cont.

The use of honey as a wound dressing goes back to ancient times and has now been "rediscovered' by modern medicine, according to Dr. Peter Molan of the University of Waikato, New Zealand. The antibacterial properties of honey may help clear infection in wounds, and the anti-inflammatory action of honey may reduce pain and may improve circulation which hastens the healing process. According to Dr. Molan, "Honey stimulated the re-growth of tissue involved in healing, making healing faster and reducing scarring". The credit goes to honey's rich supply of natural antibiotics and enzymes.

In one study 87% of patients with honey coated burns healed completely within two weeks, compared to just 10% of those treated with a standard Rx, silver sulfadiazine. Follow up research showed the honey destroyed 100% of the bacteria that cause infections.

1. Honey in the Treatment of Wounds and Burns, American Journal of Dermatology, 2001,Vol. 2 No. 1, pp.13-19

2. Honey is Effective in the Treatment of Post Surgical Wounds, Acta Paedatr. 1998 Apr; 87(4); 429-32

3. Honey's Ability To Stimulate Inflammatory Cytokine Production From Monocytes May Help Explain Its Wound Healing Capacity, Cytokine. 2003 Mar 7; 21

Honey is known to possess a variety of antioxidants and antibacterial substances that have been shown to inhibit growth of a wide range of bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial properties of honey may render it beneficial in the treatment of various oral ailments including periodontal disease and mouth ulcers.

1. Select Honeys Demonstrate Antimicrobial Activity Against Oral Pathogens, Journal of Dental Research, 2002; 80:349

2. Manuka Honey May Aid in the Treatment of Gingivitis, Journal of The International Academy of Periodentology. 2004 Apr; 6 920;63-7

3. The Potential of Honey To Promote Oral Wellness, General Dentistry, 2001, vol.49, No. 6, ppp.584-589.