Honey Can Be Used to Treat Wounds

The practice of using honey to heal injuries is far from a new discovery; it's a revival of ancient wisdom. Civilizations from the ancient Egyptians to the Greeks used honey as a standard wound dressing thousands of years before the discovery of bacteria. Egyptian medical papyri dating back to 1500 BCE describe a mixture of honey, grease, and fiber as a "plaster" for wounds (Review). This traditional remedy fell out of favor with the advent of modern antibiotics in the 20th century, but with the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers have renewed their interest in this ancient treatment.

The healing power of honey is not folklore; it is rooted in a complex combination of antimicrobial properties. Its extremely high sugar concentration and low moisture content create an osmotic effect, essentially drawing water out of invading bacteria and dehydrating them. Furthermore, honey is naturally acidic, with a low pH that is inhospitable to many microorganisms. Perhaps most remarkably, when honey comes into contact with wound fluids, an enzyme called glucose oxidase produces low, steady amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a powerful antiseptic that is gentle on human tissue.

In contemporary medicine, it is crucial to use sterilized, medical-grade honey, as honey from the grocery store is not suitable for open wounds. Manuka honey, in particular, is widely studied for its potent antibacterial effects. Today, various honey-based gels, pastes, and dressings are approved by the FDA as medical devices. These products are used in hospitals to manage a range of acute and chronic wounds, from burns to diabetic ulcers, helping to clear infections and create a moist environment conducive to healing.