If you're looking for some natural relief, without having to use pharmaceuticals, or at least limit their use, I have a great recipe that I've been using for years with great success; Fermented herbs in honey.
When I was a child in the very early 70's, I remember my Gran giving me a teaspoon of honey with powdered ginger if I was suffering a sore throat, or had a cold coming on. Honey is a great antibacterial against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria like MRSA, which is antibiotic resistant. It's anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory too. It worked back then, and it's amazing to me that it's making a comeback 60 years later. I think people are having an 'Awakening' of sorts. Realizing that not all illnesses require medical attention or otc (over the counter) drugs, when a lot of illnesses can be treated and cured naturally.
Don't get me wrong, I trust science implicitly, my sons cancer was cured because of life saving medicines, but I'm also aware that not every ailment requires doctor intervention.
My Granny's honey and ginger was a basic, highly effective throat salve. I've taken it a few steps further though, and I hope you'll try it, especially if you suffer allergies, have skin ailments, or just want to 'feel' better overall 🐝
My personal recipe for Fermented Honey & Herb
-Using a clean 500ml glass jar (mason jars work great), chop or grate up a knob of peeled fresh ginger, about the size of your thumb, reserving the peel for later. Add to jar.
-Add 1 heaping tablespoon of organic turmeric, which has wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits.
-Add 1 heaping teaspoon of Cayenne pepper. Don't worry, the finished product is only slightly spicy. You need it for it's antioxidant benefits.
At this point add 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, I do for an extra boost of antioxidants. Turmeric and black pepper each have health benefits, due to the compounds curcumin and piperine. As piperine enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000%, combining the spices magnifies their effects.
-Top these spices to 3/4 full (about 375ml) with a good quality Raw honey.
-The 2nd last step involves the reserved peel of the ginger. Take 4 or 5 little gratings and add to jar, (The natural, 'good' lactobacillus bacteria found on the peel, which is also present in raw yogurt, fresh sauerkraut etc...and what makes it so good for your gut health) also helps with rapid fermentation.
Stir until combined, loosely place the lid and ring on jar, and place on your counter for 7 days.
-Last step, lick the spoon!
After the week, your honey is ready to consume. Take a teaspoon per day during allergy season and to boost immunity You can also make a lovely cool tea, BUT, do not add boiling water as you’ll kill the wonderful bacteria you've grown and destroy the benefits of the honey. Boil your kettle, allow to cool and then make your cooled tea.
You can stick the jar in your fridge after it's rapid 'counter' fermentation, where it will continue to ferment, although at a much slower rate. Use within 3 months.
*Warning: Do not introduce water to your jar, so ensure your spoon is completely dry before dipping in honey jar. Water breeds bad bacteria (you know that stinky damp towel or kitchen dish cloth? Bad bacteria love water) and will destroy your batch.
Any questions? Reach out.
**Addendum...I forgot, your ferment should start getting tiny bubbles around the edge of the jar on the very first day(see pictures in comments). That means it's fermenting and healthy! Swish jar around once a day. There's no need to open it.
Happy honey fermenting 🐝
Wendy