Ancient Times
Throughout history, honey has been used for medicinal purposes with the use of Honey as a wound dressing being one of the most persistent therapeutic uses over time. Ancient Egyptians were among the first beekeepers being well established around 3100 BC. Papyrus records depicting a surgical textbook, from possibly 2500 BC, indicate that honey was used extensively in Egyptian medicine and was a common ingredient in many wound dressings described. Honey provides a moist wound healing environment which promotes healing and honey’s antibacterial properties help prevent and clear infection. Often in historical texts, the type and location of the honey was specified, thus indicating that the people were well aware of the medicinal properties of honey from particular floral sources.
Modern Times
In modern times, after the advent and proliferation of modern antibiotic (western) medicine, the use of honey in Wound Care largely fell out of favor. However, more recently there has been a rapid spread of bacterial strains which are resistant to antibiotics used in clinical practice. It is now common to have bacteria strains, so called “super bugs”, that are resistant to all commonly used antibacterial drugs. This situation has created renewed interest in using honey as a wound care agent and helped spawn extensive research and use of Manuka honey in registered wound care products.
Therapeutic Benefits of Honey in Wound Care
Honey has been shown to have many properties beyond its’ antibacterial action that is highly beneficial in wound care.
Honey . . .
- Provides a moist wound healing environment
- Prevents dressings from adhering to wound surface
- Prevents new skin tissue from growing into dressings
- Manages infection – Serves both to protect the wound from becoming infected and to either kill wound bacteria or prevent it from multiplying.
- Promotes drainage from wound
- Removes malodor created from wound – Bacteria in wounds prefer to consume glucose (in honey) instead of amino acids in the wound bed, thus lactic acid is produced instead of the normal malodorous sulphur compounds.
- Stimulates faster wound healing
- Provides anti-inflammatory action
- Stimulates immune response
- Reduces pain
- Reduces oxidative stress in the wound
"I have personally used honey on boo-boo's with success but always consult your physician"
Why Honey Works
Nutritional Value
Honey contains a wide range of nutrients including minerals, vitamins and amino acids. It has been reported that wounds heal faster if a nutrient mixture is applied topically to cells in the wound bed. Honey can promote healing to the wound bed by supplying glucose. One example is that the glucose allows macrophages to gain energy through glycolysis in the absence of oxygen (due to damaged tissues where oxygen supply is often poor).
Antibacterial Properties
Honey has been shown to have the ability to manage wound infections even in situations where conventional antibiotics and antiseptics have failed. Honey has also been shown to be effective against so called “super bugs” such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).
Osmotic Action
Honey has high osmotic action, attracting water molecules from cells. In a wound, the osmotic action of honey causes an outflow of lymph which is beneficial to the healing process. This outflow provides improved supply of nutrients to the surface of the wound and provides a moist wound environment, without promoting bacterial growth.
Acidity of Honey
It has been observed that wounds heal faster in an acidic environment, and conversely an alkaline pH is associated with wounds that are not healing. Honey is moderately acidic with a pH level typically between 3.2 and 4.5, which when applied to a wound acidifies the wound bed. One of the reasons that an acidic environment is friendly to wound healing is that the amount of oxygen released through capillaries increases from 25% for a normal pH level to over 50% in a lower pH environment.
Anti-oxidant Activity
Honey contains a high level of antioxidants. Some studies, in which oxidative stress was measured, concluded that the control of free radicals due to the anti-oxidant action of honey was the way in which honey initiates healing in burns.
Anti-inflammatory Action
In a wound, a short-lived state of inflammation is necessary to initiate the healing process.
However, when inflammation persists, it may cause damage and either slow down or prevent healing. Persistent inflammation may be triggered by events such as bacteria present and the presence of slough in wounds. Honey has both antibacterial action and helps to remove slough from wounds, both contributing to reduce inflammation.
Uses of Honey in Wound Care
Honey has been used to successfully treat a wide variety of both acute and chronic wounds. In the past 2 decades successful trials have shown success treating the following wound types:
- Abscesses
- Burns
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Donor sites
- Graft sites
- Infected wounds
- Leg ulcers
- Pressure ulcers
- Surgical wounds
- Surgical wound dehiscence
If you have any questions about applying honey to your wound, follow up with a physician. Before any treatment, always consult with your physician.
How to Uses of Honey in Wound Care
Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound care due to its antimicrobial and healing properties. When using honey for wound care, it's essential to choose a high-quality, sterile, medical-grade honey, such as Manuka honey, which has proven antibacterial effects. Here's a general guide on how to use honey for wound care:
1. Clean the wound: Before applying honey, ensure that the wound is clean and free from debris. Wash the wound gently with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean, sterile cloth.
2. Choose the right honey: Opt for medical-grade honey, preferably Manuka honey with a high Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) or Methylglyoxal (MGO) rating. These compounds are responsible for the honey's antimicrobial properties.
3. Apply honey to the wound: Use a sterile applicator, cotton swab, or a clean fingertip to apply a thin layer of honey over the wound. Make sure to cover the entire wound area with a thin, even coat.
4. Cover the wound: After applying honey, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage. This helps protect the wound from external contaminants and keeps the honey in place.
5. Change the dressing regularly: Depending on the wound's severity and the amount of drainage, you may need to change the dressing and reapply honey regularly. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for the frequency of dressing changes.
6. Monitor for any adverse reactions: While honey is generally safe for most people, some individuals may be allergic to bee products. Monitor the wound and surrounding skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or itching. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
7. Seek medical advice: If the wound is deep, large, or shows signs of infection, it's important to seek medical attention. Honey can be a complementary treatment, but it's not a substitute for professional medical care.
Important notes:
- Honey should not be used on infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
- Always consult with a healthcare professional before using honey for wound care, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Remember, while honey can be a valuable addition to wound care, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation.
