(Nexstar) – With spring comes the familiar itch in the eyes, often leading to frustration for many. Interestingly, there’s buzz around the idea that consuming raw local honey might help alleviate seasonal allergies.
One TikTok user joked, “If honey helps with allergies, why not just lick pollen from my car? I’m all for it. If a doctor can prove it works, I’ll give it a shot.”
Instead of considering such extreme measures, many find the idea of taking a spoonful of honey daily more appealing than enduring nasal sprays or allergy medications. According to Dr. Allergy, some patients think it makes sense.
Dr. Oberholt explained, “The concept is that honeybees carry small amounts of pollen into the honey, and regular consumption might lead to desensitization.” But, experts caution that there’s no solid evidence to support this notion.
“The pollen bees carry is not a significant allergen and typically won’t trigger allergic reactions,” Oberholt stated.
He notes that the plants responsible for seasonal allergies are mostly wind-pollinated.
A study from the University of Connecticut in 2002 reached a similar conclusion. In the study, 36 participants were divided into three groups, each receiving a daily spoonful of local unfiltered honey, pasteurized honey, or flavored corn syrup.
The researchers found that “neither honey group saw any symptom relief greater than the placebo group,” they concluded.
Even if some pollen is found in honey, research indicates that merely ingesting allergens—known as oral immunotherapy—doesn’t help with nasal allergies. Overholt clarified that this should not be confused with sublingual immunotherapy, where drops containing allergens are placed under the tongue. Dr. Howard Boltanski at Johns Hopkins has indicated that sublingual immunotherapy might be a safer alternative to traditional allergy shots.
Experts strongly advise caution against the TikTok trend of consuming local pollen—whether from a car or homemade beverages.
For those dealing with allergies, it’s important to collaborate with specialists who can create customized treatment plans. Gradual desensitization through medications (drops or shots) containing small allergen quantities is key, and this should be monitored due to potential reactions. It’s vital to manage exposure to allergens under professional guidance.
Melanie Carver, Chief Mission Director, American Asthma and Allergy Foundation
While honey is generally safe for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving honey to children under 12 months due to the risk of botulinum toxicity from spores that can be present in honey.
