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Benefits From Local Raw Honey for Allergy Relief

Bad allergies? Consider local honey.

Bad allergies? Consider local honey.

Seasonal Allergies

I have suffered from seasonal allergies all my life, and they seem to have changed over the years to include more than one season. When I was little, my mother said my allergy flares were triggered by ragweed and goldenrod in the fall. I still have allergic reactions in the fall, but now spring pine cones and summer cut hayfields also contribute to my misery, plus a variety of other pollen-producing plants that I don’t even know the identity of.

Boy, do I wish that my mother knew what today’s research shows about local raw honey, which is part of my daily diet to help alleviate allergy symptoms. While there is some controversy (articles listed below) about whether local honey actually works, I prefer to go the natural route.

Spring, summer, and fall are beautiful seasons to be enjoyed by all, but when you have allergies, you don’t always “feel the love” for those seasons the way others do.

Whether caused by blooming foliage in the spring, hay fields in the summer, or ragweed and goldenrod in the fall, seasonal allergies can debilitate you to the point that you don’t want to open your windows. You definitely don’t want to go out to enjoy nature only for the invisible pollen to make your nose and eyes itch, not to mention all the fluid that runs from each orifice. You don’t dare go anywhere without Kleenex or a handkerchief.

Depending on what type of pollen you are allergic to in your local area, you may suffer during just one of these seasons. And the worst-case scenario is that you may suffer through all of these seasons, making for a miserable existence depending on the pollen count from day to day. I used to only suffer during fall, but now I have issues with pollen all year round.

Many allergy sufferers take either over-the-counter medications, like Benadryl or Xyzal, or doctor-prescribed medications. Many times, however, the medicines are as debilitating as the allergies because you feel so drowsy it’s difficult to function. Many go in for allergy shots to boost their immune system against the pollen. Sometimes shots are helpful, but sometimes the pollen is so bad they do not help.

I have found a simple way to successfully reduce my allergies. The answer for me is honey—but it cannot be just any honey. It must be local honey.

Why Raw Honey?

If you want allergy relief, you must use raw honey. When heat is used to process honey, it causes the raw honey to lose many of its vitamins and enzymes that are naturally healthy, making it less effective.

But more importantly, the raw honey has essential, natural pollen, bits of honeycomb, and even bits of bees’ wings that could be lost during heat processing. Small amounts of these natural ingredients will help to build the immune system against pollen. It is also much less expensive to take raw honey than it is to pay the extra money for allergy shots or bottles of medications, and it is so delicious, too.

Why Local Raw Honey?

The benefit of local raw honey is that it contains the pollen in your area. If you watch the local news or Google search your area for your local pollen count, you can see the types of pollen that are causing your allergy symptoms. The bees in the area collect pollen from different sources and create honey. An over-exposure causes pollen allergies to specific pollens in your area. For instance, in my area, we have spring flowers, pine, weeds, and oak, to name just a few. These pollens are collected by bees, either directly or when the pollen is airborne. Once the bees create honey, the pollen is transferred to the raw honey.

Other Nutritional Benefits of Raw Honey

Raw honey not only helps with pollen allergies but is packed full of vitamins. Raw honey is its own multi-vitamin. It includes energy-packed vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. It also includes the strong antioxidants of vitamin C. Raw honey is also rich in minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, sulphur, and phosphate.

Why Local Raw Honey Helps Allergy Sufferers

The local pollens that are transferred into the raw honey can be taken to build immunity. If you are able to take two teaspoons of local raw honey a day two months before your allergy season begins, you can ward off many of your allergy symptoms. If you are in the midst of allergy season, begin taking the local raw honey immediately. This is not to say you should not consult your doctor or you should ignore your doctor’s directions. It is just a less expensive way of dealing with allergies.

You can find local raw honey at farmer’s markets and even your local grocery stores. You may even know a local beekeeper who sells local raw honey. The great thing about honey is that it keeps it forever; in other words, honey does not spoil, which only adds to its benefits.

Local honey is key when warding off allergy symptoms.

Local honey is key when warding off allergy symptoms.

Warning: Infants and Honey

Infants under one year of age should not be given any type of honey or products with honey in the ingredients. Because bees create honey and many bacteria are associated with the process, there are small amounts of bacteria in the honey.

While the level of bacteria does not bother most adults, it is too much for an infant’s system and can cause botulism, which could lead to death. Doctors advise that parents stay away from anything that has processed or raw honey in it. If your infant has allergies, speak with your pediatrician.

Important Note on Serious Allergies and Honey

My advice about local raw honey and allergies is not meant to replace medical advice. Speak with a medical physician, especially if there is any chance that you could be allergic to honey.

Research about Local Raw Honey

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Questions & Answers

Question: How do I get relief from severe sleepiness caused by allergies?

Answer: If the local honey is not working, I suggest using an over-the-counter allergy nasal spray.

© 2012 Susan Holland

Comments

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on July 08, 2018:

Ginny, I hope it worked for you. It takes time to adjust in your body's system, so hopefully you are seeing results. So sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. Thanks for reading!!

GinnyJordan from Oregon on June 02, 2018:

Susan, I have been suffering from a variety of allergies for a number of years and have found that they are ramping up as I age. I have know that honey has incredible medicinal purposes for some time however, only came to learn about the opportunity to have help with my allergies recently from my dental hygienist. Her husband has allergies and has been using local honey and local pollen and has had success. My sister and I visited our local Farmer's Market so I purchased a beautiful bottle of local raw honey and a bottle of pollen from the same farm. I am excited to say that I will be starting to use them today!

ChasingKhaos on September 23, 2012:

wonderful! i didn't about this stuff before!

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on July 08, 2012:

BarberGirl, I'm so sorry you haven't been well. I hope you find relief soon. The local raw honey may be the key. That would be wonderful if it is. Hopefully, it will boost your immunity and help you feel better.

Thanks so much for dropping by! :-)

Stacy Harris from Hemet, Ca on July 06, 2012:

I have never had allergies before. However, I must say, that I have not been well since February either. I am starting to wonder if this is a bit of allergies since we moved to a different area. That being said, I talked to the doctor yesterday and he said it is a very thin line between a cold and allergies and having allergies could be bad because the bacteria could get into places and grow which could cause something worse. Hence, why I am still sick. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for some raw honey! If anything... It has lots of other benefits as well... and I really like honey! :)

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on June 21, 2012:

Thanks, Mekenzie! Yes, I believe we can find much in nature, too. I appreciate your kind words.

Thanks for dropping by, the votes and sharing. :-)

Susan Ream from Michigan on June 21, 2012:

sholland, excellent and resourceful hub. There are so many healthy alternatives to medication. I have always believed that there is a cure in nature for every malady but it is up to us to find it. Raw local honey is one of those natural remedy's.

Enjoyed your writing style and the details you included. Voted up and Useful and shared.

Mekenzie

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 30, 2012:

Kelly, not the Shark!!! You have to get a new cord put on it. I am so glad it wasn't plugged in, too.

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 30, 2012:

Audrey, I hope it helps you. Good luck!

Thanks for dropping by! :-)

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 30, 2012:

Vicki, good luck with the honey. I bet you and I share the many pollen allergies in "these here hills." I bet you have some great farmers markets in your area!

Thanks for dropping by! :-)

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 30, 2012:

Ruchira, I hope the honey helps you because I know how miserable allergies can be. I wish I had known about local raw honey as a kid - it would have saved trees from all the tissues I had to use. Good luck!! :-)

Thanks so much for dropping by and the votes and sharing! :-)

Kelly Umphenour from St. Louis, MO on May 29, 2012:

The shark would...but Boss ate through the cord, so it can't! wah! lol That pup! Lucky it wasn't plugged in! lol

Audrey Howitt from California on May 29, 2012:

I have just started to use local honey and am hoping that it helps! What a great hub!

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on May 29, 2012:

I have pretty bad allergies; they're year round but especially in the spring and fall. I've heard of using local honey but haven't. I need to check at the Farmer's Market. That would be great if it helped. Great hub! Thanks!

Ruchira from United States on May 29, 2012:

I agree Susan and have even started using local and raw honey from the farmer's market to beat this allergy season.

voted up as useful and interesting hub. Sharing it across for all to benefit.

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 29, 2012:

@MHatter - Sorry to hear about your problem. Hope it improves.

@Agusfanani - Thank you! :-)

Thanks for dropping by!! :-)

agusfanani from Indonesia on May 29, 2012:

We're all thankful that nature gives us this multipurpose medicine called honey and this hub has proven it for allergy treatment. I voted up for this useful hub.

Martin Kloess from San Francisco on May 28, 2012:

we are suffering a major honey bee problem

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 28, 2012:

Vinaya, you should take pictures of your hives and discuss how you work with them. That would be so interesting.

Thanks for dropping by! :-)

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 28, 2012:

Prasetio, thanks for your kind words. I hope you take advantage of your local raw honey to keep you well and to give you energy. Thanks for dropping by! :-)

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on May 27, 2012:

Though not a commercial venture, I have bee hives in my farm. I know exactly the use of raw honey.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on May 26, 2012:

I believe honey as the best herbal remedies since thousand years ago. My friend, you have useful information about raw honey. There's a honey farm near my house. I am glad to find out more about raw honey related with allergies. Thanks for writing and share with us. Take care :-)

Prasetio

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 26, 2012:

Kevin, your brother is right about buying local. He and I are practically neighbors since I am in Missouri. :-) Since you already buy honey for medicinal purposes, you should write about how you use it. It is so fascinating. I don't swat at bees. Nope, I stand very still until they fly on by to go to their next flower. LOL - I am serious.

KevinMillican from Fort Smith, AR on May 26, 2012:

sholland, you are correct. The medicinal purposes of honey would be a hub entirely to itself and would not fit in this one. As far as my brother, making mead is the only purpose he buys honey at 5 to 10 gallons at a time. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking the honey he buys is local, because he gave me a big spill of how it benefits the beehive farmers of Arkansas (where he lives) when he buys it local. Luckily, I only have a 3 mile (or less) drive to buy honey locally.

I'm really glad someone like you wrote a hub on how good honey is. Perhaps if you were to write up a hub on its medicinal purposes, maybe honey farmers will start to profit and people would gain knowledge of how important bees are before they swat at them.

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 26, 2012:

@Kashmir - I hope it helps you and your brother. Allergies are so disruptive in our lives. Thanks for the votes and shares!

@SilverGenes - you might be able to find local raw honey in a local grocery or health store. We have people who set up roadside stands here, too.

@Cyndi - I am glad the raw honey worked for you. Also, thanks for the kind words about the layout. I can use all the tips I can get. :-)

@Molly - Yes, the small amount of pollen in your local raw honey can help (in time) with your allergies. I hope it works for you. :-)

@Teaches - I hope it helps with your allergies. It may take a little time to build up your immunity, but then you are golden. ;-)

Everyone - Thanks so much for dropping by. I appreciate your reading and leaving such great comments! Good Health to you ALL!

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 26, 2012:

@BedBugAbscond - I agree - the more natural we can keep it, the healthier we will be. :-)

@Kelly - I will try to bring you a jar. LOL I bet we do have many of the same pollens, and they can cause our sinuses to go crazy and create headaches. I don't think I know of any honey for mold, though... UGH!! Nasty little spores. I bet the SHARK would get rid of them for you. :-)

@Kevin - your poor brother. Is he using raw or processed honey? If he finds local raw honey, it might be helpful for him. I am sure it would be good for the mead, too. ;-) You said you used it for medicinal purposes. I also read that honey is a great antiseptic, but I didn't feel it fit into this hub.

Rajan, I feel honored that you would link this hub to one of your GREAT natural health hubs. I am going to go check out your honey hub! Thanks for the votes! :-)

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 26, 2012:

@Susan - thanks so much for sharing with others. I am so glad you do not have seasonal allergies to deal with. Now if I could just find honey that would help me with my cat allergies... SIGH... Thanks for the votes and shares!

@ALocsin - I am glad you learned something new about local raw honey. I found the benefits to be so fascinating. :-) Thanks for the votes!

@Wayne - Hmmm... you may be right about the local raw honey being pricey because the beekeepers are so darned miffed at taking all the stings from those bees to provide their product. LOL I do think the costs offsets the money we spend on medicines that might or might not help, plus it last longer than the medicine and builds our immunity against the pollen. I used to always feel like a guinea pig with the medicines. Besides, in the wintertime I get to use my honey on my toast and in my tea. Can't beat that! ;-) I hope you find some local raw honey that works for you. Thanks for the votes!

Dianna Mendez on May 26, 2012: