Does Honey Help With Seasonal Allergies?
Updated: Jul. 13, 2018
When allergies flare, it's tempting to seek relief from easy, inexpensive treatments. Can honey help with allergies? Here's what the research says.
It’s that time of year: Your box of tissues never leaves your side and your eyes may as well be made of sand. That’s right—it’s allergy season and you’re probably desperate for any fix. Of course, you can rely on over-the-counter medications or try to stay inside, but have you heard that honey might help with seasonal allergies? After all, the ingredient can already do so much in the kitchen.
Why honey?
The theory that honey can help with seasonal allergies is based on the science of immunotherapy. That’s how allergy shots work—small doses of an allergen are injected to help build up a natural immunity. So it’s thought that honey since it comes from the pollen of plants that often cause us to sneeze and wheeze, might be able to help in the same way.
Does it work?
Unfortunately, there is little (well, almost no) evidence that consuming local honey helps improve your immunity to seasonal allergies.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there’s no scientific proof that local honey will improve seasonal allergy symptoms. And a small study conducted back in 2002 also concluded that consuming honey didn’t improve any symptoms.
The only study that found that honey alleviated any symptoms has a few caveats. This study examined only 40 people and participants took loratadine (more commonly known as Claratin—an allergy medicine) along with the honey. So it’s safe to be skeptical about the conclusion.
Honey can help (just not with allergies)
Just because honey can’t help you get rid of those pesky seasonal allergies, doesn’t mean it’s not good for you! Some studies have shown that honey can help tame your cough.
And don't forget these honey recipes!
Honey CornbreadServing this moist cornbread to family and guests is a pleasure. Honey gives the bread a slightly sweet taste, and most people find it difficult to eat just one piece. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Honey Spice BreadThe texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O'Dell, Binghamton, New York
Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts SaladEven if you dislike Brussels sprouts, you will love this dish. The dressing is so tasty, and it pairs amazingly with the apples, grapes and walnuts. You can also add whatever cheese, nuts or fruit you prefer. —Sheila Sturrock, Coldwater, Ontario
Honey Lemon Meringue PieMy husband especially enjoys this lemon meringue pie recipe with condensed milk. His mother made a similar treat for him when he was a child, but it was rewarding for me to create a recipe of my own that he loves so much! —Portia Gorman, Los Angeles, California
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day DipYou can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Baklava Thumbprint CookiesThe topping on my sister-in-law's peach cobbler was so delicious that I asked for the recipe; then I decided to use that to top a cookie I developed with the flavors of baklava. My adult son tried one and immediately ate two more—which is unusual for him! It's a good recipe to mix up the night before and bake fresh the next day for company. —Sharon Eshelman, Harrington, Delaware
Canned Nectarines in Honey SyrupNectarines are in season for such a short time, you'll want to do whatever you can to extend the season. With this quick method for canning nectarines, you'll have delicious fruit all year long. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey-Citrus Iced TeaA frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this refreshing punch nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch. —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio
Bee Sting CakeThe bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey-Peanut Butter CookiesWhen my husband wants a treat, he requests these chewy peanut butter honey cookies. —Lucile Proctor, Panguitch, Utah
Apple-Honey Dutch BabyI love to make this treat on Sunday morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm right out of the oven...and the apple honey filling is yummy! —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
Orange Pomegranate Salad with HoneyI discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Honey-Lime Almond CookiesDecades ago my grandmother passed this buttery lime cookie recipe to me. Through years of baking, our cookie memories keep the family connected, although we’re miles apart. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Apple Honey Tapioca PuddingI'm glad that apple season is long, since my family requests this pudding quite often!
Originally Published: July 13, 2018
