You just cut yourself, you're bleeding. On no, no more disinfectant in your house ... You need a solution. Honey ! Rinse your wound with clean water and then apply a thick layer of honey. By its anti-bacterial properties, it will come to disinfect your wound naturally as a first resort. Over the next few days, continue to apply honey to the wound and you will see the magic of this precious nectar work: it will make you heal much faster than you think.
You guessed it, I'm talking to you today about the healing properties of honey, both for internal consumption and topical application.
What gives it these properties? Are there any honeys that are more effective than others? How to use honey for wound healing? I will explain everything to you in this article.
Honey, a recognized anti-bacterial and healing agent
Numerous studies have shown the antiseptic action (1) of honey, regardless of its floral origin (although there are some differences). This action is mainly due to:
- Its Ph, acid, which creates an environment that is not very conducive to bacterial development
- An enzyme, inhibin, that transforms the glucose in honey into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, better known under the name hydrogen peroxide, active against bacteria.
- Its viscosity creates a barrier effect on the wound
- The presence of "defensin" proteins, which have a role in immunity and have antibiotic properties active on many germs.
Associated with its antiseptic action, honey can be used for the treatment of wounds and burns. It is particularly effective. It promotes tissue renewal, prevents dehydration, protects the wound and relieves pain. The healing time is often reduced.
It was Professor Descottes, who in 1988 established a protocol for treating wounds with honey in the hospital. He was a surgeon at the Limoges University Hospital. For more than 25 years, he has used honey for healing post-operative wounds and bedsores on nearly 3,000 patients. He is one of those who made a significant contribution to the development of medical apitherapy. Thank you professor!
Here is the healing protocol with honey on a clean wound at the CHU de Limoges (3):
- Cleanse with physiological serum
- Apply honey
- Cover with compresses
- Repeat until healing
The healing properties of honey deteriorate with time and heat. It loses all of its properties if heated above 37 ° C. It is a living natural substance that remains fragile, take care of it ;)
Thyme honey
This is our favorite healing honey. Besides, he's local. It is the most beneficial western honey for our health. Thymol, found in thyme, is responsible for its anti-bacterial and healing activity. It is this honey alongside lavender that the famous Professor Descottes used in the hospital when he treated severe burns and other illnesses.
Today, it is rare to find French Thyme Honey. Most are from Spain and can be just as effective under certain conditions, of course.
Manuka Honey
The manuka is a shrub endemic to New Zealand. Its honey is very popular today for its powerful anti-bacterial properties. Indeed, its methylglyoxal content, responsible for anti-microbial activity, is said to be higher than in other honeys. It is important to choose a quality Manuka honey, with a guaranteed methylglioxal (MGO) content. Its effectiveness depends on the concentration of active principle. The higher the MGO figure, the more powerful the anti-bacterial and healing properties…. The choice is yours depending on the use.
- MGO 100: recommended for prevention, to maintain your immune system on a daily basis
- MGO 200: recommended to fight against small bacterial and fungal infections MG 400: recommended for external use to treat wounds, burns, winter ailments
- MG 800: the most powerful. For all types of bacterial infection
I invite you to discover manuka honey for its virtues, its delicious, slightly caramel taste and its texture like butter.
The aromiels
An aromiel (4) is a mixture of honey and essential oil.
Honey plays the role of transporter and allows better assimilation of the essential oil by the body. The effects of essential oils are reinforced by the virtues specific to each honey and vice versa. There is a beautiful synergy between these two natural products.
I remind you that essential oils are powerful, they must be used with care, well documented and be guided for their use. They are strongly discouraged for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under 6 years old. If in doubt, don't hesitate to get help.
Here are some examples of aromatics specific to healing:
Lavender honey, as well known as thyme honey for its healing and anti-bacterial properties mixed with essential oil of true lavender. Ideal for daily local application to a wound or a burn. Thyme honey, mixed with essential oil of thyme linalool internally or externally.
Regarding the proportions, for internal use it is recommended between 3 and 5g of essential oil for 100g of honey. For external use, 1g of essential oil is recommended for 100g of honey. Depending on the pathology, the dosage varies. Mix the two substances with a wooden utensil then let stand at least 48 hours for the preparation to set well.
Pine Honey and ORGANIC Black Propolis Handmade Preparation, harvested in France
The anti-bacterial properties make honey useful, in combination with propolis, for many winter ailments or in case of stomach ulcers. Propolis has many antifungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, hence its name "natural antibiotic".
These two products are truly complementary and their effectiveness increases when combined.
Sources :
(1) Apithérapie pour tous, du Dr Albert Beckert
(2) Apithérapie, de Jean Luc Darrigol
(3) CHU limoges, dossier peau de miel
(4) Site officiel du Professeur Roch Domerego