Chiropractor’s Pick: Power of Local Honey

As a chiropractor who has been in practice for over two decades, I spend a lot of time talking with my patients about lifestyle choices: what you eat, how you sleep, how you move, and how all of that affects your spine and your overall health. One topic that comes up more often than you might expect? Honey. But not just any honey: locally sourced, raw honey.

I know it might sound surprising that a chiropractor is talking about honey, but hear me out. The more I’ve looked into the research, and the more feedback I’ve gotten from my patients, the more convinced I’ve become that this natural sweetener can play a small, yet meaningful, role in supporting your health.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of local honey and my favorite brand.

Local Honey Provides Natural Allergy Relief

One of the biggest reasons I personally use—and recommend—locally sourced honey is for seasonal allergy relief. Local honey contains trace amounts of pollen from your region. The idea is similar to how vaccines work: by introducing small amounts of allergens into your system, your body may become desensitized over time.

Now, while more research is still needed in this area, one study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that people who consumed honey for eight weeks experienced significantly fewer allergy symptoms compared to those who took conventional allergy medications alone.

And anecdotally, I’ve seen this happen with my own patients. Every spring, they come in talking about how they’re sneezing less, their sinuses are clearer, and their over-the-counter antihistamine use has dropped—all after incorporating a daily spoonful of local honey into their routine.

Natural Inflammation Relief with Local Honey

As someone who treats inflammation-related issues daily (think sciatica, disc herniations, or chronic neck pain) I’m always looking for natural ways to reduce inflammation. Raw honey contains polyphenols, which are plant-based antioxidants that help fight inflammation at the cellular level.

In fact, a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that certain types of raw honey exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help support the body’s ability to heal from the inside out.

Honey Aids in Gut Health and Digestion

Chiropractic care often ties into gut health more than people realize. A misaligned spine can affect your nervous system, and your nervous system regulates your digestive system. That’s why I like to look at the whole picture—including what you’re eating.

Raw honey contains prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in your gut. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help combat harmful bacteria like H. pylori, which is linked to ulcers and digestive distress.

And get this—according to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from some kind of digestive disorder. Supporting your gut with something as simple and delicious as local honey? That’s a win.

Boost Your Energy and Immunity With Honey

Local honey is a quick, natural energy source—especially helpful for my patients who live active lifestyles. It contains glucose and fructose for fast and sustained energy without the crash you get from refined sugar or energy drinks.

Plus, it has trace amounts of vitamins, enzymes, and phytonutrients that help boost immune function. A 2012 study published in Pediatrics even showed that honey was more effective than over-the-counter cough suppressants at reducing nighttime cough in children.

My Go-To Honey: Angry Bees Honey from West Newton, PA

My personal choice for honey is Angry Bees Honey, a raw and unfiltered local honey produced right in West Newton, Pennsylvania. Not only is it packed with all the natural benefits I’ve mentioned above, but it’s also made with care by local beekeepers who genuinely care about their craft.

Supporting a small, local business like Angry Bees means I know exactly where my honey is coming from—and I’m confident in the quality of what I’m putting into my body. I’ve even had a few patients switch to it and tell me they’ll never go back to store-bought brands again.

The Sweet Side of Holistic Health

As a chiropractor, I’ll always believe in the power of the adjustment. But I also believe in nature’s ability to support the healing process—and locally sourced honey is one of those gifts. It’s simple, accessible, and when used in moderation, it can be a sweet addition to your overall wellness routine.If you’re ever curious about where to find good local honey, or want to talk more about how it can fit into your health goals, don’t hesitate to ask me at your next appointment. I’ll probably be sipping tea with a spoonful of Angry Bees Honey in it.