A little paper published a few years ago on a double-blind study (Topical application of honey in the management of the radiation mucositis: A randomized study
B M Biswal et al) indicated that honey might be an adjunctive therapy to prevent severe mucositis in patients being treated for HNC with radiation. The researchers found that by taking natural honey (20 ml, swished around mouth and then swallowed) 15 minutes before and after rad, and then 6 hours later, the incidence of grade 3/4 mucositis was reduced from 70% to 20% (!). The patients were receiving 6-7 weeks radiation, total 60-70 Gy. They also found that 55% of honey-treated patients showed no loss of weight or even gain, compared to 25% of controls. Both differences were highly significant.

There are a number of studies ongoing on honey's therapeutic properties -- including several in NZ, where they are studying Manuka honey from the tea tree plant for various applications -- wounds, gangrene, stomach ulcers etc. Results are encouraging and there have been several papers published, although I couldn't find any specifically on mucositis. There is a study ongoing on HNC mucositis in UK.

Anyway, with nurses' approval we are doing a little study of our own -- using Manuka honey as in the Biswal paper, 15 mins before and after treatment and 6 hours later. A datum of one, not too useful unless it turns out to work for Barry but interesting nevertheless...

The basis for all this interest is that honey has potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, why it can sit in a comb in the humid tropics and never spoil. It is also a very good food.

Gail