With the Pollen Count going from moderate, to SUPER High – In about a millisecond, I go straight for one of my best friends this time of year, my bee pollen. OK so most of you may think about the Benedryl or the Zantac, but Bee Pollen is one of the oldest, and what I have found to be one of the most effective cures for my seasonal allergies. There are, however a few tricks that one needs to know before heading out to find bee pollen. First and foremost is to head for your local farmers market or find your local apiary. This is not a pill that you can find at your local pharmacy. The most effective bee pollen needs to be from within a 25 mile radius of your home. The Bee Pollen is not found in a pill form, it is literally the Pollen from flowers that the bees have brought back to the hives. It is fluffly little balls of Pollen. This form is going to give you the most effective results. Second rule is be patient, the bee pollen needs to be taken regularly, weather you feel symptoms or not, and the bee pollen can only be ‘harvested’ at certain times of the year. The dosing is simple, just a quarter of a teaspoon followed by some water. And the taste is similar to what one would think the inside of what flowers taste like, very little. My beekeeper says it taste like sawdust, I am not sure I agree. The side affects can be a little bit more energy and certainly less itchy eyes and a lot less running of the nose. Once you find your bee pollen make sure that you keep it in the refrigerator, so that it does not mold. You will find that one jar will last you and your family a lot longer then you expect. Not only is bee pollen one of the most effective remedies for my seasonal allergies, but it also helps to support our local bee populations. For more about bees and local bee resources, check out the spring issue of the Piedmont Virginian, we have a great piece on Bees and their function in our area.

For a good list of Bee Resources check out www.virginiabeekeepers.org