The use of honey within the field of oncology and beyond

Honey is produced all over the globe in many different types, depending on which flowers the honeybees pollinate from. Interestingly, the use of honey extends beyond a sweetener in the kitchen. It contains various substrates such as Vitamins A, K, C, many B vitamins, flavonoids, fatty acids, iron, calcium, and more. (1,2) All of these nutrients lead to honey’s natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and analgesic activity. (1,2) Honey can be useful in modern medicine, such as the field of oncology, as it is safe, cost-effective, and beneficial. 

In the field of oncology, it is often used in symptom management, such as:

• Prevention and treatment of radiation-induced mucositis. (3)
• Prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia. (4)
• Empirically for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced dysphagia.
• Wound healing related to surgical scars. (1, 2, 4, 5)

How can it be used? (For oral use):

1. Swish and swallow 15-20 mL of honey 3-4x per day during radiation and until healed.
   1. Several studies recommended doing it 15 minutes before, 15 minutes after radiation, and before bed .(6)
2. 10 mL thyme honey diluted in 100 mL water 3x per day has also been used for xerostomia. (4)
   1. Rinse and spit, then smear on the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.  
   2. Immediately before radiation, immediately after radiation, and 6 hours after.

Beyond cancer, it may be used in various other conditions (see below) due to its many properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial nature. (1,2)

• Cough or other respiratory diseases (such as asthma or allergic rhinitis). (2, 7)
• Fertility: increases sperm count and testosterone levels and strengthens the uterus. (2)
• Cardiovascular Disease: improve coronary vasodilation, reduce platelet clotting, and inhibit LDL oxidization. (2,7)
• Topically for general wound healing (such as ulcers) and scar reduction. (1,2, 4, 5, 7)

In terms of wound healing, the viscosity of honey can create a protective layer on the skin and, along with its antimicrobial properties, aid in the prevention of infection. (2) It may boost epithelialization to assist in the resolution of external and oral wounds. (4) Additionally, due to the pollination of honey, bees add various enzymes to the honey. Glucose oxidase is one of these enzymes that can produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which can lower pH, enhance bactericidal activity, and even stimulate VEGF to augment healing. (5) 

Tips:

• Use pure honey or medical-grade honey. Best if it is unpasteurized, except in infants <1 year of age.
• In case of diabetes, be sure to spit out the honey (however, honey consumption is controversial).
• There are some wound care products (gels and dressings) available commercially that have honey already incorporated in them.

For more information on how to support your cancer patients, potentially with honey, consider the Advanced Integrative Oncology Palliative Care Course by the Integrative Oncology Institute.