While honey is known for its sweet, savory taste, it is also very famous for its germ-fighting capabilities, healing wounds, and treating sickness. One special kind of honey has is known to be most efficient in medicine and treatment, and this is called the Manuka Honey.
The Manuka honey is harvested by bees from the nectar of the Manuka tree and is commonly sold as alternative medicine. In fact, some researchers claim that it’s even more effective that most antibiotics. It’s more efficient in treating wounds and sicknesses than the raw honey we consume every day.
In treating wounds, honey can work as a sterilizer that cleanses all germ from your injury and keeps it away infection.
If a person is inflicted with cuts, scrapes, scalds, or burns, here are the following steps to dress the wound with Manuka honey to effectively quicken the healing process and to keep it from being infected:
(Note that you must avoid choosing processed honey as this is similar to corn fructose syrup which might slow down its healing process.)
For scrapes and cuts
- First thing in any situation is to keep the wound safe. If the person, a child, for instance, has stumbled down and scraped his knee, don’t allow the wound to be in contact with the ground any longer, as more germs could invade the open skin. Comfort the patient and have him sit down.
- Wash the area with clean running water. Make sure the area must be clean and free of dust, dirt, and other unclean particles. If you feel that alcohol should be applied, use ethyl alcohol as this is easier on the skin.
- Check the bleeding on the wound. If there are only tiny droplets gushing out, then it’s clear to dress it. If the bleeding is moderate or severe, don’t dress it immediately. You could either dab or apply pressure on the wound with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops or lessens. However, if the bleeding is severe and shows no sign of stopping, do not wait another minute. Contact an ambulance immediately, as this could be far more than any simple first aid can handle.
- When the wound is clean and free from blood, open a container of Manuka honey. You can either dip a clean cloth in the honey and gently dab the wound, or pour the honey over it. Take note that the deeper the wound, the more honey is needed. It’s also advisable to expose the area around the wound with honey to kill any nearby germs that might reach the open skin as they reproduce.
- Cut at least three square layers of gauze and place it over the wound to dress it and keep it safe from the dirty particles in the air. If gauze is not available, you may use a wet cloth. Band-aid may also be used if the wound is small.
- Keep the wound safe, and the dressing must be changed regularly. If you’re using a wet cloth instead of a medical gauze, you will have to change them more often so they won’t stick into the open skin. Otherwise, they’ll be painful to remove. Also, make sure that Manuka honey is applied every time the wound is dressed. In a few days, you’ll find this method of curing wounds to be more effective than your previous ones.
For burns and scalds
- Always make the patient’s safety your first priority. If he was burned by an ember from a bonfire or scalded by boiling water while cooking, take the person away from the area.
- Wash the burnt area with water. Avoid using anything too cold such as ice or refrigerated water, as these may cause frost bites on the skin. Lukewarm or tap water will do just fine.
- Once the wound is clean, you may apply Manuka honey. Take a tablespoon of the syrup and pour it over the burnt area. You may also spread it with a clean cloth or cotton buds. But take note that it’s best not to touch the wound especially if it’s too painful or if there are blisters present.
- Cut up at least three layers of medical gauze and gently place it on the burnt area, and tape it into place. Now that the wound is safely dressed, remind the patient the wound must be left absolutely untouched, no matter how irritating it can be. Don’t try to pop any blisters or chip away any dead skin. Keep the burnt area dressed regularly with Manuka honey applied every time. Also, observe the wound for any changes. If the pain increases, or if it doesn’t heal in two weeks, have a doctor check it.
Whether the wound is a burn or a scrape, if neglected and untreated, it is still vulnerable to infection. No matter how small or minor the wound is, it could lead to even worse illnesses when infected. But with Manuka honey available, infection is nothing to be afraid of. The enzymes in this syrup contain effective antimicrobial characteristics. To simply state, germs can’t survive in it. Some researchers on alternative medicine even claim that honey (especially the Manuka honey) is more effective in treating a wound that is already infected.
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