Honey Prevents Oral Mucositis

Honey is an all natural humectant, keeping 'things' moist, like skin, hair, face, throat, even baked goods like cupcakes!

Effect of topical honey on limitation of radiation-induced oral mucositis: an intervention study

Int'l Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dec 2010

The effectiveness of radiation therapy for oral cancer is often outweighed by an adverse effect mucositis, a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the mouth. 

Drawing on research indicating that honey may promote wound healing, three scientists at Manipal University in Mangalore, India, studied its anti-inflammatory properties to see whether it might prevent severe oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy. 

Their single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial compared the effects of honey with those of Lignocaine, a local anaesthetic. Only one patient in the honey group developed intolerable oral mucositis. 

Because honey is readily available, affordable, and well accepted by patients, the investigators recommend its use in patients receiving radiation therapy for oral cancer.