How do I take it?
The best way is to start eating small amounts of the honey prior to the start of the allergy season, gradually increasing to one teaspoon a day, and continuing throughout the season. Although it is technically already spring, it is still very early, and the cold weather in many parts of the country (March came in like a lion…and went out like one. No lambs in sight.), may have staved off some of the pollen. If you start now, you might be able to benefit from honey this season.
Can this remedy be used on children?
Honey is generally well tolerated, but any substance should be tested in a very small dose to rule out any adverse reactions prior to regular consumption. However, honey in any form must not be given to babies under one year of age. Although a rare occurrence, it could cause infant botulism.
Does science support this?
As with many tried and true natural and home remedies, there are little to no scientific studies proving the efficacy of honey on allergy prevention and treatment. The reason is because small, local farmers simply do not have room in their budgets for large-scale clinical trials or controlled, double-blind studies as do the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture allergy shots and antihistamines. What farmers do have, however, is hundreds of years of success stories from real people and real families. If honey was not effective, people would have stopped using it by now.
Raw, local honey has so many wonderful uses. Not only does it provide sweetness to our food in a way that works with the body, but it can also be used to treat minor wounds, clear up problematic skin, soothe digestive problems, and deliver vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the body. Adding allergy prevention and relief to that list makes honey a very powerful and multi-functional gift from nature.
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