Does Eating Honey Help With Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.

Many people turn to natural remedies to manage allergy symptoms, and honey is often suggested as a potential solution for seasonal allergies triggered by pollen.

Some early studies suggest that honey may be a helpful home remedy, but more research is needed.

The idea of using honey to help with allergies is based on an allergy treatment called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves exposure to a small amount of an allergen, like pollen. Over time, your immune system builds tolerance to the allergen. Local honey, which naturally contains small amounts of pollen from nearby plants, is thought to work similarly by slowly desensitizing your body to allergens.

Unlike medically-led immunotherapy, where you’re exposed to the same dose of an allergen each time, the amount of pollen in honey can greatly vary. The types of pollen that usually trigger allergies (typically from trees, grasses, and weeds) also differ from pollen collected by bees, which primarily come from flowers.

Some studies suggest that honey may help relieve allergy symptoms, particularly in allergic rhinitis (hay fever) cases. One 2013 study looked at the effects of Tualang honey on allergic rhinitis symptoms. People who consumed honey every day for two months experienced fewer symptoms than those who were given a placebo.

While these findings are promising, this is just one small study. Larger studies on humans are needed to understand how honey may help with allergies.

Although honey may not effectively treat allergies on its own, it does offer some benefits that can help manage symptoms:

• Soothing effects: Honey can help you produce more saliva, lubricating a sore throat caused by allergies.
• Cough suppression: Some research suggests that honey can help reduce nighttime coughing.
• Antioxidant content: Honey has antioxidants that may support overall immune health, although this does not directly translate to allergy relief.

While honey is generally safe for most people, there are some risks to consider:

• Infant botulism: Honey should never be given to children under 1 year old, as it may contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause botulism, a serious illness.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to honey’s components, such as bee proteins or specific pollens.
• High sugar content: Honey is high in natural sugars and should be consumed in moderation, particularly for people with diabetes.

For those seeking effective allergy relief, scientifically backed treatments include nasal irrigation, indoor air quality management, immunotherapy, probiotics, antihistamines, and nasal corticosteroids.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation involves using a saline solution to flush pollen, dust, and excess mucus from your nasal passages. It can help relieve allergy symptoms and prevent allergies from progressing to a sinus infection.

You’ll need a device such as a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or rubber nasal bulb. These are typically available at your drugstore. You will also need to buy or make a saline solution. You can make a saline solution with 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of canning or pickling salt (no iodine), a pinch of baking soda, and 2 cups (one-half liter) of warm distilled, filtered, or boiled water.

To perform a nasal irrigation:

• Fill your device with half the saline solution
• Lean over a sink or stand in the shower
• Tilt your head to the left and breathe through your mouth
• Gently pour/squeeze the solution into your right nostril—it should drain from your left nostril
• Adjust your head tilt if the solution goes into your throat or ears
• Repeat on the other side
• Gently blow your nose to clear out any remaining solution and mucus

Manage Your Indoor Air Quality

Managing indoor air quality can help reduce your allergy symptoms by minimizing your exposure to allergens like pollen. Simple changes in your home can help make a big difference. These include:

• Keep your linens fresh: Use an allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water, vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter, and change your clothes when you come in from outside
• Filter indoor air: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter and replace HVAC filters frequently
• Keep pollen out: Close windows and doors during high pollen seasons and use air conditioning to filter the air

Probiotics

Probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, might improve allergies by improving your gut health and supporting your immune system. Some studies show they can reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion, but results vary, especially for children and pregnant women.

While generally safe, probiotics may have risks for some people, and more research is needed to know how well they work.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines help relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases in response to an allergen. They come in various forms, including pills, liquids, sprays, and eye drops.

Antihistamines can help with:

• Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching
• Swollen nasal passages
• Hives and skin rashes
• Itchy, watery eyes

Antihistamine options can differ in how long they last and if they cause drowsiness. Some provide short-term relief, while others work for up to 24 hours. Some are combined with decongestants for extra symptom relief.

Types of antihistamines include:

• Short-acting (4–6 hours): Provides quick relief but needs frequent dosing
• Long-acting (12–24 hours): Offers all-day relief with less drowsiness
• Non-drowsy options: Zyrtec (cetirizine), Clarinex (desloratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), Claritin (loratadine)
• Combined with decongestants: Helps dry nasal passages; look for “D” in the name (e.g., Claritin-D)

Nasal Corticosteroids

A nasal corticosteroid spray reduces inflammation in your nasal passages, improving seasonal allergy symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. It works best when used daily, as it can take up to two weeks to be fully effective. Your healthcare provider will recommend the proper dosage (usually a set number of sprays per nostril daily).

Most brands can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. However, some brands require a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Honey may be a helpful complementary approach to allergy management, but more research is needed to understand its effectiveness.

Proven methods for allergy treatment include antihistamines, immunotherapy, and improving indoor air quality. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your allergies.