Bee Pollen
INTRUDUCTION
Bee
pollen refers to the flower pollen that collects on the legs and bodies of
worker bees. It can also include some nectar and bee saliva. Pollens come from
many plants, so the contents of bee pollen can vary significantly. Don’t
confuse bee pollen with bee venom, honey, or royal jelly.
People take
bee pollen for nutrition; as an appetite stimulant; to improve stamina and
athletic performance; and for premature aging, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hay
fever (allergic rhinitis), mouth sores, joint pain (rheumatism), painful
urination, prostate conditions, and radiation sickness.
It is
also used for weight loss, bleeding problems including coughing or
vomitingblood, bloody diarrhea, nosebleed, brain hemorrhage, and menstrual
problems.
Bee
pollen is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) problems including constipation,
diarrhea, enteritis, and colitis. Some people use bee pollen as a general
tonic, to increase urine flow, and for alcohol intoxication.
Bee
pollen is used topically for skin care in skin softening products, and for
treating eczema, pimples, and diaper rash.
You may
hear claims that bee pollen enzymes (chemical compounds that assist in chemical
reactions) provide a variety of treatment benefits. However, any enzymes in bee
pollen are likely to be digested in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There is
no reliable evidence indicating that bee pollen enzymes or other ingredients in
bee pollen are effective as treatment.
USES
Athletic
performance. Research suggests that taking bee pollen supplements by mouth does
not seem to increase athletic performance in athletes.
Premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). Early research suggests that a specific combination product
(Femal, Natumin Pharma) seems to decrease some symptoms of PMS including
irritability, weight gain, and bloating when given over a period of 2 menstrual
cycles. This product contains 6 mg of royal jelly, 36 mg of bee pollen extract,
bee pollen, and 120 mg of pistil extract per tablet. It is given as 2 tablets
twice daily.
Appetite
stimulation.
Premature
aging.
Hay
fever.
Mouth
sores.
Joint pain.
Painful
urination.
Prostate
conditions.
Nosebleeds.
Menstrual
problems.
Constipation.
Diarrhea.
Colitis.
Weight
loss.
Other
conditions.