Honey for Healing

     We know honey tastes good but for thousands of years it has also been used for its medicinal properties.  A staple of ancient Egyptian medicine chests, honey is making a comeback.

      A researcher at the Univeristy of Bonn has rediscovered the benefits of medicinally prepared honey for wound healing.  "In hospitals today we are faced with germs which are resistant to almost all the current antibiotics," said Arne Simon, M.D. "As a result, the medical use of honey is becoming attractive again fo rthe treatment of wounds."

     Medihoney, a healing product certified by Europe's health protection agency is being used by Dr. Simon, MD with his cancer patients at the Bonn Univeristy Children's Clinic.  Due to the heavy cancer medication children take, their ability to heal is impaired.  Medihoney, a combination of two potent honey's, reduces healing time from wounds dramatically.

     Honey contains a powerful antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide.  Only small amounts of hydrogen peroxide are needed to treat wounds compared with larger doses of synthetic medicines.  The honey has even been shown to help fight staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a nasty bacterium.  And it fights it better than antibiotics. 

     The honey also helps eliminate wound odor and acts as an anti-inflammatory.  Pretty impressive for something that tastes good too.  It is important to note that only medically prepared honey should be used on wounds as regular untreated honey may contain spores which could lead to further infection.