Honey for Allergies
Honey is well known as an integral part of home remedies for allergies. However, it is important to use raw honey and not processed honey as processed honey does not have the same anti-allergenic properties as raw honey. This is because raw honey contains trace amounts of pollen from flowers which are transferred to the body of the honey bee while it is extracting nectar from the flower and is then transferred to the hive. When honey is processed, the pollen in it is destroyed and so processed honey has no real effect on allergies. Raw honey for allergies should be consumed on a daily basis for lasting results. There are many cases of people being completely cured of mild to moderate allergies through the use of honey. Honey and allergies therefore is a much researched subject as scientists try to determine the best type of honey for treating allergies.
The summer months can be extremely tough for a person who has mild to severe Hay Fever. Hay fever is the allergic reaction that is triggered when an individual inhales pollen grains. People are most affected in the spring and summer because the amount of pollen in the air is much higher during these months than it is throughout the rest of the year. Some people who are very sensitive to pollen may suffer from this problem throughout the year. Honey for allergies will help to treat as well as prevent the problem from recurring. Hay fever generally causes mucus accumulation which can result in wheezing and coughing. Honey can also be used to alleviate these problems as it helps to soothe the throat. A few spoons of raw honey added to a glass of warm water and consumed every morning will help to reduce the effects of allergies.
Doctors often recommend honey for allergy reactions to poison ivy. Poison ivy causes intense itching and causes raised bumps to appear on the portions of the skin that have been exposed to the poison Ivy plant. After cleansing the areas well, a mixture of honey, milkweed sap, and Aloe vera gel should be applied to the areas. It is important to not scratch the areas as this will aggravate the problem and even cause the rash to spread. Honey can also be used to treat hives. Hives appear as patches of swollen skin or welts that appear on the surface of the skin and are the result of the body’s reaction to certain foods that have been consumed by the individual. A soothing salve made out of fresh mint leaves and honey can be applied to the affected areas to reduce the itching sensation.
