Gannon Apiaries

Artisanal Honey

Locally Produced in St. Louis’ Central West End

Honey is widely considered to be the “Swiss army knife” in the world of alternative medicine. There is growing interest in the benefits of local honey in treating allergies in particular.

Allergies

Local honey is thought to be very beneficial for people suffering from seasonal allergies because honey contains small amounts of pollen.

Along with nectar, honeybees collect pollen from allergy producing trees, flowers, and grasses. Although straight exposure to pollen will trigger allergies, the tiny amount of pollen in the honey is a manageable dose, which over time works as an immune system booster against those allergens. This is similar to the idea behind taking allergy shots, only a lot more enjoyable.

Honey is said to be most helpful as an allergy fighter when eaten in small quantities (just a couple of teaspoons) daily for several months prior to your peak allergy season.

The key is to eat honey that is produced as close to your home environment, to match the pollens in the honey with those same plants responsible for your allergies. Our hives are located in St. Louis’ Central West End, right on the edge of Forest Park. Our urban setting provides the tremendous benefit of offering a huge array of botanical species, which not only means more diverse pollen content but also richer flavors than are found in single crop honeys, such as clover honey.

Other Honey Remedies

Honey mixed with lemon is a great soother for a sore throat. Its anti-microbial properties can sooth raw tissues. Honey and lemon added to tea are a favorite cold remedy in our home.

Honey is a great alternative to cough syrup for adults and children, especially now that the FDA has recommended not administering over the counter cough syrups to children.

Honey is a natural anti-septic and has been used for centuries to treat cuts and burns.

Honey is also widely used in skin and hair care treatments, which take advantage of honey’s natural moisturizing properties.

Honey is also a source of beneficial micro-nutrients: Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, including niacin, riboflavin, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. This natural source of nutrition supplements a modern diet where many of our foods are refined and lacking in micro-nutrients.