Unlocking the Healing Power of Honey: Discover Its Medicinal Benefits

Natural Remedies Gaining Popularity

Natural remedies are increasingly being sought after for treating common ailments. Among these, honey’s medicinal properties are being explored for various conditions, including canker sores and wound healing.

Canker Sores

Currently, there is no definitive cure for canker sores. Treatment typically involves the use of topical corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms and shorten their duration. A recent study has examined the effectiveness of honey compared to corticosteroid treatment for managing canker sores.

In the study, participants applied honey to the affected area four times daily for five days. The treatment options included honey, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% (a topical corticosteroid), and Orabase paste. Ninety-four participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups and reported their pain levels throughout the treatment period. Additional measurements included ulcer size, redness and inflammation (erythema), and healing progress.

The results indicated that honey application significantly reduced the size of canker sores and alleviated pain more quickly than corticosteroid treatment. Thus, honey emerged as an effective natural remedy for canker sores, providing relief from pain and inflammation.

Community-Acquired MRSA

Honey has demonstrated antibacterial properties, including effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A study at Pinon Family Practice in Farmington, New Mexico, is investigating honey as an alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating community-acquired MRSA.

In this study, patients with MRSA abscesses will receive 15ml of honey applied directly to the wound, alongside standard antibiotic therapy (Bactrim). Eligible participants are aged 16-75 and present with an abscess measuring up to 6cm that requires incision and drainage.

Burn Injuries

The unique properties of honey, including its antibacterial, debriding, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, make it suitable for treating burn injuries. Medihoney®, an antibacterial dressing containing 80% active Leptospermum honey, is designed to promote wound healing.

A clinical trial is underway to compare Medihoney® with SANTYL® ointment, an enzymatic debriding ointment for severe burns. Participants with partial thickness burns at two separate locations are being recruited at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Burn Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Each participant will receive both treatments on different burn areas to facilitate a direct comparison of healing time, bacterial growth, patient satisfaction, and treatment costs.

Acute Pouchitis

Acute pouchitis can occur after surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis, where the bowel is reconnected to the anus. This condition involves inflammation at the pouch site. Standard treatment typically includes antibiotics; however, some patients may not respond adequately and may require further surgery.

Doctors at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, in collaboration with the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, are evaluating the effects of honey in patients experiencing acute pouchitis. Participants will receive manuka honey enemas twice daily for 30 days, and the outcomes will be compared with standard antibiotic treatment.

References

El-Haddad, SA, Asiri, FYL, Al-Qahtani, HH, Al-Ghmlas, AS. Efficacy of honey in comparison to topical corticosteroid for treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulceration: A randomized, blind, controlled, parallel, double-center clinical trial Quintessence Int 45 (2014), No. 8 (20.07.2014) Page 691-701, doi:10.3290/j.qi.a32241.

Clinicaltrials.gov “New Mexico Honey Wound Treatment Research Study” Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01748318?term=honey&recr=Open&no_unk=Y&rank=1 Last Accessed: April 21, 2015.

Medihoney Fact Sheet Available from: http://outside-us.dermasciences.com/medihoney Last Accessed April 21, 2015.

Clinicaltrials.gov “Medihoney and Santyl for Burn Injuries (MSBI)” https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02250183?term=honey&recr=Open&no_unk=Y&rank=6 Last Accessed April 21, 2015.

Clinicaltrials.gov “To Determine the Effect of Honey Enema in the Treatment of Patients With Acute Pouchitis” Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02201186?term=honey&recr=Open&no_unk=Y&rank=3 Last Accessed: April 21, 2015.