The truth about Honey and Hay fever
Sneezing fits. Watery, itchy eyes. An annoying tickle in your throat. Sound familiar? Then you’re probably preparing to cope with the seasonal inconvenience of hay fever symptoms.
Hay fever is a common allergic reaction which occurs as a reaction to pollen from grass, trees and weeds during the early spring and summer months. It affects both adults and children and, strangely enough, more city dwellers than those living in the countryside, due to the air pollution. There's currently no cure for hay fever and most people find they can relieve symptoms with antihistamines, decongestants and eye drops, at least to a certain extent. Obviously, the most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen but staying indoors for months is pretty extreme and not an option for most.
Natural ways to help control symptoms include anything from washing away pollen by showering at night to applying a thin layer of fragrance-free lip balm (like this one) inside the lower nostrils to put a stop to the pollen entering the nose. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint or nettle tea all contain antioxidants and antihistamines. The soothing warmth of the tea can also help to clear your nose.
Of course, local honey is often cited as a natural remedy. The idea is that through consuming local honey you are exposed to the same pollen from the plants in your area likely causing it. You therefore help your body to naturally form a tolerance. This makes sense in theory but what does the evidence say?
There are two main studies concerned with local honey as a treatment for hay fever.
A 2002 study at the University of Connecticut compared locally produced, unfiltered honey, with nationally produced, filtered honey and honey flavoured corn syrup. In double-blind trials, there was no difference between the three in reducing hay fever symptoms.
Another conducted in Malaysia published 2013 was a placebo controlled randomised study, in which all participants took an antihistamine alongside either the honey or the honey flavoured corn syrup. The study found that eating honey in large quantities (1g per kg of body weight over a 4-week period!) could have a complementary effect in improving hay fever symptoms.
So, it seems there is little evidence to support the myth that local pollen in honey can desensitise the allergic reaction but if a tickly cough from excess mucus forms part of your symptoms perhaps it may help as a cough suppressant. Honey does have soothing properties.
Still, some people swear by eating honey regularly and there are very good reasons for that.
It is local, from hedgerows and fields within 3 miles of the apiary so has travelled far less food miles.
It’s a high-quality product as the honey hasn't been excessively heated before it is jarred, micro-filtered or pasteurised - all the goodness is still there, including pollen
Local honey is just far more interesting than mass produced honey. Honey from different locations tastes different and will also change from season to season from the same hives due to varying flora.
Supports honeybees in your local area. Local beekeepers help maintain the honeybee population in which wild populations have suffered due to destruction of their habitat and forage, use of pesticides and the varroa mite. Buying local honey supports local beekeepers in their efforts.
It tastes fantastic!
