Local Honey Recommended for Allergies

Local Honey, Berries Can Fight Itching, Sneezing
Leah Betancourt, WHIO-TV (USA), 12/3/2007

When people suffer from allergies, relief may be a matter of changing what they eat.

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

While many people are tempted to take over-the-counter remedies to lessen the symptoms, there is a better way to fight back, certified nutritional therapist Norma Kayte O’Dell said in an e-mail interview.

She promotes supporting the body to handle these invaders or diminishing exposure through changes in diet.

"Foods that help manage inflammation and support the immune system can help alleviate allergic reactions," O'Dell said.

One such food is local raw honey.

Tom Ogren, horticulturist and author of "Allergy-Free Gardening," said honey works in a way similar to allergy shots -- it builds up a tolerance to local pollens. He said honey made about five to 10 miles from the buyer's home is most useful, and farmer's markets are a good place to buy it. Beekeepers can tell buyers where the honey was produced.

Ogren pointed out that if a person's allergies are worse during the spring, then it's best to buy honey made from bees working springtime flowers…