A growing
number of people have a sweet idea on how to treat bumps, cuts and other
"ouches." They're using honey. A spoonful of honey can dry those
tears and maybe even bring a smile, but did you know that a dab of honey
applied once the injury has been cleaned will also aid in healing?
Honey is effective as an antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobials
inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and help prevent infection.
The Ancient Healer
The ancient Egyptians used honey to
treat cataracts, cuts and burns. Hippocrates, the Greek physician,
prepared honey-based cures for skin disorders and ulcers. Even in modern
times, honey was used as a healer. During World War I, German doctors used
honey mixed with cod liver oil to surgically dress soldiers' wounds.
The Latest Scientific Buzz
A recent review of scientific
literature by Richard F. Stier, microbiologist and independent researcher,
has indicated that honey is an effective antimicrobial agent.
"Honey is antimicrobial for many reasons," Stier
says, "including its high sugar content, which limits the amount of
water available to microorganisms for growth and its low protein content,
which deprives bacteria of nitrogen needed for growth. The presence in
honey of hydrogen peroxide and the antioxidants in honey also help inhibit
bacterial growth."
At the same time, honey has other properties that help
promote healing and prevent scarring. Honey is hygroscopic, which means it
can draw moisture from the air.
"When used on minor skin injuries, honey's hygroscopic
nature promotes healing, helps prevent scarring and keeps the injured area
from adhering to the bandage," Stier says.
Sweet Relief
Scrapes and abrasions happen often in
an active family, but good home treatment can reduce scarring and help
prevent infection. While honey is a useful treatment for minor scrapes or
burns, serious wounds should always receive professional treatment. For
the everyday bumps and scrapes, a few steps will bring relief:
- For scrapes, wash the area with soap and
water to remove any dirt. For burns, hold the injured area under cold
running water until it feels better.
- Apply honey directly to the scrape or burn
to help prevent infection
- Use a bandage to cover the area.
- Reapply honey and bandage for several days.
Honey's hygroscopic nature will
help prevent scarring and keep the injured area from adhering to the
bandage.
Honey's ability to attract and retain moisture also makes it
an effective ingredient in skin and hair-care products.
Home Imagine
MediaHumor Factory
PhotoContact
|
