In folk medicine, honey is very widely used in the treatment of wounds and ulcers. But in scientific medicine, it is rarely used at present, since doctors have more effective means at their disposal — antibiotics (penicillin, streptomycin), sulfonamides (norsulfazole, sulfademinisine) and other substances.
What effect does honey have on a wound?
When honey is applied to a wound, blood flow and lymph outflow increase, which mechanically wash the wound and create better conditions to nourish cells in the wound area. In addition, honey is detrimental to many microbes (intestinal and dysenteric bacilli, streptococci, staphylococci, etc.). The best results are obtained from the use of honey in combination with fish oil, which contains a lot of vitamin A, which promotes faster healing of wounds. Honey is especially effective in treating sluggishly healing wounds and ulcers, as it significantly speeds up the healing process.
During World War II, the General Directorate of Evacuation Hospitals issued special instructions on the use of bee honey for the treatment of wounds and as a general restorative.
The Honored Doctor of the Ukrainian SSR A. S. Burdei recommended the following prescription ointments for the treatment of long-healing wounds and ulcers:
- honey - 80 g
- fish oil - 20 g,
- xeroform - 3 g.
The ointment is applied to the cleaned wound in the form of a bandage.
To enhance the therapeutic effect of honey, it can be combined in ointments with antibiotics, for example, with penicillin, streptomycin, etc.
So, the surgeon M. Raivicher proposed the following ointment recipe for the treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities:
- penicillin - 500,000 units,
- novocaine - 2 g,
- fish oil - 5 g,
- natural honey - 10 grams.
Such an ointment is applied to the ulcer and bandaged. Bandages are changed every 2-3 days, the course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
Recently, our pharmaceutical industry has been producing Konkova preparations (No. I, No. 2 and No. 3) containing bee honey, which are very effective in treating burns, purulent and non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers. The ointment is applied to the wounds with a gauze bandage. Bandages are changed every 2-4 days. Associate Professor P. A. Dymovich (General Surgery Clinic of the 2nd Moscow Medical Institute) reported good results in treating trophic ulcers with honey ointment in 330 patients, among whom were patients with a long-standing illness. No other treatment methods gave them a positive effect and only honey ointments gave a full recovery.
Honey ointments are sometimes recommended as a preparation for extensive plastic surgery.
In folk medicine, honey is often added to decoctions of herbs used in the treatment of various wounds and ulcers. Here are some of these recipes.
Traditional medicine recipes
1.
Pour 1 tablespoon of dried grass of marsh coughberry with a glass of boiling water, insist for 30 minutes, strain, add 1 tablespoon of honey, can be used externally to wash wounds and ulcers, and also 1-2 tablespoon inward for 30 minutes . before eating with a stomach ulcer.
2.
50 g of eucalyptus leaves pour 0.5 liters of water, cook for 3-4 minutes, strain and add 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply in the form of lotions and baths for the treatment of wounds.
3.
Brew 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup boiling water, after cooling, filter and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply as a rinse for stomatitis, tonsillitis, as well as enemas for colitis.
Behind last years There have been many publications on this subject. Let us recall that honey was used to treat skin lesions several thousand years ago, that is, long before the University Pediatric Clinic in Bonn (Germany) began using specially prepared honey from the New Zealand fine seed, or manuka, sterilized with gamma rays. Good results were obtained primarily in the treatment of wounds infected with resistant microorganisms. For more than 30 years, the chief surgeon has been treating severe and badly healing ulcers with honey at the University Hospital of Limoges (France) and talks about his positive experience in public reports. However, he does not talk about any special treatment of thyme honey used by him.
Dr. Rosa Cooper examined honey produced in the county of Wales (Great Britain) for its effect in the treatment of wounds and came to the conclusion that this honey also has good healing power. And now in the international press there are constantly articles with a positive response about the use of honey in the treatment of wounds. Multidrug-resistant microbes add a lot of work to doctors and the entire nursing staff, and the fight against them translates into a round sum for hospitals and homes for the elderly and disabled. One can only hope that more and more doctors will remember about honey as a potential assistant in such cases.
Dr. Pavlina Pochinkova points out that linden, chestnut and mountain honey are best suited for treating diseases with gram-negative bacteria, while thyme, flower and heather are best used for infections with gram-positive bacteria. But to what extent the distinction between specific types of honey is really significant, research should show. In the meantime, you just need to remember: in the absence of the proper effect of treatment with one type of honey, at first it makes sense to try changing its type before completely abandoning such treatment.
The topic of wound healing is incredibly broad and can only be examined superficially in the framework of this book.
In principle, the following rule applies here: deep wounds must be treated with honey, and superficial wounds, such as abrasions, can be treated with propolis. Strongly weeping wounds in most cases respond better to propolis, at least the surrounding tissue must be protected with propolis ointment. (Be sure to do an allergy test before using propolis!) As an alternative to propolis ointment, you can use frankincense ointment and other wound care products sold in pharmacies.
When treating wounds, only sterile dressings should be used. Before and after changing the dressing, wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly or wear protective gloves. Infected material and old dressings should be disposed of immediately in resealable, moisture-proof garbage bags.
Chronic, deep and large wounds, of course, should always be treated and controlled only by an appropriate specialist!
- Erysipelas of wound erysipelas
This severe complication with often initially minor wounds can become very dangerous (possibly blood poisoning). Wound erysipelas occurs if the patient has weakened immunity and streptococcus bacteria enter the body through the wound. Then the temperature may rise, the wound turns red, swells, and hurts. People with varicose eczema (excessive fluid accumulation in organs) or diabetes mellitus are especially prone to such complications. If such inflammation begins to be treated in a timely manner, then the alternate application of cottage cheese and honey will give good results. Please do not apply too tight dressings and avoid overheating. Do not let the cottage cheese dry completely, it is better to update the dressing in advance. Taking propolis will additionally enhance the treatment effect. Propolis applications can help, but then when the condition worsens, it will be difficult to assess whether the disease is progressing or is it an allergic reaction to propolis. In case of extensive inflammation and weakened immunity, it is necessary to consult with an appropriate specialist. The patient may need to be taken quickly to the clinic for antibiotic treatment.
- Wounds and abrasions
If such damage is not very large and there are no additional diseases, then healing in most cases proceeds without complications. Large lacerations and bruised wounds need to be sutured, and large hematomas should also be examined by the surgeon. But small ones can be processed at home.
At first, contaminated wounds should always be washed with water or saline. Applications of honey quickly clean the wound and, as a rule, heal it within 2 weeks. If the ulcer oozes, then when using honey there is no danger that the dressing will stick and changing the dressing will be problematic. In wounds that are rather dry or which already have dried blood, it may happen that with each change of dressing, the wound will reopen. In this case, the dressing should be gently softened with sterile saline solution (0.9%) or a wound disinfectant that does not burn, and remove it. Then, as a protective layer, apply a mixture of honey and petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1: 1. Or simply spread with honey and cover with gauze soaked in oil, which is sold in a pharmacy.
- Contusions, infringements, hematomas
With severe mechanical injuries, cold helps. However, please never put ice objects or gel pads directly on your skin. Always lay a thick towel, such as a terry towel, to protect from the cold.
After cooling, applications with honey and arnica will have a beneficial effect. To do this, add 5-10 drops of Arnica tincture to 1 tablespoon of honey and apply directly to the sore spot. Or dilute the arnica tincture in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, mix 1-2 tablespoons of honey, soak a cloth with this mixture and apply a cooling dressing.
A good effect will be given by a bandage with ointment with comfrey for those who have a stock of comfrey in their home medicine cabinet.
- Applications with honey for injuries
Pure or mixed with a few drops of arnica honey can be carefully applied directly to the damaged area. Cover with a foil (for example, intended for food storage) and do not fix too tightly with a gauze bandage.
- Chemical burns and burn wounds
Burns and chemical wounds are very similar. If damaged by chemicals, the skin must first be freed from the traumatic substance (thoroughly rinse with water or saline). Depending on the size of the damage, such a wound needs to be treated surgically to remove dead tissue. Then it can be greased with honey or a mixture of honey and petroleum jelly. Instead of petroleum jelly, fish oil is also suitable. Every time you change the dressing, thorough wound cleaning with sterile saline or wound disinfectant that does not bake is important. Use only sterile dressings.
- Scars and scars
After injuries or surgery, scars and scars appear, which sometimes remain thick, inflamed and painful for a long time. If the scar is still relatively fresh, hard to the touch, painful when pressed and red, then it is possible that the infection got inside. This surface can be cleaned with a compress with honey. At the same time, it is possible that the seam will open again, and then the wound can be cleaned from the inside and treated.
Propolis ointments are also quite effective in treating scars and scars. Scars gradually fade, and scar tissue becomes softer and flatter.
- Pressure sores
Wounds resulting from prolonged pressure can only be cured if the pressure is consistently reduced. Pressure ulcers, as a rule, occur in bedridden patients who can no longer independently move in sufficient volume or if for some reason the sensation of pain is disturbed, for example, with transverse myelitis. Particularly bedsores are prone to paralysis, as well as unconscious people and wheelchair users. A prerequisite for successful treatment is a consistent change of position. Patients who have weakened physical strength often suffer from bedsores. To improve the general condition and ensure a sufficient supply of vital substances, it is necessary to introduce honey, pollen and royal jelly into the diet as food additives.
If the patient also suffers from urinary incontinence, good skin protection is especially important. To do this, ointments or skin care oils in which propolis is added are suitable.
If the patient already has pressure sores, then the method of treatment depends on their vastness and depth. Wounds with dead tissue need enzymatic cleansing with honey. But in general, in such cases, you need to contact the doctors.
Diabetic gangrene ("diabetic moan"), trophic ulcer ("open leg")
Such ulcers that appear on the legs and feet are a direct consequence of the underlying disease. In patients with diabetes, the cause often becomes a violation of blood sugar for several years, which causes damage to blood vessels and a significantly reduced sensation of pain. Blood supply disturbances due to arterial blockages and impaired venous outflow can, in turn, cause wounds. The disease is complex, so the rule is especially relevant here: you need to start fighting immediately.
People who suffer from such diseases should pay special attention to foot care. Any, even the smallest, wound should be taken seriously: honey and propolis will help prevent a big disaster.
First of all, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease. In case of diabetes, an adjustment of the blood sugar level is necessary; in case of blood supply disturbances, an improvement in blood circulation. Practical studies are still being conducted on how to improve blood circulation by injecting honey. Although Egypt has already accumulated positive experience on this issue.
If the venous outflow is disturbed, wearing medical stockings, wrapping the legs with elastic bandages and frequent raising of the legs helps. In chronic venous insufficiency, the effectiveness of the active ingredients of horse chestnut has been proven.
- Varicose eczema
The cause of this skin disease is also hidden in the underlying disease - cardiovascular failure or lymphedema (lymphostasis). Varicose eczema appears due to excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues. If the skin tension becomes too large, the skin may even tear, causing an oozing wound surface to form. And even small skin tears become open gates for various bacteria that find a suitable breeding ground here. Therefore, along with the treatment of the underlying disease, skin care is very important. In this case, relatively oily ointments and creams with propolis are shown, unless, of course, there is an allergy to propolis.
Germs in honey
Natural honey is not a sterile product! Usually it contains osmophilic yeast, but in some circumstances other microbes also appear, especially if the product has not been carefully processed. Only if processed honey under sterile conditions, the likelihood of infectious danger is reduced to a minimum.
Nevertheless, do not abandon the clinical
the use of honey to treat wounds.
But of course, everything that you, dear reader, do at home or a private practitioner does in your office, is completely and completely the responsibility of your and this doctor. I can say the following: when using my own honey for medical purposes, pumped out and stored in appropriate conditions, I get extremely positive experience. I only want to warn that the honey applied to the wound bakes unpleasantly: the pH of honey is from 3.5 to 5.5, that is, it is sour. To avoid an unpleasant burning sensation, it can be mixed with good vegetable oil or ointment to treat wounds (for example, with open burn wounds). Large wound surfaces and wounds resulting from metabolic diseases or blood vessels should be treated only by a specialist physician. Particular care must be taken with wounds that ooze: honey can further enhance the secretion, that is, its use in this case will not be a rational solution.