Archive for June 17, 2009
Natural Honey and Wound Healing
Honey is used for many things other than eating. It has been used for thousands of years for wound treatment. The slow release of hydrogen peroxide in honey makes it very effective as an anti-bacterial agent. By being release slowly hydrogen peroxide is able to destroy bacteria without harming live tissue.
The enzyme in honey that produces hydrogen peroxide is called glucose oxidase. Too mach heat and light can reduce the activity of glucose oxidase. Tolerance to heat varies to some degree between different types of honey.
It is always best, when possible, to get unpasteurized honey as it will retain its enzyme activity. (Pasteurization is essentially purifying through heat.) Unpasteurized honey or natural honey (raw honey) will retain its enzyme activity and be more effective at helping to heal wounds.
When storing honey at home, keep in a cool dark place.
