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with the use of honey have been reported. Honey has proven successful in treating some skin infections that conventional antibiotics have failed to treat. For example diabetic patients suffering from diabetic ulcers have avoided amputation because honey has managed to treat the infection.

Another example is the Multi Resistant Straphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) flesh eating bug. Daily treatment with honey has proven more successful then surgical intervention and antibiotics.

Yet another example is that studies have indicated that honey fights the Golden Staph infection more effectively then antiseptic creams. What's even better is that the bacterium doesn't seem to become resistant to honey like some antibiotics do over time.

Honey has a very low level of water activity which means that the environment for the growth of bacteria is poor. Its pH level is generally between 3.2 and 4.5 which is acidic and also unhelpful to the growth of bacteria. When honey is applied to the skin it reacts with the bodies fluids to produce natural hydrogen peroxide which acts as an antiseptic. This makes it an effective treatemtn for fungal infections and ulcers.

The thick gooey nature of honey provides a good sealed environment which protects a wound and reduces the likelihood of a spread of infection to other areas of the body. The barrier also means that the wound is protected from pain and tearing during changes of dressings because the dressing does not stick to the wound.

Honey provides a moist healing environment which is conducive for healing because tissue growth slows down when a wound is dry and moist healing reduces scarring because the cell growth under the scab will not become pitted. The ability of honey to reduce scarring makes it an effective treatment for burns and acne. The moisture rich properties of honey also make it a potent ingredient in treating dry and cracked skin.

GENERAL WELL BEING AND DISEASE FIGHTING:

Honey contains the same amount of antioxidants as Spinach and many fruits. Honey typically contains the antioxidants -chrysin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, catalase and Vitamin C. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Consuming high levels of antioxidant rich foods can therefore prevent cancer. The antioxidants in honey have also been found to reduce the damage done to the colon from colitis.

Honey is a great product to consume regularly because it helps the body absorb minerals from other food sources. For example honey has been found to help the body absorb calcium. An adequate absorption of Calcium is vital to preventing osteoporosis.

It has clearly been demonstrated that honey has medicinal properties; just how far they reach is yet to be discovered. In conclusion it should be noted that different varieties of honey possess different healing properties. Many varieties of Manuka honey, for example possess the highest levels of anti bacteria fighting ability. If you are trying to treat a specific condition it is important that you find the right honey to do so. It is also important to note that honey for medicinal properties should be raw and unpasteurized. The healing agents in honey can be reduced if it is treated with heat or other manufacturing processes.

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Heit.
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