Can I take honey or propolis if I am allergic to pollen?

Hello, Laura:

Being allergic to pollen does not necessarily mean you cannot consume honey, but some caution is advisable.

Honey can contain small amounts of pollen and other components from plants. Most people with seasonal pollen allergy tolerate it without problems, since the pollens that cause allergic rhinitis are mainly airborne, such as those from grasses, trees or weeds. However, allergic reactions to honey have been described, although they are rare.

These reactions may appear as:

• Itching or tingling in the mouth or throat.

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or face.

• Hives.

• Difficulty breathing.

• In exceptional cases, a severe allergic reaction.

Regarding propolis, it is advisable to be even more cautious. It is a substance made by bees from plant resins and can cause allergic reactions, especially contact dermatitis, mouth irritation or reactions after ingestion. The risk may be higher in people sensitive to bee products, to balsam of Peru or to certain plant resins.

If you have consumed honey before and never had symptoms, you can probably continue taking it normally. However, if you have never tried it, have a history of significant allergic reactions, poorly controlled asthma or an allergy to bee-derived products, it would be preferable to consult an allergist before consuming honey or propolis.

I do not recommend doing a "test" at home by taking a small amount if an allergy is suspected. When tolerance needs to be confirmed, the assessment must be individualised and, in some cases, done through a test supervised by a specialist.

In summary: pollen allergy does not automatically require avoiding honey, but propolis has a higher allergenic potential and should be used with more caution.

Kind regards,

Dr Florian André Vallecillo Cabrera