Can eating local honey help with allergies?

If you’ve ever suffered from seasonal allergies, you know the frustration. Sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose can make springtime a challenge. Many people suggest eating local honey as a natural remedy, believing it will build up tolerance to local pollen and ease symptoms. But does it work? Let’s explore. 

The theory behind local honey for allergies 

The concept is similar to allergy shots. You may develop a tolerance by exposing your body to small amounts of allergens over time. Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby plants, so regularly eating it could potentially help your immune system. 

What does the science say? 

According to the McGill Office for Science and Society, the pollen in honey likely isn’t the same pollen that causes seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies typically come from specific sources. Tree and shrub pollen are present in early spring, grass pollen like turf and hay from May to October and ragweed in the fall. However, bees usually gather nectar from flowers that don’t contribute to these allergies. 

Additionally, using honey as an allergy immunotherapy would require eating it every day, as immunotherapy relies on consistent, long-term exposure to build tolerance. However, honey doesn’t have a fixed, consistent dose of specific pollen, so eating it daily for allergy relief may not be effective or practical. 

Why some people swear by it 

Despite lacking strong scientific backing, many report feeling better after eating local honey. This could be due to the placebo effect when your mind convinces you that you feel better. However, honey also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that might soothe symptoms like throat irritation. If you’re allergic to flower pollen, you might even see a slight improvement. 

Should you try it? 

Local honey may not be a proven allergy remedy, but it’s generally safe and offers other health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. 

The sweet takeaway 

Local honey may not cure seasonal allergies, but it’s a tasty experiment. So why not give it a try? It might add a bit of sweetness to your day.