Honey for Wounds

An ancient scroll was found in Egypt that listed medical case histories, recorded around 3000 B.C. Case #3 described treatment for an acute head wound: after stitching the wound shut, oil and honey were applied to prevent infection.

Researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand have written, "Honey has been used since ancient times as a remedy in wound care. Evidence from animal studies and some trials has suggested honey may accelerate wound healing." The results they found show that in acute wounds (burns, lacerations) honey had a significant effect. In some moderate wounds where damage to nerves and blood vessels occurred, healing time was reduced by as much as five days compared to conventional treatments. The use of honey in chronic wounds (diabetic ulcers, arterial and venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, and infected surgical wounds) did not significantly increase healing time compared to conventional treatments.

The honey used to treat wounds has to be in the raw state (raw, uncooked does not qualify) because honey contains enzymes and nutrients that can be very useful to the body. Unfortunately, heat destroys many of them, and commercial honey is heated to keep it from crystallizing inside processing machinery. You can find raw honey in the natural food section of your grocery store or at your local health food store. Get honey from local sources--the honey gathered closest to your home is the best for you.