Nusrat Jahan Idrees, PhD candidate in Oncology, United Kingdom
In many Muslim households, honey isn’t just honey. Got a sore throat? Honey. Trouble sleeping? Honey in warm milk. Need a breakfast boost? Drizzle some on your paratha. Whether mixed into ginger tea for digestion or combined with black pepper for a stubborn cough, honey has always been more than just food – it’s a sweet miracle potion passed down through generations.
What’s truly fascinating, though, is how honey, celebrated in the Quran for over 1,400 years, is now gaining the scientific recognition it deserves. What our ancestors embraced through faith is now being validated by researchers worldwide.
Honey in the Quran and hadith
The Quran beautifully highlights honey’s healing properties in Surah an-Nahl, Ch.16: V.69-70:
“And thy Lord has inspired the bee, saying, ‘Make thou houses in the hills and in the trees and in the trellises which they build. Then eat of every kind of fruit, and follow the ways of thy Lord that have been made easy for thee.’ There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying hues. Therein is cure for men. Surely, in that is a Sign for a people who reflect.”
This verse underscores the divine wisdom behind honey as a source of healing. Similarly, in a hadith it is narrated:
“If there is any good in your medicines, then it is in a gulp of honey…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5702)
In another narration, the Prophetsa said:
“You should take the two that bring healing: Honey and the Quran.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3452)
These teachings encourage Muslims to view honey as both nourishment and medicine – a tradition that modern science is now reinforcing.
Science catching up
Fast forward 1,400 years, and science is beginning to uncover honey’s vast potential. A review of research published on PubMed between 2014 and 2024 reveals a growing interest in honey as a medicinal agent. Researchers worldwide are exploring its role in combating infections, reducing inflammation, and, most notably, fighting cancer.
One type of honey that has garnered particular attention is Manuka honey, a special variety from New Zealand known for its high antibacterial and therapeutic properties.
Figure 1: Number of Publications on Honey in PubMed per Year (2014-2024)
Latest research: Manuka honey and breast cancer
In a ground-breaking 2024 study conducted at UCLA, Manuka honey demonstrated remarkable potential in inhibiting the progression of oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Researchers found that Manuka honey reduced tumour growth by an astonishing 84% in preclinical models, without harming normal breast cells.
(Márquez-Garbán DC, Yanes CD, Llarena G, Elashoff D, Hamilton N, Hardy M, Wadehra M, McCloskey SA, Pietras RJ. Manuka Honey Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Progression in Preclinical Models. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 22;16(14):2369)
The study highlighted several mechanisms behind this anti-cancer effect:
- Apoptosis (Cancer Cell Death): Manuka honey promoted programmed cell death in cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
- Regulation of Molecular Pathways: It suppressed key cancer-promoting pathways, such as AMPK/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, responsible for tumour growth and survival.
- Synergy with Chemotherapy: When combined with conventional treatments like tamoxifen, Manuka honey enhanced therapeutic outcomes while reducing side effects.
These effects are linked to honey’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect cells from oxidative stress – a major factor in cancer development.
But before rushing to stock up on jars of Manuka honey, here’s a reality check: As Dr. Diana Márquez-Garbán, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, explains, “It’s important that people don’t think this honey could be a substitute for standard therapy. A lot of patients seek out alternative therapies, so it’s important to reassure people that the standard therapies that have been assessed in clinical trials and are known to work are the ones they should take.”
Bridging faith and science
Islam’s timeless wisdom about honey as a healing substance resonates deeply when viewed through the lens of modern science. For Muslims, it is heartening to see ancient teachings validated by current research, offering not only spiritual comfort but also scientific potential.
Today is World Cancer Day (4 February) – and as the scientific community delves deeper into honey’s role in cancer therapy, it reaffirms what was revealed centuries ago: honey is more than just a sweetener; it is a divine gift with unparalleled healing potential. From its mention in the Quran to its spotlight in cancer research, honey continues to bridge the gap between faith and science.
So, next time you reach for a jar of honey, remember: you’re holding centuries of tradition, a treasure trove of health benefits, and perhaps even a key to future cancer therapies. Sweet, isn’t it?
For further reading: Honey: A cure for mankind?