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I've read that eating local honey helps fight seasonal allergies. Is there any evidence to support this? —R.D.K., Jersey City, N.J.
None that we could find. Numerous books and Web sites tout the idea that pollen consumed by bees remains in the honey they make, providing a natural "vaccination" that boosts your body's immunity. But the one clinical trial we could find showed that honey didn't protect against allergies any better than a placebo. The only herbal remedy with documented effectiveness against the seasonal sniffles is butterbur, which may reduce levels of chemicals that can set off the body's allergic response. But its long-term safety is unknown, and some preparations contain certain substances that can harm the liver and lungs. Avoid butterbur if you're allergic to ragweed. For proven relief, consider the over-the-counter drugs cetirizine (Zyrtec and generic) or loratadine (Claritin and generic), or a prescription pill or nasal spray.
This article first appeared in the September 2008 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.
Read more about herbal remedies for hay fever (free), and read our Natural Medicine Ratings for butterbur (subscribers only).
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