Natural Remedies and Their Growing Popularity

Natural remedies are increasingly being selected for the treatment of common health issues. Among these remedies, honey is gaining attention for its medicinal properties, particularly in conditions such as canker sores and wound healing.

Canker Sores

Currently, there is no definitive cure for canker sores, but treatments typically involve topical corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms and shorten their duration. A recent study has explored the effectiveness of honey as a treatment alternative compared to corticosteroid therapy.

Study Overview

In this study, participants applied honey to their canker sores four times daily for five days. The treatment with honey was assessed against triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% (a topical corticosteroid) and Orabase paste. A total of 94 participants were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups.

Results

Participants reported their pain levels during the treatment period. Other evaluated factors included ulcer size, erythema (redness and inflammation), and overall healing. The results indicated that honey application reduced the size of canker sores more effectively and alleviated pain more rapidly than corticosteroid treatment. Thus, honey emerged as a viable natural remedy for canker sores.

Community-Acquired MRSA

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

Study Details

Patients aged 16 to 75 with MRSA abscesses will receive either 15ml of honey applied directly to the wound or standard antibiotic therapy (Bactrim). Eligible patients must have an abscess measuring up to 6cm in diameter on the extremities or trunk, requiring incision and drainage.

Burn Injuries

Honey possesses several beneficial properties for treating burn injuries, including antibacterial, debriding, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Medihoney®, which contains 80% active Leptospermum honey, is an antibacterial dressing designed to enhance wound healing.

Clinical Trial Comparison

A clinical trial is underway comparing Medihoney® with SANTYL® ointment, an enzymatic debriding ointment used for severe burns. Participants with partial thickness burns at two separate sites are being recruited at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Burn Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Each participant will receive both treatments on different burn areas to enable a direct comparison.

Evaluation Metrics

The study will assess time to healing, bacterial growth within the wounds, patient satisfaction, and treatment costs associated with each method.

Acute Pouchitis

Acute pouchitis can occur after surgery for ulcerative colitis, where a portion of the bowel is removed and the remaining sections are reconnected to the anus. Inflammation at the surgical site, known as acute pouchitis, may arise post-operatively. Standard treatment often involves antibiotics; however, some patients may not respond well and may require additional surgery.

Research Focus

Doctors at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, in collaboration with the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, are investigating the benefits of honey for patients experiencing acute pouchitis following ulcerative colitis surgery. Participants will receive manuka honey enemas twice daily for 30 days, with results compared against 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: Link Last Accessed: April 21, 2015.

Medihoney Fact Sheet Available from: Link Last Accessed April 21, 2015.

Clinicaltrials.gov “Medihoney and Santyl for Burn Injuries (MSBI)” Link Last Accessed April 21, 2015.

Clinicaltrials.gov “To Determine the Effect of Honey Enema in the Treatment of Patients With Acute Pouchitis” Available from: Link Last Accessed April 21, 2015.