Traditionally, honey has been eaten as food. However, because of its use in traditional medicine, its medicinal qualities have also drawn a lot of attention. Numerous studies have documented honey’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and wound-healing therapeutic qualities. Honey may be used to treat allergic illnesses, according to a number of intriguing research. About 20% of people worldwide are at risk from allergic illnesses like atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and anaphylaxis.
One of the most prevalent illnesses in the world, allergic diseases are a class of hypersensitivity disorders mediated by immunological systems that can result in potentially fatal reactions and tissue damage.
Bees gather, process, and store honey, a naturally occurring food product made from nectar and plant sweet secretions. It has long been used to heal burns, wounds, coughs, asthma, and a number of other gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues. It has excellent nutritional and therapeutic value.
A complex material, honey is mostly made up of sugar, mostly fructose and glucose, with trace amounts of other sugars like maltose and sucrose.
Little research has looked specifically at local honey. This may be because local honey varies in composition depending on location, making it difficult to test.
Honey has been traditionally used as a folk remedy for various skin conditions, including allergies. Some studies suggest that certain types of honey, particularly Manuka honey, may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation associated with allergies. However, it’s important to note that these effects are not fully established, and more research is needed. Raw honey can also contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can be harmful to infants. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional before applying honey to your skin, especially if you have severe allergies or are treating young children. research has looked at other specific types of honey, but these studies have involved low numbers of participants. As a result, these studies do not necessarily prove that all local honey works for hay fever.
What are some proven ways to combat seasonal allergies?
One way to fight seasonal allergies is preventing your exposure. When pollen counts are high, a few lifestyle tweaks could help you avoid an allergy attack:
- Limit your time outside.
- Use an air purifier or air conditioner in the home and keep your windows closed.
- Change out of clothes you wore outside and shower when you come in.
- Dry your clothes inside rather than on an outdoor line.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a mask outside to keep allergens off you and out of your eyes.
If seasonal allergies are making you miserable or interrupting your sleep and work, ask your primary care provider about allergy medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin).
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