Healing with Honey

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Honey has been used for its healing properties in humans and animals for over 4,000 years. Today, its use in human wound clinics is mainstream. Its use in veterinary medicine may not be as common, but its healing benefits, lower cost, and role in helping prevent antimicrobial resistance might make it a practice option worth considering. Honey for healing has been used with all types of livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and zoo animals, including reptiles.

Why Honey?

Honey is mainly sugar, but it also contains micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and fatty acids. Honey also includes bioactive chemicals found in plants. Honey acts as a protective barrier over a wound and has properties that are:

Antioxidant – prevents or delays cell damage from free radicals

Antibacterial – prevents the growth of bacteria

Anti-inflammatory – reduces redness, swelling, and pain

How Does Honey Work on a Wound?

Honey is most commonly used to treat burns and wounds in humans and animals. In human medicine, honey is considered a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Honey deprives bacteria of the moisture they need to grow. Honey also forms a protective barrier, keeping the wound moist while the micronutrients nourish the injured tissues and promote healing.

What Kinds of Wounds?

Honey can be used to treat both human and animal wounds, whether they are infected or not. Some examples for both are:

  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Burns
  • Surgical wounds
  • Skin conditions
  • Ulcers

Which Type of Honey Should You Use?

While the ancient Egyptians obtained their honey from the hive, the option most recommended today is medical-grade honey. Honey straight from the hive or off the grocery store shelf is not the best choice. Medical-grade honey and a variety known as manuka honey have compounds that make them best suited for healing. Medical-grade honey has been treated to remove bacteria and other substances that may act as allergens or decrease its effectiveness.

Tips for Using Honey

Consult with your veterinarian for their recommendations on using honey with your animals. Honey is sometimes used in conjunction with antibiotics, and sometimes in place of them. Owners of animals, large and small, may be responsible for changing bandages between vet visits. Make sure your hands and the area surrounding the wound are clean. Apply the honey to gauze, then to the affected body part. Place a clean piece of gauze over the one with honey, and then secure it with bandaging material.

Some Science-Based Resources on the Healing Aspects of Honey