Royal Jelly & Silkworm Droppings: The Buzz and the Poop of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Get ready, because we’re about to dive into the most unhinged yet scientifically fascinating duo in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Royal Jelly (the queen bee’s secret sauce) and Silkworm Droppings (yes, bug poop, but make it medicinal). These two are the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of the insect-derived health world—unexpected, iconic, and absolutely legendary in their own right. 🐝💩✨

Royal Jelly: The Queen Bee’s Elixir of Life

First up, Royal Jelly (a.k.a. Feng Wang Jiang). This milky-white substance is basically bee spit on steroids, produced by worker bees to transform a regular larva into a QUEEN. And let’s not kid ourselves—if it can turn a basic bug into royalty, imagine what it can do for you! 👑🐝

What’s in this magical goo?

Acetylcholine: The brain fuel that boosts memory and learning. It’s like a nootropic smoothie for your neurons.

10-HDA: A fatty acid unique to Royal Jelly with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even estrogen-like properties. It’s basically the multitasking overachiever of bioactive compounds.

Peptides & Proteins: These lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels, making Royal Jelly a natural insulin alternative.

What does TCM say?

TCM hails Royal Jelly as a “Jing Tonic,” meaning it nourishes your essence—your very life force. It’s said to strengthen bones, teeth, and brain function while promoting fertility and easing menopause symptoms. Oh, and it’s also great for your spleen chi (your body’s energy powerhouse). So, whether you’re looking to ground yourself or glow up, this bee goo has got your back.

Modern Science Backs It Up

-Lowers blood sugar in diabetes patients by 33% within hours.

-Stimulates collagen production for youthful skin.

-Improves cognitive function with its acetylcholine content.

It’s not just for queens anymore—Royal Jelly is your ticket to feeling like royalty every day.

Silkworm Droppings: The Poop That Packs a Punch

Now let’s talk about Can Sha (Silkworm Excrement). Yes, we’re literally talking about silkworm poop here, but before you gag, know this: these tiny turds are loaded with medicinal mojo. They’re not just any droppings—they’re mulberry-fed droppings. That means they’re packed with undigested mulberry goodness that makes them a goldmine of health benefits. 🌿💩

What can silkworm poop do?

Expels Wind & Dampness: TCM uses Can Sha to treat joint pain, muscle stiffness, and even eczema. Think of it as nature’s answer to ibuprofen.

Harmonizes the Stomach: Got vomiting or diarrhea? Silkworm droppings are here to save the day by regulating your stomach energy.

Treats Type 2 Diabetes: Recent studies show that Can Sha inhibits α-glucosidase, an enzyme linked to glucose absorption2 8. Translation? It helps manage blood sugar levels like a pro.

Improves Blood Flow: Used historically for abdominal pain and joint relief4 6.

How is it prepared?

These droppings go through an intense spa day: steaming, drying, sterilizing, fermenting—you name it. What emerges is a clean, potent herbal ingredient ready to be brewed into teas or ground into powders.

Modern Twist: Silkworm Poop Brandy

Japan took things up a notch by turning silkworm droppings into “Sansha,” a 42% ABV spirit that tastes like green tea and mulberries4. Who knew poop could be so classy?

Why Are These Two TCM Rockstars?

Both Royal Jelly and Silkworm Droppings represent the genius of TCM: turning unexpected natural substances into powerful remedies. Whether you’re sipping on Royal Jelly tea for brainpower or brewing silkworm poop to ease joint pain, these insect-derived marvels remind us that nature always has surprises up its sleeve.

So, there you have it: Royal Jelly—the queen bee’s secret weapon—and Silkworm Droppings—the unsung hero of poop-based medicine. Whether you’re looking to boost your brainpower or balance your stomach chi, these insect-derived wonders are here to prove that even the weirdest ingredients can work miracles! 🐝💩✨

Bibliography:

Beekeeper’s Naturals Blog (2018). “Royal Jelly’s Benefits Are Literally Ancient.”
The Herb Depot (2018). “Can Sha (Silkworm Excrement).”
White Rabbit Institute of Healing (2021). “Honey/Royal Jelly.”
The Drinks Business (2020). “Spirit Flavoured With Silkworm Poo Released in Japan.”
Journal of Apitherapy (2022). “Royal Jelly: A Traditional Medicine and Its Commercial Uses.”
White Rabbit Institute of Healing (2021). “Silkworm (Jiang Can).”
PubMed Central (2021). “Health Promoting Properties of Bee Royal Jelly.”
PubMed Central (2021). “An Integrated Approach Based on Network Pharmacology.”