As bees travel from hive to hive collecting nectar, pollen is also gathered. Bees use pollen for nutrition and food in the hive. Taking bee pollen as a supplement to fight allergies is a growing trend. Before using bee pollen or any supplement, discuss the use with your medical professional to ensure the treatment is right for your condition.
Definition
Bee pollen is sold as a supplement in many natural health stores as well as from your local beekeeper. It comes in natural pollen form, tablets and liquid. You may see bee pollen also sold under names such as typhae or maize pollen, according to the University of Colorado at Denver. Bee pollen may function as a natural energizing food due to high amounts of B-vitamins, states nutritionist and holistic lifestyle expert, Meghan Telpner.
Uses
Some people suffering from hay fever and allergies may take bee pollen to produce a defensive reaction in the body toward pollen. Once the body is exposed to small amounts of pollen, some believe the body will fight any additional allergic reactions caused by pollen exposure due to a developed resistance. Other uses of bee pollen include athletic energy enhancer, fighting symptoms of prostatitis and lowering cholesterol.
Evidence
According to Brigham and Women's Hospital, most medical doctors do not promote patients taking bee pollen. The website states there is no conclusive medical evidence or studies promoting the use of bee pollen. Drugs.com agrees stating there is no reliable evidence supporting bee pollen uses. Other medical professionals agree that there is a lack of evidence supporting bee pollen use.
Warnings
Bee pollen may actually cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, itching, swelling and rash. Children, pregnant and nursing women should not take bee pollen due to lack of scientific studies involving safety of the bee pollen. If you decide to take bee pollen, choose a variety with many different colors. The more color variation indicate a greater variety of flowers where the pollen was taken from. Discuss pollen with your local beekeeper to ensure it was collected from unstressed hives and is free from pesticides.
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