Bless You and Bee Well!

If you've been sneezing or sniffling or have had a sore throat over the past week, you might be suffering from allergies. Yes, welcome to ragweed season. It typically starts mid August and runs until the first frost. Hey - at least one reason to look forward to the colder temperatures.

Your symptoms could be more severe this season, according to local allergists, because of all the rain we had earlier in the year. Another reason rain bugs us! However, cold-like symptoms aren't the only ones associated with allergies. Absentmindedness, constipation or diarrhea, depression, irritability, dizziness even a difficulty with concentration  have been linked to allergies.

Along with an appointment with your doctor, there is a natural product that is said to help with symptoms, and that is local honey. Recently I spent some time with several local bee keepers, and I'm hooked! However it is important to point out that to benefit from honey, you need to consume local or regional unpasteurized honey. Andrew Cote of Silvermine Apiary explained to me most of the honey you buy in the grocery store comes from several different countries, mixed together then pasteurized. He says heating like that destroys all the healthy enzymes in honey. He quips, "It's sugar water. You might as well drink corn syrup."

BENEFITS OF LOCAL HONEY

Sweetening your tea or coffee with local honey could help you build up an immunity to what you are allergic to, since its in the honey. Its almost like a flu or allergy shot.

Honey has been used for its healing properties for more than four thousand years.  Honey was found in the tombs of egypt. The mummies were embalmed with honey and propolis, another product from the hive. Honey is also used to treat skin disorders and to heal cuts and burns. How to use honey to heal a cut and more, from a private health care provider in the UK.

Plus, honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.

LOCAL BEE KEEPERS

Cote, his brother and his dad all have bees around southwestern Connecticut that travel miles collecting local nectar and pollen. Marina Marchese is another bee keeper in southwestern Connecticut. Actually, there are several. Here is a list from the state of Connecticut.

Marchese is the bee keeper responsible for Red Bee Honey. She also uses her honey to make soap, insect repellant and other items. She does so right in her Weston kitchen. You can order online.

Marchese also taught me how to eat honeycomb. You just spread it right on a cracker, bread, slice of fruit or just about anthing. It tastes great with a piece of cheese and olive or nut. You never have to eat Oreos again!

While you don't want to eat half a jar every time you have a pot of tea, if there is even a slight chance a  64-calorie tablespoon a day will promote weight loss and help with absentmindedness, depression, irritability, dizziness and concentration - associated with allergies - I can't think of a better way to start the day.