By John Hand –
Spring is in the air, well almost at least. With it comes the promise of warmer and sunnier times and all the good that goes with better weather. Unfortunately, spring can also bring challenges for many in the form of allergies.
Of course, people can get hit with allergies at just about any time—hence the notion of seasonal allergies. And a lot of people are faced with the nasty consequences. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 25 percent of all U.S. adults over 18 suffer from seasonal allergies. The CDC adds that almost 20 percent of those under 18 also have to deal with these problems.
Given the size and severity of the problem, it may not be surprising that Americans spend more than $3 billion annually on related medical costs with about half of that amount going for prescription medications. This begs the question of whether these medications and over-the-counter remedies are effective. The answer: yes, no and sometimes.
More natural treatments are also available, which purportedly hold the promise of working without the adverse impact of side effects. Bee pollen-based remedies are one such popular approach.
Admittedly, there are only limited scientific studies that support bee pollen’s effectiveness. Most advocacy is based on anecdotal success stories. But there is some logic behind the belief that this pollen can help.
Pollen is created by flowers and plants. Bees go from flower to flower looking for nectar and ultimately wind up unwittingly bringing it back to their hives. This pollen then develops into a nutrient-rich mixture that holds large amounts of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, protein and carbohydrates. In addition to providing allergy relief, the combination is thought to be able to boost immune systems, reduce cardiovascular disease and minimize the risks of cancer.
One earlier study supported the beneficial notions when it reported that feeding malnourished rats bee pollen revived their energy levels and muscle proteins. The results were so compelling that some researchers believed humans would enjoy similar benefits.
In terms of allergies, people suffer because their bodies react negatively to pollen by releasing histamine and other chemicals, which leads to sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes or skin rashes. One traditional way to combat allergies is via allergy shots, which are given after tests determine exactly what is triggering the allergies. Specific shots are then applied that contains an extract of the specific triggering allergen in order to build up a sufferer’s tolerance over time.
Bee pollen is thought to work in much the same way allergy shots are designed. In effect, by introducing pollen, it is believed that a person’s tolerance to some allergies is built.
A 2010 study supported the idea when it found that people who had a birch pollen allergy gained more control over their allergies than those who used regular honey, which is another popular natural allergy remedy.
While possibly beneficial, there are catches to the bee pollen approach. Without an allergen test, it is virtually impossible to identify the pollen allergen affecting a person. It is also difficult to know the exact type of pollen in bee pollen because bees travel between various plants.
One suggested way to increase its effectiveness is to buy local pollen since there is a higher chance the bees involved collected the pollen from a local plant that is triggering the allergies.
Before using bee pollen, which is usually sold locally or via commercial supplements, WebMD.com reports that it is important to consult a medical professional. Any allergen can cause unwanted reactions such as rashes, shortness of breath or anaphylaxis. It is also important to take bee pollen regularly and to start at least six weeks before allergy season begins if it is to be effective.
