Honey for Allergies: Does It Really Work?
As a family who keeps bees, I get asked all the time—“Can honey help with allergies?” The honest answer? “It depends.” There’s no magic fix, but local raw honey might help—if you use it the right way.
The idea is simple: raw honey contains tiny bits of pollen. If you eat a little every day, your body might get used to those allergens, kind of like how allergy shots work. But here’s the thing—it’s not a guaranteed cure, and there’s a lot more to it than just swallowing a spoonful.
What Does Science Say?
Okay, I’ll be straight with you—there’s no strong scientific proof that honey definitely treats allergies. (And trust me, I’ve looked!) That doesn’t mean it doesn’t help—I’ve seen it work for people. But we can’t ignore the facts: right now, research is limited.
The most famous study is the Birch Pollen Honey (BPH) Study. In it, people who took BPH daily before allergy season had fewer symptoms than those who only used regular meds—and even did a little better than folks eating plain honey.
But here’s the catch:
- The “birch pollen honey” wasn’t just natural honey—it was regular honey with extra birch pollen added. (We don’t know how much.)
- People started taking it four months before allergy season, slowly increasing the dose. So no, waiting until spring won’t cut it!
What About Real People’s Experiences?
Even if science hasn’t “proven” it yet, I’ve met tons of people who say local raw honey helps their allergies. And I believe them!
Here’s the problem: Big companies don’t fund honey studies because they can’t patent it. So research is slow. But every study I’ve read ends with: “This looks promising—we need more research!”
How to Actually Use Honey for Allergies
If you want to try it, here’s what you need to know:
1. It’s Not a Quick Fix
Thinking a teaspoon in spring will stop your sneezing? Nope. Honey works best as part of a bigger plan—alongside diet changes, herbs, and other remedies.
2. You Need Local Raw Honey
- “Raw” means it’s unfiltered and unheated, so the pollen is still in it. (Look for words like unprocessed or unfiltered.)
- “Local” matters because it should contain pollen from your area—the stuff you’re actually allergic to.
3. Timing Matters Too
Bees make honey all season. If you have spring allergies, get honey from the first harvest—later batches might not have spring pollen.
4. Most Pollen in Honey Isn’t What You’re Allergic To
Honey mostly has flower pollen, but most allergies come from grass and tree pollen. Some gets in the hive, but not much. Still, honey can help in other ways—like soothing coughs and reducing inflammation.
5. Start Early & Go Slow
- Begin months before allergy season (like November for spring allergies).
- Start with ¼ teaspoon daily, then slowly increase every few days.
- A rough guide: 1 tablespoon per 50 lbs of body weight per day (but adjust based on how you feel).
- Warning: Rarely, people react to honey—so don’t start with big doses!
Where to Find Good Local Raw Honey
It’s easier than you think:
- Farmers’ markets (ask around or call your county health office for locations).
- Local agriculture extension offices (they know all the beekeepers in your area).
- Social media (neighborhood groups often have leads).
- Health food stores (but check labels—many pasteurize honey, killing the good stuff).
What About “Organic” Honey?
Here’s the truth: True organic honey is almost impossible in the U.S. Bees fly up to 5 miles from their hive—so unless every single plant in that 78-square-mile area is pesticide-free (unlikely!), the honey isn’t truly organic.
Store-bought “USDA Organic” honey is usually imported (from Canada, Brazil, etc.). The USDA just trusts other countries’ certifications.
Better idea: Talk to local beekeepers. Even if they can’t call it “organic,” many follow natural, chemical-free practices.
Other Ways to Fight Allergies Naturally
Honey alone won’t fix everything. Try these too:
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (more veggies, fish; less junk food).
- Try nettle leaf (a natural antihistamine—you can even forage it!).
- Rinse your nose with a neti pot to flush out pollen.
- Keep windows closed in pollen season (hard, but it helps!).
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Using Honey for Allergies
1. Does honey really help with allergies?
While there’s no definitive scientific proof that honey can cure allergies, some studies and many anecdotal reports suggest that it can help reduce allergy symptoms. The idea is that local raw honey contains small amounts of pollen, which might desensitize your body to the allergens over time, similar to the way allergy shots work.
2. How does honey help with allergies?
Honey contains trace amounts of pollen, and by consuming small amounts of honey regularly, your immune system may gradually build up a tolerance to the pollen. However, honey primarily helps by soothing sore throats, reducing inflammation, and easing coughs, rather than directly tackling the cause of allergies.
3. What kind of honey should I use for allergies?
To get the most benefit, you should use local raw honey. “Raw” means the honey hasn’t been filtered or heated, so the pollen is preserved. “Local” is important because the honey will contain pollen from plants in your area, which is likely what triggers your allergy symptoms.
4. When should I start taking honey for allergies?
If you’re using honey for allergies, timing is key. Start consuming honey months before allergy season begins—ideally around November for spring allergies. Gradually increasing your intake can help your body build tolerance over time.
5. How much honey should I consume for allergies?
Begin with ¼ teaspoon daily, then increase the amount gradually. A general guideline is 1 tablespoon per 50 lbs of body weight per day. However, adjust based on how your body responds, and always start slow to avoid allergic reactions.
6. How long will it take before I see results with honey for allergies?
Honey isn’t a quick fix. It works best when used as part of a larger allergy-management plan, including dietary changes, herbs, and other remedies. It may take a few months of regular consumption before you notice any relief.
7. Can I just use any honey for allergies?
Not all honey is suitable. Pasteurized honey is processed at high temperatures, which destroys the beneficial pollen. Only raw, unfiltered, and local honey will have the pollen necessary for potential allergy relief.
8. What about “organic” honey?
True “organic” honey is nearly impossible to find in the U.S. because bees can fly several miles from their hives, meaning it’s difficult to guarantee that all plants within that area are pesticide-free. While USDA Organic honey is often imported, it may not be as local as the honey you can get from local beekeepers, who might follow natural and chemical-free practices even if they can’t officially label their honey as “organic.”
9. Can I use honey alone to treat my allergies?
Honey can be a helpful part of an allergy-relief plan, but it shouldn’t be relied on as the sole treatment. Consider combining it with other natural remedies, like herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint), neti pots for nasal irrigation, or local herbal treatments to manage symptoms more effectively.
Conclusion:
Using honey for allergies is a natural approach that may provide relief for some people, but it’s not a guaranteed cure. Local raw honey, when consumed regularly and in the right quantities, could help alleviate symptoms by desensitizing your body to local allergens. However, it’s most effective when used in conjunction with other allergy treatments and lifestyle changes. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the best course of action for managing your allergies.
