Originally published in icon Issue 1 2007

Honey has been used over the years - since the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians - to treat infections.  Maori warriors used to use a honey made by bees from pollen on the manuka bush in New Zealand, as it is extremely effective against infection and inflammation.  Now Christie Hospital, Manchester is trying to use those same properties.  The cancer department, knowing of its powers to inhibit bacterial growth is studying it with mouth and throat cancer patients.  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can causes mucositis, where the mouth, throat and even the digestive system become inflamed.  This can make patients susceptible to picking up other infections – even MRSA.          At Last - the definitive, research based book on how to build a diet to help beat cancer. Click here to read about it.