Since ancient times, honey has been used to treat wounds, burns, sores and boils.
In 2007, Mānuka honey was approved by the US FDA as an option for wound treatment.
Honey offers antibacterial and antioxidant properties, all while maintaining a moist wound environment and protective barrier, which prevents microbial infections in the wound.
Multiple studies have shown that Mānuka honey can enhance wound healing, amplify the regeneration of tissue and even decrease pain in patients suffering from burns.
For example, one two-week study investigated the effects of applying a Mānuka honey dressing on 40 people with non-healing wounds.
The results showed that 88% of the wounds decreased in size. Moreover, it helped create an acidic wound environment, which favors wound healing.
What’s more, Mānuka honey may help heal diabetic ulcers.
A Saudi Arabian study found that Mānuka honey wound dressings, when used in combination with conventional wound treatment, healed diabetic ulcers more effectively than conventional treatment alone.
Additionally, a Greek study showed that Mānuka honey wound dressings reduced healing time and disinfected wounds in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Another study observed the effectiveness of Mānuka honey in healing eyelid wounds after surgery. They found all eyelid wounds healed well, regardless of whether the incisions were treated with Mānuka honey or Vaseline.
However, patients reported that scarring treated with Mānuka honey was less stiff and significantly less painful, compared to scarring treated with Vaseline.
Lastly, Mānuka honey is effective at treating wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Hence, the regular topical application of Mānuka honey on wounds and infections may help prevent MRSA.
Summary
Applied topically, Manuka honey effectively treats burns, ulcers and non-healing
wounds. It has also been shown to combat antibiotic-resistant strains
of infections, such as MRSA.