Evidence supporting the use of: Honey
For the health condition: Allergies (respiratory)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Honey has been used traditionally in various cultures as a home remedy to support respiratory health and to alleviate symptoms of allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis (hay fever). The rationale is often based on the idea that consuming local honey may expose individuals to small amounts of local pollen, potentially allowing the immune system to build up a tolerance, much like the concept of allergen immunotherapy. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

While honey does contain trace amounts of pollen, clinical studies investigating its efficacy for allergy relief have produced inconsistent and generally unconvincing results. A few small studies suggest limited benefit, but larger, well-designed trials have not demonstrated significant effects beyond placebo. Major allergy and immunology organizations do not recommend honey as a treatment for allergic respiratory conditions. Thus, while honey remains a popular folk remedy for allergies, its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

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