Skip the local honey — it does not treat allergies

What to Do

Do not rely on local honey as an allergy treatment. While widely recommended as folk medicine, the evidence does not support it.

Why It Works (It Doesn't)

The theory is that local honey contains trace pollen that desensitizes the immune system, similar to immunotherapy. However, the pollen in honey is primarily from flowers (entomophilous), while seasonal allergies are caused by wind-borne (anemophilous) tree, grass, and weed pollen. A rigorous RCT found no difference between local honey, pasteurized honey, and corn syrup placebo for allergy symptoms.

Tips

• Honey is a fine food but not a medicine for hay fever
• Raw honey can contain botulism spores — never give to children under 1 year
• If you enjoy honey, there is no harm in eating it, but do not skip effective treatments