JohnB
1/5/2015
1:51:20 PM | Hi Tee and Happy New Year!
That is a great article on honey - a subject that has come up here several times before. Manuka honey has received a lot of positive press because of the studies done with it in New Zealand, but the truth is that all honey has antimicrobial properties because of its very nature.
Honey is both very acidic and hygroscopic (which means it rapidly absorbs moisture), making it an excellent topical treatment for wounds or lesions since times of antiquity. Virtually all bacteria exposed to honey cannot survive because it contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide, and it literally suffocates them by absorbing their moisture. The natural antimicrobial properties of honey make it spoil proof (as long as it is sealed from moisture).
One rare but notable exception as a survivor in honey is the spore of clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for producing botulism toxin. This is the primary reason that honey is typically pasteurized and is not recommended for infants less than six months old.
In addition to the basic properties of honey, the different types of plants or flowers from which bees harvest nectar to process honey can bolster the healing potential of the honey. For this reason, local raw honey and bee pollen are favored to help relieve seasonal allergies.
All of that being said, remember that honey is basically a natural form of sugar. While it is superior to refined sugar and vastly so to sugar substitutes for internal consumption, it should be used in moderation if at all - especially early on in the recovery process. Stevia is a better option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For those with open sores, there may just be no better topical salve than a mixture of raw local honey, raw garlic and raw ginger root. |
