If local honey is a regular item on your grocery list, you’ve probably heard that honey is good for seasonal allergy relief. Although honey is tasty, and a lot better for you than refined sugars, learn why stocking up on honey at your local grocery store may not do as much as you may hope to relieve your allergy symptoms. 

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen. As histamine is released into the bloodstream, allergy symptoms—sneezing, hives, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and throat irritation—occur. If their symptoms are severe, allergy sufferers are often advised to avoid substances that trigger reactions, take antihistamines, and undergo immunotherapy. Allergy shots expose patients to small amounts of an allergen—the substance that induces allergic reactions—so that they develop a tolerance to the allergen.

Local Honey Is Not Likely to Make an Impact

Local honey is touted as a folksy form of immunotherapy. However, it’s not really effective as an allergy treatment. Most people aren’t allergic to the type of pollen found in honey, as most pollen allergies are caused by grasses and trees. Also, there’s no indication of how much pollen is actually in a serving of honey. Unlike honey, an allergy shot contains a precise amount of the allergen for therapeutic purposes. 

Local Honey Still Offers Health Benefits

Just because local honey doesn’t relieve allergies, don’t discontinue buying it from the grocery. Raw honey, among other health benefits, has antioxidants that prevent cell damage. It’s also an all-natural remedy for treating sore throats, suppressing coughs, and relieving gastrointestinal conditions.

Local shoppers in Nekoosa, WI, count on Pritzl's Trading Post for groceries, deli-fresh meats and cheeses, and delicious bakery goods. If you’re in the area, getting ready for a summer vacation, stop by. They have a great selection of fishing supplies and you can pick up a jar or two of local honey. Visit them online, or call (715) 325-2281, for more information about store hours and their grocery, bakery, and deli selections.