Age: 34
Occupation: Teaching student
Health issue: Seasonal allergies
Symptoms: I was at the point where I didn’t even want to go outside in the late summer – even with allergy medication. I was an itchy, sneezy mess in minutes.
Health recommendations: My doctor suggested allergy shots – since over the counter allergy medications weren’t doing much for the problem. Then, one of my friends suggested using local honey as an alternative to allergy shots. Since it is made from local pollen it’s tailored to the allergens present. I went online and found a beekeeper less than a kilometre away from my house and bought some of his honey. I put half a teaspoon in a cup of herbal tea every morning and night. Not only does it help keep my allergies at bay, but it sweetens my tea as well.
The results: Though I still take an allergy tablet if I’m going to be outside for a long time in peak allergy season, I’m able to spend more time outdoors without wanting to scratch my eyes out. As a bonus, I’m buying local and supporting a small, family-run business.
