Honey; An Old-Fashioned Surgical Remedy Revisited
If you have been following the latest news, you have heard a lot about the problem we are having today with infections that are resistant to antibiotics. So this recent study that has just been released proves to be very timely.
A review study of 18 studies looking at substances used for wound healing, covering more than 60 years, was recently published in the October 2007 issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice. Not only did authors look at honey, but also other treatments, such as maggots.
Studies continue to show that honey has exceptional antimicrobial and wound healing properties. Its high sugar content and low moisture content contribute to these properties. It also has gluconic acid, which creates an acidic environment, harmful to certain bacteria, and also contains hydrogen peroxide. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, which speeds healing.
Researchers have also reported that applying honey can be used to reduce amputation rates among diabetes patients, can be used to sterilize infected wounds, can speed up healing, and can impede tumors. In the studies, reviewers discovered that honey should be applied at regular intervals, from hourly to twice daily and that wounds can become sterile in three to 10 days.
So, if you are about to have surgery and are concerned with healing issues, ask your doctor about what he knows about these recent suggestions! It is highly recommended to not just try this on your own, however. Talk to your surgeon to be sure this is a treatment option appropriate for you.
To read the abstract of this study, click here;
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01417.x
A review study of 18 studies looking at substances used for wound healing, covering more than 60 years, was recently published in the October 2007 issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice. Not only did authors look at honey, but also other treatments, such as maggots.
Studies continue to show that honey has exceptional antimicrobial and wound healing properties. Its high sugar content and low moisture content contribute to these properties. It also has gluconic acid, which creates an acidic environment, harmful to certain bacteria, and also contains hydrogen peroxide. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, which speeds healing.
Researchers have also reported that applying honey can be used to reduce amputation rates among diabetes patients, can be used to sterilize infected wounds, can speed up healing, and can impede tumors. In the studies, reviewers discovered that honey should be applied at regular intervals, from hourly to twice daily and that wounds can become sterile in three to 10 days.
So, if you are about to have surgery and are concerned with healing issues, ask your doctor about what he knows about these recent suggestions! It is highly recommended to not just try this on your own, however. Talk to your surgeon to be sure this is a treatment option appropriate for you.
To read the abstract of this study, click here;
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01417.x
posted by Margie Geiser, MBA, RD, NSCA-CPT at
7:00 AM
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