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Can Honey Help Fight Cancer?

Posted By Dr. Mercola | December 22 2004 | 19,721 views

While some regard honey as a condiment to tea or toast, researchers have discovered a vastly different use for it. According to findings, a range of honey-bee products may be useful in the control of tumor growth.

Such products include:

  • Honey
  • Royal jelly (produced in the salivary glands of worker bees)
  • Bee venom
  • Propolis (a resin-like substance used in the construction of honeycombs)

In order to discover whether or not these products aid in stopping the growth and spread of tumors, researchers conducted a series of experiments. They first generated tumors in mice -- via the injection of cancer cells -- and then gave the honey-bee products to different mice before, at the same time, or after the injection.

Sweet Discoveries

  • Oral honey intake appeared to inhibit the development of tumors when given prior to the injection; however, when given afterwards the development of secondary cancers was amplified

  • Simultaneously injecting the mice with royal jelly and tumor cells reduced the spread of cancer

  • Tumors appeared to shrink after being injected with bee venom

  • When propolis was injected into the mice, subcutaneous tumor growth significantly reduced, while survival time increased

Though it is still unclear how honey-bee products affect human cancer cells, researchers suggest they may cause cell suicide, which helps the immune system fight the development of tumors. It was also noted that bee products should be considered in addition to (not instead of) chemotherapy treatment.

BBC News December 5, 2004

 

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

This is not the first time I have posted an article regarding the use of bee products to improve health conditions. In fact, previous studies have indicated that such products have helped combat dental plaque and Lyme disease.

There are a number of important distinctions to make clear here. The first is that multiple bee products were used. So it wasn't just honey. Bee products like propolis and royal jelly can be very powerful natural healing adjuncts if used wisely and properly. Bee venom has some incredibly potent neuroactive peptides that can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

One of the confusions in using bee products, though, is in regard to honey. Many feel because honey is "natural" it is ok to use, but this simply is not true. This is because the vast majority of honey consumed in this country is processed or refined. And, like most refined foods, it can promote disease and damage your health. That is why if you are going to use honey it should be raw honey. Raw honey is likely to promote health as long as it is used in moderation and you do not suffer from signs of elevated insulin such as:

  • Overweight
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes

So the summary of this study is that bee products can be useful for a variety of conditions, including cancer. But be VERY careful about using any product, even natural ones, as the ONLY approach to treating a complex illness like cancer, as it is likely to be counterproductive.

Five Healthy Alternatives to Fighting Cancer

  1. Avoid sugar since it is the primary fuel for most cancers. There is not ONE SINGLE FOOD item that is generally more damaging to your health.

  2. Optimize your vitamin D levels as vitamin D is probably the single most important vitamin in preventing and treating cancers.

  3. Make sure you get sufficient cod liver oil or fish oil

  4. Make sure you exercise, as this will help lower your insulin levels.

  5. Get sufficient sunlight, though this may be near impossible for those of us who live in the north during the winter. This is why I recommend using light boxes like the Bio-Pure Light Boxes, as they contain light bulbs that project full-spectrum sunlight. You see, in order to achieve natural balanced sunlight INDOORS it is important that your light bulbs contain a full spectrum of color, as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths.

Related Articles:

124 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health

Cancer's Sweet Tooth

Proof That Increased Sugar Causes Cancer

Eating Lots of Sugar and Starch May Raise Cancer Risk

More Evidence That Sugar Increases Cancer


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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

© Copyright 1997-2012 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.

 

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