Honey has been an antibiotic treatment in various cultures around the world which has been documented for thousands of years, including during the First World War. Doctors and other medical professionals are also starting to see the benefits of honey for the treatment of wounds and other purposes. Honey can not only kill bacteria, but also helps keep the wound moist and acts as a protector. It also minimizes inflammation and promotes healing of wounds and other skin conditions. By keeping local honey or even commercial honey at home, you can use honey as a topical antibiotic for wounds and other skin conditions like acne.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Using Honey for Wounds
Step 1. Prepare the honey
While you can use any type of honey to heal a wound, some types of honey, such as manuka, can be more effective than others as a topical antibiotic. Storing honey at home will ensure that it is readily available when needed.
- Note that locally produced honey is the most effective against bacteria. You can also get honey to speed up wound healing (medical grade honey). You can find these products at health food stores, local markets, and even grocery stores.
- Be careful when buying commercial honey, which may not be as effective at killing bacteria and healing wounds as it contains preservatives and of unknown origin. Read product labels and make sure the commercial honey is pure and pasteurized honey.
Step 2. Clean the wound
You will need to clean the wound and remove any debris on the surface of the wound before applying honey. This helps get rid of bacteria and minimizes the risk of infection.
- Thoroughly wash the wound thoroughly with warm water and soap. You don't need any special products to clean the wound. All soaps are equally effective at cleaning bacteria. Rinse the wound until there is no soap residue or dirt and debris on the wound surface.
- Dry the wound with a clean towel, washcloth, or tissue.
- Do not try to remove debris that is stuck to the wound, as this can spread bacteria and cause infection. Instead, call your doctor for help removing splinters like these.
Step 3. Apply the bandage with honey
When the wound is clean and dry, the honey is ready to use. Apply a layer of honey on a bandage and apply it to the wound to protect it and kill bacteria.
- Apply honey to one side of a clean bandage, gauze, or washcloth. Then put the side of the bandage with the honey on the wound. Make sure the bandage covers a wider area than the wound to kill bacteria in the surrounding tissue. Do not push the bandage on the wound. Instead, gently press or rub the bandage over the wound to make sure the honey is in contact with the skin.
- Fasten the bandage with a bandage. You can also use other options such as duct tape if it's urgent.
Step 4. Pour honey on the wound
If you want, you can pour honey directly on the wound. This method can be more effective at making sure the honey is in contact with the wound.
Apply a thin layer of honey to the wound with a clean finger, cotton swab, or cloth. If you want, you can measure 15-30 ml of honey and pour it directly on the wound. Be sure to apply honey to the outside of the wound to kill bacteria in the surrounding tissue. Cover with a clean bandage and secure with a bandage or duct tape
Step 5. Repeat this process
Often honey will need to be reapplied on the wound every 12-48 hours depending on the severity of the wound and how quickly it heals. Clean the wound and apply honey as often as needed until the wound heals. Be sure to consult a doctor if the wound does not heal or shows signs of infection.
Check the wound at least every other day to make sure it doesn't get infected. Make sure your hands are clean and consider applying a clean bandage to the wound every time you examine it
Part 2 of 2: Treating Other Conditions with Honey
Step 1. Soothe the burn with honey
If there are burns from various types of accidents, sunburn, or surgical burns, honey can not only soothe the wound, but also speed up healing. For burns, it is more effective to apply honey to a bandage or washcloth and apply it directly to the burn. Be sure to secure it with a bandage or duct tape and check the wound regularly.
Step 2. Get rid of pimples
Honey moisturizes the skin naturally and can eradicate acne-causing bacteria. Applying a thin layer of honey on the skin or making a honey mask can treat and prevent acne and make the skin glow.
- Apply a layer of warm honey on the face. Let stand for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Mix one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of baking soda. Gently rub on the face to exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize the face. A mixture of two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice can also eradicate the bacteria that cause acne.
Step 3. Reduce skin nodules
Some people have skin nodules, which are collections of tissue that appear on different parts of the body. If you have or are prone to developing nodules, applying a honey mask can help remove them.
- Prepare a honey mask to help shrink the nodules. Mix a teaspoon of honey with one of the following ingredients: lemon juice, avocado, coconut oil, egg white, or yogurt.
- Leave the mask on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Step 4. Get rid of the fungal infection
Honey is also effective in eradicating fungal infections on the skin. You can apply honey directly to the affected area or use a bandage and apply it to the infected skin area. Try honey to treat the following yeast infections:
- Ringworm, also known as tinea
- Water fleas
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Step 5. Get rid of dandruff
There is evidence that honey can relieve dandruff and a more chronic condition, seborrheic dermatitis. Consider applying honey regularly to the dandruff areas to get rid of dandruff and prevent it from coming back.
- Make a solution consisting of 90 percent honey with 10 percent water and rub it on the dandruff for 2-3 minutes. Leave the mixture for 3 hours and rinse with warm water. Repeat this process every day for 2 weeks or until you see results.
- Continue to apply once a week to help prevent dandruff from reappearing.
Step 6. Relieve pruritis
Allergic rashes, psoriasis, or dermatitis can cause itchy skin, or pruritis. This condition can cause pain and irritation of the skin and become worse at night. But applying honey to the problem area can help relieve pruritis and prevent infection in the problem area.
