Fertility Shop, but clicking this link.
Good day, please can you kindly send me your link to your online store, I would like to purchase Royal Jelly and other products. How long does the shipping take, as I am in South Africa?
Thank you
Dear Bronwyn,
Of course! Click this link be taken to the Natural Fertility Shop. Our Customer Care team can help you with International Ordering and Shipping information.
Take care!
I’m 47, I had a miscarriage at 45 because of a pulp. I had that removed last year in Oct 2016 after realizing my issue. I have been going thru fertility treatment and still have not been able to get pregnant. Know the dr is saying I’m old and so r my eggs.
Can Acupuncturist, Chiropractic and Royal Jelly combined help me get pregnant naturally? I have also read, How to Increase Your Egg Health in 90 Days. So, I have changed my diet.
PS all of my blood work came out good. Shows that I can/should be able to get pregnant.
Dear Laney,
It is my honest opinion that Acpuncture, Chiropractic adjustments in moderation, nutritional supplements like Royal Jelly and dietary changes can’t hurt anything, so are all worth considering.
The best way to achieve healthy fertility is to have support. You may need a team! Your team might include your primary healthcare provider and reproductive endocrinologist (if you haven’t been referred to one, consider this for more in-depth fertility testing), a massage therapist or Acupuncturist, a midwife, your best friend, your therapist/counselor, your partner of course and even your fertility herbalist.
I hope you can find hope!
Having had read that fresh Royal Jelly is most stable and effective preserved in natural honey, I have been taking Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen in a raw honey. However, I have just found I have low progesterone, which is adversely effected by sugars. I avoid all sugars except this Royal Jelly raw honey. Should I take Royal Jelly in a capsule instead?
Dear Jennilyn,
Raw honey, that is not heated above 93 degrees fahrenheit is an amazing superfood. Royal Jelly in it can help protect those with estrogen dominance from the impact of that “bad” excess estrogen. Often women who have estrogen dominance have low progesterone levels, so that may be something to look into as well.
Insulin or blood sugar balance is key for so many, if not nearly all, bodily processes. Sugar from whole foods like fruit and raw honey are considered healthy and digested/used by the body differently than refined/synthetic/processed and even some “natural” sugars. With that, if cells don’t have sugar in them, progesterone cannot be properly delivered into the cell’s, where it needs to be.
So, I can’t discount the ability of Royal Jelly in raw honey to be beneficial for most anyone. It would not be all we rely upon alone for those with low progesterone however.
Ultimately the choice is yours and given what I know, I am not certain a switch is necessary if you like the product you are using.
Hi Elizabeth,
I have had high prolactin levels for over 3years. I was placed on carbergoline then switched to tabs containing Brimocriptine. We TTC over second child. My period was delayed until 2years after our girl. I have a 2.5y/o. I have seen my period twice now – it was a 47days cycle. I am a bit worried. I am hoping I can treat this naturally. Can I take RJ?
Dear Busola,
Given what I know, Royal Jelly may be worth learning more about. Consider also learning about the herb Vitex. It is known to support healthy prolactin levels and overall hormonal balance. There may also be tips to consider in our guide Secondary Infertility – When Trying for Another Child is a Struggle.
I hope this is all helpful!
Hi,
I want to start taking royal jelly as I am going to begin trying for my second child. I also have graves disease and had my thyroid removed because of it, so wonder if it would help with this anyway?
My health caused all sorts of complications with my first born – he was premature and had high thyroid levels in the first few months of his life.
Is it safe for me to continue to take this during pregnancy to help with my hormone levels? They had to increase my dose in my last pregnancy and I wonder if this would help.
Thanks in advance 🙂
Dear Rene,
There are studies on the benefit of Royal Jelly for those with immunological health issues and we know through our research that it can naturally boost the bodies immune system. With that it may be something to talk to your doctor about if you are on medication, or continue to research.
Royal Jelly is not intended for use in and through pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Best wishes!
Hello. I have been TTC since 2014 & I have an 11 y/o son. My hubby has low motility. We’ve been to fertility doctors, used prenatal pills & multivitamins. Can both of us take Royal Jelly and when should we start taking it?
Dear Tese,
Men and women both can take Royal Jelly. It can be started at any time and take daily while actively trying to conceive. When you become pregnant, you would want to pause its use (your husband would not need to unless he wanted to).
I have been trying to conceive for over 16 months now. I have been taking vital for the last 8 months and nothing. I believe I have luteal phase defect. Never longer then 10 days.
Would royal jelly be a good supplement to try?
Dear Katie,
While Royal Jelly is nutritious and filled with many valuable nutrients, we know that Luteal Phase Defect is one of the easiest fertility issues to reverse with simple, natural diet changes and therapies. Learn more here in our guide Luteal Phase Defect: Natural Treatment Options.
I have been taking vitex for 8-9 months now and still struggling with conceiving and a short luteal phase. I am trying to avoid progesterone cream. would royal jelly and b6 be a good choice?
Dear Katie,
Perhaps yes. Diet and lifestyle are equally as important as anything one can take an often if diet and lifestyle are not optimal, the body isn’t able to use the nutrients/herbal medicine it is being offered. So, do revisit the diet suggestions in the guide Luteal Phase Defect: Natural Treatment Options as well.
Hello, I have endometriosis and getting ready for IVF. Can I use the royal jelly? Thank you Katrin
Dear Katrin,
If you feel you may benefit from Royal Jelly is could be considered while preparing for IVF. It is best stopped before beginning any medications (unless your healthcare provider suggests otherwise).
i am 24 years old my problem aftar married confarm pregency but 3 month miss then trying 2years not confarmed pregency my married 3 years i am cunsalt docter [m.s.] obs& GYNAE OBSTETRICIAN &GYNAECOLOGIST total tretment 15month but no respon pls tel me i can ues forever product then confarmed pregency pooduct name
Dear Sushila,
If I am understanding correctly, you have had a miscarriage. I am very sorry for that! What treatment did you try for 15 months? Do you have a fertility health issue, confirmed through testing? Can you please clarify what this means “pls tel me i can ues forever product then confarmed pregency pooduct name”.
I will try to help as best as I can.
I am 42 years old. My menstrual cycle has been regular until later last year when I skipped twice. I had regular flow this year until later June. I have not seen my period and the medical test confirmed I am menopausal. I just got married, I had hoped to have a child naturally. Please how can you help me reverse this trend? I am currently on ubiquinol.
Dear Niki,
I encourage you to review our guide Female Fertility Health: Balancing Hormones in Premenopause.
Because we approach fertility health from a holistic perspective, it may be most helpful to consider working one on one with a fertility herbalist who can help create with you a natural fertility program. She would learn about your overall and fertility health, diet and lifestyle, stress levels and anything/all else you’d like to share with her before creating your program. This is through a Fertility Consultation, learn more here…
hi can I take royal bee pollen or jelly capsules from holland and barrett with Gonal-f. I am currently going through ovulation induction. If so how much can I take daily? Thanks
Dear Cherelle,
It is best to ensure your healthcare provider knows you are taking Royal Jelly right now and with Gonal-F. We suggest against combining herbs or nutritional supplements that have an action on hormonal balance with medications that do the same. If your healthcare provider approves, then it will be best to follow his/her advice.
Hi there,
I have been following your posts/site now for a few weeks and have decided to take some supplements to help us in getting pregnant naturally. I am taking a prenatal, magnesium, coq10, vitex, and b complex. It is ok to take these all at once? I have been taking them before bed all together.
Thank you,
Dear Lise,
We hope the information we share has been helpful!
A prenatal multivitamin, magnesium, CoQ10, Vitex and a B complex can all be taken together. Before bed should be fine, but I do want to share that the general suggested use of Vitex is to take the whole dose, 900-1000mg, first thing in the morning with water. And a B complex may be most beneficial in support of supporting energy levels throughout the day if taken in the morning as well. It is always best to follow the manufacturers suggested use is if the suggested dose is more than one pill/capsules, to be sure to spread the dose throughout the day.
I am 38 and have been told by a fertility specialist that I have poor egg quality. Right now i am using Pregnacare conception. Is it fine to take royal jelly also..Weve been trying to get pregnant for 10yrs.
Many Thanks.
Mailyn
Dear Mailyn,
Fertilica Royal Jelly can be taken with Pregnacare to my knowledge.
You may also be interested in our guide, How to Increase Your Egg Health in 90 Days.
Hello,
I used royal jelly this month and have finally managed to conceive! (we have been trying for one year following a miscarriage). I am naturally cautious to protect this pregnancy and have read conflicting opinions about taking royal jelly in pregnancy. Please can you clarify if it is safe to take? I am currently in the very early stages at 4-5 weeks pregnant.
Many thanks
Dear Gemma,
Congratulations! What wonderful news!
Royal Jelly is not suggested into pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It can be discontinued or if you want weaned off of over a week’s time.