In a message dated 96-09-29 12:40:34 EDT, [log in to unmask] (Kevin
Christensen) writes:
 
<< I used to suffer from hay fever all season long.  For the last 2 1/2 years
 I've made sure to eat some honey every day.  For the last two seasons, my
 allergy symptoms have been nonexistant until about the last week in August
 when I've had about 4 bad days.
 
 I think it must be the goldenrod and it only makes sense because I haven't
 been eating goldenrod honey. (snip)>>
 
 
   I doubt that it is possible to have a respiratory allergy to goldenrod,
rather to ragweed, which blooms at the same time.  Ragweed pollen is light
and fluffy, and can travel by air for many miles.  Goldenrod is the showy
flower in bloom at that time, so it is blamed.
 
   But goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky.  It cannot become airborne.  The
only way to get it on your nasal passages is to stick a flower up your nose.
 
   I am personally convinced that honey, and particularly raw honey does help
in a general way to support the immune system.  Like Kevin, hundreds of
others also report it to be true, in their experience.  It is not a miracle
cure, but just a mild benefit.  Allergies are false or excessive reactions of
our immune system (likewise arthritis and a number of other diseases).   The
pollens in raw honey may be a factor, but specifics are hard to pin down.
 Would it be necessary to eat the exact same pollen that is causing your
problem?   I don't think so.  What about allergies to molds?  I do have
trouble with these (like in cleaning up a deadout).
 
   I notice that I have fewer respiratory problems and illnesses when I eat
honey every day.  It doesn't always work, but it seems to help reduce the
number of times I'm affected, and the severity of the effect.  I also used to
have pretty strong reactions to poison ivy.  Now, as a beekeeper, I'm often
wading through the vines, but haven't had a reaction in years.
 
    It's sad that we can't get much serious study on these effects.  If one
could get exclusive rights to the sale of honey as a medicine, and charge
22.95 for an ounce of it, I'm sure there would be research.  -A flaw in our
system, perhaps.
 
   There are many things in our environment that are attacking our immune
system, many of them quite unnatural.  I like to think I am supporting and
strengthening mine wherever I can. Honey is part of a total picture of my
attempt to be healthier.
 
   When I was a young child, we couldn't afford meat; we ate from the garden
and the hedgerows.  Then, when we prospered, we ate beef....and more beef.  I
am trying to get away from the beef, and go back.  I definitely feel better
when I do.  I try to eat plenty of fruits, nuts, veggies, and grains, while
cutting back on red meats, don't smoke.......and eat plenty of honey.  That's
not lunatic fringe; it's just common sense.  I may be hit by a truck, but I'm
trying to be responsible.
 
[log in to unmask]    Dave Green,  PO Box 1200,  Hemingway,  SC
29554        (Dave & Jan's Pollination Service,  Pot o'Gold Honey Co.)
 
Practical Pollination Home Page            Dave & Janice Green
http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html
 
   *They say it is an adult's right to choose.  They give lip-service to
protecting the children.  If it's Democrats, they're probably talking about
pornography.  If it's Republicans, tobacco.   I guess I can choose the lesser
of two evils.  But I wish I could find a leader to admire!
    Please God, give us a leader who will really protect our children, born
and unborn, and protect the environment too, one who has not sold him or her
self to powerful interests that work for profit to the detriment of our
society.*