Fall weather is a love-hate relationship for some people. The weather feels amazing and the turning leaves are gorgeous but it also means fall allergies. Fall is my favorite time of year, but I hate the stuffy nose and sinus pressure that accompanies it.
The Secret Weapon during Allergy Season
I have tried many natural (and not so natural) products over the years to help with the dreaded hay fever and some work well, but there is one product that works exceptional that I never would have chosen….bee pollen.
Honey is always a top ingredient used when someone is fighting allergies or a cold. It tastes delicious, has many health benefits, and coats the throat great when it’s scratchy and sore. However, rarely is bee pollen ever discussed as an option. Bee pollen, like it’s delicious counterpart, is also extremely effective for fighting allergies and a cold.
Here are some great benefits for using bee pollen:
- To treat allergies – Bee pollen can decrease the presence of histamines in the body, therefore, reducing allergies.
- Digestive support – Bee pollen contains enzymes that benefit digestion and assist with absorption of food.
- Soothes Skin – Topically, bee pollen can treat skin irritations.
- Enhances energy – It has nutrients like B-6 and B-12 and contains protein that works as a great natural energy elevator.
- Reduces inflammation – Bee pollen obtains a high amount of antioxidants that correlate with an anti-inflammatory result.
- Boosts immune system – Bee pollen is great at enhancing good gut flora.
Now I bet you are thinking “that’s great bee pollen has so many benefits, but how in the world do I consume it?” It took some experimenting for me to find the right foods to add bee pollen to but not to worry, I’ve done the experimenting for you. Here are some foods that you can use:
- coconut yogurt
- egg salad
- smoothies/ smoothie bowl
- overnight oats
- green salad
- chia seed pudding
- chicken salad
- protein balls
- fruit salad
You can sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons on about any food that isn’t hot. I have found if you try to incorporate into hot/warm foods, it can change the taste of the dish. Hot foods also destroy the nutritional properties of the pollen. So stick to chilled foods and you won’t be able to taste a difference!
Here is the important tip before you go out and buy this amazing stuff. It works best if the pollen is bought locally. Your body will respond better to bee pollen that has been harvested around the same plant life where you live. I buy mine at the local farmers market.
