Research Shows Local Honey may Halt Allergies
Honey has been considered an alternative allergy treatment for many years, with many allergy sufferers swearing by its anti-allergenic properties. Until recently, however, there had not been much research into whether or not local honey truly played a role in diminishing allergy symptoms, or perhaps even halting allergies altogether.
A recent study found that the use of local honey resulted in a 60 percent reduction in symptoms for birch pollen allergy sufferers. The study, found on the Internal Archives of Allergy and Immunology website, involved a total of 44 patients diagnosed with birch pollen allergy. The subjects consumed either birch pollen honey or regular honey daily from November to March.
Of the group, 17 patients were only using their usual allergy medication in an attempt to control symptoms. The study found that the patients using birch pollen honey experienced a sharp decline in symptoms. In fact, here is what the birch pollen honey group reportedly experienced:
- 60 percent reduction in symptoms
- Twice as many asymptomatic days
- 70 percent fewer days with severe symptoms
- 50 percent decrease in usage of antihistamines
Perhaps the use of local honey should be considered in the treatment of allergies, as new research sheds light on its benefits. With a 60% decrease in symptoms, the results are quite impressive.
