Honey for Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for millennia. However, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are starting to be embraced by conventional medicine, especially after studies suggest honey can fight antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
What is honey?
Honey is food made by bees, for bees. Humans have valued honey for its sweet taste for thousands of years. However, some researchers say honey may also have health benefits.
What is crystalized honey?
Honey is typically in a liquid form, but all honey eventually crystallizes. During crystallization, some of the molecules in honey escape from the liquid substance and form crystals that multiply rapidly, causing it to change into a solid form.
Does medicinal honey exist?
Yes! The Food and Drug Administration approved medicinal honey in 2008 for the treatment of burns and sores. The first FDA-approved product, Medihoney® is commonly used in clinical settings. Since then, there's been an increase in over-the-counter, medical grade, honey-based topical ointments.
What does medical honey treat?
In general, the medicinal honey on the market are treatments for scrapes and minor burns. More people are reaching to honey for scrapes and scratches when previously they might have used triple antibiotic ointments like NeosporinTM. Honey has been used to treat burns and wounds for many years. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may ease burns and improve wound healing.‌
Does honey help with inflammation?
Yes it does! Honey contains antioxidants, which can protect the body from inflammation. Inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders. One study showed that antioxidants in buckwheat honey were detectable in blood plasma, showing that eating honey could enhance antioxidant activity in the body.
How does honey kill bacteria?
Honey kills bacteria differently than antibiotics. At least three components contribute to honey's natural antimicrobial nature; one is its high sugar content. Sugar, like salt, is a desiccant — it essentially sucks bacteria or fungi dry, killing off pathogens.
Is medical honey different from store bought honey?
The difference between medical grade honey like Medihoney® and the honey you eat is that the former are sterilized, usually by a form of gamma radiation to ensure it's not contaminated. In other words, you probably don't want to rub the honey in your pantry on an open wound.
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