MEDICINAL USE OF HONEY
The honey made from the nectar of flowers by honeybees has a long history of medicinal use. The average composition of honey is 17% water, 38% fructose, 30% glucose, 7% maltose, 2% assorted sugars and minute amounts of vitamins and minerals. The low acidity of honey prevents fermentation. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide is also present from conversion of glucose to gluconic acid.
Although bacteria do not grow in honey, bacterial spores can be present. Botulism spores can be present in honey so honey should never be given to infants less than one year old due to the risk of botulism (lockjaw, paralysis). The effectiveness of honey as an antibacterial remedy is due to high osmolarity, low pH and hydrogen peroxide. Some types of honey are more effective than others. The New Zealand Manuke honey is exceptionally good and commands a premium price. Studies have shown that honey stimulated the T and B cells of the immune system, reduces inflammation and stimulates cell growth.
The primary medicinal use of honey is for wounds and skin
infections. Abrasions, abscesses, bedsores, fistulas, foot
ulcers and venous stasis ulcers have all been successfully
treated with honey. A gauze pad, usually changed daily,
is covered with honey and applied to the affected area.
Three recent studies in the 1990’s compared honey
dressings for burns with conventional treatments. The burns
treated with honey dressings actually healed more quickly
and with fewer infections. Past experience in Russia and
Israel showed good healing of stomach ulcers by ingestion
of 2-3 ounces of honey daily. Honey may be helpful to resolve
symptoms of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome but should
be avoided by anyone with yeast overgrowth of the intestines.
Honey has also been used to treat eye disorders such as
inflamed conjunctiva, eyelids and corneas. Honey is a commonly
used folk remedy for colds and flu.
The ways in which honey inhibits bacterial growth make it unlikely that bacteria will develop resistance to the honey. Overall, medicinal use of honey is very safe and relatively inexpensive compared to antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs.
I recommend the book by Joe Traynor titled “Honey: The Gourmet Medicine” as a good introduction to this topic. An extensive list of references to research and studies is in the index. Websites with additional information include www.ibra.org.uk and www.honey.com.
Daniel Blodgett MD