Honey: the best natural antibiotic

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Extract from the article: Honey is a highly nutritious, sweet liquid food produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. According to nutritionists and naturopaths, this hive product has many medicinal properties and incredible health benefits. It is one of the best natural med

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Honey is a highly nutritious, sweet liquid food produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. According to nutritionists and naturopaths, this hive product has many medicinal properties and incredible health benefits. It is one of the best natural medicines.

Composed of over 80% carbohydrates, honey is an energy-rich food. These carbohydrates are mainly fructose and glucose. These two simple sugars do not need to be digested before being absorbed; they are easily and directly assimilated by the body.

As well as carbohydrates, honey contains 13 different lactic acid bacteria, antioxidants, vitamins (K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C) and essential minerals (sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, iodine and zinc).

Excellent antibiotic and antiseptic for treating wounds

Honey has been used since ancient times to heal wounds. With the increasing problems of antibiotic resistance in hospitals, honey is regaining importance as a means of healing wounds, particularly in Europe.

The study conducted by Professor Olofsson and his colleagues at Lund University (Sweden) and published in 2014 demonstrated that the lactic acid bacteria contained in fresh honey have strong antimicrobial activity against certain wound pathogens. In the laboratory, certain bacteria and yeasts (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, etc) responsible for serious wound infections were inhibited thanks to the effect of antibiotic substances produced by the 13 lactic acid bacteria contained in pure honey.The action of these substances was even stronger and more effective than that of the antibiotics commonly used in hospitals.

These researchers considered the findings of their study to be one of the most important advances in understanding the clinical effects of honey in wound management.

This should have implications for the management of certain wounds, especially in developing countries where fresh honey is readily available.In Togo, the honey produced by certain beekeepers' cooperatives (Doole from Tchaoudjo, Depond-Mon from Bassar and Hassana Gafole from Tchamba), winners of the 2023 competition for the best honey in the central region, can be considered fresh and can be used in the treatment of certain wounds.

As well as the effect of the substances produced by the lactic acid bacteria in honey, the following properties also contribute to its unique action on wound healing: it is highly viscous and protects fresh or cleansed wounds from contamination.Its hydrophilic effect causes the wound to drain, drawing liquids from the bottom and surrounding area of the wound and creating a healthy, moist environment for the wound. Through its specific effects, honey stimulates the reconstruction of destroyed tissue, resulting in much better wound healing than other wound treatments.

Other uses of honey in medicine

Nutritionist and dietician Yasmine Sandrine Zerbo shows that local honey is used in certain African communities to: « combat harmful organisms such as salmonella, boost the immune system and fight respiratory tract infections such as flu and colds.Honey is also used in skin care. It helps prevent certain infections and eliminates bacteria that can damage the skin's appearance ». Thanks to its antioxidant molecules and probiotics, honey boosts the immune system.

« Certain characteristics of honey, such as its low pH, its high viscosity, which limits the dissolution of oxygen, and its low protein concentration, give it a significant antibacterial effect. Moreover, the possibility of preventing and treating certain minor gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammation or gastric ulcers by oral administration of honey has not been ruled out. In fact, honey reduces the adhesion of bacterial cells to the epithelial cells of the intestine, preventing bacteria from attaching themselves and proliferating, in addition to making the most of its anti-inflammatory properties », points out Yasmine Zerbo.

How can I take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of honey?

In the case of wounds or burns, apply honey directly to the affected area after cleaning the wound with running water, without necessarily disinfecting it.Ideally, cover the wound with a non-sticky material, then place an absorbent layer (e.g. gauze pads) on top and secure with a bandage or dressing.Repeat the treatment one to 3 times a day, depending on the case.

Breastfeeding mothers can apply a little honey to their nipples after breastfeeding. This prevents and relieves minor problems caused by infection.In the case of skin irritation, honey can be used as the basis for a massage.

To disinfect the body, mix one or two spoonfuls of honey with a glass of lukewarm water and lemon juice. To prevent heartburn, mix a spoonful of honey with two spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Then drink the mixture.

To combat respiratory infections, as well as throat problems, flu and colds, it's ideal to mix honey with lemon or orange juice. This is prepared like a hot drink and drunk just before going to bed.

Warning

Honey is not recommended for people with diabetes.In a very short space of time, honey can provide a large amount of sugar.This can have a negative effect on the patient. You should therefore seek advice from your doctor.

Honey is not good for children under the age of one, as their intestines are not yet able to digest it.People allergic to pollen may also be allergic to honey. 100 millilitres of honey provides 325 calories. It is therefore advisable to eat honey in the morning, or before strenuous exercise.

Choosing the right honey

According to Dr Comlan Koudégnan, a research lecturer at the University of Lomé's forestry research laboratory, it is advisable to choose honey with a precise origin (name and address). We need to favour reliable sales outlets that offer better traceability, such as specialist shops or direct purchases from beekeeping cooperatives recognised for the quality of their honey.These include the « Doole" cooperative in Tchaoudjo, the « Depond-Mon » cooperative in Bassar and the « Hassana Gafole » cooperative in Tchamba, advertised in Santé-Education.

William O.