Honey produced locally can help boost a person's immune system, according to Tom Ogren, MS, author of Allergy-Free Gardening and a consultant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and both the Canadian and American Lung associations. Local honey, he explains, contains small amounts of local pollen with similar benefits to allergy shots.

To prevent seasonal allergies, Ogren recommends that for several months prior to pollen season, you take a daily dose of a few teaspoons of honey. The closer to your home it comes from the better, as the contained pollens will be more specific to your area.

Honey has many uses beyond being a wonderful natural sweetener and anti-allergen. Here are just a few ideas to incorporate into your diet and lifestyle from the National Honey Board:

1. Moisturize. For a skin-smoothing lotion, mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/3 teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
2. Treat sun-damaged skin. Preliminary research shows that honey's antioxidant properties heal sun-damaged skin. For a soothing facial, mix 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and ¼ cup flour, then smooth the mixture over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
3. Enjoy a healthy smile. Antibacterial substances in honey can help sooth and heal mouth sores.
4. Increase bone strength. Honey increases the body's absorption of calcium. If your diet allows, try this honey of a calcium-rich smoothie: Combine 1 cup strawberries, 1 banana, 1/3 cup honey, 1 cup skim or nonfat milk, ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt. Blend until smooth.
5. Ease the pain. For a soothing elixir the next time you have a sore throat, add a spoonful of honey to a steaming cup of tea or water.