Can Honey Cure Seasonal Allergies?

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I’ve heard over and over that if you eat locally produced honey or bee pollen, you can minimize the discomfort from seasonal pollen and tree allergies.

But, is it true?

I decided it was time to put on my researcher hat and dig up some information.

What Honey Can (And Can’t) Do

After doing lots of reading, the honey cure isn’t backed by much credible evidence.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “There is no scientific proof that eating local honey will improve seasonal allergies. One study, published in 2002 in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, showed no difference among allergy sufferers who ate local honey, commercially processed honey, or a honey-flavored placebo.”

However, honey is a healthy, whole foods sweetener that offers other health benefits.

Dr. Brent A. Bauer with the Mayo Clinic explains on the clinic’s website that honey does work as a cough suppressant and has anti-inflammatory characteristics, which might help an allergy sufferer temporarily.

A Word of Caution for Allergy Sufferers

Since raw honey does contain small amounts of pollen, mold spores and bacteria (which are usually filtered out by commercial processing methods), consuming natural unprocessed honey may cause an allergic response in sensitive individuals.

“The ingestion of unprocessed honey can result in an immediate allergic reaction involving the mouth, throat, or skin - such as itching, hives or swelling - or even anaphylaxis. Such reactions may be related to either pollen or bee part contaminants,” according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

So, should you eat honey if you have strong seasonal allergies? It’s best to talk with your allergist or family physician.

Do you know of any natural remedies to lessen the symptoms of seasonal outdoor allergies? I have a hubby and a few friends who would love to know what works for you! Please share your ideas in the comments below.

Until Next Time,

Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague

Whole Foods Living

Going Gluten Free? Tips From the Trenches

Irish Night!

This past weekend I attended a wonderful Irish-themed benefit dinner for an animal-assisted therapy program in my area. As a gluten-sensitive vegetarian I usually get nervous about these types of events. I always wonder if catering companies are able to (and care to) work with guests with special dietary needs.

Gluten-free. Dairy-free. Nut-free. Soy-free. Wheat allergy. Lactose intolerant. Egg allergies. There sure are lots of dietary restrictions out there.

Thankfully, my dinner was fabulous and filled with whole, unprocessed foods. (For those who are wondering, I was served a tangy Irish salad topped with seasoned beets and red onion; a main course of seasoned red potatoes, grilled asparagus and a portabello mushroom cap filled with a chunky tomato sauce which was topped with melted mozzarella cheese; and a chocolate souffle drizzled with Bailey's Irish Cream sauce for dessert!!)

Learning to travel and dine out with a gluten sensitivity (or any food allergy) can be difficult. Here's a few articles I've written about making the transition to a gluten-free diet safely:

Gluten-Free Roadtrip: Tasty Travel Tips

Common Food Allergies: Starting a Gluten-Free Diet

Celiac disease diet: Gluten-free food list

Do you have any tips for dining out with a food allergy? Please share in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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