Nurse bees are charged with taking care of the queen bee, an important part of ensuring the viability of the hive.  They produce royal jelly from honey and bee pollen, as the sole source of nutrition for the queen.  It must be a very nutritious substance in order to provide the queen bee with enough energy to continually reproduce.  Royal jelly contains a long list of vitamins, including B5 and B6, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.  It has antibiotic and antibacterial components.

Most interesting is that it is the only natural source of acetylcholine.  Acetylcholine is a human brain chemical that aids in memory.  Royal jelly is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of concerns including asthma, colds and flus, liver disease, pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, bone fractures, skin disorders, kidney disease, insomnia and age related cognitive decline.

Royal jelly can be purchased fresh or encapsulated.  Royal jelly must be mixed with honey to preserve it.  Fresh royal jelly should be in an airtight container and be kept refrigerated.  Royal jelly is often found in combination with other bee products, like bee pollen and propolis, or in formulas for energy or immune boosting.  It may also be added to cosmetic products.

Do not use royal jelly if you are allergic to bees.  To ensure that you do not react to royal jelly take a small amount first and watch for signs of any reaction.  They can include rash, hives, wheezing and swelling.