This year has been brutal for seasonal allergy sufferers. At Vickie's Bees Apiary in Palm Harbor we have seen our share of customers purchasing local honey in an attempt to alleviate seasonal allergies. We have even had doctors recommend patients to us as well.
So, can honey really help manage seasonal allergy symptoms? For me, the answer is absolutely! Years ago, I was diagnosed with allergies and asthma. I started the desensitation process of weekly injections and a routine of daily medications consisting of asthma medications, inhalers, nebulizers, allergy meds and when things got really bad - steroids. Since, I am the poster child for side effects - I struggled with that as well. I decided to try to incorporate a more natural approach to my medical plan by changing my diet to a plant based diet (I did add salmon and a little fish/seafood back after 7 years of plant only - on ocassion) and becoming a beekeeper natually meant tasting and sampling honey and honeycomb daily. Over the course of time, I am happy to say it worked for me. I no longer require shots or medication. I do carry an emergency inhaler, but more often then not it expires and I ask my primary to fill it "just in case". I haven't used it for seasonal allergies in years. This is my experience and story. However, I decided to do a little research for the red-eyed, sneezing, coughing, nose-blowing clients who keep showing up at our door to buy honey in hopes of managing their symptoms through the use of local honey.
I would like to share what I found with you. I am not a doctor, but the articles I am sharing are from doctors and as I stated earlier we do have doctors send their patients to us. Every person is a unique individual so what works for one may not work for another. I am by no means suggesting NOT listening to your doctor or following their instructions regarding taking your prescribed meds, but simply suggesting incorporating honey into the routine and see what happens. Talk it over with your doctor prior to making any changes.
Vickie's Bees offers local Wildflower honey as well Garlic/Ginger/Turmeric Honey and Elderberry Honey. Our Elderberry Honey has NO added white sugar or water. As with most of our honey we only use USDA Certified Organic Herbs and Spices.
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