Uses
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. The effectiveness ratings for BEE POLLEN are as follows:
Possibly ineffective for…
- Athletic performance. Research suggests that taking supplements by mouth does not seem to increase athletic performance in athletes.
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for…
- Breast cancer-related hot flashes. Early research suggests that taking bee pollen along with honey does not relieve breast cancer-related hot flashes or other menopausal-like symptoms in breast cancer patients compared to taking honey alone.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Early research suggests that a specific combination product 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 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.
More evidence is needed to rate it for these uses.
Side Effects Of Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 30 days. There is also some evidence that taking two tablets twice daily of a specific combination product that contains 6 mg of royal jelly, 36 mg of extract, bee pollen, and 120 mg of pistil extract per tablet for up to 2 months may be safe.
The biggest safety concerns are allergic reactions. It can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to pollen.
There have also been rare reports of other serious side effects such as liver and kidney damage or photosensitivity. But it is not known if bee pollen or some other factor was truly responsible for these effects. Also, a single case of dizziness has been reported for a person who took extract, royal jelly, and bee pollen plus pistil extract.
Warnings & Precautions
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking pollen is POSSIBLY UNSAFE during pregnancy. There is some concern that bee pollen might stimulate the uterus and threaten the pregnancy. Don’t use it. It’s also best to avoid using bee pollen during breast-feeding. Not enough is known about how bee pollen might affect the infant.
Pollen allergy: Taking supplements can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to pollen. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and severe whole-body reactions (anaphylaxis).
Dosage Of Bee Pollen
The appropriate dose depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bee pollen. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Other
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
