Tags
abrasions, Antibacterial, antimicrobial, Australia, Burn Paste, Dr. John Christopher, enzymes, Honey, humectant, manuka, Manuka Honey, Medihoney, New Zealand, School of Natural Healing
Honey has been used in culinary, medicinal remedies and skin care since the Stone Age. Why are doctors now speaking out about its benefits for wounds, burns, acne, first aid, and cosmetic use?
What makes honey so beneficial? It is saturated with fructose, glucose, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Honey has antibacterial and humectant properties that make it great for use in skin care. Add honey to your favorite masque to help pull moisture into the skin and protect it from P. acnes bacteria. If you get a scratch or any kind of abrasion, you can apply honey to the area right out of the jar in a thin layer. It will act as a natural Band-Aid!
Some dermatologists are using honey for its antimicrobial and enzymatic properties for acne and dermatological skin irritations. Burn units are using Medihoney, which is an FDA approved gamma-irradiated Manuka honey that has shown to be effective on patients who suffer from chronic pressure ulcers and burns.
Why Manuka honey? This particular honey grows primarily in New Zealand and Southeastern Australia has methylglyoxal (a phytochemical) that is contributed to the strength of antibacterial properties. Manuka honey has been shown to have an effect on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Dr. John R. Christopher, Herbalist and Founder of The School of Natural Healing, used honey in his Burn Paste on patients long before herbal medicine was widely known. He combined equal parts of wheat germ oil, raw honey and comfrey power. This formula is a must for every first aid kit and can also be used on abrasions, cuts and sprains. To learn more about Dr. Christopher and The School of Natural Healing, click on the the following link: http://www.snh.cc/).
When my clients want to make a masque at home, I recommend they use 1 teaspoon plain yogurt, raw honey, and a small piece of ripened banana or avocado. This masque can be used as often as needed. The yogurt has lactic acid that will help to break down dry cells on the skin. Honey will hydrate the skin and act as a bactericide and the banana and/or avocado will add Vitamin D to the skin. My philosophy is, “if you can eat it, wear it!”
Bee population is declining at a rapid pace. About 45% of beehives have been eradicated in the United State from 2006-2013. It is not known why, but one hypothesis is that agricultural chemicals (GMO seeds and pesticides) may be to blame (why am I not surprised!). One-third of the food we eat is due to bee pollination.
To read more on this topic, click on the following links:
Judd, T. (2014). Herbal Legacy, “Dr. Christopher’s Burn Paste. Retrieved October 9, 2015, from: http://articles.herballegacy.com/dr-christophers-burn-paste/
Kasprowitz, S. (2015). Dermatology Times, “Honey’s use in skin therapy”. Retrieved October 7, 2015, from: http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/honeys-use-skin-therapy