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Well, hello there, y’all! It’s Susan Stewart here, owner of Local Nashville Honey.
If you’ve stepped outside in Donelson, Hermitage, or anywhere across Music City this week, you probably didn’t need a weather report to tell you that allergy season is in full swing. As I’m writing this in early May, our beautiful Tennessee oaks, maples, and birches are working overtime, and let’s be honest—those “moderate to high” pollen counts have most of us reaching for the tissues and rubbing our eyes before we even get the coffee brewed.
I know exactly how you feel. It’s hard to enjoy our vibrant blooming landscapes when you’re worried about the “seasonal sniffles.” But before you lock yourself indoors until July, I want to share a little bit of “liquid gold” wisdom about how our local honey can be your best friend during these itchy-eyed months.
The Magic of “Neighborhood” Nectar
You might see honey in the big-box grocery stores and think it’s all the same, but let me tell you, darlings, there’s a world of difference.
Commercial honey is often ultra-filtered and pasteurized—which is just a fancy way of saying they’ve heated the life right out of it and filtered out the very things that make it special. Our honey is raw, unfiltered, and 100% Nashville. Why does that matter for your allergies?
Natural Resilience: Many of our wonderful customers swear by the “local exposure” theory. Our bees are out there diligently visiting the very wildflowers and clover blooming along the Stones River and in your own backyards.
Trace Pollen: Raw honey contains trace amounts of local pollen. Think of it like a sweet, gentle handshake for your immune system. By introducing these tiny amounts to your body, many folks find they can build up a natural resilience to the environment around them.
The “Immunotherapy” Idea: It’s a bit like nature’s version of an allergy shot—but it tastes a whole lot better on a hot biscuit!
More Than Just a Sweetener
Even if you aren’t looking for a “cure,” raw honey is an absolute powerhouse for your wellness routine. When the Nashville air gets thick with yellow dust, your throat can feel like you’ve been gargling sandpaper.
Susan’s Tip: “A spoonful of raw honey is nature’s best throat coat. It’s packed with natural antioxidants and enzymes that soothe irritation better than any store-bought syrup I’ve ever tried.”
How to Use It This Season
If you’re looking to incorporate a little local goodness into your daily routine, here is how I like to do it:
Method
Why It Works
The Morning Stir
Add a teaspoon to local herbal tea. The steam helps open your sinuses while the honey coats your throat.
The Power Bowl
Drizzle it over Greek yogurt or oatmeal. It’s a healthy way to start the day with a boost of antioxidants.
Straight Up
Honestly? Just a spoonful right out of the jar. It’s the purest way to get those local enzymes.
Come See Us!
We are so proud to be a part of this community. You can find us at The Troll House Cottage in Donelson, we’d love to help you find the perfect jar to help you survive (and thrive!) this spring.
While the science is still catching up to what we beekeepers have known for generations, there is no denying that supporting our local bees—and your local health—is a win-win for everyone in Nashville.
Stay sweet (and a little bit spicy),
Susan Stewart Owner, Local Nashville Honey
Note: While I’m an expert on my bees, I’m not a doctor! If your allergies are severe or if you’re looking into honey for little ones under a year old, always check with your pediatrician or allergist first.
