Evidence That Honey Speeds Wound Healing
October 19th 2007
A new review has found considerable support for the use of honey in wound healing. The findings, published in the October issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice, covered 18 studies.
Lead researcher Dr Fasal Rauf Khan from North West Wales NHS Trust in Bangor, UK, explains: "Researchers started to document the wound healing properties of honey in the early 20th century, but the introduction of antibiotics in 1940 temporarily halted its use.
"Now concerns about antibiotic resistance, and a renewed interest in natural remedies, have prompted a resurgence in the antimicrobial and wound healing properties of honey."
He says that honey has many properties which may offer protection against bacterial growth, including gluconic acid which creates an acidic environment, and hydrogen peroxide. "It can be used to sterilise infected wounds, speed up healing and impede tumours, particularly in keyhole surgery," he says, adding that honey has also been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling.
However, Dr Khan adds that patients should always check with a doctor before applying any substance to post-operative wounds.
When it is safe to do so, he recommends that honey is applied at regular intervals, from hourly to twice daily. In this way, wounds can become sterile in three to ten days.
"The research suggests that honey seems to be especially indicated when wounds become infected or fail to close or heal. It is probably even more useful for healing the wounds left by laparoscopic surgery to remove cancers."
"Our research suggests that surgeons should seriously consider using honey for post-operative wounds and offer this to patients," he concludes.
Khan, F. R. et al. Honey: nutritional and medicinal value. The International Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 61, October 2007, pp. 1705-07.
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