Clear honey

Like a lot of people at this time of year, I suffer from hay fever. It's nothing serious, just a minor irritation, however, as the extensive range of tablets on the market seem to do nothing but make me drowsy, I was interested in discovering an alternative remedy to ease my sneezing. After some research, I learned that honey, a natural antiseptic that has been used for medicinally for centuries, can also be used to soothe the symptoms of hay fever. This was good news indeed. I immediately set about finding out more.

Beekeeper and his apiary The Health Benefits of Eating Locally Produced Honey The first revelation was that not just any honey will do, there are specifics to this treatment. Margaret Johnston, Chairwoman of the Ulster Beekeepers' Association, was kind enough to meet with me at the height of the pollen season last summer, to explain further. Listen to the article by clicking the link below.

Honey Bees Margaret told me that it is only by consuming small quanities of locally produced honey, (that is honey made by bees working within a three mile radius of where you live), regularly as part of your diet, that you can hope to soothe the symptoms of hay fever. Not only did she recommended this natural, and locally produced remedy for hay fever, she also revealed a number of other surprising uses for honey, and convinced me that it is an essential item for anyone's larder. Disclaimer There's no doubt that eating a naturally made product as part of a healthy diet is good for you, however, it is important to note that there is not yet any hard scientific evidence to support the claims in this article, although we are told that official studies of honey's healing properties are underway...

Act Now Clear honey Bees are an essential part of our food chain, even though its easy to take the crucial part they play in providing us with food for granted. We need to look after our bees, and protect them from becoming endangered. If you are interested in taking up beekeeping as a hobby, follow the links below: Agriculture and Rural Development Find out more about beekeeping

Thankyou We'd like to thank Margaret Johnston, and also Walter McNeill, Susie Turner and Caroline Thomson of Randalstown Beekeepers Association for their contributions to this article.

Your Responses

Jon Shepherd - June '08
Hi thanks for the information on honey cures & uses. But this honey as medicine has been around 1400 years ago. My friend told me that honey is a natural cure for many of your illnesses. He knew this by being told this in the Holy Quran. They're so much things that the Muslims have told & shown us. And in 2008 we are still so behind them instead in front. Hope you understand.

Jayne in Laurelvale
Reply to the Sally McEldowney request for local honey - Try Broom Cottage honey of Greyabbey, realise it is more than 3 miles from Helens Bay, but good products. They were exhibiting at the WI celebrations at Castle Coole on 4 and 5 May and also at the Shanes Castle Steam Engine events on 6 and 7 May. Great products.

Sally McEldowney - Apr '07
Thanks for this article. I have read about the benefits of locally produced honey in the prevention of hayfever and have been searching for some to help my son get through his A levels without resorting to drugs. Are there any current suppliers within 3 miles of Helen's Bay?
The gentleman who used to keep bees has moved away.
I would appreciate information
Thanks