Honey: The Best Way to Heal Wounds
The power of honey in healing wounds was discovered and used ages ago. Its potentials have now been rediscovered by modern medical science. Many studies have been conducted and reports have been published regarding the therapeutic value of honey.
Two important factors that give honey its healing properties are its acidity or low pH that prevents bacterial growth, and its osmolarity, which is the tendency of honey to absorb water from the would as a result depriving the bacterial growth. The high sugar content in honey inhibits the growth of bacteria.
When honey gets diluted with the fluids from the wound, an enzyme is activated that produces hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide acts as an antiseptic. Honey also reduces inflammation, swelling, odor and pain in the wounds. Honey promotes the healing process without causing any tissue damage. It promotes epithelialisation of the wound.
In some honeys, the healing properties are more when compared to others. These types inhibit the growth of those bacteria that are sensitive to antibiotics, and also those like MRSA that are not. Medihoney is the first pure, medical honey dressing, proven to work against MRSA. For best results, apply honey over cut, wounds and burns and cover it with a clean bandage.
Thank you for your article which I found most interesting. I must admit that i haven’t tried using honey myself but I will try it next time. I can easily see how the effects of honey works and why it works. You might also be interested in my article on ginger and its healing properties. I am always so amazed at the power of the natural things we have around us to help our bodies heal. We have a wonderful medicine chest without ever needing to pop any kind of pill.
Karen Graham
30 Oct 07 at 10:18 am