Everyone has questions from time to time, and sometimes the answers aren’t easily found. That’s why we’ve started our FYI series, where experts weigh in on topics like whether lip balm is really harmful and the frequency for washing your hair.
Let’s talk about seasonal allergies—a real nuisance for many. Symptoms like a runny nose, itchy skin, and nagging cough can be bothersome. In the United States, around a quarter of adults and one in five kids deal with these issues, according to the CDC. Frustrated, many turn to home remedies for relief—one popular option being honey, the kind you might put in tea or drizzle on desserts. But, does it actually work for allergies? I reached out to some experts to get the scoop.
Does honey help treat seasonal allergies?
According to Dr. Ruchi S. Gupta, a pediatric and medicine professor at Northwestern University, there’s no solid scientific proof that honey alleviates seasonal allergies. She notes that some smaller studies have looked into this, but they haven’t produced consistent results. Dr. Carolyn Kwiat, an allergy specialist, adds that personal anecdotes about local honey seem persuasive to some—it’s a common sentiment—but again, science hasn’t confirmed this.
Does honey offer health benefits?
So, honey might not tackle seasonal allergies, but it still holds health benefits. Gupta explains that honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. For example, a soothing tea with honey can be quite helpful for a sore throat, confirms Melanie Carver from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. If tea isn’t your thing, a spoonful of honey can still do the trick.
The best honey to keep at home
Having honey on hand is really useful for sweetening food and drinks, or soothing sore throats. Experts recommend going for honey that’s unfiltered and pure—meaning no added stuff, and it hasn’t been heated to lose nutrients. All the options below fit that criteria, based on expert advice.
One of my go-to brands is from Zach & Zoe Bee Farm in New Jersey. I like it in my tea and yogurt; it adds sweetness without being overwhelming. Plus, the jar has a wide opening—perfect for scooping out honey when I’m baking.
Wedderspoon’s Manuka honey is another favorite. Their honey, packed in New Zealand, has a creamy texture and a sweet taste reminiscent of caramel.
Savannah Bee Company’s Tupelo honey comes from the Georgia-Florida region. It’s got a buttery flavor and a smooth texture, making it versatile for sweetening tea or as a dipping sauce for biscuits.
Then there’s Mike’s Hot Honey. I’ve heard it’s fantastic drizzled over dishes like avocado toast or cottage cheese, combined with everything bagel seasoning. It really spices things up, especially for those who enjoy a bit of heat alongside their sweetness.
Lastly, OneRoot’s raw buckwheat honey offers a richer flavor with some potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Though, it’s got an acquired taste, being a bit more bitter compared to its wildflower counterparts. They source this honey from Ontario buckwheat fields.
Why doesn’t honey help treat seasonal allergies?
The common belief is that local raw honey helps with allergies—because it’s thought to contain local pollen that, when ingested, might help build immunity. However, this concept doesn’t quite hold when we look closely. As Gupta explains, the pollen responsible for seasonal allergies comes from wind-pollinated plants—think trees and grasses—while honey contains pollen from flowers that bees visit, which doesn’t impact allergies.
Kwiat elaborates, stating that heavy pollen types aren’t airborne and therefore don’t trigger allergies. Bees simply don’t pollinate those plants; hence you won’t find their pollen in honey.
Who can eat honey?
Honey is safe for those over one-year-old. Infants should avoid it, as it can harbor bacteria that lead to infant botulism—a serious condition, according to Carver.
Frequently asked questions
What are seasonal allergies? Gupta describes these as a condition when the immune system overreacts to pollen from various plants during specific seasons. Pollen travels far in the air, making it tricky to escape.
What symptoms are associated with seasonal allergies? Seasonal allergies can trigger symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, or even hives. Symptoms typically start suddenly and can linger for weeks without treatment. Unlike a cold, itching is a key symptom of allergies.
How do you treat seasonal allergies? Gupta suggests consulting with a doctor for tailored treatment plans. Common approaches include over-the-counter medications like nasal sprays or antihistamines. It helps to keep track of pollen counts as well and limit outdoor time when counts are high.
Meet our allergy experts
We collaborate with specialists to ensure well-rounded information is provided. Dr. Carolyn Kwiat is a trusted allergy and immunology expert. Dr. Ruchi S. Gupta also plays a vital role as a pediatric expert at Northwestern. Finally, we have Melanie Carver from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.
Understanding seasonal allergies and treatment options can provide significant relief when allergy season hits. So, ready yourself, especially if you’re prone to them!
