Hayfever is an allergy that affects millions of people around the world. The condition is triggered by the pollen released from plants and trees, and leads to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. While there are several treatment options available, some people prefer natural remedies. One such remedy that is gaining popularity is honey. In particular, local honey is believed to help alleviate hayfever symptoms. The theory is that by consuming honey made from the same pollen that triggers their allergy, people can build up a tolerance to it. But does it really work? We take a closer look at the science behind this folk remedy. 

What Causes Hayfever?

Hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen, which can be caused by various types of plants, such as trees, grasses, and weeds. When people with hay fever are exposed to pollen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a harmful substance and releases antibodies to fight off the perceived threat. These antibodies then trigger the release of chemicals, such as histamines, which can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and headaches. The severity of hay fever symptoms can vary greatly depending on the individual's sensitivity to pollen, as well as the type and amount of pollen in the air. Other factors, such as pollution and humidity, can also worsen hay fever symptoms. And living next to large fields of crops such as oil seed rape and woodland with a high percentage of pollen from trees and grasses can also impact on sufferers. Overall, hay fever is a common condition that affects many people, especially during the spring and summer months when pollen levels are high. 

Why Honey Bees Collect Pollen

Honey bees collect pollen for a variety of reasons, most notably to feed their young and maintain the hive. Pollen is the primary source of protein for bees, and it is used to create bee bread, which is a mixture of pollen, honey, and bee saliva that is fed to developing larvae. In addition to its nutritional value, pollen also plays a role in pollination, as the bees transfer pollen from flower to flower in the process of gathering it. Pollination is essential for the survival of many plants and crops, making honey bees an invaluable tool for agriculture and beekeeping. By collecting pollen from local flowers, bees also help to ensure the continued diversity of plant species in their environment. Ultimately, the act of collecting pollen is an essential part of honey bee behavior and is caused by the bees' innate need to sustain themselves and their communities. 

Why is Local Pollen in Honey Important?

Local pollen in honey is important for many reasons. One of the main reasons is the pollen count contained within the honey. As we know, pollen is a powdery substance that is essential for the growth and reproduction of plants. When bees collect pollen from the flowers and deposit it into the honey, the honey becomes a rich source of valuable nutrients for humans. These nutrients can help with hayfever and other allergies. Studies have shown that consuming local honey can help alleviate the symptoms of hayfever, as it contains small amounts of pollen that can help build up immunity to common allergens. So, if you are looking for a natural way to fight allergies, local honey is definitely the way to go! 

Taking and Using Honey as a Hayfever Remedy

Honey has been used as a traditional remedy for hayfever for centuries. More recently, there has been scientific evidence to support its use as an alternative to hayfever tablets. Honey contains small amounts of pollen, which, when consumed regularly, can help desensitize the immune system to allergens. Additionally, some types of honey have natural antihistamine properties that can provide relief from hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. While there isn't extensive research to support the use of honey as a standalone treatment for hayfever, incorporating it into your diet as a natural supplement may help alleviate symptoms. However, it is important to note that honey should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional. 

Does Local Honey Really Work as a Hayfever Cure?

There is a common belief that taking local honey can help ease your symptoms. The idea is that by consuming honey produced by bees from your local area, you will build up a tolerance to the pollen grains in your environment. This theory is based on the fact that bees forage for nectar and pollen grains in the same plants that trigger allergy symptoms during the hayfever season. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Some studies suggest that the benefits of local honey for hayfever may be more of a placebo effect than a real cure. It is worth noting that honey does not completely eradicate the symptoms and it is important to consult a medical professional for appropriate treatment options. 

Best Tips for Combatting Hayfever

Hayfever can be a miserable experience, with its sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and congestion. However, there are several tips to help combat the symptoms of hayfever. First, eating local honey can be helpful because it gradually exposes your body to the pollen, which can help build immunity. If possible, try to purchase unprocessed honey from a local beekeeper, as it may contain more local pollen. Soft set honey can also be effective as it retains more pollen than processed honey. Additionally, some studies suggest that honey helps to reduce inflammation in the body, which may relieve the symptoms. Incorporating these strategies into your routine may help to improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. 

Which Honey Should I Take To Combat Hayfever?

If you are looking for a natural remedy to combat hayfever, then raw local honey is often your best (and tastiest!) option. All the honey sold by The Snowdonia Honey Company is unpasteurised and cold-filtered so all the natural goodness remains ion the honey. One to try first would be our Welsh Wildflower Honey. It contains traces of all the pollen the bees have foraged over the season and that can help alleviate allergies caused by hayfever. Eating local honey is the best choice as it contains pollen from the flowers in your area, and therefore, your body can build immunity against local allergens. Supermarket honey may not have the same benefits as it is often pasteurised and contains fewer nutrients. The Snowdonia Honey Co. is a small artisan company that produces honey collected from bees located in the mountains and hillsides of North Wales. It is a popular choice for hayfever sufferers due to its high pollen content. In conclusion, honey, especially locally sourced, is a great natural option to fight hayfever.

You will find and shop our full range of local Welsh honey HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can honey help with hayfever?

Honey contains small amounts of pollen picked up by bees as they collect nectar from flowers, it's thought that consuming small doses of this local honey may help build up a tolerance to the allergens that cause hayfever symptoms. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this theory.

2. What are the symptoms of hayfever?

The symptoms of hayfever may include sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. These symptoms may be accompanied by fatigue or irritability and increase significantly when the pollen count is high in the hayfever season between April and July.

3. How does honey help with hayfever symptoms?

Some people believe that consuming raw honey from local sources can help alleviate symptoms by exposing the individual to small amounts of the allergens that cause hayfever. This can gradually help the person to build up a tolerance to these allergens over time, reducing symptoms.

4. Why is local honey recommended for hayfever?

Local honey may contain small amounts of pollen that is similar to the types of pollen causing your symptoms in the local area. It is thought that consuming small amounts of this type of pollen regularly can help the body build up a tolerance to these allergens, reducing reactions.

5. How much honey should I consume to help with hayfever?

There is no specific amount of honey that has been proven to help with the symptoms. However, it is recommended that individuals consume small amounts of local honey regularly for optimal benefits.

6. How do honey bees contribute to hayfever relief?

Honey bees help pollinate plants that produce the pollen that causes the symptoms. By collecting nectar from these plants, the bees process the pollen and create honey that may contain small amounts of allergens. Consuming this honey may gradually help to reduce the symptoms over time.

7. Can honey completely cure hayfever?

While there is some evidence to suggest that consuming local honey may help alleviate hayfever symptoms, there is no cure for hayfever. Certain types of medication, such as antihistamines, may be more effective at managing symptoms than honey.

8. Can honey cause allergic reactions in individuals with hayfever?

Although it is rare, people with hayfever may be allergic to bees or honey, in which case consuming honey may trigger an allergic reaction. It's recommended that individuals with known allergies to bee stings or honey avoid consuming honey.

9. How long does it take for honey to start to work on hayfever symptoms?

It may take several weeks or longer for individuals to notice a reduction in the symptoms from consuming local honey regularly. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of honey in managing symptoms may vary between individuals.

10. What are the best ways to consume honey for hayfever relief?

One common way to consume honey for hayfever relief is to consume small amounts (usually 1-2 teaspoons) of honey from local sources regularly. Honey can also be incorporated into teas or smoothies as a natural sweetener and allergy-fighting ingredient.