Bee pollen has become a popular health supplement because of the nutrients it contains, although some people use it to combat childhood seasonal allergies. Anecdotally, bee pollen has been said to be able to reduce allergic reactions to the pollen of many plant species, but use caution with children, who may be severely allergic. Consult with your doctor before giving your child bee pollen for seasonal allergies.
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen consists of plant pollen and nectar from various species of flowers mixed with the saliva and digestive enzymes of worker bees. Bee pollen is harvested from the legs of the bees by devices positioned near the entrances of their hives. Bee pollen is then made into little granules and sold as nutritional supplements. According to "Contemporary Nutrition," bee pollen is considered by some to be a "superfood" because of its nutritional content and is used by others for numerous health benefits, but little scientific research has examined its effect on people.
Children's Seasonal Allergies
Allergies in children are caused by foods, chemicals and natural substances in the environment, such as animal dander and plant pollen. Because plant growth and cycles are dependent on the seasons, seasonal allergies refer to allergic reactions to plant pollen and other related substances. Why your child may be more susceptible to seasonal allergies is not well understood, but it involves an inappropriate immune response that causes massive release of histamine and inflammatory reactions, which is often called hay fever. Sneezing, running nose and eyes and asthma-like problems with breathing are common symptoms experienced with seasonal allergies. Many children grow out of their seasonal allergies, but some continue to experience hay fever as adults.
Bee Pollen for Allergies
Anecdotally, some people say that bee pollen helps combat symptoms caused by wind-borne allergens. According to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition," bee pollen reduces the production of histamine, which is produced in response to allergens and may strengthen the respiratory system. A few studies have found that bee pollen can reduce the symptoms of hay fever by up to 75 percent and that it has a preventive action if taken before allergy season, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." More studies need to be undertaken, especially involving children, before definitive health recommendations can be made. Regardless, the idea behind taking bee pollen before allergy season is that your child is introduced to plant pollen from various species in small doses, which gradually builds up their immunity and prevents an over-reaction when confronted by the wind-borne allergens in larger amounts.
Cautions
Although bee pollen has not been widely studied, it is thought to be quite safe except in children allergic to bees, who could experience life-threatening reactions. According to "Medical Herbalism," if your child is severely allergic to bees or pollen, slowly desensitizing him with bee pollen is not possible and should be avoided. Be especially careful with bee pollen if your child is allergic to bee stings, honey or other bee products. If your child shows any signs of a reaction, stop giving the bee pollen immediately.
Tentative Recommendations
Although a benefit has not been established scientifically, bee pollen can be given in small amounts to children about two months before summer starts. Gradually introduce your child to bee pollen, and if there is no allergic reaction then work your way up to 1 tsp. per day throughout the summer months, according to "The New Healing Herbs." Because your child's immune system has memory, bee pollen might not have to be taken the following year.
References
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw; 2010
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2010
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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