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Manuka Honey for Wound Healing: Benefits, Application, and Precautions

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Manuka honey has gained significant attention in recent years due to its healing properties and its potential for treating various conditions. This article will explore the benefits of using manuka honey as a dressing for wounds and infections. It will also provide information on how to properly apply manuka honey dressings for optimal healing.

The Benefits of Using Manuka Honey for Wound Healing

Manuka honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wounds and injuries. It offers a multitude of benefits, including:

  1. Soothing and Minimizing Scars: Manuka honey has a soothing effect on wounds, reducing inflammation and minimizing scarring.

  2. Deodorizing Wounds: Manuka honey is known for its anti-odour properties, which can help eliminate unpleasant odors associated with wounds.

  3. Hastening the Healing Process: Manuka honey promotes tissue growth and oxygen supply, leading to faster wound healing.

  4. Antibacterial Properties: Manuka honey has impressive antibacterial properties, making it effective in preventing infections.

  5. Unique pH Balance: Manuka honey has a unique pH balance that helps create an optimal environment for wound healing.

  6. Methylglyoxal (MGO): Manuka honey contains MGO, a bioactive compound that contributes to its healing properties.

A recent study has shown that when manuka honey is used as a moist wound dressing, it promotes tissue growth, reduces inflammation, and facilitates efficient wound repair.

How to Use Manuka Honey as a Wound Dressing

The application of manuka honey as a wound dressing depends on the type and severity of the wound. Here are some guidelines on how to use manuka honey for different types of wounds:

Acute Inflammatory Wounds

For acute inflammatory wounds, dressings should be changed twice a day. Before applying the honey, moisten the dressing with saline to facilitate easy removal. The dressing should be changed less frequently as the wound starts to heal.

Cuts and Burns

Manuka honey can be safely used for cuts and burns for up to 5-7 days. It is recommended to use the recommended amount of honey to avoid excessive sugary syrup. The quantity of honey should be determined by the volume of fluid being oozed from the wound.

Deep Wounds and Abscesses

For deep wounds and abscesses, ensure that the wound bed is entirely filled with honey before applying the dressing. This will help promote healing and prevent infection.

Application Methods

There are three methods to apply manuka honey to a wound:

  1. Direct Application: Wash your hands thoroughly and use a sterilized applicator to apply a thin layer of honey directly onto the wound. Cover the wound with a dressing to keep the honey in place.

  2. Honey-Laced Dressing: Apply honey directly to a dressing and allow it to saturate with the wound’s exudate. Replace the dressing when it becomes saturated.

  3. Honey-Impregnated Dressings: Use commercially available honey-impregnated dressings for convenience and ease of use. These dressings are specifically designed to provide the benefits of manuka honey and can be applied directly to the wound.

Remember to wash your hands after applying the honey and cover the wound with an occlusive dressing to prevent contamination.

Potential Complications and Precautions

While manuka honey is generally safe to use as a wound dressing, there are some precautions to consider:

  1. Contamination: Raw, unfiltered honey may contain contaminants that can cause complications such as infections or allergic reactions. It is recommended to use purified and sterilized manuka honey for wound healing purposes.

  2. Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to manuka honey are possible. If you experience symptoms such as extreme swelling, nausea, or trouble breathing after applying honey to a wound, wash it off immediately and seek medical attention.

  3. Consultation: If you have a wound or burn injury that hasn’t healed for months, it is advisable to seek medical guidance before using manuka honey as a dressing.

Conclusion

Manuka honey has proven to be an effective wound dressing with numerous benefits for promoting wound healing. By following the proper application methods and taking necessary precautions, manuka honey can be a valuable addition to your wound care routine. Make sure to use medical-grade, sterilized honey and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.

For high-quality manuka honey products, visit https://aboutmanukahoney.com. They offer pure, minimally filtered manuka honey with maximum therapeutic benefits. From MGO 83+ to 800+ MGO ratings, their honey is a powerful superfood that can aid in wound healing and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Comments

2 responses to “Manuka Honey for Wound Healing: Benefits, Application, and Precautions”

  1. Donn J Shands Avatar
    Donn J Shands

    I am a white male 85 living in TEXAS USA. Over the years, I have been medically trained, Army Medic, Then in Drug Store Sales, Medical product sales. As a Medical product salesman, it was main duty to supply physicians, in clinics, nurse staff. As time evolved before retirement, medical products, drugs, and treatments advanced. Up until one day Insurance Lawyers, and big Pharma and medical graft degraded real medical advancement. I retired by my passing 70 in age.
    A huge amount of so called horse and buggy medicine has been lost to the physician crafts. While I was active, I was constantly teaching new physicians, and nurses how to use a simple bandage, and how not to create more harm.. How many simply forgot their Oath To do no harm. Getting older, the 6foot 3 in frame might become weak and will stumble, Unfortunately, I did three times over the last year, scraping areas on my arms. Each time pushing back brittle surface skin leaving up to 2 1/2 in 3/4 in wide areas on forearms. at different times. This called for minor debriedment and some bleeding control, fortunately, no cuts. I had hit the edge of open door edges due to stumble at step. Peroxide is a no no. But colorless Bactine spray with benzocaine cleared any surface problems. I had to decide against emergency treatment across town and being a week end each time of accident. Decision made to use cotton tip, apply Mupricine oint in a minor ring around wound. Then use Freezor Manuka honey (mult Florial) and put down a thick coating over all the raw area within the Mup* ring. Then use a non stick pad (Telfa type) to totally cover wound. Then used a larger 3 by 4 pad. To hold that in place do not try to use a pad with adhesive on edges. But, use a 3 by 4 plain Telfa type. However, use a paper tape 1″ and only leave a bit over 1/4 ” on either side across arm on each side to hold down the bandage. You will thank me for this with less pain pulling hair later.
    Now, this will anchor the bandage. Then use a roll of 2″ coban or generic coban and wrap. Please, go ahead and unroll the whole roll of Coban before wrapping. This will prevent out right the pain and the mistake of too tight when wrapping. Please remember, you do not pressure wrap coban… you lightly make each turn and layer. The bleeding on scrapes does not require pressure bandages, and you inflict damage and pain on patient and they will not know how to reduce pressure with proper unwrap. Obtain oral antibiotic pills to help prevent infection. For shower, Use a kitchen plastic sack, cut small hole in bottom corner, place arm into bag, and thru hole… expand hole to allow passage to above abrasion. then pull bag down and wrap paper tape at upper edge to seal on skin. Then wrap wrist and put a seal of paper tape there. At such time you need to change bandage and check wound… usually two days. Use that pump spray bottle of clear Bactine to soak the bandage. If you were smart enough to actually put a thick layer of Manuka honey over the wound, it would have created a soft mucus type layer and the bandage would not have bound with the telfa. There will be pain..but keep soaking the edges and the bandage will lift . the benzocaine in the Bactine spray helps some. Use sterile saline or water to irrigate and clean as needed. I had to do at least 4 bandage changes but may have gone to six each wound when occured. My derm doc amazed at lack of scaring. Remember, each time you re bandage, put a thin ring of antibiotic ointment around wound, then put a thick coating of Manuka. For each of the three wounds, proper precautions prevented any skin infections.
    Remember, the Manuka honey used is +1000 or more. Would not trust a lower number of purity and strength.

    Reply
  2. Donn J Shands Avatar
    Donn J Shands

    0 thoughts was not the title… oh well…
    More like Try for proper use of wound care when using Maruka honey. It actually will help prevent possible infection complications during wound treatment and can shorten healing times.

    Reply

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