You would think that with all the rain we've been having, the typical allergens in the air would settle down quite a bit. Maybe not as potent as usual. For me, the rain often rustles up other things that get me sneezing like crazy. This past week, I have sneezed like one of Snow White's dwarves, and I am over it!

The Ohio Valley Crud

The “Ohio Valley Crud,” as it’s commonly known, plagues us all this time of year in some form or fashion. I have heard that local honey helps minimize the effects that allergies can have on a person’s respiratory system.  I’ve been taking advantage of the benefits of a cup of hot tea for my sore throat, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to use honey as a sweetener.

Support for Local Honey:

Is there truth to the claim that local honey can help reduce the symptoms of allergies? The Farmer’s Almanac says that this naturally produced bee product has a component that can promote restful sleep, soothe an irritated throat, and reduce inflammation.

What Makes Honey "Local?"

Bees make honey from pollen collected from flowers, which makes its way into the sweet nectar formed in the comb. The standard for making the honey “local” is that it is made anywhere within a 50-mile radius of where you live. This way, you can guarantee the pollen used to make the honey is from plants you encounter and may be reacting to.

Get our free mobile app

Studies Performed About Local Honey Effectiveness

I've found studies that both support and debunk the effectiveness of local honey. Whether this natural remedy is legit or an old wives’ tale is up in the air, but I can speak from my own anecdotal experience. The difference honey makes for my sore throat is enough for me to continue to use it when I am sick.  Even if it is just a placebo effect, it works for me! Plus, just like everything else grown or made locally, it is next-level delicious!

Where to Find Local Honey in Daviess County

If I don't get to Clarkson for their annual Honeyfest, I purchase my honey from Niko’s Bakery because it is in my neck of the woods. They always have jars from local keepers. Here is a list of other locations in the area that sell or produce local honey:

• Reid’s Orchard
• Cecil Farms
• Hillview Farms
• The Cottage
• Owensboro Regional Farmer’s Market
• Gene’s Health Food
• Trunnell’s Farm Market

Do you know of any other local beekeepers to add to the list? Shoot me a message on the Appchat and I'd beeeee happy to!