I’m taking my first teaspoon of Manuka honey as I write this!
Recommended by the aunt of a friend, I asked my hopsital today, who said fine, and asked for advice in Holland and Barrett - they recommended 15+.
Like others, I worry instinctively about adding water whiich is too hot, so have opted to take it directly, just licking it from the teaspoon. I’m not a honey fan, but found the slightly medicinal,tea tree taste quite pleasant. I’ve finished 4 doses of EC chemo and now into Taxotere (Docetaxel), and finding the mouth problems much more severe, so fingers crossed for the honey!
Well I cant quite believe I am writing this but after a week of just one teaspoon of manuka honey a day my energy levels have increased to better than they have been since my chemo[finished May 2007].I hate the taste but force it down on toast.I am also taking echinacea but had been trying that for ages and the change definitely came over the last few days.This morning I walked briskly for a mile an a half where I have been struggling to do a slow half mile up to now.I then did some housework and wrapped a pile of parcels.I know it doesnt sound a lot but to me it is as if I have run a marathon.I hope it is the honey so I can maintain it.regards Valx
A tip re echinacea (one of the few supplements I’ve got any time for) is not to use it over a period of time, but in short sharp bursts. It’s supposed to kick the immune system into action, but if your body gets used to it, then it doesn’t work. So if you feel you’re coming down with something, reach for the echinacea…and then stop when you’ve fended off that cold or sore throat or whatever.
And I think echinacea isn’t recommended for those who are undergoing chemo.
Cheers for sharing your experience re manuka: I’ll definitely give it a try. Starting rads tomorrow, might need a bit of help with energy levels. And everything else!
The pharmacist in Boots told me to take echinacea for 2 weeks then have 2 weeks off then repeat and continue for 3 cycles till I’d had 6 weeks echi all to gether then stop unless I feel a cold coming on.She said that would 'kick-start my immune system before Christmas.I was told the same about chemo-you dont want to be boosting your immune system while chemo is trying to shut it down!
Just a tip with manuka honey if taken directly without diluting it can cause small blisters as it is a bit like an antiseptic. Thats why I always dilute with water from the kettle that has cooled down. I have had it in porridge and that was o.k. Val you are spot on with echinacea that is what I was told.
I’ve never liked the taste of honey so thought I’d share with you my favourite salad dressing…you can multiply up the proportions as this is enough for 2 people…
Put one tsp of honey in a teacup or small jug, add on 1tsp balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Stir steadily to blend the thick honey in with the vinegar until smooth. Add 3 tsp extra virgin olive oil and mix again until it emulsifies. I guess you could use any vinegar but I love balsamic.
This is a delicious salad dressing that works with most salad mixes. Enjoy!
Someone could have warned me it doesn’t taste so nice before I paid 10quid for a pot!!! LOL.
Thought it was worth a go, so am putting it on my cereal of a morning, anything that may help is worth a shot. Got mine from Tesco, just up there on the honey shelf.
My Onc, just phoned me (four weeks after I asked the question!), and said that taking +15 Manuka honey would not harm the treatments that I’m having Epi/CM or my medication.
I have aquired a ‘taste’ for Manuka now and have a full teaspoon of it every morning. I admit that I still occasionally do the “yuck this is too sweet” face, but at least I get it overwith in one go LOL
My blood count was not too good on Monday and I’m due for chemo tomorrow (Friday), so I’m hoping that the Manuka has helped - I will soon find out.
Oh well, off to my water dispenser to drink myself silly again. Apparently it helps to do this pre chemo and for a few days afterward? All went well on my first chemo, so maybe the water helped!
My husband said I looked like I was doing a bushtucker trial when I was trying to take Manuka honey earlier this year. I eventually found that a spoonful in hot water with some lemon was the easiest way for me to take it.
Hi JULES51, glad that you found a way to take Manuka without thinking you are eating a “whichety grub” lol.
Do not want to put a ‘damper’ on this, but it seems that putting any Manuka + (plus) honey into hot water can make it loose benefits?
I am not 100% sure about this, but have been told from many different (reliable), sources that this is correct. Apparently other non + (plus) honeys are ok to be taken with hot water.