For those looking for a miracle allergy cure, honey isn't the answer. Some believe honey is a convenient immunotherapy which builds up the immune system to prevent or reduce allergic reactions.
Traditionally, immunotherapy involves injecting an allergen into a person's arm. Over the course of numerous sessions, a doctor injects more of the allergen, gradually increasing the amount until it's at the same level as what the patient would normally be exposed to while outside.
Susan Davis, in a WebMD Magazine Q&A feature, said that people mistakenly believe that pollen from flowers is what triggers their allergies. However, it's really non-flowering trees, weeds and grasses.
"It's generally the pollen blowing in the wind (released by non-flowering trees, weeds, and grasses) that triggers springtime allergies, not the pollen in flowers carried by bees. So even local honey won't have much, if any, of the type of pollen setting off your allergies," wrote Davis.
For those who are desperately trying to manage their allergies, it's important to take a three-pronged approach. First, visit a doctor to find out what you're allergic to. Next, take prescription medicines as directed. After purchasing medicine, make your home allergy free by cleaning consistently and properly changing filters in your HVAC system. Also, purchase allergy management products, such as a humidifier or dehumidifier. Finally, stay indoors when allergies are most aggressive, which is usually between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
For more information on proper allergy management techniques and allergy control products, visit Allergy Be Gone today.
