Why is this surprising? I am no expert but it seems like pretty standard immunology. Small doses, the body creates antibodies. Over time it is no longer toxic. Maybe this won’t work for every allergy in every person but it makes sense to me. I am open to correction from experts.
The article says it works for those who can tolerate higher peanut exposure before experiencing symptoms. I’m not sure it will work for those with the more serious peanut allergies.
Yes, this is really an old timey method from long ago.............
It’s the opposite with the oily sap called “urushiol” found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It causes more severe allergic reactions every time you get it.
Sensitivity builds up after the skin is exposed to the substance. When initially exposed to urushiol, the skin alerts the immune system of the presence of the irritating chemical. However, it’s common for no visible reaction will occur the first time a person comes in contact with a poison plant. The immune system then prepares a defensive reaction for the next time the skin encounters the substance. This sensitizes the skin so that new contact with urushiol causes an allergic reaction.
I got it so bad about 45 years ago on one hike that it went systemic throughout my body. It took cortisone shots to finally stop it.
here in Texas, some folks with bad cedar allergies will chew juniper berries for 10 days (1 on day 1, 2 on day 2, etc.) and swear it knocks the allergic response completely out. Gin’s made out of juniper, right? Hmmmm....
Not an expert but I have that tick caused mammalian meat allergy and it works for me. Found a study out of Turkey of all places that tried it successfully. They started with pure beef broth but I buy those packages of small round deli roast beef. I eat one slice the first day, two the second, three the third and so on, and within a week, I can eat a couple oz of steak and then slowly increase the amount of steak. NY Strip is my cut. I doubt I’ll ever eat ribeye again. Can’t afford it anyway.
I don’t like the stuff but my daughter does. Smears it on $$$ BFree Seed Bread from Natural Grocer. No allergies ever.