im due to start chemo shortly and am trying to get together a survival pack, doing something positive helps. I have heard that Manuka Honey is good fir preventing and treating sore mouths. Has anyone had any experience of this?
I looked into Manuka honey in the early days of Jen's diagnosis as I'd heard it helped boost the immune system. The research I did suggested there was no strong science to support any of the things it was said to do - bar websites that clearly had a vested interest in selling it.
I suspect very strongly that, even if it does boost immunity it wouldn't be in any significant way, especially where chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (depleted white blood cells) is concerned. People having chemotherapy are monitored for neutropenia and are given Filgrastim injections to counter the condition.
Honey does have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it's also entirely possible it could help sooth a sore mouth. But, again, there are far better (cheaper and more effective) medicines - both over the counter and via prescription - to deal with inflammation, mouth ulcers and other pain (oral or otherwise).
In short, I'm not convinced it does what it's said to do, if it does I'm definitely not convinced it will do it enough to make any difference and it's incredibly expensive when compared to cheaper, scientifically proven alternatives.
