The Misconception

Many people with seasonal allergies believe that eating local raw honey will act as immunotherapy and improve their symptoms. However, a closer examination of the evidence reveals that this idea is largely unfounded.

• One study found that the types of pollen usually responsible for hay fever symptoms are not normally present in honey.
• Another study concluded that the amounts of pollen in honey can vary dramatically due to the nature of honey production by bees and harvesting procedures by beekeepers.

The Science

The production of honey by bees is a complex process that involves collecting nectar from flowers and transforming it into a sweet, viscous liquid. However, the types of pollen that are present in honey are not the same as the types of pollen that are responsible for seasonal allergies.

Limitations of Medical Research

A review of the medical literature on the topic found that there is limited evidence to support the claim that eating local raw honey improves seasonal allergies.

• Two studies were found that concluded that ingesting raw honey is an effective therapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, but neither of them addressed the question of using local raw honey as immunotherapy.
• A study from the University of Connecticut concluded that locally sourced raw honey does not improve symptoms of seasonal allergies.
• A study published in the BMJ concluded that honey is not an effective treatment for seasonal allergies after reviewing the medical literature.

The Importance of Pollen Content

Pollen content in honey is primarily due to bees inadvertently gathering pollen from nectar-producing flowers as they harvest nectar to make honey.

• Pollen from entomophilous plants is heavier and not airborne for significant lengths of time.
• Pollen from anemophilous plants is lighter and airborne for significant lengths of time, causing seasonal allergies.

Beekeeping and Honey Harvesting Practices

Beekeeping and honey harvesting practices also need to be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of local raw honey in treating seasonal allergies. Bees collect pollen only during the time the plant produces it, and then any honey produced at the same time would be harvested later. This means that honey with relevant pollen could only serve as effective immunotherapy for the peak allergy period of the following year.

A Closer Look at Wendell Estate Honey

Wendell Estate Honey conducts an evidence review and research into whether local raw honey can act as immunotherapy and improve symptoms of seasonal allergies. Despite the limited medical evidence, raw honey has many other established health benefits.

“I often recommend honey-based herbal cough syrups for my patients and they love it!” – Dr. Jessica Lee, founder of Integrative ENT Health.

The Benefits of Raw Honey

Raw honey has many other established health benefits, including antimicrobial properties and a demulcent effect. Dr. Jessica Lee recommends using raw honey as a first-line treatment for cough symptoms during viral respiratory infections.

• Raw honey has antimicrobial properties that can help soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
• Raw honey has a demulcent effect that can help form a protective layer over the mucous membranes.

A Word from Wendell Estate Honey

Wendell Estate Honey was founded in 2011 to offer premium raw honey to consumers that lack access to a beekeeper and fresh raw honey. The company has received national recognition for its dedication to sustainable beekeeping in Canada.

• 2024: The Canadian Honey Council presented Wendell Estate founding owner, Tim Wendell, with a national award recognizing a lifetime of dedication to improving sustainable beekeeping in Canada.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Wendell Estate Honey, please contact us at (204) 564-2315 or info@wendellestate.ca. Visit our website at wendellestate.ca to learn more about our products and mission.